A 12-year-old was seriously injured after she was hit by illegal fireworks while playing outside her home. According to a City News Service report, the injury accident occurred at a Fourth of July party in the 600 block of West 42nd Street in South Los Angeles. Officials say the girl was playing with a sparkler in front of her home when someone apparently set off a firecracker that hit her. She was hospitalized with a severe eye injury. Los Angeles police officials are investigating the incident. The personal use of fireworks in Los Angeles is illegal.

My heart goes out to this girl who has been seriously injured. I sincerely hope she did not suffer catastrophic injuries and that she will not lose her eye. I wish this young victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Fireworks-Related Injuries and Fatalities

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were reports of three fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 8,600 hospital emergency room treated injuries in 2010. In 2009, CPSC had reports of two deaths and an estimated 8,800 injuries. In 2008, CPSC had reports of seven deaths and an estimated 7,000 injuries.

Liability Issues

Based on this news report, the girl was struck by illegal fireworks that were discharged in the neighborhood. I trust officials are looking for the person who set off those fireworks. Not only does the person who set off these fireworks facing citations, but he or she can also be held financially responsible for the injuries caused to this girl.

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, cost of surgery, rehabilitation and other related damages. In case of catastrophic injuries, compensation may also be available for pain and suffering, loss of life's enjoyment, and emotional distress.

Victims or their 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 the negligent parties are held accountable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Seriously injured in a Los Angeles County accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a illegal Los Angeles fireworks accident. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a BISNAR | CHASE Los Angeles personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.

A man was injured in a motorcycle accident in Orange County after he hit a deer on the 241 Highway the morning of September 23, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the deer was struck and killed after it jumped into traffic lanes near Highway 261. The motorcyclist was transported to a local trauma center for treatment of moderate injuries. He was headed southbound in the number two lane at about 75 mph when the deer jumped in front. California Highway Patrol officials say it happened so suddenly that the motorcyclist did not have any time to react.

It is indeed fortunate that the motorcyclist did not suffer major or fatal injuries in this accident, considering the speed at which he was traveling. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He will be in my prayers.

Deer versus Auto Collisions

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 35 fatalities and 801 personal injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Orange County. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that there are more than 1.5 million deer versus auto collisions each year in the United States. These accidents result in at least 150 deaths every year, tens of thousands of injuries and more than $1 billion in vehicle damage. The average claim for collision damage, the IIHS estimates, is $3,000 with costs varying depending on the type of vehicle and severity of damage. Medical claims can add up very quickly to thousands of dollars.

Use Caution in Deer-Populated Areas

This motorcycle accident is a warning call for all motorists in Orange County and California. We are heading into peak deer mating season in California, which is usually from October through the end of November. During this time, there is a significant increase in the number of highway collisions involving deer because the animals tend to be more active and mobile. These collisions can definitely result in catastrophic injuries or even death.

The frequent question in such scenarios is: What part of my damages is covered? The only coverage a motorist may have for a deer versus auto accident is under the comprehensive policy coverage and medical payments coverage through his or her auto insurance policy. The comprehensive coverage will cover damage to the vehicle minus the deductible. The medical payments coverage will cover medical expenses incurred up to the limits of the coverage. However, there is no other coverage in terms of lost earnings, permanent disability, disfigurement or pain and suffering in deer-related accidents available through an auto insurance policy.

It is important that motorists drive with caution in areas known to be deer-populated, especially during the mating season. Please try and avoid these areas, especially in the fall season. Otherwise, if you are in a car, make sure you wear your seatbelt and remain vigilant. Heed deer crossing signs. Please drive safely.

Do you often drive through deer-populated areas? Have you had any near misses?

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.

A bicycle accident in San Diego resulted in serious injuries for a 29-year-old woman the afternoon of August 2, 2010. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the car collision occurred when a 17-year-old girl lost control of the SUV she was driving. The SUV rolled over several times, striking the bicyclist. The accident occurred near the intersection of Camino del Norte and Dove Canyon Road. Both were taken to an area medical center for treatment. However, the extent of their injuries is not known. Officials are investigating the cause of the collision.

I sympathize with both women who were injured in this collision. I hope neither one of them sustained catastrophic injuries and pray for their full recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

There were 81 deaths and 6,123 injuries involving car accidents in San Diego in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In San Diego County, 246 people died and 13,527 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Causes and Liability Issues

It is not clear from this report as to how the teen lost control of her car. Was she impaired, distracted, speeding or driving recklessly at the time? Where was the bicyclist riding at the time of the crash? Were other vehicles involved in this collision? For example, did the driver of the SUV lose control while swerving to avoid another vehicle? These are all important questions to consider in this case.

If officials determine that the driver of the SUV was at fault, then she could be held financially responsible for the bicyclist's injuries, damages and losses. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, will be able to advise injured victims in such cases about their legal rights and options. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

How do you ensure that your teen drivers are safe on the road?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

A hit-and-run crash in Lakeside Village resulted in serious injuries for a 43-year-old man the night of July 27, 2010. The Press-Enterprise reports that the man was walking in a dark stretch of Grand Avenue near Blanche Drive, when he was hit from behind by a vehicle, which then drove away from the scene of the accident. The pedestrian sustained broken ribs and head injuries. The suspect vehicle is described as an older gray or silver Honda.

I truly hope the victim in this case has not suffered catastrophic injuries. I pray that he recovers quickly and fully from his serious injuries.

Hit-and-Run Crashes

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. There were 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.

Law and Liability Issues

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." It is illegal under California law to leave the scene of the crash – regardless of whose fault the accident was. Drivers must not only to remain at the scene of a crash, but also exchange information with other parties involved and administer aid to the injured victim. Based on this news report, the driver of the Honda did none of the above.

