Personal Injury Q and A » Uncategorized

Santa Ana Car Accident Injures Two

Steve — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:19:06 +0000

Two people sustained injuries in a Santa Ana car accident that involved four vehicles the morning of September 3, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred on the southbound 55 Freeway near 4th Street. A black Nissan, a gold Dodge pickup truck, and two Toyota sedans were involved in this collision. California Highway Patrol officials say the chain-reaction crash was triggered by an initial rear-end collision. Officials are still investigating the incident to determine who was at fault.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone injured in this Santa Ana car crash. I wish them all a complete and speedy recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to the CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 15 people were killed and 1,365 were injured in Santa Ana car accidents. In Orange County as a whole, 152 deaths and 13,414 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents are often caused by drivers following too close behind another vehicle or by distracted drivers. California Vehicle Code Section 21703 states: "The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway." California Vehicle Code Section 21704 also states that the driver "shall keep the vehicle he is driving at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear of any other motor vehicle subject to such speed restriction which is preceding it."

Liability Issues
In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to consult an experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable for their actions. Accidents involving multiple vehicles and multiple victims are usually complex. It is critical that injured victims refrain from speaking with insurance adjusters or attorneys for other parties until they have spoken to their own lawyer, who will fight for their rights and uphold their best interests. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

What precautions do you take while driving in order to avoid rear-end collisions?

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

Woman Killed in Orange County Car Accident

Steve — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 22:54:23 +0000

A 57-year-old woman who was killed in an Orange County car accident the night of September 1, 2010, has been identified as Eloisa Aguilar. The Orange County Register reports that the fatal crash happened in the 2600 block of Harbor Boulevard in Santa Ana, when a 19-year-old driver in a Toyota Scion ran a red light, lost control of his car, veered into the curb and struck Aguilar, who was walking on the sidewalk. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police believe speed and impairment may have been factors in this collision. An investigation is ongoing.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends of Eloisa Aguilar for their devastating loss. This grieving family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

DUI Statistics

There were seven fatalities and 164 injuries involving DUI collisions in Santa Ana in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Orange County, 62 people died and 1,492 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes in 2008.

Laws and Compensation Issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver may have been under the influence, was possibly speeding and ran a red light – all of which are serious violations under California law. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a).

Running a red light is a serious violation as well. California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown."

If determined to have been at fault, this teen driver could not only face criminal charges, but could also be held civilly responsible for Aguilar's wrongful death. An experienced
Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise families of deceased victims, in these types of car accidents, about filing wrongful death claims.

What tips or suggestions would you offer pedestrians who are walking late at night? What are some of the signs or potential dangers they should look out for?

Hit-and-Run Collision Injures Bicyclist

Steve — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:39:10 +0000

A 56-year-old Rancho Cucamonga man sustained major injuries in a San Bernardino car accident, when he was struck by a pickup truck while riding his bicycle the night of August 21, 2010. The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reports that the bicyclist was hit at the intersection of 19th Street and Eastwood Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga. The bicycle accident victim suffered head trauma although he was wearing a helmet. The truck that hit the bicyclist left the scene.

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Authorities are searching for the hit-and-run vehicle -- a gold-colored Nissan Frontier that continued west on 19th Street after the collision. The pickup's front right tire was blown in the crash and there may be damage on the front-passenger side. Anyone with additional information should contact the Rancho Cucamonga Station at 909-477-2800. Please also visit our web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to find out how you can collect a reward for your anonymous tip relating to this or any other hit-and-run accident.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured bicyclist and his family. I wish him the very best for a complete and speedy recovery. I truly hope that officials will soon apprehend this hit-and-run driver and bring him or her to justice.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one fatality and 18 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents in Rancho Cucamonga. In San Bernardino County, eight people died and 274 were injured due to bicycle accidents during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Law

The act of hitting someone with a vehicle and then leaving that person critically injured or dying on the roadway is not only unconscionable, but is also illegal under California law. California Vehicle Code 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."

Liability Issues

In such cases, accident victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino 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 lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for bicyclists in your city or neighborhood?

Fresno Area Car Accident Injures Police Officer

Steve — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:52:40 +0000

Madera County Sheriff's Deputy Homer Puga sustained major injuries in a Fresno car accident after colliding with another vehicle that was making a left turn. According to a CBS News report, the injury crash occurred the evening of August 16, 2010 at the intersection of Road 222 and Dorstan Drive, near Bass Lake.

Puga was responding to an emergency call when he struck a vehicle driven by Cameron Taylor that was making a left turn from Road 222 onto Dorstan Drive. Puga's patrol car went off the road, struck a tree and caught fire. Puga sustained major injuries while Taylor's pregnant girlfriend, Melissa Skallerud, suffered minor injuries. Her fetus was not harmed. There is an investigation underway to determine how fast the two vehicles were traveling and who was at fault.

