Cirila Guzman, 76, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say may have involved a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on January 26, 2012 at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Dalton Avenue in Azusa. Guzman suffered major head trauma and died from her injuries.

Police booked the driver, 74-year-old Luis Sanchez, on suspicion of DUI causing injury and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. However, he has been released this week after the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office sent the case back to police for further investigation. Officials are waiting for the results of a blood alcohol test. Officials say they plan to present their case to the DA once more evidence has been gathered.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Cirila Guzman for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 13 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Azusa. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 179 people died and 4,918 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Gross Vehicular Manslaughter

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver who struck Guzman may have been under the influence of alcohol. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, it is illegal to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges.

California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

Claim for Compensation

If it is determined that Sanchez was at fault, then, in addition to facing criminal charges, he can be held financially responsible for Guzman's wrongful death. In cases where negligence is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options. . For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

A 65-year-old woman was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident when a Lexus SUV backed into her. According to a 10News report, the pedestrian accident occurred on Girard Avenue in La Jolla, the morning of January 27, 2012. Officials say the woman was crossing the road when the SUV began backing up to take a parking space and struck her. The woman fell onto the roadway and suffered severe head trauma. It is not clear if the 20-year-old driver will be cited for the collision. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the woman who was injured in this San Diego pedestrian accident. I wish her the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

San Diego Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 18 people were killed and 494 were injured in pedestrian accidents in the city of San Diego. Countywide, 57 fatalities and 937 injuries occurred due to pedestrian accidents, during that same year.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, the woman was crossing the road mid-block. Pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles when crossing outside a crosswalk, but that does not excuse drivers from exercising due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians.

California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Liability Issues

In this particular case, if it is determined that the driver was inattentive, distracted or negligent in any other way, he or she could be held liable for the pedestrian's injuries and damages. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Pedestrian accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

Three people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident involving four vehicles. According to CBS Los Angeles news report, the car crash occurred on Lindley Avenue in Reseda, the morning of January 19, 2012. Officials have not released information regarding how or why the multi-vehicle crash occurred. A male pedestrian was critically injured in the crash. Two other men -- another pedestrian and a passenger in one of the four vehicles -- suffered non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.

My thoughts and prayers are with the male pedestrian who has been severely injured in this pedestrian accident. I wish all three injured victims the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Los Angeles Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 227 fatalities and 25,043 injuries occurred as a result of car accidents within the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, 554 people were killed and 50,817 were injured due to car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Injury Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not clear what caused the four vehicles to collide, or the pedestrians to suffer injuries. I trust investigators are determining the answers to a number of questions here. Where were the two pedestrians at the time of the collision? Were they attempting to cross the road, walking along the side of the road or walking in a sidewalk? Were any of the motorists distracted, fatigued, inattentive or otherwise negligent? Did alcohol consumption or reckless driving contribute to the crash?

Liability Issues

Victims of pedestrian accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and best interests. If it is found that one of the drivers was negligent, he or she can be held liable for the injuries suffered by the victims. A knowledgeable Los Angeles car accident attorney will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

A pedestrian was seriously injured in a Riverside car accident, which officials say, involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the pedestrian accident occurred on Arlington Avenue near Tyler Street, early morning on January 13, 2012. The pedestrian may have apparently attempted to run across Arlington Avenue toward the VFW Hall, when he was struck by a possibly light-colored truck or SUV. The pedestrian, who is in his 40s, was hospitalized with broken bones. Anyone with information about the driver or the suspect vehicle is asked to call police at 951-826-8723.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this hit-and-run car accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to the California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 86 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Riverside. In Riverside County as a whole, 203 people died and 7,974 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Laws

Based on this news report, it is not clear if the pedestrian darted into the street or if he was running across the street inside a crosswalk. Motorists are required by the law to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. However, regardless of who was at fault, the driver in this case should have stopped and remained at the scene.

California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Holding Drivers Accountable

Not only is it illegal to leave the scene of an injury accident, but it is also an inhumane and irresponsible act. This driver left an injured pedestrian lying on the street, exposed to further danger. Appalling! I trust authorities will soon apprehend this driver and bring him or her to justice. If you have any information about this incident, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and become eligible for a $1,000 reward.

Injured hit-and-run victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also inform victims about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the driver is not found, or, in a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

A 58-year-old man suffered major injuries in a San Diego car accident after a postal truck hit him as he was crossing the road. According to a 10News report, the injury collision occurred the afternoon of January 9, 2012 at the intersection of Gramercy Drive and Sandrock Road in San Diego. Officials say the westbound vehicle struck the man who was not walking in a marked crosswalk. The man was transported to an area hospital with bleeding in the brain, a leg fracture and shoulder injuries. The driver of the postal vehicle told officials that his vision had been blocked by a pickup truck turning into the driveway right before the crash. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the pedestrian who has apparently suffered a traumatic brain injury in this accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

San Diego Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 18 fatalities and 494 injuries involving San Diego pedestrian accidents. Countywide, 57 fatalities and 937 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents, during that same year.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, it appears that the pedestrian was crossing at an intersection. Officials, however, suspect that he was not walking in a crosswalk at the time. California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Fault and Liability

In this particular case, if the driver of the postal truck is determined to have been at fault, he and his employer can be held liable for the pedestrian's injuries and damages. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway can also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the incident.

