Geronimo Hernandez, 68, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say involved a suspected drunk driver, the night of May 13, 2012. According to a City News Service report, the fatal car accident occurred on the 105 Freeway near Long Beach Boulevard in Lynwood. California Highway Patrol officials say a 48-year-old woman was driving a 2008 Toyota Tundra pickup truck in the number four lane when she veered to the right and her vehicle hit a tow truck that was stopped on the freeway's right shoulder. The driver of the tow truck was assisting a disabled vehicle.

Hernandez, the woman's passenger, was ejected from the vehicle and died at an area hospital from his injuries. Officials suspect that Hernandez was not wearing his seatbelt. The Tundra also collided with a 2012 Lexus SUV and a 1993 Chevy El Camino that were both westbound on the freeway. However, no one else was injured. The female driver of the Tundra was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI. The investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Geronimo Hernandez for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. It is indeed fortunate that no one else was seriously injured in this crash.

Alcohol-Related Collisions

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 21 injuries involving DUI collisions in Lynwood. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 204 people died and 4,672 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes, during the same year.

California DUI Laws

Based on this news account, it appears that the driver of the Toyota Tundra swerved and caused the crash because she was driving under the influence. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal 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 under California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a).

Compensation for Victims' Families

In this particular case, it is not clear if Hernandez was in fact not buckled up or whether he was ejected due to a defective seat restraint system. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of love and companionship. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will better advise victims or 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 4-year-old boy was injured in a Riverside County car accident when a pickup struck him as he crossed the street. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the pedestrian accident occurred at Fred Waring Drive and San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert, the night of May 13, 2012. Officials say the boy was crossing the road with his mother when a pickup truck ran a red light and it him. The victim was hospitalized following the accident. It is unclear if the pickup driver was cited for the accident, but the collision is still under investigation.

My thoughts and prayers are with the young victim of this Riverside car accident. I wish him the very best for a complete and quick recovery.

Riverside County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 14 injuries were reported involving Palm Desert pedestrian accidents. During that same year, 39 fatalities and 370 injuries occurred due to Riverside County pedestrian accidents.

Red Light Violation

Based on this news report, the young boy and his mother were crossing the road at an intersection when a pickup truck ran a red light and struck them. Was the driver speeding? Was the motorist distracted or otherwise negligent? 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."

In addition, motorists are required to yield the 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."

Liability Issues

In this particular case, I trust officials are looking into whether impairment, distracted driving, speeding or some other form of negligence led to the collision. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held liable for the child's injuries here. Pedestrian accident victims or their families 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.

Karen McCauley, 61, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say involved a hit-and-run driver. According to news reports by CBS Los Angeles and the North Hollywood Patch, the fatal hit-and-run accident occurred on Cahuenga Boulevard near Lankershim Boulevard in Toluca Lake, the night of May 11, 2012. Officials say McCauley was pushing a shopping cart across the street when a dark colored, four-door sedan struck her. She was killed in the crash. Officials are still looking for the hit-and-run driver.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family members and friends of Karen McCauley who are mourning this terrible loss. The family has made a plea to the hit-and-run driver to come forward. Family members also said that McCauley, who had recently been widowed, was trying to make ends meet by recycling bottles and cans. Tragic!

Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 82 fatalities and 2,630 injuries as a result of pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, 179 people were killed and 4,918 were injured in pedestrian accidents, during that same year.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Based on this news article, the driver involved in the pedestrian accident struck a woman and left her to die on the roadway without pulling over, checking on her or calling the authorities. Witnesses say the driver sped away from the scene. Appalling! Not only is leaving the scene of an injury crash an inhumane and irresponsible act, but it is also illegal. 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 Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable

Officials are searching for the driver and sedan involved in this incident. If you have any information about this accident, please visit our web site at www.hitandrunreward.com. Our site allows witnesses to provide an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.

The family of a deceased hit-and-run accident victim would be well advised to discuss their rights with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and ensure that their best interests are protected. A skilled car accident attorney will better inform families in such cases about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the suspect is not found, or, in a crash where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

A 27-year-old male construction worker suffered fatal injuries on the job after he was buried in an eight-foot deep trench that collapsed, the afternoon of May 10, 2012. According to a CBS news report, the construction accident occurred at a $5-million residential construction site in Bel Air Estates in the 1200 block of North Benedict Canyon Drive. Firefighters spent hours recovering his body from under tons of dirt and debris. Cal/OSHA officials are investigating to determine what caused this tragic accident. The victim was part of a work crew hired by the homeowners to do an extensive renovation of the backyard.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family members and friends of the deceased worker as they mourn this tremendous loss. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this man. My prayers are also with his co-workers who watched helplessly as the victim perished.

Trench Collapse Statistics

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 271 workers died in trenching accidents from 2000 to 2006. Trenching and excavation hazards during construction activities resulted in 488 deaths between 1992 and 2000, which amounts to an average of 54 fatalities each year. According to Cal/OSHA’s statistics, over a five-year period between 2001 and 2005, 26 California workers have been killed in trench collapses and 207 Californians have been injured in these types of construction accidents.