It is indeed fortunate that Puga and Skallerud did not suffer life-threatening injuries. I wish both of them the very best for a quick and complete recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with them following this car accident.

Madera County Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 21 fatalities and 464 personal injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Madera County. Also, countywide, 32 people died and 626 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Fault and Liability

Based on this news report, it appears that both the patrol car and Taylor's vehicle were traveling in the same direction. There are several questions here. How fast were the vehicles traveling? Did the patrol vehicle rear-end Taylor's car? How fast was the patrol car traveling? Were the lights and sirens on? Did Taylor make a sudden left turn? Did Taylor fail to yield right-of-way to an emergency vehicle? I trust officials are looking at these and other aspects of the case in order to determine who was at fault here.

An experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options. If this accident was Taylor's fault then he could be held liable for Puga's injuries. If Puga was at fault, then he and his employer – the sheriff's department – could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused to the others. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injuries.

What precautions do you take when you encounter emergency vehicles on the roadway?

Accident in Visalia Injures Five

John — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 07:59:33 +0000

A car accident in Visalia resulted in injuries for five people on August 7, 2010. The Paso Robles Press reports that the accident happened when Megan M. Lira, lost control of her Chevy Malibu while driving in the westbound lane of Highway 46. California Highway Patrol officials say she hit the brakes to stop from rear-ending a Chevrolet pickup truck, and lost control of the car. The pickup truck had slowed ahead of Lira's car. The Malibu then swerved into the eastbound lanes and struck a Chevy Silverado driven by Paul Greidanus. Lira and three of her passengers were injured. One of the children in her car sustained major injuries. Greidanus also sustained neck injuries. Officials are looking into what caused Lira to lose control of her vehicle.

I hope no one suffered catastrophic injuries in this car accident. I pray that all the injured victims recover quickly and completely.

There were 65 fatalities and 1,724 injuries reported in 2008 as a result of car accidents in Tulare County, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Visalia, seven people died and 492 sustained personal injuries due to car accidents in 2008.

Causes and Compensation

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear why Lira was unable to slow down in time to avoid the crash. Officials say she braked hard because a vehicle ahead of her was slowing down. Was Lira traveling at an unsafe speed given the traffic conditions on the highway? Was she impaired, distracted or otherwise negligent at the time? It is also important here to determine if there was any negligence on the part of the driver of the Chevy pickup truck who had slowed down suddenly.

The motorist who is determined to have been at fault for this collision could be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused to the other victims.

In these types of accidents, where there are several vehicles and several victims involved, the injured victims and their families would be well-served to consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will remain on their side and fight for their rights. It is in the best interests of the victims that they do not talk to insurance adjusters or attorneys for the other parties. Also, please remember not to sign any papers or enter into a settlement without first talking to your car accident lawyer. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

How much distance do you keep between yourself and the car in front of you on the highway?

Toddler Drowns in Backyard Swimming Pool

John — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 23:15:55 +0000

Angelo Jeffers, 3, died in a swimming pool accident in the backyard of a San Bernardino home, the night of August 8, 2010. According to a news report in The San Bernardino County Sun, Angelo was found at the bottom of the deep end of the swimming pool. The child and his parents were visiting residents in the 700 block of Long Beach Drive in Colton when, officials say, the boy wandered away into the pool. Angelo was transported to a regional hospital where he was pronounced dead the following morning.

My heart goes out to the parents and family members of little Angelo Jeffers. I offer them my deepest condolences for their tragic loss. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Swimming Pool Drowning Incidents

A majority of swimming pool drowning incidents involves children under 5. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 350 children under 5 years of age drown each year in swimming pools, a great number of them in residential pools. The federal agency also estimates that another 2,600 children under age 5 are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year following submersion incidents. Some of these submersions or near-drowning incidents result in severe brain injury and permanent brain damage.

Safety Measures

We see a number of tragic drowning incidents involving toddlers each year. What is even more tragic about these incidents is that they are entirely preventable. When you have a swimming pool and children at home or young children visiting your home, it is important to have "layers of protection." This includes having a gate around your pool and keeping it locked at all times. Installing pool alarms will alert you to any activity around the pool area. But most importantly, parents or caregivers cannot afford to leave their children unsupervised, even if it is for a very short time.

Please remember that if a child drowns on your property while visiting or under your watch, you could be held liable. If your child has been injured in a swimming pool accident, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer to find out more information about your legal rights and options.

What are some safeguards you have in place in your home to avoid swimming pool accidents?

