Author name: Eric V. Traut, Esq.

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Your Case Deserves More Than a Billboard

Why I Have a Lawyer: Trusting the Expert in Your Corner When people think of hiring a personal injury lawyer, many wonder: Do I really need one?The answer is the same as in nearly every area of life—yes, you need an expert. Just as you’d trust a licensed electrician to handle your wiring or a skilled […]

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Somber looking jury seats in courtroom

When the Evidence Haunts the Jury: Facing the Hidden Trauma of Verdicts

From gruesome injury or death  photos to testimony about sexual violence, jurors regularly confront disturbing material. A growing body of research shows that some jurors experience trauma-like symptoms—sometimes rising to clinical PTSD—during and after service. I recently attended an ABOTA Conference in Austin where the topic was discussed.   I decided to then do some

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Born American: Why Birthright Citizenship Is the Cornerstone of Our Democracy

Introduction Birthright citizenship—the principle that anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a citizen—stems from the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1868. After the Civil War, Congress sought to ensure that formerly enslaved people and their children were recognized as full citizens. The Amendment declared: “All persons born or naturalized in the

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Fear, Lock-Ups, and the Law: Constitutional Pushback Against Immigration Detentions

Introduction Over recent months, U.S. federal immigration policy has taken increasingly aggressive turns: expanded detentions, tighter removals, limits on birthright citizenship, crackdowns on sanctuary jurisdictions, and fast-track or expedited removals. These shifts have stoked fear in immigrant communities, eroded trust in institutions, and—in many cases—run headlong into constitutional protections that are supposed to guard against

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Remembering Civility During Client Interactions

In personal injury law, our clients come to us during some of the most traumatic and life-altering moments of their lives. Whether they’ve suffered a debilitating injury or lost a loved one, they are navigating unfamiliar terrain, burdened by grief, pain, and uncertainty. As their legal advocates, it is not only our responsibility to fight

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Waymo self driving car

Self-Driving Cars in California: A Safer Road Ahead?

The emergence of self-driving vehicles, particularly those operated by Waymo, is poised to transform California’s roadways. With the potential to significantly reduce traffic collisions, injuries, insurance claims, and lawsuits, autonomous vehicles (AVs) offer a promising future for public safety. The Safety Advantage of Waymo’s Autonomous Vehicles Waymo’s autonomous vehicles have demonstrated remarkable safety improvements compared

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Attorney showing motorcyclist the CA vehicle code.

Blog: Breaking Bias — How to Successfully Litigate Motorcycle Injury and Wrongful Death Cases

When litigating motorcycle injury and wrongful death cases, plaintiffs’ attorneys must overcome significant hurdles that aren’t present in ordinary auto accident claims. Chief among them: bias. Both law enforcement and jurors often harbor preconceived notions about motorcyclists — assumptions that they are reckless, fast, and taking unnecessary risks simply by riding. To achieve justice for an

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The Rule of Law Under Siege: Why Defending Judges and Lawyers Defends Us All

In the United States, the rule of law is more than a principle—it is the foundation of our democracy. It guarantees that laws are applied fairly, that legal rights are respected, and that the judiciary functions independently of political pressure. Recent political rhetoric and actions threatening this independence, including calls for the impeachment of judges,

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Man with injured hand talking to a doctor.

No Doctor, No Case? The Importance of Medical Documentation in Injury Claims

Many people avoid doctors for all kinds of reasons—fear, inconvenience, or the belief that they can “tough it out.” But if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, skipping a medical evaluation can be one of the biggest mistakes you make. Not only does proper medical care protect your health, but it also plays

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Why Your Personal Injury Lawyer Needs AI—And How It Benefits You

When you’re facing a personal injury claim, you want a lawyer who is not only experienced, but also efficient. Legal battles can be time-consuming and expensive, and every wasted hour increases your costs. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing personal injury law—giving lawyers powerful tools to build stronger cases, reduce costs, and maximize compensation

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