California Car Accident Reports

Two Killed in Bakersfield Car Accident

Steve — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:02:57 +0000

Robert Junyor, 36, and his girlfriend Brentina Dawn French, 43, were killed in a Bakersfield car accident after their 1997 Isuzu Rodeo was struck by another vehicle and plunged into a canal. According to a news report in The Californian, the tragic car accident occurred the night of March 6, 2010, when the driver of a Chrysler PT Cruiser broadsided the SUV at the intersection of Lerdo Highway and Zerker Road.

Tragic Car Accident

Junyor and French were trapped inside the SUV and died. The driver, Brian Jones, managed to escape with moderate injuries. Two occupants of the PT Cruiser - the driver, 22-year-old Anthony Snelson, and his passenger, Felicia Cardiel, 20, who suffered major leg injuries, were both taken to a local hospital. Another passenger, 21-year-old Anthony Barnhart, suffered minor injuries. It was initially reported that the PT Cruiser ran a stop sign and struck the SUV, but officials later said that the PT Cruiser did stop at the sign before hitting the SUV. Authorities say alcohol or drugs were not involved. No arrests have been made pending an investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Robert Junyor and Dawn French for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your prayers. I also wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Right-of-Way Issues

This news account does not provide information on what exactly caused the fatal car accident. It appears one of the two drivers failed to yield right-of-way and I trust officials are looking into which one of them was at fault. If Snelson was at fault, he could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries and fatalities. If Jones was at fault, then he could be held responsible. If there was a dangerous condition on that roadway, which caused or contributed to this accident, then the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Any claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Victims and their families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer should also be able to advise injured victims and their families about how their own car insurance policy applies to a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

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.

Bicyclist Killed in Sacramento Bus Accident

John — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:01:42 +0000

A man killed in a Sacramento bicycle accident the afternoon of March 6, 2010, after a Regional Transit bus struck his bicycle, has been identified as 46-year-old William Detore. According to a news report in the Sacramento Bee, the bus was westbound on L Street close to 5th Street, when the fatal collision occurred. Detore died at the scene. Police say a preliminary investigation shows that the accident was probably not the bus driver's fault although no final determination has been made yet.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of William Detore for their terrible loss. They will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sacramento Bicycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 271 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Sacramento. Also, in Sacramento County as a whole, six people died and 569 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not exactly clear whose fault this bicycle versus bus accident was. Officials say no "final determination" has been made. Police plan to examine the video cameras on the bus to help them with the accident reconstruction. I trust they will be looking into who had the right-of-way at the time of the collision and also whether the bus driver was impaired, distracted or in any way negligent at the time.

Laws and Liability Issues

Under California law, bicyclists are subject to the same rights and responsibilities as the driver of any other vehicle on the roadway. California Vehicle Code Section 21200(a) states: "Every person riding a bicycle has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division."

However, if the bus driver is determined to have been at fault for this fatal bicycle accident, the transit authority could be held liable. If there was a dangerous condition on the roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable as well. Please remember that any such claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

San Diego Car Accident Caused by Roadway Debris

John — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:26:31 +0000

A piece of furniture on the roadway caused a San Diego car accident injuring a female driver. The North County Times reports that the injury collision between a car and a big rig occurred the night of March 1, 2010. The driver of the large truck slowed down when he saw a dresser in traffic lanes of the 15 Freeway in Escondido, and came to a stop. The 17-year-old woman who was driving a Toyota right behind the big rig could not stop in time and crashed into the back of the truck. She sustained injuries, but they are not believed to be life-threatening. According to other drivers, a pickup truck, moments earlier, had dropped the dresser in traffic lanes. Eyewitnesses said the driver of the pickup did not stop or notify authorities.

I'm relieved to hear that there were no serious injuries as a result of this car accident. This could have been a lot worse had the driver of the Toyota crashed into the big rig at a higher rate of speed. I wish her the very best for a quick recovery from her injuries.

San Diego Car Accidents

Ten fatalities and 732 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Escondido, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 246 deaths and 13,527 injuries occurred due to car accidents during the same year.

Liability in Roadway Debris Cases

According to California Vehicle Code section 23112 (a) states: "No person shall throw or deposit, nor shall the registered owner or the driver, if such owner is not then present in the vehicle, aid or abet in the throwing or depositing upon any highway any bottle, can, garbage, glass, nail, offal, paper, wire, any substance likely to injure or damage traffic using the highway, or any noisome, nauseous, or offensive matter of any kind."

Still, hundreds of deaths occur each year in the United States because of debris on the roadway. The California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans) says highway debris has caused 155 California traffic accident deaths just over the last two years.

