Personal Injury Q and A

Car accident between 54th Avenue N and 22nd Street N in St Petersburg Florida

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:55:55 +0000

This article is written by Guest Writer Kevin Craig. He is a financial writer for Oak View Law Group.

A couple had a narrow escape when a car driven by four drunken youths struck them. This major accident took place on 54th Avenue N. near 22nd street N. by the Cracker Barrel Old country store in St Petersburg Florida. The car came to a halt at the red light when these young boys overlooked the signal and crashed into the car with great speed.

The couple was saved because of security measures like seat belts and air bags in the car. After the investigation was complete, the accused had to give a penalty fee to the victim. The couple got the insurance claim after they placed the demand, as it was the fault of the other party involved in the accident.

After experiencing this devastating accident, they realized it was crucial for them to invest the money in an annuity. The money that they got as recovery they thought of investing it in an annuity.

Reason behind investing in an annuity:

There are few companies after your retirement that offers a pension plan to their employees. A fixed income can be generated from the investment plan. In order to achieve a well-secured future an annuity would be the best option for you to invest your hard-earned money.

The investment plan is flexible, as you can redesign the annuity as per your convenience. Generally, other investment plans are rigid and it cannot be molded according to the investor’s choice.

You can expect a certain type of return after you invest in it. You have the liberty to demand the amount you want as a return. Until you withdraw the annuity amount, it will not be considered as taxable income. This investment has an added advantage if you have sudden death then the money would be handed over to the beneficiary along with the interest amount.

Benefits of investing in Annuities:

1. While you invest the money in annuity you can reap the benefit of tax relief unless you take out the amount.

2. Investing in annuity is more flexible as it offers a palate of choice in the investment plan. Secured financial goal and long term objectives would be your priority while you think of investing as you have innumerable options in hand. The repayment plan can be of your choice too.

3. If you are planning to guard the future of your family then investing in an annuity would be a smart action. You not only save for post retirement life but you have a scope to support your family after your demise. So investing in annuity has positive parallel functions.

4. While investing in annuity it does not require investing a stipulated amount as there is no fixed amount that you need to contribute.

So the above reasons would be helpful in your case if you plan to invest your recovered amount in an annuity. As life is filled with uncertainty you need to save money in order to support your family as well as to have a financially secured future.

Author's Bio: This article is written by Guest Writer Kevin Craig. He is a financial writer for Oak View Law Group.

Anaheim Car Accident Causes Injuries

John — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:45:32 +0000

One person was injured in an Anaheim car accident involving four vehicles, The Orange County Register reports. California Highway Patrol officials say the collision occurred the morning of August 30, 2010 in the westbound lanes of the 91 Freeway near Lemon Street. The accident involved a Mercedes S 500, a Toyota Camry, a Toyota Yaris, and a Toyota Corolla. The Mercedes was at the tail end of the chain-reaction crash, officials said. The driver of the Mercedes was transported to an area hospital with injuries.

I am certainly relieved to hear that no one was killed in this Anaheim car accident. I hope the driver of the Mercedes did not sustain major injuries. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this crash and I wish the injured driver a complete and speedy recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 21 fatalities and 2,018 injuries occurred involving car accidents in Anaheim. In Orange County as a whole, 152 people were killed and 13,414 people were injured in car accidents during the same year.

Accident Causes and Compensation Issues

It is unclear from the initial reports what caused this four-car collision. It appears that all four vehicles were in the same lane at the time of the accident. It is possible in this case the first car had to brake suddenly and the vehicles following behind were either too close or were simply unable to stop in time. I trust investigators are looking into who was at fault here and also whether any one of the drivers was impaired, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent.

An accident that involves a number of vehicles and multiple victims can be extremely complex. Investigators often have to deal with conflicting statements in such cases. Injured victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Anaheim personal injury lawyer in these types of accidents. Victims should avoid talking to insurance adjusters or attorneys for other parties before they have talked to their own lawyer, who will look out for their best interests. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

What are the most common challenges faced by injured victims in the aftermath of a car accident?

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.

Los Angeles Car Accident Causes Injuries

Steve — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:55:33 +0000

Two people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident that involved three vehicles including a bus, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports. California Highway Patrol officials say the injury collision occurred on the westbound 10 Freeway east of Puente Avenue in Baldwin Park the morning of August 30, 2010. A Foothill Transit bus apparently struck a 2008 Nissan Altima, which in turn hit a Jeep Cherokee. Officials believe the bus or a 2004 Dodge Ram traveling on the freeway may have made an unsafe lane change triggering the chain reaction crash. A passenger on the bus and the driver of the Nissan sustained injuries, but they are expected to survive.

