The “Family Lawyer” Trap.
We often see clients who first hired a “family friend” or a general practice lawyer to handle their injury claim.
Michael came to us with a Commercial Trucking case that his previous lawyer—a divorce attorney—was about to settle for $50,000.
The divorce lawyer treated it like a big car crash. He didn’t know about “Hours of Service” logs or the truck’s “Black Box” (ECM).
He didn’t know that federal law required the trucking company to preserve data that proved the driver was fatigued.
We stepped in, subpoenaed the logs, proved the violation, and the case settled for $1.2 Million.
Medicine has specialists for a reason; you wouldn’t ask a dentist to perform heart surgery.
Law is no different. Browse our areas of focus below to find the specific expertise your case requires.
GENERAL NEGLIGENCE (CIV. CODE § 1714)
Every practice area listed below is rooted in one fundamental California law: Civil Code § 1714(a).
It states that “Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill.”
However, the *application* of this law changes dramatically depending on the vehicle or injury type.
A truck accident involves Federal FMCSA regulations; a dog bite involves Strict Liability statutes; a slip and fall involves Notice requirements.
Specialization isn’t a preference; it is a legal necessity to prove the specific “want of ordinary care” in your unique case.
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRANSPORTATION
Car AccidentsHandling high-impact collisions, intersection disputes, and uninsured motorist claims throughout San Diego County.
Motorcycle AccidentsOvercoming “biker bias” with jury consultants and accident reconstruction to prove riders have equal rights to the road.
Uber & Lyft (Rideshare)Determining which insurance “Period” applies (Offline, En Route, or On Trip) to unlock the $1 Million policy.
Bicycle AccidentsRepresenting cyclists injured by “dooring,” unsafe lane changes, and right-hook turns in bike lanes.
Bus & Public TransitLitigating against MTS, North County Transit, and private charter companies under strict common carrier laws.
CATASTROPHIC INJURY & DEATH
Wrongful DeathCompassionate representation for families seeking justice for the loss of a loved one, including loss of consortium.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)Working with neurologists to quantify the “invisible” costs of cognitive decline, personality changes, and lifetime care.
Spinal Cord & ParalysisSecuring “Life Care Plans” that account for home modifications, powered mobility, and future surgical needs.
PREMISES & GENERAL LIABILITY
Slip, Trip & FallProving property owner negligence through “Notice” requirements (Actual vs. Constructive) and code violations.
Dog Bites & Animal AttacksUtilizing California’s “Strict Liability” statutes to hold owners accountable without needing to prove prior aggression.
Pedestrian AccidentsProtecting the most vulnerable on the road when crosswalk laws and right-of-way are violated.
Construction AccidentsPursuing third-party liability claims for injuries on job sites caused by negligence other than your employer.
Unsure Which Category Fits Your Case?
Injury law is complex, and many accidents involve multiple areas of liability.
Don’t guess. Tell us what happened, and Richard Morse will analyze the statutes to determine the correct legal path for you.