Individuals who are injured in such car accidents would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled roadway debris cases. A skilled car accident lawyer should inform victims and their families how their car insurance policy will apply to such roadway accidents. Please remember that even if the responsible party is never identified or found, the uninsured motorist provision of an auto insurance policy may compensate the injured victim or his/her family.

Orange County DUI Car Accident Injures Elderly Couple

John — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:00:24 +0000

A March 1, 2010 Orange County car accident that injured an elderly couple was caused by a suspected drunk driver who is also an Orange County Sheriff's deputy. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the crash injured Benjamin and Dolores Molina. Deputy Allan James Waters was driving his 2008 Mercedes erratically on the Street of the Golden Lantern, in Laguna Niguel, when he made an unsafe turn to the right striking the Molinas' Toyota. The car crashed into a tree. Dolores Molina was hospitalized with injuries.

Second Crash of the Night

Apparently, this was not Waters' first accident that day. The officer who was already on paid administrative leave had crashed into a Lexus just 33 minutes before hitting the Molinas' Toyota. A sheriff's deputy took a report and sent the drivers on the way. The department is now looking into whether officers missed signs of intoxication in Waters during the earlier crash or whether they gave their co-worker a break. After the second crash involving the Molinas, Waters was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. An investigation is underway.

My heart goes out to Benjamin and Dolores Molina. I hope their injuries were not serious and I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. They will be in my prayers. Apparently, another driver was following Waters and called 911 because she was concerned about his erratic driving. Sadly, the DUI collision involving the Molinas occurred before help arrived.

DUI Laws in California

California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: "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 code section also states that it is illegal for any person with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more to drive a vehicle.

Liability Issues

Based on this report, the sheriff's deputy was not on duty. But it is puzzling why he was let go barely a half hour before he drove erratically and caused this accident, which could have been deadly for the Molinas. I would urge the Orange County Sheriff's Department to thoroughly investigate this case and hold anyone who was negligent responsible. I hope Waters is held civilly and criminally responsible for his actions. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise the Molinas about their legal rights and options.

A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies to an incident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. If the Sheriff's Department is determined to have been responsible for letting a suspected drunk driver go, they could be held liable as well. Any claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury, under California law.

Fatal Fresno Car Accident Kills Motorcyclist

Steve — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:17:07 +0000

A 66-year-old man was killed in a Fresno car accident the morning of March 3, 2010 after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a vehicle. According to a news report in the Fresno Bee, the man was riding on Trimmer Springs Road near Pine Flat Road, when the fatal injury accident occurred. The 2009 Harley-Davidson motorcycle went into the path of a westbound 1996 Ford Taurus driven by 54-year-old Susan Adams. The motorcyclist was ejected from his bike. He was transported to a local hospital where he died. Adams was uninjured. California Highway Patrol officials said drugs or alcohol do not seem to have been a factor in this fatal motorcycle accident.

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

Fresno County Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records Systems (SWITRS), there were five fatalities and 71 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Fresno County. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 127 lives and injured 3,323 people in 2008.

Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not clear what caused the motorcyclist to lose control and crash. Was there a vehicle defect or a mechanical problem in his Harley Davidson? Was this person an experienced motorcyclist or was he just starting to ride motorcycles? Was there a dangerous condition on that roadway that caused this tragic accident? I trust investigators are looking into these and other factors to determine how or why this fatal motorcycle crash occurred. If the news report is accurate, the driver of the Ford Taurus could not avoid hitting the motorcyclist.

Auto Product Liability Issues

In such cases, victims' families should consider consulting an experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled motorcycle accident cases as well as auto product defect cases. The victim's family would be well-advised to preserve the motorcycle in its crashed condition, in tact, so it can be carefully examined by an expert for vehicle defects, mechanical malfunctions and other evidence.

If the accident was caused by a vehicle defect, the manufacturer of the defective product could be held liable. If the accident was caused by a dangerous or defective roadway, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable as well. Please remember that any such claim against a California governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

San Bernardino Car Accident Causes Major Injuries

John — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:00:45 +0000

A man was seriously injured in a San Bernardino car accident after he was struck by two cars while crossing Highway 18 in Apple Valley. According to a news report in the San Bernardino Sun, a driver was going east on Highway 18 at Kiowa Road the night of February 28, 2010 when a pedestrian walked in front of his car. Officials said the impact tossed the man into the air. A San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy driving behind the first vehicle also hit the pedestrian. Both drivers stopped to help the injured pedestrian. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment of major injuries. Anyone who witnessed this accident is asked to call San Bernardino Sheriff's officials at 760-240-7400.