I'm relieved to hear that no one sustained serious or catastrophic injuries as a result of this crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) there were four fatalities and 289 injuries due to car accidents in Baldwin Park. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 deaths and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Law Relating to Unsafe Lane Changes

Based on this news report, it appears that one of the drivers involved in this crash made an unsafe lane change. California Vehicle Code Section 21658 (a) states that whenever a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction the vehicle "shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety."

Fault and Liability

If the bus driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, then, he and his employer, the transit company, could be held liable for the injuries caused to the bus passenger and the driver of the Nissan. If the driver of the Dodge was at fault, then, he or she could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused.

Accident victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of a crash and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of an accident or injury.

What are some of the dangerous driving practices you often see while driving?

Hit-and-Run Crash Injures Motorcyclist

John — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:40:09 +0000

A man was injured in a car accident in the San Francisco Bay Area after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver the evening of August 26, 2010. According to a news report in The Santa Cruz Sentinel, a black 2008 Ford Focus swerved in front of the motorcycle on Highway 1 causing a rear-end collision near Morrissey Boulevard. The Focus exited the freeway and continued on without contacting the authorities. The motorcyclist was hospitalized, but his injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.

I'm relieved to note that the motorcyclist did not sustain critical injuries in this crash. I wish the injured victim a complete and speedy recovery. I trust this hit-and-run driver will soon be apprehended and brought to justice. Please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com to learn more about our program, which aims to eradicate hit-and-run crashes in California.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but 33 personal injuries in Santa Cruz motorcycle accidents. In Santa Cruz County as a whole, seven people died and 139 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents.

Car Accident Laws

It is illegal under California law to leave the scene of an injury accident. 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."

It also appears that the Ford Focus may have made an unsafe lane change here. California Vehicle Code Section 21658 (a) states that whenever a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction the vehicle "shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety."

Claim for Compensation

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is apparent, it would be in the best interests of injured victims to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and make sure that their legal rights are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can also advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run crash or to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Have you ever been the victim of a hit-and-run crash?

Woman Killed in Hemet Car Accident

John — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:16:49 +0000

A car accident in Hemet left a 40-year-old woman dead and three other injured the afternoon of August 22, 2010. The Southwest Riverside News Network reports that the fatal crash occurred on Warren Road near Mustang Way. Three people were hospitalized with injuries in the crash, which involved three vehicles. Officials are trying to determine what caused this crash.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this deceased victim for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. They will be in my prayers. I also wish the injured victims a speedy and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

In Riverside County, 220 people died and 8,561 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Hemet, seven deaths and 416 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Causes and Compensation Issues

The cause of this tragic car accident is not evident from this news report. There are still several questions here. Were alcohol or drugs factors in this collision? Was one of the drivers distracted or driving recklessly? Was speed a factor? Did one of the drivers fail to yield right-of-way while making a turn?

In such cases victims and families of deceased victims can seek compensation from the at-fault party for medical or funeral expenses, lost income and other damages. In cases where multiple vehicles are involved, it is very important that victims or their families not talk to insurance adjusters or attorneys for other parties. It is also important that you do not enter into settlement agreements hastily. Remember, once you sign a settlement, any expenses you incur afterward comes out of your pocket.

It would be in the best interests of victims and their families to seek the counsel of a reputed Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to tell them how their own car insurance policy might apply in an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What are some of the biggest challenges faced by injured victims and their families in the aftermath of a crash?

Stop Sign Violation by Suspected Drunk Driver Proves Fatal

John — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 00:11:48 +0000

An 18-year-old passenger identified as Luis Camacho sustained fatal injuries in what officials say was a DUI collision in Porterville the evening of August 23, 2010. The Porterville Recorder reports that the fatal crash happened at the intersection of Avenue 228 and Road 36 when the 18-year-old Victor Anguiano, driving a Chevy Astro van, ran a stop sign and broadsided a truck driven by Valentin Ramirez, 37. He and his passenger escaped unscathed. Anguiano is facing felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter charges.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Luis Camacho. They will be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm relieved to hear the other driver and his passenger were unharmed. This collision could definitely have been a lot worse.

