Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law CorporationFindLaw IM Template2026-08-21T11:23:17Zhttps://www.lylegal.net/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1404733/2025/05/cropped-logowhitesilver-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation<![CDATA[What to do after a car accident]]>https://www.lylegal.net/?p=493032026-08-18T11:23:52Z2026-08-21T11:23:17ZCar accidents can be sudden and unexpected. If you are in a car accident, you may not know what to do right away.
It is important to take steps to protect your legal rights and right to compensation after a car accident. Here is what you can do:
Call the police
It is important to involve the police after a car accident. The police should arrive at the scene of the accident to talk to you and any other involved parties. The police may ask you a few questions about the accident, such as your name, address and insurance information. A police report can be a crucial piece of evidence when filing a car accident claim.
Take pictures and video
While you wait for the police, you can take pictures or video. You may want to document the severity of the accident, including damages to vehicles and your own injuries. You may also need to take a picture of where and when the accident took place. The accident may be captured on a street camera or surveillance system as well. This evidence can help prove fault during a car accident claim.
Seek medical care
You should consider seeking medical care even if you do not believe you were injured. Some people suffer from hidden injuries after car accidents. Seeking medical care can help ensure you are not suffering from life-threatening injuries. A medical report is also an important piece of evidence that can be used to prove the severity of the accident.
File an insurance claim
After your accident, you should reach out to your insurance company and file a claim. Insurance companies often require drivers to file a claim within a certain timeframe. An insurance claim can help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses. If you do not recover fully from your car accident, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries and financial losses. You can reach out for professional legal guidance to learn how you can recover compensation after a car accident.]]>On Behalf of Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation<![CDATA[Under which state’s jurisdiction does remote work fall?]]>https://www.lylegal.net/?p=492992026-08-04T08:45:51Z2026-08-07T08:44:48ZDoes an employer’s location matter when an employee works in another state?
When an employee works remotely from a different state, the employer’s location does not automatically determine which employment laws apply. Instead, the laws of the state where the employee physically performs their work can govern the employment relationship.
In many cases, the employee’s home state laws will apply to issues such as:
Minimum wage and overtime
Meal and rest breaks
Pay periods and wage statements
Paid sick leave
Reimbursement of necessary work expenses
However, California law may still be relevant in certain situations, particularly if the employer is headquartered in California or if aspects of the employment relationship are tied to the state. For example, company policies, payroll practices or contractual terms may reference California law.
Can an employment contract mandate another jurisdiction?
A remote-work agreement may include a choice-of-law or dispute-resolution provision specifying that state law governs the employment relationship. However, these provisions do not always override the mandatory employment protections of the state where the employee works.
Courts may decline to enforce a contract provision that attempts to bypass the employee’s home state labor laws, especially when those laws are designed to protect workers. As a result, employees working outside California may still be entitled to the protections of their own state’s wage and hour, leave and workplace safety laws.
Additionally, a worker’s classification is important. Employees generally receive broader legal protections than independent contractors, regardless of where the employer is located.
If you have questions about your rights or need help resolving a workplace issue, reach out to us for a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and protect your interests. Given all that is at stake in many remote work scenarios, navigating the complexities of this reality is rarely adviseable as a DIY effort.]]>On Behalf of Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation<![CDATA[Why are crash rates so high for young drivers?]]>https://www.lylegal.net/?p=492962026-07-21T13:22:24Z2026-07-24T13:21:40Zmain reasons for this is that teenage drivers are relatively inexperienced. Everything is new. They still have skills to develop. They have a lot to learn about how to drive safely, how to focus on defensive driving and how to react to changing road conditions.
They certainly can learn a lot from going through a driver's education program and working with an instructor, but there is no substitute for experience. That is why fatal crash rates tend to drop as drivers get older and spend more time behind the wheel.
The risk is even higher in the summer
During the summer months, researchers find that fatal accidents involving teens also tend to go up. They commonly refer to this as the 100 deadliest days of summer.
The reason is not necessarily that teens are worse drivers over the summer, but simply that they drive more. In this sense, the school year actually helps keep them safe because they spend most of their time in school. Teens have more free time during the summer, they log more miles on the road, and the total number of accidents goes up since they already have the highest fatal accident rate.
Seeking financial compensation
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a teen driver's negligent mistake? If you have, it is important to know how to seek financial compensation for lost wages, medical bills and more. Please contact our experienced firm today to get started.]]>On Behalf of Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation<![CDATA[How prompt medical care protects your recovery after a car crash]]>https://www.lylegal.net/?p=492872026-07-10T12:31:48Z2026-07-15T12:31:10ZHidden injuries need early detection
Some serious injuries do not cause symptoms right away. After a crash, adrenaline and shock can mask your pain and make you think you are unharmed. Certain injuries, such as internal bleeding, brain injuries, whiplash and muscle damage, may not appear for hours or even days.
