Any parents purchasing a new car seat should know that starting Dec. 5, 2026, all car seats sold in the United States must meet new federal safety standards meant to improving protection during side-impact collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration created the new regulation to help reduce child fatalities and injuries in one of the most dangerous types of crashes. According to the press release, side-impact collisions can be deadly for children because there is less space and structure between them and the point of impact. What is the New Regulation and When Does it Go into Effect? The new law, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213a, adds a new sled test for child seats simulating a 30 mph side-impact crash involving two vehicles. The new law goes into effect on December 5, 2026. Call Team Mason Today! Team Mason is a high value trial team with extensive experience representing injured children in car accidents and other injury events. Call today for a free consultation. 📞 Free Consultation: (858) 444-5256 🖥️ [www.themasonfirm.com](http://www.themasonfirm.com) 📍 San Diego, California | Proudly Representing Victims Statewide

In a landmark victory for truck accident victims in California, Team Mason is proud to announce a $15,000,000.00 settlement in a catastrophic personal injury case involving a commercial trucking collision. The case, resolved prior to trial, involved life-altering injuries sustained by our client after being struck by a negligent tractor-trailer operator on a California interstate. This result stands as one of the largest trucking accident settlements in the region and reflects our relentless commitment to holding commercial carriers accountable for dangerous conduct on California roadways. Team Mason's Investigation Led to the Settlement The case involved a semi-truck traveling from Mexico carrying food that changed lanes into our client's vehicle. The prior attorney on the case was on the verge of settling the case for $1,000,000.00. However, the clients reached out to Team Mason because they believed the harm caused to them was worth so much more. Team Mason worked for three years and put thousands of hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars into the case fighting for the client, to secure the settlement of $15,000,000.00. While no amount of money can undo the trauma endured, this $15,000,000.00 settlement will provide lifetime care and financial security for our client and his family. As attorney Brian Mason noted, “This result reflects our mission—fight for justice, deliver life-changing outcomes, and force accountability on commercial trucking companies. We are proud to stand beside this family as they begin to rebuild.” Why Trucking Accidents Require Specialized Legal Advocacy Truck accident cases differ greatly from typical car accident claims. They often involve: Federal and state safety regulations Commercial insurance policies with high stakes Corporate defendants with aggressive legal teams Black box data, GPS logs, and maintenance records Complex medical and vocational life care planning Team Mason has deep experience navigating these technical layers. Our team collaborates with accident reconstruction experts, trucking safety experts, economists, and trauma physicians to maximize results. Injured in a Truck Accident in California? Call Team Mason If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident—whether on the I-5, I-15, I-805, Highway 78, I-8, or anywhere in California—Team Mason offers free consultations and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We are based in San Diego and serve clients statewide. 👉 Call (858) 444-5256 or visit www.themasonfirm.com to speak directly with a trucking accident attorney.