Underage Drinking

According to statistics from the National Institute of Health, each year, about 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking. Of those, about 1,900 die as a result of car accidents. In Tulare County, 21 people died and 214 were injured in 2008 as a result of alcohol-related crashes, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics.

DUI and Vehicular Manslaughter

It is illegal for anyone below the age of 21 to consume alcohol. It is against the law for any one to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a). In addition, Anguiano also drove through a stop sign, which is a serious traffic violation under California Vehicle Code section 21802 (a).

Liability Issues

In drunk driving cases, drivers who are found guilty not only face criminal charges, but can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims or families of DUI victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options.

Is underage drinking a problem in your community?

San Diego Car Accident Injures Two

Steve — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:38:00 +0000

Two male drivers sustained injuries in a San Diego car accident after their vehicles collided head-on, the morning of August 20, 2010. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the major injury collision occurred on Friars Road near Fenton Parkway in Mission Valley, when a 70-year-old driver of a Ford F-150 pickup truck swerved into opposing lanes of traffic and hit a four-door Dodge Stratus, driven by a 25-year-old man. The younger driver suffered broken thigh bones in both legs and the elderly driver shattered his thigh bone, ribs, hand and foot. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to both these injured victims. It is indeed a relief that neither one of the men sustained life-threatening injuries here. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 246 people were killed and 13,527 people were injured in San Diego County as a result of car accidents. Also, 81 fatalities and 6,123 injuries were reported in San Diego due to car accidents during the same year.

Laws And Liability Issues

According to California Vehicle Code section 21651 (a) "whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful…to drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section."

In this particular case, it is not clear what caused the elderly driver to cross into opposing lanes of traffic. Was he under the influence? Was he distracted? Did he have a medical condition? Was he speeding or driving recklessly? These are important questions to ask in order to determine the cause of the accident.

If the driver of the pickup truck is determined to have caused the accident, then, he could be held liable for the injuries caused to the other driver. Injured victims in such cases could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims about how to pursue their legal rights.

What defensive driving techniques do you practice when you drive? We would like to hear your tips and suggestions for safe driving.

Bicyclist Injured in Los Angeles Car Accident

John — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:30:41 +0000

A bicyclist was injured in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a car on the onramp to the 605 Freeway in Whittier. According to a City News Service report, the injury collision occurred the night of August 24, 2010 on the eastbound Whittier Boulevard onramp to the northbound 605 Freeway. California Highway Patrol officials said the bicyclist was westbound on the eastbound sidewalk of Whittier Boulevard without any lights on, when he struck a vehicle that was going up the onramp. The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital for treatment with unknown injuries.

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

Bicycle Accidents

There were no fatalities, but 28 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Whittier, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County as a whole, 33 people died and 3,315 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that CHP officials believe the bicyclist was at fault. 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."

In cases where the driver is at fault, he or she could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused to the bicyclist. A number of bicycle accidents also occur because of dangerous or defective roadways. In such cases, the city or governmental agencies responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

If a victim has been injured as a result of someone else's negligence, he or she can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages. An experiencedLos Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise injured victims or their families about their legal rights and options.

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

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?

Los Angeles Car Accident Kills Pedestrian

Steve — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:42:10 +0000

Alberto Sandoval, 49, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a pickup truck August 21, 2010, City News Service reports. Los Angeles police officials say the fatal crash occurred when Paula Larene Dautremont, a 58-year-old woman, was driving westbound on Foothill Boulevard in Lake View Terrace. Her vehicle hit a parked pickup truck, and then hit the pedestrian, Sandoval. He was fatally injured and Dautremont was hospitalized with injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everybody who knew and loved Alberto Sandoval. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There were 104 deaths and 2,716 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County as a whole, 214 people were killed and 4,985 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not clear at this point how or why this tragic accident occurred. There are several unanswered questions here. Why did Dautremont lose control of her vehicle? Did she suffer a medical condition? Was she under the influence? Was she distracted or speeding at the time? It is also not clear where Sandoval was walking at the time of the collision. Was he attempting to cross the road? Was he walking on the side of the road? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine exactly what occurred here.

If Dautremont is determined to have been at fault, then, she could be held liable for the accident and Sandoval's wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased accident victims can seek compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

A skilled Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway may have caused or contributed to the collision. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

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