A recent swimming pool accident had a near-tragic ending for a local USC student. Diving in headfirst, the student underestimated the close proximity of the bottom of the pool causing severe spinal-cord injury. The harrowing incident ultimately left the student quadriplegic. While the young student is slowly regaining movement, his recovery will undeniably be a difficult one.

Fortunately, the student’s life was saved after onlookers noticed he was not resurfacing. Benefactors quickly sprung to action and managed to pull the victim out of the swimming pool. Although the young student’s life was saved, many swimming accident victims do not share similar results. Based on research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of ten people die from unintentional drowning per day. Further, a staggering 50% of all emergency, nonfatal victims suffer long-term implications. These long-term implications can result in the permanent loss of basic body functioning as well having to cope with life-long learning disabilities.

While swimmers can actively practice safe facility procedures, swimming pool injuries and fatalities can nevertheless occur due to a lack of swimming area maintenance. Unkempt swimming areas are at times a direct result to injuries. Many of these dangerous recreational facilities include:

• Malfunctioning swimming pool lights in order to have improved visibility within the swimming pool
• Low or overly high swimming pool water levels
• Deficiency of facility signage such as posted warning signs and water level signage
• Negligent lifeguard supervision or other medically trained overseer
• Damaged swimming pool structures such as broken tiles or damaged filters

While many accidents can occur without fault or intention of the victim, but knowing what to do in the event of one can be life saving. The following steps could potentially help to ensure your safety and legal protections in the event of an accident.

• If it is possible and safe, assist the victim to a safe area to allow for emergency aid.
• In life-threatening situations, dial 9-1-1 or other emergency response number that will foster medically trained professionals to the location.
• Gather as much evidence related to the accident as possible. This can include taking detailed pictures of the scene as well as speaking to witnesses.
• Upon obtaining witness information, a useful detail to obtain is their contact information.
• When filing a claim, it is vital to document the incident. Writing down details of an accident can potentially be crucial.
• Retain all applicable documents that could be deemed important.
• Equally important, maintain consistency with all medical treatment. Failing to do so could determine the loss of a claim.

Preventative measures for swimming pool accidents are abundant. While a user can utilize lifejackets, take swimming classes, and proactively obey all posted signs; accidents can occur without notice or warning. The rates for swimming pool accidents become greater as recreational areas are unkempt and ultimately become accident-harboring areas. Swimming area accidents can quickly result in injuries that could cause the loss of a job, immense surge of medical bills, and personal injury that could have permanent and irreversible damages. When an accident occurs, it is important to consider your rights. Contacting a legal professional who will champion for your rights and oversee your case can be beneficial.

Justin H. King is a personal injury attorney who fights for victims after serious and traumatic injuries occur due to the negligence of someone else. If you or someone you know was recently victim to situations like the ones in this article Justin can help. His firm, The Law Office of Justin H. King helps victims who have suffered spinal cord injuries and other related serious injuries. You can learn more about Justin and his experience and awards on his attorney profile page here, or obtain his contact information for scheduling a no obligation, absolutely free consultation on his contact page.

29-year old Leonardo Daniel Torres, 25-year-old Leeonna Mae Marquez, and 36-year-old Raquel Acob were all arrested on suspicion of possession of a stolen car, reported The Press-Enterprise on an online article. Torres was the driver and led law enforcement on a car chase after he failed to follow directions of a peace officer near Victoria Gardens at the intersection of Church Street and Victoria Gardens Lane in Rancho Cucamonga. Torres sped off after failing to listen to the officer and the chase pursuit began immediately. The chase covered several residential and city streets and reached speeds over 70 mph, but soon ended when the three tried to flee the car and were soon caught by trailing officers. Torres is facing another charge on top of suspicion of possession of a stolen car, he is also facing evading a peace officer and has a set bail of $100,000. As for the other two, Marquez and Acob, they have a set bail of $50,000 and officers are still investigating further theft charges against all three.

All three of the suspects are now looking at criminal charges which could result in time in jail as well as costly fine, fees and even restitution. If charges are brought, and convictions follow, the lives of these individuals will never be the same. Debt, damage, criminal convictions and license suspension or revocation are all things these suspects could have to face. The quick mistake and decision to break the law as well as the potential outcome of charges placed on them could follow them for a lifetime.

Regardless of criminal charges in County Courts brought by the County District Attorneys’ Office, the California DMV is obligated to keep drivers safe by removing unsafe motorists and they do this by suspending or even revoking unsafe driver’s license in administrative hearings at DMV Driver Safety offices throughout the state. As the California DMV is separate from California criminal court, the DMV has the control and power to go after a driver’s license when a situation like the one in this article occurs. If a driver is caught in this situation it is important for them to do their research in order to find a team who has experience with negligent operator hearings and that can expertly represent them to defend their ability to drive. It is crucial to find a DMV Defense Expert that will dedicate their full time and effort into the case to ensure the client will receive the best possible outcome in their favor.

California Drivers Associates is a team of qualified and experienced DMV Defense Experts that can help defend drivers at negligent operator hearings when their license and driving privileges are at risk of suspension or revocation. Rob Collier is the President and CEO and is a Distinguished Graduate of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Academy and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics School. As a member of an Orange County DUI task force, Mr. Collier has made more than 1,000 arrests for DUI. He has also written or reviewed more than 4,000 DUI arrest reports. Visit Rob and his team at their website or contact them at 1-888-281-5244 as they will be happy to answer any questions you may have at a no cost obligation.