San Bernardino Car Accident Kills Pedestrian

John — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 23:04:47 +0000

Sandra Dawn Cox, 48, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road. According to a news report in The San Bernardino County Sun, the fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 62 and Encelia Avenue the evening of August 8, 2010. Cox was walking across the highway and was struck by a westbound 2005 Chrysler 300, which was being driven by 19-year-old Lacey Barker. An investigation is ongoing.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Sandra Dawn Cox for their tremendous loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one fatality and five injuries were reported due to pedestrian accidents in Twentynine Palms. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 39 people were killed and 432 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Pedestrian Laws

Based on this news report, it is not clear why this fatal collision occurred. Was the young driver of the Chrysler impaired, distracted, speeding or driving recklessly at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the fatal accident?

Motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are 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."

Liability Issues

If the driver is determined to have been at fault for this accident, then, she could be held liable for Cox's wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims could seek compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer will be able to advise families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

What are some of the most dangerous intersections in your city for pedestrians?

Police Officer Injured in Tulare County DUI Collision

Steve — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:22:34 +0000

Sheriff's Deputy Benjamin Quintana was injured in a car accident after a van crossed the center line on Avenue 328 and hit his patrol car head on. The Fresno Bee reports that the van's driver, a 25-year-old man from Orosi, was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The van was traveling eastbound on Avenue 328, near Highway 63, the morning of August 2, 2010, when it entered opposing traffic lanes and struck the patrol car. The driver of the van was not injured in the crash.

I am relieved to hear that this car collision did not result in serious injuries to the deputy. I wish him a complete and swift recovery.

Car accident statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 65 fatalities and 1,724 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Tulare County. Of those accidents, 21 fatalities and 214 injuries were caused by DUI collisions.

Drunk Driving Laws and Liability Issues

It is illegal under California law to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. 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."

If the driver of the van is determined to have been under the influence, then, he could face criminal charges and be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused in the crash. Victims in such cases may recover medical expenses, payment for time away from work, pain and suffering, and other related damages. It is in the best interests of those injured in DUI collisions to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record holding drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive initial consultation to injured victims and their families.

Do you believe that drunk driving is a problem in your community?

Los Angeles Metro Train Crash Leaves Eight Injured

Steve — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:38:12 +0000

Eight people were injured the morning of July 30, 2010 in a Los Angeles train accident after a Blue Line commuter train collided with a Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus in downtown Los Angeles. According to an Associated Press news report, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Broadway and Washington Boulevard. Six people riding the MTA bus were injured and two people riding the Blue line train were hurt in this train versus bus collision. Four of the victims were hospitalized. An investigation is ongoing.

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I am relieved to hear that none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. I wish all the injured victims the very best for a speedy and full recovery. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to the Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis (FRAOSA), there were 99 train accidents in California in 2009. In 2008, the FRAOSA reported that 25 people lost their lives in 118 California train accidents. About 1,300 people are injured in California bus accidents each year.

Causes and Liability Issues

It is unclear from this report whether the MTA bus or the train caused this particular accident. Transportation companies – whether they are public or private carriers -- can be held liable for the injuries suffered in crashes involving their vehicles. California law charges transit companies with the "utmost duty of care" to passengers. This essentially means that these transit companies bear the ultimate responsibility for the safe transport of their passengers.

In this particular case, there are still several questions unanswered. It appears that the accident occurred at a crossing. Did one of the vehicles fail to yield right-of-way? Did one of the drivers run a red light? Was either one of the drivers impaired, distracted, inattentive or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision? The driver who was at fault and their employer could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused here. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options.

Do you feel safe taking public transport in your city?

Fatal Los Angeles Car Accident

John — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 23:05:25 +0000

A 15-year-old boy who was fatally injured in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles has been identified as Eric Gilhooley. The Santa Clarita Signal reports that the fatal collision occurred the morning of July 18, 2010 when the driver of a Chevy Suburban SUV lost control of the vehicle, which then jumped over a sidewalk and struck the teenager. Eric was pronounced dead at the scene. So far no arrests have been made in connection with this incident. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved Eric Gilhooley. I offer my deepest sympathies, especially, to his grieving family members. They will be in my prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

Eleven deaths and 552 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Santa Clarita, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

What Caused this Tragic Accident?

It is not clear from this report how or why the driver of the Suburban lost control. Based on preliminary investigations, officials say drugs or alcohol were not factors in this crash. It is not clear whether the driver of the SUV was speeding or driving recklessly at the time of the collision. Did a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction cause the vehicle to go out of control?

In such cases, family members of deceased victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Los Angeles, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable for their actions. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship and other related damages.

What are some of the most common hazards pedestrians face on our roadways?