Betty Dietz, 65, of Westminster, was killed in a pedestrian accident after she was struck by a trash truck in a residential neighborhood, the afternoon of December 29, 2011. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred in the 9000 block of Madison Avenue near Magnolia Street in Westminster. Police say the woman had forgotten to put some trash out and was trying to flag down the driver when she was hit. The driver of the Midway City Sanitary District did not see her and ran over her. Dietz was transported to an area hospital where she died from her injuries.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Betty Dietz for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 24 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in Westminster. During the same year, four fatalities and 465 injuries were reported due to Westminster car accidents. In Orange County as a whole, 141 people died and 13,373 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2009.

Causes and Compensation Issues

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to why this accident occurred. There are several questions here. Did the woman run in front of the trash truck? Was the trash truck driver distracted or negligent at the time? Was the truck driver traveling at an unsafe rate of speed? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine precisely why this accident occurred.

If the trash truck driver is determined to have been at fault, he and his employer can be held liable for Dietz's wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to truck accident victims or their families.

Patricia Ellen Riedy, 60, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after she was hit by a vehicle while crossing a roadway, the early morning of December 17, 2011. According to an NBC Los Angeles news report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred when Riedy was crossing Woodman Avenue in Panorama City. A black Ford Explorer, driven by 36-year-old Martha Cruz, struck Riedy. Officials say Riedy was crossing outside of a crosswalk south of Cantara Street. She died at the scene. Officials have charged Cruz with driving without a valid license. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Patricia Ellen Riedy for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 82 fatalities and 2,630 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles. During the same year, 179 people were killed and 4,918 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles County.

Pedestrians' Right-of-Way

Based on this news report, Riedy was outside a crosswalk at the time of the incident. California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Fault and Liability

The driver in this case did not have a valid license. I trust officials are also looking into whether she was under the influence, distracted, speeding, inattentive, fatigued or otherwise negligent at the time. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, she can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. In accidents where the at-fault motorist is uninsured, victims' families can seek compensation from the uninsured motorist clause of their own auto insurance policies. In such cases, an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims or their families about their legal rights and options.

Five people were injured, two critically, in a Los Angeles car accident, after they were hit by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Daily Breeze, the DUI collision occurred along the 110 Freeway near the 105 Freeway in South Los Angeles, during the early morning hours of December 15, 2011. California Highway Patrol officials say three men, who were attending to a flat tire, were being helped by a Good Samaritan and two of his passengers when a driver plowed into them. Of the five hospitalized victims, two were listed in critical condition. Officials say the male driver was under the influence of alcohol.

My thoughts and prayers are with the many injured victims of this Los Angeles car accident. I wish all of the victims here the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Los Angeles DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 83 people were killed and 2,218 were injured in alcohol-related car accidents in the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, there were 204 fatalities and 4,672 injuries reported as a result of DUI collisions, during the same year.

California DUI Laws

Based on this news report, officials gave the driver a breath test and determined that he was under the influence. Under California law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." The same section also states that it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher.

Liability Issues

Victims of drunk drivers would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of financially pursuing impaired drivers. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.

Lidia Carranza, 22, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred early morning on December 14, 2011 at the intersection of Polk Street and San Fernando Road in Sylmar. Carranza was transported to an area hospital where she died about five hours after the incident. Officials are investigating the cause of this fatal accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Lidia Carranza for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles claimed 82 lives and caused 2,630 injuries. Countywide, 179 people died and 4,918 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, this accident occurred at an intersection where there are marked crosswalks. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

Fault and Liability

I trust officials are looking into whether the driver involved in this accident was under the influence, distracted, inattentive, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, then, he or she can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

George W. Brown, 62, was severely injured in a San Diego car accident, which officials say involved a hit-and-run driver, the early morning of November 20, 2011. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the major injury collision occurred on Carlsbad Village Drive near Carlsbad Boulevard in Carlsbad. Officials found Brown unconscious and lying in the middle of the street with a head injury. He was transported to an area hospital. It was determined that his injuries were consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Carlsbad police are investigating the accident as a hit-and-run crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Josh Bubnis at 760-931-2158.

My heart goes out to the injured victim of this hit-and-run car accident. I wish George Brown the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 26 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Carlsbad. In San Diego County as a whole, 57 people died and 937 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Crash

Based on this news report, Brown was found lying in the middle of the roadway and officials suspect that a vehicle struck him. It appears that the driver failed to stop and render aid to the victim. Under California law, motorists involved in injury car accidents are required to immediately stop and remain at the scene. They are also required to exchange pertinent information with the other parties involved and most importantly, seek aid for the injured victim. In this case, the motorist failed to do none of the above. Instead, this individual just drove away leaving this man with head injuries lying on the roadway, exposed to further danger. Appalling!

Holding Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable

If you have any information about the vehicle or suspect, please visit our web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward. This site is part of our effort to partner with members of the community and to help law enforcement apprehend hit-and-run drivers.

Injured hit-and-run victims are often left facing costly medical bills and other expenses. Victims or their families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident attorney will also advise victims about how their own car insurance policy might apply to an incident where the hit-and-run driver is never found, or, in a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.