I hope and pray that this pedestrian did not sustain catastrophic injuries in this accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There were two fatalities and seven injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Apple Valley in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In San Bernardino County as a whole, 39 fatalities and 432 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

What Caused this Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly why or how this individual stepped in front of the cars. It seems based on this article that the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk. However, if I were a member of this man's family, I'd want to find out exactly where he was on the roadway at the time of the collision. Pedestrians have a responsibility to cross the street legally and walk only in areas that are designated for pedestrians just as motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

Liability Issues

If an investigation determines that the drivers were at-fault or partly at-fault for the accident, then they could be held liable as well. In the case of the on-duty officer, if he is determined to have been at-fault, his employer (the sheriff's department) could be held liable as well. If this accident was caused by a dangerous condition on the roadway, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held responsible for the accident and injuries caused. Any such claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options in such cases.

How To Choose A DUI Defense Attorney Or Firm

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:29:32 +0000

Choosing a DUI defense lawyer for your DUI charge can be tricky as well as confusing, especially for those who have no prior drunk driving charge or conviction on their record. It is important that a defense attorney is chosen with care and after some research so you know that he/she will be able to defend you in court successfully. Here are some tips to help you find a DUI attorney in any State without getting in trouble:

Go for a DUI defense lawyer, not just any lawyer

This is the first and most important thing to consider; do not treat all lawyers equal. DUI is a specialized field, which comes under criminal law, and needs the services of a specialized DUI defense lawyer. Therefore, make sure you hire a DUI attorney in the state where you have been charged with drunk driving.

Check for books and articles written by the attorney

Publishers usually publish the work of those who are experienced in their field and have several years of experience. A newbie lawyer or attorney will not have enough confidence and knowledge to write books or articles in his field and have them published. You should know that the work of attorneys and lawyers is recognized and used by judges to improve their expertise in the particular field. Therefore, go with a firm or lawyer who has successfully written a dozen of articles or publications on DUI laws.

Ask and check for experience

When it comes to defending DUI cases, experience is the most important thing to consider when looking for a capable DUI defense lawyer or firm. If you plan to go with a firm, ask them about their associates and how experienced they are. On the other hand, a lawyer should be able to give you figures about the number of felony trials they have handled, DUI convictions and so on. The more experience a firm or lawyer has, and that too in the area where you have been charged, the better they will be.

Check if the lawyer is specially trained in DUI Field Sobriety Testing

A capable lawyer will most likely have taken a police training course for Standardized Field Sobriety Testing in accordance with the rules set by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). If the lawyer who is representing you is not trained in DUI Field Sobriety Testing, then he / she will have little knowlegde about how to defend you if you are facing a loss of your driving privileges by failing a field sobriety test. Therefore, it is important that you hire a lawyer who has taken a 3 day police course for Field Sobriety Testing.

Choose a nationally recognized lawyer

As already mentioned, choose your defense lawyer wisely, especially if you are facing a DUI charge for the first time. A good lawyer can prevent the charge from becoming a conviction and leaving a horrible mark on your record. Just like you would want to go to the best doctor to get treatment for an illness, you should hire a nationally recognized DUI lawyer to handle your case.

Choose a lawyer who is a member of the National College for DUI Defense

NCDD (National College for DUI Defense) is a recognized national organization for committed DUI defense lawyers. NCDD only accepts a lawyer or attorney who has been recommended by at least 2 judges or lawyers as a specialist in DUI defense. If your lawyer is not an active member of NCDD, you may have to reconsider your option.

Does your lawyer understand your concerns?

This is another very important thing to consider when hiring a DUI lawyer for your case. You should personally meet the lawyer and discuss all the points of your case with him/her in detail. If your lawyer is too busy or does not have time to discuss your concerns with you, you will end up with a weak defense. You and your lawyer must be comfortable with each other and should plan out a defense strategy together.

Look for client testimonials

You can only be sure about your lawyers capabilities if he/she shares their client testimonials or provide you appraisals. In most cases, you can easily find testimonials and comments about DUI lawyers online on websites like My DUI Attorney, helping you in your search for a capable defense attorney.

California Personal Injury Attorneys File Product Liability Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Subaru

John — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:15:26 +0000

The California personal injury lawyers of BISNAR | CHASE filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Subaru of America, Inc., Fuji Heavy Industries LTD. of Japan and Autoliv North America, alleging that the 2001 Subaru Forester manufactured and sold Subaru of America contained defective parts which failed to protect its passengers and lead to the wrongful death of Lisa Ann Thayer.