State Laws Relating to Safe Excavations

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why the trench collapsed. It is also not clear if there were any safety violations at the workplace. California has very specific regulations with regard to trenching operations. Every time a worker enters an excavation 5 feet or deeper, companies must obtain a permit from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). State laws require daily inspections of the trench so close attention is paid to loose soil. Other steps to prevent trench collapse include not parking heavy vehicles or equipment next to the trench and staying abreast of changing weather patterns.

Compensation for Workers' Families

In such cases, the family of the deceased worker will be eligible to receive workers compensation benefits. In addition they may also have a third-party claim against a contractor, sub-contractor or property owner depending on the circumstances of the case. Victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

California Highway Patrol officials are issuing a warning about the dangers of using "novelty" motorcycle helmets after 48-year-old Suzanne Randa died in a motorcycle accident in Riverside after being thrown off the cycle. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred the afternoon of May 7, 2012. Officials say Randa was a passenger on a motorcycle driven by 69-year-old Thomas Donohoe who lost control on a sweeping curve on Highway 79 near Gilman Springs Road in San Jacinto.

Randa, who was wearing a plastic novelty helmet died at the scene while Donohoe who was wearing a Department of Transportation-approved helmet survived the crash. California Highway Patrol officials say the novelty helmet Randa was wearing failed in the crash and "significantly contributed to her death." Donohoe only had an instructional permit and was not licensed to carry passengers. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and CHP officials are urging motorcyclists and other drivers to share the roadway responsibly and be safe.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family and many friends of Suzanne Randa who are mourning this tragic loss.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2010 statistics, 361 people died and nearly 11,000 were injured as a result of California motorcycle accidents. California has more than 1 million licensed motorcycle riders. In Riverside County, 31 people died and 500 were injured due to motorcycle accidents in 2009.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

CHP officials urge drivers to always keep an eye out for motorcyclists, especially when they are changing lanes or getting ready to make a turn at an intersection. Street intersection crashes involving cars and motorcycles are extremely common because it can be difficult for drivers to judge the distance and speed of the smaller vehicle. Motorcyclists would be well advised to make use of courses that CHP offers for beginner motorcyclists and for riders who wish to improve their skills. In addition to wearing a proper helmet and safety gear, it is also important that motorcyclists obtain proper training before they begin to ride.

Liability Issues

In this particular case, the driver of the motorcycle was not licensed to carry passengers and appears to have been a novice motorcyclist. It is not clear if he will face criminal charges. The family of a deceased passenger in such cases may be able to file a wrongful death claim seeking damages. Such claims, which are filed by immediate family members, seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs and lost future income. An experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer will better advise motorcycle accident victims or their families about their legal rights and options.

Jose Angel Sanchez, 75, was killed in a Bakersfield car accident involving a hit-and-run driver. According to a KERO ABC news article, the fatal collision occurred at Virginia and Mt. Vernon avenues in Bakersfield, the morning of May 7, 2012. Officials say Sanchez was crossing the road when a 51-year-old Bakersfield woman struck him with her SUV and left the scene. The victim of this pedestrian accident was transported to a nearby medical center where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver was arrested later on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter after she walked back to the crash site.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Jose Angel Sanchez following this tragic Bakersfield hit-and-run car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Bakersfield pedestrian accidents claimed seven lives and injured 87 people. During that same year, there were 21 fatalities and 215 injuries reported as a result of Kern County pedestrian accidents.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Based on this news report, the woman struck a 75-year-old man with her SUV and then drove off to her nearby home without offering assistance. Appalling! All drivers are legally required to remain at the crash site when someone has been injured or killed. Not only is it the law, but it is also the right thing to do. 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."

Liability Issues

The family of a deceased hit-and-run accident victim would be well advised to contact an experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and protect their legal rights and interests. A skilled car accident attorney will be able to better inform families about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Two civilians and two firefighters were injured in a Pasadena car accident when a fire engine collided with a Chevy Malibu. According to a report in The Pasadena Star News, the injury accident occurred at Corson Street and Craig Avenue in Pasadena, the night of May 5, 2012. Officials say the fire truck was responding to an emergency with its lights and siren on when it stopped at an intersection and then continued on through a red light. It was then that the 15-year-old driver of the Malibu broadsided the truck. The underage driver and his passenger suffered broken bones as well as other serious injuries. The two firefighters appear to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries. It is unclear if the underage driver will face any charges in connection with this incident.

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

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four people were killed and 978 were injured in Pasadena car accidents. During that same year, 554 fatalities and 50,817 injuries occurred as a result of Los Angeles County car accidents.

What Caused This Accident?

Based on the news account, the young driver of the Malibu may have failed to yield the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle. California Vehicle Code Section 21806 states: "Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle which is sounding a siren and which has at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light that is visible…the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection, and thereupon shall stop and remain stopped until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed."

Liability Issues

In such cases, injured victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. If the victims were on the job at the time, they may also seek workers compensation benefits through their employers. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.