When you see a doctor right away, medical professionals can identify these hidden injuries before they worsen. Early detection often leads to better treatment outcomes and faster recovery times. Tests such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs can find injuries you may not notice yet. If you wait too long to get checked, your injuries may worsen. Early treatment can often prevent additional health problems.
Creating a documented medical record
Early medical care creates a record that connects your injuries to the crash. This record can help if you intend to file an insurance claim or seek compensation for your losses. Medical records created immediately after the crash provide clear evidence of when your injuries happened and how serious they were.
Insurance companies often question claims when someone waits a long time to see a doctor. If you delay seeking treatment, insurers might argue that your injuries were not serious or that they resulted from something other than the car crash. Seeing a doctor quickly can reduce these concerns and support your claim.
Following through with treatment plans
After your first medical visit, it is important to follow your doctor's treatment plan. Attend your appointments, complete physical therapy and take your medications as your doctor instructs. These steps show that you are committed to your recovery.
Gaps in your medical treatment can raise doubts about the severity of your injuries. If you skip appointments or stop treatment too soon, insurance adjusters may argue that you recovered or were never seriously injured. Consistent medical care shows that you are doing everything in your power to recover. It also creates a clear record of your condition over time.
Early medical care can secure your right to recovery
The first step in protecting your health and legal rights is getting medical care right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the accident. Acting quickly can help you recover and protect your right to seek compensation for your injuries.
If you or someone you know suffered an injury after a car crash, always remember that you have legal options. Have questions? Contact Licata & Yeremenko, APLC to schedule your initial consultation. Call 818-783-5757 or click here to get started.]]>On Behalf of Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation<![CDATA[Long shifts can make California workers eligible for overtime pay]]>https://www.lylegal.net/?p=492902026-07-07T07:33:24Z2026-07-10T07:32:38ZEight hours is a standard shift
California law recognizes not just the 40-hour work week but also the eight-hour workday in most cases. While there are exceptions for certain industries, many hourly and non-exempt salaried employees are eligible for overtime pay if they are on the clock for more than eight straight hours.
Workers should receive 150% of their usual hourly pay for time past the eighth hour in one shift. They may be eligible for double pay if their employers keep them on the clock for more than 12 hours for a single shift.
If employers don’t follow the law, workers may need to file wage claims. Requesting compensation for overtime worked without proper pay can sometimes require legal action. Employees denied overtime wages can benefit from legal guidance in navigating the legal system and obtaining the pay they deserve.]]>On Behalf of Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation<![CDATA[Signs of a TBI after a semi-truck accident]]>https://www.lylegal.net/?p=492842026-06-23T10:12:38Z2026-06-26T10:12:04ZCommon symptoms you may experience
That being said, there are many common TBI symptoms that you want to look for, including:
Headaches or migraines, especially if they get worse with time
Loss of consciousness, even if just for a few seconds
Increased sensitivity to stimuli such as lights and sounds
Mood swings and mental confusion
Balance issues, which may be caused by dizziness or lightheadedness
Seizures or convulsions
Changes to your sleep patterns, such as difficulty waking up
Slurred speech or trouble finding the right words
Numbness and tingling throughout your body, especially in the extremities
Uncoordinated movements
Loss of vision or enlargement of your pupils
Feelings of restlessness and agitation
A key concern is whether these symptoms are clearing up with time or getting worse. If they are getting worse, it could indicate that a serious TBI has occurred, such as bleeding within the brain.
It is important to talk to medical professionals, and you’ll also need to know if you have a right to seek compensation for your medical expenses and other costs. If you would like to learn more, do not hesitate to reach out to our law firm for an initial consultation in the wake of an injurious crash.]]>On Behalf of Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation<![CDATA[Are bonuses and commissions part of a worker’s wages?]]>https://www.lylegal.net/?p=492822026-06-09T10:38:44Z2026-06-12T10:38:19ZEmployers should uphold contracts
If a worker’s employment contract includes terms that might make them eligible for bonuses or if they receive commissions to supplement their base pay, their employers have an obligation to uphold those promises. Contractual bonuses are non-discretionary bonuses that are part of a worker's wages, provided that they meet the standards included in the contract.
Commissions are also typically a part of a worker’s pay. Both arrangements outlined in contracts or in company-wide communications intended to motivate better job performance can make employers liable for promised bonuses and commissions. Workers denied commissions or bonuses may need to read contracts, employee handbooks or company-wide emails to validate that they met the requirements for the promised additional compensation.
Reviewing pay records and information about potential bonuses or commissions with a skilled legal team can help workers identify when employers may have violated their pay rights. A wage and hour lawsuit can help workers secure the commissions or bonuses they deserve after meeting employer standards.
