Electric bikes, more commonly known as e-bikes, have rapidly grown in popularity across California in recent years. From commuters navigating crowded city streets in San Francisco to recreational riders exploring scenic trails throughout Sonoma County and the Bay Area, e-bikes offer a convenient, eco-friendly, and efficient alternative to traditional transportation. However, as e-bike use continues to rise, so does the number of serious accidents involving riders, motorists,

Gomerman | Bourn & Associates is a women-owned California law firm representing employees whose workplace rights have been violated and individuals and families affected by serious injuries and wrongful death. Led by founder and managing attorney Tanya Gomerman and shareholder and managing attorney Maria Bourn, our firm combines compassionate client support with strategic, trial-ready advocacy. Since opening our doors in 2012, we have recovered more than $100 million for our

In just a matter of days, San Mateo County experienced two heartbreaking tragedies that serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change because of a single decision behind the wheel. In the first incident, a 34-year-old bicyclist was killed while riding on Skyline Boulevard after authorities say a Porsche traveling at a high rate of speed crossed into the opposite lane and struck the cyclist head-on. According to investigators, drugs and alcohol do not appear to

Lost a loved one due to negligence? Understand California survivorship claims, their deadlines, damages, and your legal rights, with help from our attorneys. When you or a loved one passes away due to another party’s negligence, California law may allow you to file a Survivorship Claim on behalf of your loved one’s estate. A Survivorship Claim is a Cause of Action in a lawsuit that is filed on behalf of the deceased person’s estate in order to recover money for losses the pe

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

The middle of May gave us a valuable opportunity to step away from our day-to-day routines, come together as a team, and focus on where we've been, where we're going, and how we can continue building an even stronger firm together. On Monday and Tuesday, team members from across the firm gathered for employee meetings focused on collaboration, communication, and connection. It was a chance to share ideas, discuss opportunities for improvement, celebrate successes, and ensure

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