legal

To ensure the needs of a loved one are being met at a care facility, consult with a physician to determine the level of assistance needed. (Courtesy photo)

Selecting the right care facility requires research, patience

This week’s question comes from Jared S. in San Francisco, who asks:…

 

Lane-splitting has been treated as acceptable by law enforcement agencies because, until recently, there was no law saying otherwise. (Courtesy photo)

In California, lane-splitting toes the legal line

This week’s question comes from Valentino in Sausalito, who asks: Q: “I…

 

Lawyers in the state of California are legally bound to act in the best interest of their clients. (Courtesy photo)

Don’t let your lawyer take you for a ride

This week’s question comes from Hal in Berkeley, who asks: Q: “I…

 

As of July 15, 2015, Uber and Lyft have been required to carry $1,000,000 in underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. (Courtesy photo)

Uber, Lyft held to higher insurance standard

This week’s question comes from Phillip B. in Mountain View, who asks:…

As of July 15, 2015, Uber and Lyft have been required to carry $1,000,000 in underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. (Courtesy photo)
A manufacturer is strictly liable when an article he or she places on the market proves to have a defect that causes injury. (Courtesy photo)

Sellers of faulty vape devices may be liable

This week’s question comes from Lisa in Petaluma, who writes: Q: “I…

A manufacturer is strictly liable when an article he or she places on the market proves to have a defect that causes injury. (Courtesy photo)
The owner or manager of an apartment building has a duty to use reasonable care to maintain a property in safe condition or to warn of any dangers. (Courtesy photo)

Landlords liable for property maintenance

This week’s question comes from Sophie in South San Francisco, who writes:…

The owner or manager of an apartment building has a duty to use reasonable care to maintain a property in safe condition or to warn of any dangers. (Courtesy photo)
Many employees in the tech industry have stepped forward as whistleblowers because their companies defrauded federal agencies. (Courtesy photo)

Whistleblowers provide an invaluable service

This week’s question comes from Amit in San Francisco, who writes: Q:…

Many employees in the tech industry have stepped forward as whistleblowers because their companies defrauded federal agencies. (Courtesy photo)
To be “fully covered” means you own an insurance policy containing all five types of automobile insurance. (Courtesy photo)

The importance of full insurance coverage

This week’s question comes from Alex in San Bruno, who asks: Q:…

To be “fully covered” means you own an insurance policy containing all five types of automobile insurance. (Courtesy photo)
In California, employers must provide nursing mothers with a private place to pump that is not a bathroom and a reasonable amount of time to do so. (Courtesy photo)

Nursing mothers must be accommodated

This week’s question comes to us from Melanie B., who writes: Q:…

In California, employers must provide nursing mothers with a private place to pump that is not a bathroom and a reasonable amount of time to do so. (Courtesy photo)
In California, an employee may have more than one employer for the purposes of workers’ compensation. (Courtesy photo)

Trapped by the workers’ compensation remedy rule

This week’s question comes from Ronald F. in Hercules, who writes: Q:…

In California, an employee may have more than one employer for the purposes of workers’ compensation. (Courtesy photo)
(S.F. Examiner)

Stay in the know about bicycle safety

Today is Bike to Work Day in San Francisco. As a proud…

(S.F. Examiner)
In 2012, laundry detergent makers introduced miniature, brightly colored packets that children are confusing with candy and swallowing. (Pat Sullivan/2012 AP)

Laundry pods pose serious health risk to kids

This week’s question comes from Susan in Bernal Heights, who asks: Q:…

In 2012, laundry detergent makers introduced miniature, brightly colored packets that children are confusing with candy and swallowing. (Pat Sullivan/2012 AP)
Real estate agents are required to disclose all material facts — those that may affect the decision-making process — prior to the completion of a transaction. (Courtesy photo)

Withholding material facts in real estate deals

This week’s question comes John K. in South City, who asks: Q:…

Real estate agents are required to disclose all material facts — those that may affect the decision-making process — prior to the completion of a transaction. (Courtesy photo)
Recognizing that regulation by public agencies is insufficient to safeguard the elderly, the legislature provided under the Elder Abuse Act enhanced remedies to encourage patients and their families to bring civil lawsuits to stop elder abuse and neglect. (Courtesy photo)

Trouble with elderly care

This week’s question comes from Linda in the North Bay, who asks:…

Recognizing that regulation by public agencies is insufficient to safeguard the elderly, the legislature provided under the Elder Abuse Act enhanced remedies to encourage patients and their families to bring civil lawsuits to stop elder abuse and neglect. (Courtesy photo)
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks as dozens of protesters shout during a campaign rally on Saturday in Tucson, Ariz. (Ross D. Franklin/AP)

Free speech afforded to all sides of political rallies

This week’s question comes from Matt G. in San Francisco, who asks:…

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks as dozens of protesters shout during a campaign rally on Saturday in Tucson, Ariz. (Ross D. Franklin/AP)
If you’re involved in a vehicle crash that is not your fault, you may not be able to recoup damages if you do not have vehicle insurance. (Courtesy photo)

Fault won’t override uninsured vehicle crashes

This week’s question comes from Zach L. from the Castro: Q: “I…

If you’re involved in a vehicle crash that is not your fault, you may not be able to recoup damages if you do not have vehicle insurance. (Courtesy photo)
(Tony Avelar/AP)

A brazen approach to autonomous vehicles

This week’s question comes from Adrian H. in San Francisco, who asks:…

(Tony Avelar/AP)
Apple CEO Tim Cook has refused to comply with FBI demands to provide a "backdoor" into the company's technology for fear of how the access could be used in the future. (Richard Drew/2015 AP)

Taking a byte out of the FBI

This week’s question comes from Angie W. in San Francisco, who asks:…

Apple CEO Tim Cook has refused to comply with FBI demands to provide a "backdoor" into the company's technology for fear of how the access could be used in the future. (Richard Drew/2015 AP)
A woman, later identified as a Berkeley resident, was hit by a car driven by an employee of the City and County of San Francisco on Feb. 5. She died from her injuries the following day. (Courtesy Brittany Hopkins/Hoodline)

Exempt license plates only absolve taxes, fees

This week’s question comes from the family of a young woman who…

A woman, later identified as a Berkeley resident, was hit by a car driven by an employee of the City and County of San Francisco on Feb. 5. She died from her injuries the following day. (Courtesy Brittany Hopkins/Hoodline)
The passage of Proposition 213 in 1996 restricted the rights of uninsured motorists recovering for pain and suffering under certain circumstances. (Courtesy photo)

Prop 213 limits victim’s ability to recoup damages

This week’s question comes from T.J. in the Outer Sunset, who asks:…

The passage of Proposition 213 in 1996 restricted the rights of uninsured motorists recovering for pain and suffering under certain circumstances. (Courtesy photo)