Vendale Joseph Jr., 13, was injured in a Los Angeles County car accident after officials say the female driver of a gray GMC SUV hit him and left the scene of the crash. According to a report in The Pasadena Star News, the hit-and-run accident occurred at East New York Drive and North Hill Avenue in Altadena, the afternoon of May 1, 2012. Officials say the female driver, named Christie or Crystal, struck the boy, asked if he was all right and then drove away. She later returned and asked for the young victim’s phone number before leaving again. Later, Vendale Joseph Jr. began experiencing pain and was hospitalized with a broken pelvis. His parents are requesting anyone who may have information about the accident or the driver involved to contact them at 626-394-5722.

My thoughts and prayers are with Vendale Joseph Jr. and his family following this hit-and-run car accident. I wish him the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Los Angeles pedestrian accidents caused 82 fatalities and injured 2,630 people. Countywide, 179 people were killed and 4,918 were injured in pedestrian accidents, during that same year.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Based on the news account, the female driver involved in this accident struck a child and failed to call the authorities, remain at the crash site or even give the young victim her contact information. Appalling! Not only is it unconscionable to leave the scene of a car accident where someone has been injured, but it is also illegal. 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 Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable

Officials are searching for the driver and the gray GMC SUV involved in this crash. If you have any information about this accident, please visit our web site at www.hitandrunreward.com. Our site allows witnesses to provide an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.

The family of a child injured in a hit-and-run accident would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident attorney will better inform families in such cases about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the suspect is not found, or, in a crash where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has joined a class action lawsuit against a Ventura nursing home, alleging that the care facility gave unnecessary drugs to residents without the informed consent of the residents or family members. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, the Ventura nursing home is accused of violating California law that requires consent from a patient, or a patient’s family member, before administering antipsychotic drugs. Prominent Ventura County physician, Dr. Gary Proffett has been named in the lawsuit for relying on nursing homes to obtain consent instead of obtaining it himself.

Nursing Home Abuse Statistics

Overmedication or chemical restraint is just one of many forms of nursing home abuse or neglect that is tragically common in this country. According to a CBS News report, nearly one third of all United States nursing homes have been cited for abuse. The report states that 5,283 nursing homes in California alone have been cited for abuse violations. Medicare statistics from 2010 show that 24.2 percent of the residents in California's nursing homes were on antipsychotics.

The Rights of Nursing Home Residents

Residents of California nursing homes have a number of rights that must be protected. Patients, for example, do not automatically consent to whatever drug the nursing home or their doctor decides is right for them. These types of cases are particularly important when the patient has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. In such cases, it is common for nursing homes to try to control the patient through powerful drugs such as Ativan, Haldol or Zoloft. Many patients are unable to speak for themselves and it is the legal and moral obligation of the care provider to carefully explain to the family why the drugs are necessary.

It is unacceptable for nursing homes to use these powerful antipsychotic medications as a way to restrain residents or "shut them up." There is no question that chemical restraint is a form of nursing home neglect and abuse. Antipsychotic medications can have serious on even fatal side effects on elderly patients.

Nursing homes that deliberately understaff their facilities or those that hire unqualified staff members are more likely to use chemical restraint to make their jobs easier. If you believe that your loved one is being unnecessarily medicated, overmedicated or chemically restrained, it is critical that you file a complaint and contact a California personal injury lawyer to learn how you can protect your loved one's rights.

Junior Estuardo Quic-Ortiz, 30, of Hawthorne, was killed in a Los Angeles County motorcycle accident after losing control of his motorcycle and crashing into an oncoming motorcyclist. According to a news report in The South Pasadena Patch the fatal motorcycle accident occurred on the Angeles Crest Highway just east of mile marker 63.37, the afternoon of April 29, 2012.

California Highway Patrol officials say Quic-Ortiz was riding a 2000 Kawasaki ZR-7 westbound at an unknown speed and 46-year-old Patrick Ramirez was riding a 2000 Yamaha R6 eastbound at 40 mph. Quic-Ortiz lost control and hit Ramirez's oncoming motorcycle. Quic-Ortiz died at the scene while Ramirez was thrown from his bike and slammed into the road sustaining moderate injuries.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Junior Estuardo Quic-Ortiz, who will mourn this tremendous loss. I also wish Ramirez, the injured victim of this crash, the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were nine fatalities and 448 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Also, countywide, 83 people died and 2,719 were injured due to motorcycle accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on the news account, it is not clear what caused Quic-Ortiz to lose control of his motorcycle. There are several unanswered questions at this time. Was there an auto defect or mechanical malfunction in the motorcycle, which caused him to lose control? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this incident? Did excessive speed play a part? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

In such cases, it would be a good idea to preserve the vehicle so an expert can thoroughly examine it for defects, malfunctions and other evidence. If an auto defect had led to the crash, the manufacturer of the motorcycle or the defective part can be held liable. If a dangerous roadway condition or defective roadway design played a role, then, the 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 agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident. Injured victims or families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.