The For many people, Fourth of July is a time to gather with family and friends, fire up the BBQ, enjoy the sunshine, and end the evening watching fireworks light up the sky. While fireworks are a fun tradition, they can also become dangerous in an instant. Every year, thousands of people are seriously injured in preventable fireworks accidents. Many of those injuries happen at neighborhood gatherings, family parties, and backyard celebrations—places where people least expect

You’ve filed your claim, but the process is already moving behind the scenes. While you focus on medical treatment, repairs, and recovering from what happened, the insurance company has already begun reviewing records and assessing factors that may affect the outcome. Understanding how insurance companies investigate and evaluate claims can help you know what to expect after an accident and why certain decisions are made along the way. In This Article What happens right after

On Monday afternoon in Santa Rosa, a man using a wheelchair was killed in a hit-and-run collision while crossing the street, according to police. The crash happened at West College Avenue and Clover Drive in West Santa Rosa. Investigators later determined a lifted white GMC pickup truck had been stopped at a red light while the man was crossing. Authorities said he was still in the crosswalk when the vehicle moved forward and struck him. Police said a man and a woman got out

A crash on Interstate 680 in Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, has left one family without their loved one. According to the California Highway Patrol, a driver in a Dodge Charger headed southbound into oncoming northbound traffic on May 1st, colliding with six vehicles. Shanell Shari Smith, a 42-year-old mother from Antioch and a passenger in one of the vehicles, was killed in the crash. Several others were hurt, some sustaining serious injuries. Authorities report that th

As part of the Sonoma County Bar Association’s Law Week, attorneys Ashley Pellouchoud and Ally Girouard spent time with students at Roseland Collegiate Prep discussing how the law shows up in everyday life. Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Legal Issues in a Student’s Life,” the discussion focused on an employment law case and the importance of the American jury system. A highlight of the day was a conversation on the Fourth Amendment in the context of school searches. Quest

Motorcycle accidents in California often result in serious injuries, and in many cases, they are preventable. These crashes are often caused by drivers not paying attention, unsafe lane changes, speeding, or road hazards. Responsibility depends on who failed to act reasonably under the circumstances, and more than one party can share fault under California’s comparative negligence system. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident or are trying to understand what caused i

Tanya Gomerman and Maria Bourn were in Savannah, Georgia, last week for the ABOTA National Women’s Leadership Summit , where experienced trial lawyers from across the country gathered for several days focused on connection, mentorship, and professional growth. The summit, hosted by the American Board of Trial Advocates , is an invitation-only organization of plaintiff and defense trial lawyers and judges. The program featured keynote speakers and panel discussions covering ju

After a car accident in California, drivers are required to exchange key details, including names, contact information, and insurance policy information. It’s completely normal to feel shaken or unsure of what to do next. You may be thinking: “What am I supposed to get from the other driver? What if I forget something important?” Knowing what information to exchange can make a meaningful difference in protecting your rights and your ability to recover financially. Under Calif

When a personal injury case settles, it can feel like everything is finished, but there is still an important step that can affect what someone actually receives. That step is lien resolution, a key part of many personal injury cases that involves addressing medical bills and insurance claims that must be paid from a settlement. Tanya Gomerman recently spoke on this topic as part of a panel at the Napa Sonoma Travel Seminar, hosted by the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAO

Attorney Tanya Gomerman speaks with students at Design Tech High School about how a passion for advocacy can evolve into a career in law.

If you are ever involved in a car accident of any kind, you should consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney. Many firms, including ours, offer free consultations. In our experience, personal injury attorneys are most helpful to those who are severely injured, who are dealing with an insurance company dispute or lawsuit, and to those who are involved in accidents where fault is disputed. However, speaking with an injury attorney can be helpful even if you’re just lo

A devastating crash on Silverado Trail in Napa County has left three women dead and multiple others injured on March 28, 2026, according to media outlets. Incidents like this raise serious questions about accountability, road safety, and what options exist for those affected. If you’re reading this, you may be trying to understand how something like this happens and what comes next. Here’s what to know. What Happened on Silverado Trail? According to the California Highway Pat

A fatal rollover on Highway 101 near Petaluma has led to the driver facing felony DUI and murder charges, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Santa Rosa area office. CHP reports that the solo-vehicle crash involved a BMW that left the roadway and rolled over, ejecting two passengers. The driver remained inside the vehicle and sustained major injuries. The February 11 incident claimed the life of 61-year-old Teresa Renderos of Novato. A second passenger was taken

Under California dog bite law, a dog’s breed does not determine liability. Dog owners are generally strictly liable for bite injuries, regardless of breed or prior behavior.

What the Verdict Means for Survivors and Pending Claims Against Uber A federal jury in Arizona has ordered Uber Technologies Inc. to pay $8.5 million to a woman who alleged she was sexually assaulted by an Uber driver. This landmark decision marks the first bellwether trial in thousands of sexual assault lawsuits filed against Uber nationwide and represents a significant step toward corporate accountability for rideshare safety failures. For survivors of sexual assault invo

A weekend of connection, appreciation, and team spirit Bringing the GOBO team together in person was a meaningful and energizing way to celebrate the beginning of 2026. As a firm built on collaboration, empathy, and connection, it was incredibly special to gather face-to-face after a busy year of working closely together across our offices and teams. While we truly missed those who were unable to join us, they were very much thought of during the weekend. Lunch together at T

A fatal crash on the San Mateo–Hayward Bridge last week is a stark reminder of how quickly distracted driving can turn deadly on busy Bay Area roadways. According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on Tuesday, January 20, and involved a Ford Transit utility van and a Kia sedan. CHP said the driver of the Ford Transit van was traveling at an unknown speed when he became distracted by his cellular phone and looked away from the road. When he returned his atten

A former respiratory therapist has filed a whistleblower retaliation lawsuit against Kentfield Hospital San Francisco, alleging he was fired after raising concerns about dangerous patient care conditions. “California law protects health care workers who speak up about patient safety, and retaliation for raising those concerns is unlawful,” said Maria Bourn of Gomerman | Bourn & Associates, who represents the whistleblower in the case. According to the lawsuit filed in San Fra

Gomerman | Bourn & Associates has expanded from two offices to four locations! Along with our established offices in San Francisco and San Jose, we now welcome clients in Redwood City and Santa Rosa.

If you find yourself involved in a crash, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next. Not every accident looks the same, some are minor fender benders, while others involve injuries or serious damage. Thes 10 essential steps are meant to guide you through what to do after any car accident in California. Depending on the situation, some steps may be more important than others, but knowing them ahead of time can help you stay focused, protect your health, an