Lisa Ann Thayer was driving her 2001 Subaru Forester west on Interstate I-40 in San Bernardino County, California on October 27, 2006, when Lisa lost control of the vehicle. The forester veered onto the shoulder of the road, rotated clockwise, and spun across both lanes of traffic. The event ended in a rollover crash that left the vehicle upside down on its roof. Lisa was properly restrained in the driver's seat of the vehicle, but her seatbelt webbing tore, forcing her to be thrown about the rolling vehicle and eventually ejected with catastrophic injuries. Lisa died in this crash and her daughter, Emma, who was a passenger at the time, sustained severe permanent injury.

"We allege the 2001 Subaru Forester Lisa was driving at the time of her death was defective in a multitude of ways and these auto defects, in combination, ultimately caused her demise, said John Bisnar of BISNAR | CHASE. "The alleged defects include, but are not limited to, a defective restraint system, a defective window system, insufficient strength and structural integrity to withstand roof crushing forces, and insufficient lateral and roll stability."

Subaru Did Not Act to Improve Auto Defects

"We contend the defendants knew about these defects yet they did nothing to warn Lisa, or the general public, about these defects," Bisnar said, referring to studies conducted since 1970 which showed the use of unsupported, tempered glass in side and rear windows of vehicles to be insufficient protection for passengers, should they be involved in a rollover accident. Vehicles with defects of this variety do not prevent the ejection of passengers, as was the case with Lisa Thayer.

In 1970, Roger P. Daniels, a Ford research engineer, published a paper describing a metal framework with laminated glass or ejection resistant glazing that would better restrain passengers and prevent ejection. Further, six separate reports were published between 1984 and 2001 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which discussed vehicle designs, such as those posed by Roger Daniels, that are safety recommendations to avoid ejection.

The lawsuit claims that the defendants knew about the data, failed to act in accordance with recommendations, and falsely misrepresented test data to make their vehicles' safety systems appear safe. By doing so, they have continued to expose occupants of their defective vehicles to serious head and spinal injuries in order to avoid cost penalties. The Thayers are only one example of the tragedies that have arisen from Subaru's carelessness.

The action seeks damages for Emma Thayer, the daughter and successor to her mother's estate, for the wrongful death of her mother, personal injuries, pain and suffering, past and continued medical expenses, loss of past and future earnings and earning capacity. The lawsuit is pending in the Superior Court of California, Orange county.

You can find more information about this case at California Auto Defect Lawyers File Product Liability Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Subaru. Also, be sure to stay current with BISNAR | CHASE press releases .

San Francisco Area Car Accident Involves Drunk Driver

John — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:40:30 +0000

James Ortega, 23, was killed in a San Francisco car accident when the driver of the car in which he was a passenger, lost control and crashed. California Highway Patrol authorities have arrested the driver, 24-year-old Donald Arrodondo on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and drunk driving after the fatal car accident, which occurred early morning on February 28, 2010.

According to a news report in The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Ortega was a front seat passenger in a 2006 Mazda and 24-year-old Chrystina Swan was in the back seat. Arrodondo lost control of the car driving on Frei Road, near Graton, and crashed into a tree and a fence. The car was crushed and wrapped around the tree. Swan was able to crawl out, but Ortega and Arrodondo had to be extricated from the wreckage. Arrodondo was transported to a hospital with injuries, while Ortega was pronounced dead at the scene.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of James Ortega for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. It is indeed fortunate that the other passenger, Swan, escaped without serious injury. Please keep Ortega's family in your thoughts and prayers.

DUI Car Collisions

According to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were a total of 36 fatalities and 1,988 injuries involving car accidents reported in Sonoma County in 2008. Out of those, 17 deaths and 264 injuries were DUI collisions, according to the report.

Drunk Driving Laws

Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California law. 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."
A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges, as Arrodondo does in this case.

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."

Getting Legal Counsel

Victims in DUI collisions or their families would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record of financially pursuing drunk and negligent drivers. A knowledgeable car accident attorney in San Francisco will also advise the victim's family about how their own car insurance policy applies to an accident case that involves an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Why Do Auto Makers Still Have Defective Automobiles?

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:56:55 +0000

A defective auto can leave victims with catastrophic or fatal personal injuries. Auto defects can be found in a number of different makes and models. Even with the advancements in technology and manufacturing auto product liability cases continue to occur.

The reason why auto defects continue to happen is because corporations have continued to put profit over safety. A number of automobile manufacturers have continued to profit from cars that are using a 20 or 30 year old platform. That brand new car you drove off the lot last week could have a 30 year old platform under the skin.

Accident victims who have suffered serious personal injury are well advised to seek the council of an experienced California catastrophic injury lawyer. A skilled products liability lawyer will help accident victims receive a just settlement.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to an auto defect you can request a free copy of, "Still Unsafe At Any Speed." This book is offered at no cost to accident victims and will provide you with valuable information regarding common defects.