If you or someone you love was hit by a commercial truck in California, especially in San Diego, Los Angeles, El Centro, or anywhere along the I-5, I-8, I-10, or or I-805, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries—and victims need experienced legal help to stand up to trucking companies and their insurance carriers. At The Mason Firm, our California personal injury attorneys specialize in semi-truck accident lawsuits and big rig crash claims across the state. Why Truck Accidents in California Are So Dangerous Large commercial trucks — also called 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and box trucks — can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Even at moderate speeds, a collision with a truck can result in: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) Spinal cord injuries and paralysis Multiple broken bones Crush injuries or amputations Fatalities or wrongful death Unlike regular car accidents, California truck accident cases involve federal trucking regulations, corporate liability, and aggressive defense tactics from major logistics companies and insurers. That is why you need an experienced trucking lawyer fighting for you. Top Causes of Truck Crashes in California Common reasons for commercial truck accidents include: Driver fatigue in violation of FMCSA Hours-of-Service rules Overloaded or improperly secured cargo Poor truck maintenance** (brake failure, bald tires, etc.) Speeding or distracted driving Negligent hiring or training** by trucking companies Substance abuse or impairment behind the wheel Under California Vehicle Code § 34501.12, trucking companies operating in the state must comply with safety inspection requirements. When they fail to meet these legal duties, injured victims can sue for damages. Who Is Liable in a California Truck Accident? A key advantage of hiring a truck accident attorney in California is the ability to **identify all potentially responsible parties**, which may include: The truck driver (for negligent driving) The trucking company (for hiring, training, supervision, or pressure to violate safety rules) A freight broker or logistics provider if an agency relationship exists A maintenance company A vehicle or parts manufacturer (in cases of mechanical failure) At The Mason Firm, we send preservation of evidence letters immediately to prevent evidence from being destroyed and retain top-tier accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your claim. We hire accident reconstruction experts at the beginning of any trucking case, to download the black box data in the truck which provides information about the truck's speed and driving prior to the crash. What Types of Compensation Can You Recover? A successful California trucking accident lawsuit may include: Medical bills and future treatment costs Lost wages and reduced earning capacity Pain, suffering, and emotional distress Loss of consortium (for spouses or partners) Wrongful death benefits (for surviving families) Property damage (repair or replacement of your vehicle) If the trucking company’s behavior was especially reckless—like falsifying logbooks or skipping brake checks—you may also be entitled to punitive damages under California Civil Code § 3294. What Makes Trucking Cases Different From Regular Car Accidents? Truck crash cases are more complex and higher value than typical auto accident claims because: Federal regulations apply (FMCSA standards under 49 C.F.R.) Commercial policies often cover \$1M–\$5M or more Trucking companies send investigators to the scene within hours Digital records like GPS logs, ELDs, and dash cam footage must be preserved quickly If you're searching for a truck accident lawyer near San Diego or a California semi-truck injury attorney, make sure they have experience going toe-to-toe with commercial carriers. What to Do After a Truck Accident in California Taking the right steps immediately after a truck crash can protect your case: 1. Call 911 and get medical care immediately. 2. Document the scene with photos and witness names. 3. Avoid giving recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurer. 4. Contact a California truck accident attorney** as soon as possible. 5. Keep all receipts of repair estimates, and medical documentation. Real Case Spotlight: Southern California Truck Crash Settlement Team Mason recently settled a very difficult and complex trucking case for $15,000,000.00 (fifteen million dollars) that involved cross-border agency issues as well as the death of an unborn twin and the premature birth of the other twin. Speak to a California Trucking Accident Lawyer Today If you've been hit by a semi-truck, box truck, or commercial vehicle anywhere in California, don’t wait. Trucking companies are already building their defense. You need a legal team that knows how to fight—and win. At The Mason Firm, we handle truck accident cases across San Diego County, Imperial County, Los Angeles County, Riverside, Orange County, and beyond. We charge no fee unless we win. 📞 Free Consultation: (858) 444-5256 🖥️ [www.themasonfirm.com](http://www.themasonfirm.com) 📍 San Diego, California | Proudly Representing Victims Statewide