]]>On Behalf of Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation<![CDATA[Gaslighting after workplace sexual harassment]]>https://www.lylegal.net/?p=492792026-05-27T13:22:26Z2026-06-01T13:21:34ZGaslighting is a tactic that people sometimes use to distort the truth and manipulate others. They essentially try to make another person question their own recollection of events or their perception of reality.This sometimes happens after workplace sexual harassment. The victim may speak out about what happened to them, and the perpetrator will then begin gaslighting them and trying to present a different version of events.
Placing blame
One example is when the person accused of harassment tries to blame the victim. Maybe they claim that the victim invited the unwanted conduct. Perhaps they argue that the victim was involved in a consensual relationship and did not have any problem with the behavior that is now being described as harassment. Either way, the perpetrator is trying to shift the blame away from themselves and onto the victim.
Disputing the account
Gaslighting can also be used to dispute the victim’s account of events. The perpetrator may claim they never did the things they are accused of doing and offer a very different recollection of what occurred. For example, someone who made crude comments about another person’s sexuality may later claim they were “just joking” and that everyone viewed the comments as lighthearted or funny, rather than as an instance of sexual harassment.
Defending your rights
If you have experienced sexual harassment on the job, it can be extremely frustrating to face gaslighting and similar tactics when you try to tell your story. It is important to remember that you do have legal rights, you do not deserve to experience harassment, and you need to understand what steps to take moving forward.]]>On Behalf of Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation<![CDATA[Putting down the phone does not always end the distraction]]>https://www.lylegal.net/?p=492772026-05-14T11:37:08Z2026-05-19T11:36:39ZDrivers should not use their cellphones behind the wheel, as they are a significant source of driver distraction. Someone who is trying to text and drive is vastly more likely to cause a car accident, similar to someone who is impaired by alcohol. They are simply going to make avoidable mistakes due to the distraction.
However, there are drivers who still want to engage with their device in the car. To avoid a citation for texting and driving, and to attempt to avoid the distraction itself, they decide to use the cellphone at red lights. As long as they are stopped and waiting for the signal to change, they think it is safe to check their notifications or text messages.
The mental distraction lasts for 27 seconds
It is true that putting the phone down when the car is in motion reduces the physical and visual distraction. The driver is holding the wheel and looking at the road while the car is moving.But what drivers sometimes fail to realize is that using a cellphone is also a cognitive or mental distraction. Studies have found that this lasts for around 27 more seconds, even after that driver has stopped engaging with their mobile device.In other words, as the driver begins moving again and navigates through the intersection, they are still mentally distracted and much more likely to cause a serious car accident.
Do you deserve financial compensation?
The best tactic is simply to stay off your phone any time you are in your vehicle, whether it is moving or not. Even if you do this consistently, however, you could suffer injuries in an accident that another distracted driver causes. If so, then you may deserve financial compensation for medical bills and other damages.
]]>On Behalf of Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation<![CDATA[Can you claim pain and suffering benefits if you are uninsured?]]>https://www.lylegal.net/?p=492732026-05-11T15:34:50Z2026-05-14T15:33:58ZA car crash can turn your life upside down in an instant. If you were uninsured at the time, you may wonder what benefits you can still pursue in California. The truth is, your insurance status plays a bigger role than you might expect in determining what you can recover from a personal injury claim.
Two types of damages in a car crash
Before diving in, it helps to understand how California law categorizes the damages you can seek in a car accident claim. Two main types apply:
Economic damages: These cover measurable financial losses you suffer as a direct result of the crash, such as medical bills, property damage and lost wages.
Non-economic damages: These address the personal toll a crash takes on your life, from physical pain and emotional distress to the activities you can no longer enjoy. Pain and suffering falls under this category.
Knowing where pain and suffering sits within these two categories matters more than you might think, particularly if you did not carry insurance at the time of the crash.
What California law says about uninsured drivers
This key distinction matters greatly under California law. State law bars uninsured drivers from claiming non-economic damages in a car accident, even if the other driver caused the crash.This means you cannot seek pain and suffering compensation without insurance coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. However, you may still recover economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost income.
Key exceptions you should know
That said, the rule does not apply to every situation. You may still have the right to seek pain and suffering damages depending on the specific circumstances of your crash. Here are three exceptions worth knowing:
Passengers: If you were a passenger in the uninsured vehicle, California law generally does not bar you from seeking pain and suffering damages, unless you owned the vehicle.
The drunk driver exception: If a court convicts the at-fault driver of driving under the influence (DUI) related to the accident, the restriction no longer applies and you can sue for full damages.
Employer vehicles: If you were driving a work vehicle that your employer failed to insure, the law generally still protects you.
Each of these exceptions depends on the specific facts of your case, which is why fully understanding your situation matters before you move forward with a claim.
Know where you stand after a California crash
Lacking car insurance does not automatically mean you are without legal options after a crash. California law carries many nuances and the specific details surrounding your accident often shape the outcome of your claim. Taking the time to learn what applies to your situation can make a real difference in what you recover. The more you know about your rights and options, the better you can prepare yourself to make the right decisions for your case.]]>