Legal Blog

• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 2-Feb-2023

  7 Questions for an Accident Reconstruction Expert to Prove That the Accident Occurred the Way the Police Report States

  1. What evidence do you have that the driver was traveling at the speed reported by the police? 2. Were there any mechanical issues with the driver's vehicle that could have caused the accident? 3. What evidence do you have that the driver was ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 19-Jan-2023

  Police Shooting Lawsuits in California Timeline

  If you are a potential police shooting victim, it is important to understand the timeline of filing a lawsuit in California. Depending on whether you choose to pursue state law or federal civil rights causes of action or both, there are different ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 17-Jan-2023

  Tips to Help Prevent Auto Accidents in Construction Work Zones in Orange County

  Auto accidents in construction work zones in Orange County, California are all too common and can be extremely dangerous for drivers and passengers alike. However, there are steps that you can take to help reduce your risk of being involved in one of ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 12-Jan-2023

  How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take To Complete?

  Every personal injury case is unique, and the outcome of each one can vary significantly. Whether you’re dealing with an insurance company or a government entity, the process of resolving your claim can sometimes be very quick or long and ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 10-Jan-2023

  Orange County Police Shooting Attorney

  If you or a loved one has been involved in a police shooting in Orange County, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney. Police shootings can be complex cases and the outcome of any case will depend on the facts and ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 9-Jan-2023

  How To Prepare a Personal Injury Plaintiff for Deposition by Insurance Defense Lawyers

  As a plaintiff in a personal injury case, you may be called to give testimony by the defendant's insurance company’s lawyers. This is an important step that could significantly impact your claims and it’s essential for you to properly ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 6-Jan-2023

  New California Criminal Laws 2023

  California's criminal laws are constantly evolving. Many of them are in response to changes in technology and society, but some of them represent lawmakers' attempts to deal with prior changes in the law that favored diversion and ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 2-Jan-2023

  What is Qualified Immunity

  Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that protects government officials from being sued in federal court. The Supreme Court has held that qualified immunity is an important safeguard for all citizens because it protects them from personal liability ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 28-Dec-2022

  How to Cross-Examine a Defense Expert in Low-Speed Spinal Injury Cases

  Here are a few questions you might consider asking the defense expert during cross-examination: Can you explain the mechanics of how a spinal injury can be caused by a low-speed collision? Are there any factors that can increase the likelihood of a ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 28-Dec-2022

  Can a Low-Speed Collision Cause Injury?

  Although low-speed auto accidents may not seem as severe as high-speed collisions, they can still cause serious injuries. Some factors that can contribute to serious injuries in low-speed accidents include: The angle of impact: Even at low speeds, ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 28-Dec-2022

  Trucking Accidents in California

  A trucking “crash" or “accident” involving a commercial motor vehicle in interstate or intrastate commerce can cause significant injuries including death due to its inherent hazards. Trucking accidents can be particularly ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 28-Dec-2022

  5 Common Vehicle Accidents and How they Occur

  There are several types of automobile accidents that can occur: 1) Rear-end collision: This type of accident occurs when one vehicle hits the back of another vehicle that is stopped or moving slowly. This can happen when a driver is following too ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 21-Dec-2022

  Pedestrian Accidents in Orange County, California

  Pedestrian accidents are a serious and growing concern in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian fatalities increased by 13% in 2021, reaching the highest level since 1981. This alarming ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 16-Dec-2022

  What is Negligence in California?

  Ordinary negligence is defined consists of a failure to exercise the degree of care in a given situation that a reasonable person under the same or similar circumstances would employ to protect oneself or others from harm. See CACI No. 401, BAJI No. ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 12-Dec-2022

  I may have been partly responsible for my car accident. What should I do?

  As an auto accident lawyer in Orange County, California, I understand the challenges and complexities of pursuing a car accident claim. Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to seek compensation for your ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 9-Dec-2022

  When to File a Lawsuit after an Orange County Auto Accident

  As an auto accident lawyer in Orange County, California, I understand the challenges and complexities of pursuing a car accident claim. Whether you were injured or lost a loved one in a crash, the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming and ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 7-Dec-2022

  What should I do if I receive a Target Letter From the FBI/DHS?

  What is a Target Letter? A target letter is a document that is sent by the FBI to a person who is the subject of a federal criminal investigation. The letter typically informs the person that they are the target of an investigation and that they may ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 7-Dec-2022

  Top 10 Most Common Personal Injury Cases and How to Handle Them

  If you are injured in any kind of accident, it's important to know your rights and how to deal with them. If you get hurt because of someone else's negligence, you can recover compensation for your damages. In addition to medical bills and ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 1-Dec-2022

  Auto Accident Lawyer Los Angeles

  If you have been involved in a car accident, then you need the help of an experienced auto accident attorney. At our law firm, we have attorneys who are ready to fight for you. After a car accident, it can be difficult to know what steps to take ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 28-Nov-2022

  Law Offices of Scott D. Hughes Pre-Litigation Checklist

  Initial Contact & Retention 1. Identify Clients – Adverse Parties – Related Parties: entity / individual; locations / jurisdictions 2. Run Conflicts and resolve 3. Obtain billing guidelines or limitations 4. Engagement Letters and ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 23-Nov-2022

  Can my Criminal Case have an Effect on a Civil Rights Police Abuse Case

  Introduction Can my criminal case have an effect on a civil rights police abuse case? The U.S. Supreme Court has held in Heck v. Humphreys, 512 U.S. 477, 114 S. Ct. 2364, 129 L.Ed.2d 383 (1994), that a plaintiff is precluded from recovering damages ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 21-Nov-2022

  Excessive Force Under Federal and California Law

  The Federal Civil Rights Act Most police excessive force cases allege a violation of the Federal Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The elements are: (1) A “person” acting under color of State law and (2) causing another person to ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 18-Nov-2022

  New Federal Criminal Rule 16 Amendment for Expert Witness

  The requirement to produce an expert's report in federal criminal cases reflects the belief that an early exchange of expert reports facilitates settlement, narrows the issues, and leads to earlier resolutions of disputes between the parties. ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 16-Nov-2022

  Do Medical Practice Lawyers work on a Contingency Fee in California?

  Medical malpractice attorneys in California can charge contingency fees. This means that if they don’t win any money for their client, they don’t get paid at all! California Business & Professions Code section 6146 provides that any ...

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• Posted By SCOTT D. HUGHES 14-Nov-2022

  Am I litigious For Filing a Personal Injury Claim?

  I've heard a lot of talk lately about being litigious. We represent injured people in lawsuits against the people responsible. If the people responsible had only fairly compensated my clients for their wrongdoing, a lawsuit or trial would not be ...

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