Meningitis is a life-threatening condition that demands rapid recognition and treatment. When it comes to children, the stakes are even higher. Unfortunately, emergency departments (EDs)—even in well-regarded hospitals—sometimes fail to meet the standard of care, resulting in devastating outcomes. At The Mason Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how a missed diagnosis of meningitis in a child can lead to permanent brain injury, limb amputation, or death. These cases are not just tragic—they are preventable and, in many instances, legally actionable. Understanding Meningitis and the Medical Red Flags Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis, in particular, progresses rapidly and can be fatal within hours. Common symptoms in children include: Fever and lethargy Severe headache or neck stiffness Vomiting Irritability or high-pitched crying (in infants) Seizures Bulging fontanelle (soft spot on an infant’s head) Confusion or altered mental status Any delay in diagnosis and treatment—especially failing to perform a lumbar puncture or administer antibiotics promptly—can lead to catastrophic outcomes. How Emergency Departments Miss It Despite well-known red flags, ED physicians sometimes: Misattribute symptoms to a "viral illness" or "flu" Fail to order blood work or a lumbar puncture Discharge a child prematurely without proper observation Rely solely on non-specific lab results (e.g., slightly elevated WBC) without considering meningitis in the differential Underestimate parental concerns or observations (e.g., “not acting right,” “suddenly very sleepy”) This constitutes a deviation from the standard of care, particularly when the signs of sepsis, neurological compromise, or infection are clinically present. Legal Theories in Missed Meningitis Cases These cases may involve: Medical malpractice (under MICRA, Cal. Civ. Code § 3333.2) Negligent diagnosis and treatment Failure to consult a pediatric specialist Violation of hospital protocols or EMTALA obligations Failure to obtain informed consent for discharge or failure to inform parents of risks Your Child Deserves Accountability and Care No parent should ever leave a hospital thinking their child was safe—only to discover a preventable brain infection was overlooked. If your child suffered permanent injury due to a missed diagnosis of meningitis, we can help. At The Mason Firm, we specialize in hospital negligence and pediatric malpractice claims throughout California, including San Diego, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire. Case Example: Failure to Diagnose in Southern California In one real-world federal case out of California, a pediatric patient presented with high fever, vomiting, and lethargy but was discharged from the emergency room without a workup for meningitis. The child returned within 24 hours in a comatose state. The ultimate diagnosis: bacterial meningitis with resultant severe brain damage and partial paralysis. The jury awarded over $10 million in damages, finding the hospital had violated its duty of care under EMTALA and California negligence standards. Currently, attorney Brian Mason represents two different families for wrongful death against a well known children's hospital in Southern California. In those two cases, a 5 year old boy and a 7 year old boy were both discharged from the emergency room just hours before their tragic death. These cases are devasting and destroy families. Hospitals must be held accountable for this negligence. Contact Us Today If your child’s condition worsened due to a delayed or missed diagnosis in an emergency room, call us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you investigate the truth and fight for the justice your family deserves. Contact attorney Brian Mason directly at 858-444-5256 or email bmason@themasonfirm.com.

When we place our trust in doctors, nurses, and hospitals, we expect safe and competent care. Unfortunately, medical errors happen — and when they do, the consequences can be life-altering. In California, medical malpractice laws are in place to protect patients who suffer harm due to the negligence of a healthcare provider. If you or a loved one has been injured by substandard medical care, it’s important to understand your legal rights. What Is Medical Malpractice? Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death to the patient. This can include errors in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, medication, or aftercare. Common examples include: Surgical errors: such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving surgical instruments inside a patient Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: leading to worsening of a condition Birth injuries: caused by improper monitoring or delivery techniques Medication errors: including incorrect prescriptions or dosages Failure to obtain informed consent: before a procedure To bring a successful medical malpractice claim in California, a plaintiff must prove that: 1. A provider-patient relationship existed; 2. The provider was negligent (i.e., did not meet the standard of care); 3. The negligence directly caused injury or harm; and 4. The injury led to specific damages such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. California’s Medical Malpractice Laws California has specific rules that apply to medical malpractice cases: Statute of Limitations: You generally have one year from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury, and no more than three years from the date of the injury, whichever comes first. Birth injuries are an exception and the child has longer to file their case. MICRA Cap on Non-Economic Damages: Under the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA), non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) are capped. As of 2023, the cap is $350,000, increasing gradually to $750,000 by 2033 and $1,000,000.00 for death cases. Expert Witness Requirement: Plaintiffs must present testimony from a qualified medical expert to establish the standard of care and how it was breached. Mandatory Arbitration: Some medical providers include arbitration clauses in their contracts with patients, which may require disputes to be resolved outside of court. Why You Need an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney Medical malpractice cases are complex, expensive, and heavily contested by insurance companies. A skilled attorney can help by: - Investigating your case and gathering critical medical evidence - Consulting with medical experts to establish negligence - Calculating the full extent of your damages - Negotiating with insurance companies or litigating in court if needed Team Mason is committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable. Our team has extensive experience representing victims of medical negligence across California and securing the compensation they deserve. Get a Free Consultation If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, don’t wait. Contact Team Mason today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process — so you can focus on healing. Visit our webpage at www.themasonfirm.com/medical-malpractice for more information.

If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident, you’re not alone. Every year, millions of Americans are injured in auto collisions, many of which result in serious and long-term consequences. Team Mason understands how overwhelming the aftermath of an accident can be—from medical bills to lost wages and dealing with insurance companies. That’s why it’s crucial to know the right steps to take immediately following a crash to protect your health, your rights, and your potential personal injury claim. Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention Your health comes first. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if you feel fine, it’s wise to get evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding—may not show symptoms right away but can have serious consequences if left untreated. Step 2: Call the Police and File a Report Always contact the police, even for seemingly minor accidents. A police report can serve as critical evidence in your personal injury case, providing an official record of the accident, parties involved, and initial observations. Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene If you're able, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Collect contact and insurance information from all drivers involved, and ask for names and phone numbers of any witnesses. This information can be vital in building a strong claim later. Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault or the extent of your injuries. Be cautious about giving recorded statements without legal guidance. Step 5: Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney Before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company, it’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and without legal representation, you could receive far less than you deserve. Team Mason helps accident victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Why Choose Team Mason of Gomez Trial Attorneys? With years of experience handling personal injury cases across San Diego and all of California, our team is dedicated to fighting for justice and securing the maximum compensation our clients are entitled to. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Injured in an Accident? We’re Here to Help. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact Team Mason at Gomez Trial Attorneys today at 858-444-5256 or fill out our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing. For more information visit our car accident webpage located at www.themasonfirm.com/Motor-Vehicle-Accidents .

In today's fast-paced world, our smartphones have become indispensable tools. From managing work emails to staying in touch with loved ones, these devices are integral to our daily lives. However, this convenience comes with significant risks, particularly when it comes to texting while driving. This dangerous practice has profound legal and safety implications that every driver should be aware of. The Dangers of Texting and Driving Texting while driving is one of the most hazardous distractions on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. This level of distraction dramatically increases the likelihood of accidents, leading to severe injuries and fatalities. Studies have shown that texting while driving impairs a driver's reaction time more than driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The cognitive load required to read or compose a message diverts attention from the primary task of driving, reducing situational awareness and reaction time. Consequently, drivers are less capable of responding to sudden changes in traffic conditions, increasing the risk of collisions. Legal Consequences of Texting and Driving Given the significant dangers, many jurisdictions have implemented stringent laws to curb texting and driving. These laws vary by state and country but generally fall into a few categories: Primary Enforcement Laws: In states with primary enforcement laws, police officers can pull over drivers solely for texting while driving. These laws are the most effective in deterring the behavior because they allow law enforcement to take immediate action. Secondary Enforcement Laws: In states with secondary enforcement laws, officers can only issue a citation for texting if the driver has been pulled over for another violation, such as speeding or running a red light. Total Bans: Some states have enacted total bans on the use of handheld devices while driving, including texting, calling, and using apps. These comprehensive bans aim to reduce all forms of distracted driving. Violating these laws can result in hefty fines, points on your driving record, and increased insurance premiums. Repeat offenders may face more severe penalties, including license suspension. In cases where texting while driving leads to an accident, drivers may be subject to civil lawsuits for damages and, in extreme cases, criminal charges for negligent driving or vehicular manslaughter. Preventive Measures and Best Practices To mitigate the dangers and legal risks associated with texting and driving, drivers should adopt the following best practices: Use Hands-Free Technology: Utilize hands-free options such as Bluetooth, voice commands, or car systems designed to handle calls and texts without manual input. Activate Do Not Disturb Mode: Most smartphones have a "Do Not Disturb While Driving" feature that silences notifications and sends automatic replies to incoming texts, informing the sender that you are driving. Plan Ahead: If you need to send a text or make a call, do so before you start driving or pull over to a safe location. Educate and Advocate: Spread awareness about the dangers of texting and driving. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to prioritize safety and comply with local laws. Conclusion Texting while driving poses severe risks to public safety and carries significant legal consequences. By understanding the dangers and adhering to best practices and legal requirements, drivers can contribute to safer roads and protect themselves and others from the devastating effects of distracted driving. Remember, no message is worth risking your life or the lives of others. Prioritize safety and stay focused on the road. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, call Team Mason today at 858-444-5256 or visit www.TheMasonFirm.com .

The Mason Firm, a San Diego based injury law firm, provides some helpful safety tips for avoid pedestrian accidents.

Attorney Brian R. Mason, of San Diego, was elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates. ABOTA is a prestigious invitation only group of trial lawyers and judges from around the country. Brian is an award winning personal injury lawyer representing injury victims in San Diego, Carlsbad, Escondido, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange County and Los Angeles.