A skilled Riverside personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about how their car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. If this accident was caused by a dangerous roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any such claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

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

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.

One teenager was killed and five others were injured in a car accident near Vacaville the evening of July 27, 2010. According to a Bay City News report, the driver, an 18-year-old girl, was speeding in a Volkswagen Jetta in the eastbound lanes of Vaca Valley Road when she lost control of the car and struck a tree. The fatal injury crash happened near the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road in unincorporated Solano County. California Highway Patrol officials say that out of the six people in the car, only one was wearing a seatbelt. The five injured teens sustained moderate to critical injuries. All were transported to area hospitals for treatment.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to everyone who knew and loved the young car accident victim for their devastating loss. I also wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 233 injuries involving car accidents in Vacaville. In Solano County as a whole, 33 people died and 1,735 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Seatbelt Statistics

The National Safety Council's research shows that seatbelt use has been increasing and averages at about 84 percent nationally. Among the groups less likely to buckle up are teens, commercial driver, males in rural areas, drivers of pickup trucks, night-time drivers and drunk drivers. The undisputable fact remains that seatbelts do save lives.

NSC's data show that seatbelts saved more than 75,000 lives from 2004 to 2008. About 42 percent of vehicle occupants killed in 2007 were unbelted. Also, a 2009 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates more than 1,600 lives could be saved and 22,000 personal injuries could be prevented if seatbelt use was 90 percent in each state.

Defective Seatbelt Cases

In such cases, it is also important to look into whether any seat restraint system failure caused the serious injuries. Very often, accident investigators tend to assume, when someone is ejected from a vehicle, that they were not belted. However, there are many cases where catastrophic injuries are caused by seatbelt defects. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to analyze all facets of an accident and make sure that the injuries or deaths were not the result of malfunctions or defective auto products.

How do you ensure that your teen driver is buckled up? We would like to hear your comments and opinions on this important issue.

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.

A man sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident in Fullerton after colliding with a big-rig at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred the afternoon of July 20, 2010 when the large truck crashed into the motorcycle at the intersection of Raymond and Chapman avenues. The rider was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The motorcycle was going east on Chapman and the big-rig was making a right turn onto eastbound Chapman at the time of the crash. An investigation is ongoing.

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My heart goes out to this injured motorcyclist. I hope he has not sustained catastrophic injuries. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 54 injuries occurred due to motorcycle accidents in Fullerton. In Orange County as a whole, 35 people died and 801 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear who was at fault for this injury collision. I trust officials are looking into who had right-of-way at the intersection. According to California Vehicle Code section 21800 (a): "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway."

If the truck driver is determined to have been at fault for this accident, then, he or she as well as his or her employer could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. In such cases, injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages.

Injured victims would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. If a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Any personal injury claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for motorcyclists in your city?

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.

Two men sustained serious injuries in a San Diego motorcycle accident after both the vehicles collided the night of July 16, 2010 in the Scripps Ranch area. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, a 21-year-old man was riding a Harley-Davidson south on Carroll Canyon Road at a high rate of speed, when he lost control and crashed head-on into another Harley Davidson, driven by a 25-year-old man, going in the opposite direction. The 21-year-old rider sustained a collapsed lung and lacerated liver while the 25-year-old had serious leg and foot injuries. No charges have been filed pending an official investigation.

My heart goes out to the injured motorcyclists. I especially hope the 25-year-old rider of the other Harley has not sustained any catastrophic injuries. I wish them both the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 16 fatalities and 355 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in San Diego. Also, during the same year, 81 people died and 6,123 were injured as a result of car accidents in the city of San Diego.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that speed may have played a part in this major injury collision. I trust officials are looking into what caused one rider to collide into another. Was the motorcyclist under the influence? Was he distracted in some way? Was he driving recklessly or negligently? If it is determined that the 21-year-old rider was at-fault for this accident, then he could be held liable for the other rider's injuries, damages and losses.

An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to stay on top of the official investigation, analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable for their actions. Injured victims in such cases could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, surgeries, physical therapy and other related damages. A skilled accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer free consultations and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What are some tips you would suggest for motorcyclists to drive safely?

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.

A Los Angeles car accident resulted in major injuries for a woman on June 27, 2010. According to a CBS News report, the crash involved two cars and happened near the intersection of Sunland Boulevard and Arminta Street. Los Angeles fire officials say another person was also injured. The woman was trapped in her vehicle and had to be extricated and transported to a local hospital. Officials are still looking into what caused this accident.

I sympathize with the victims who were injured in this crash. I hope neither one of them has suffered catastrophic injuries. Please keep these victims in your thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008, CHP traffic accident reports for that year show. In the city of Los Angeles, 268 fatalities and 25,588 injuries were reported due to car accidents in 2008.

Fault and Liability

It is not immediately evident what caused this car accident. It is not clear whether this accident occurred at an intersection. If it did, it is possible that one of the drivers failed to yield right-of-way or ran a red light. Both are serious traffic violations under the law. 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." Drivers are also required to yield right-of-way to oncoming vehicles under California Vehicle Code section 21800 (a).

In such cases injured victims would be well-advised to contact a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to an incident involving an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured.

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

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.

A Chihuahua was killed in a dog bite incident in Richmond as it tried to protect two children from a vicious pit bull attack. According to an Associated Press news report, two pit bulls entered a home on June 25, 2010 after they escaped from their own yard by chewing off a fence. Mayda Estrella says the family's Chihuahua, Manchas, jumped in between the pit bulls and her children -- a 4-year-old boy and a newborn baby.

One of the attacking pit bulls grabbed the little dog and carried it away. Animal control officials took the pit bulls into custody. The pit bulls apparently killed the Chihuahua. Estrella told officials that the front door of the house was open when the dogs came in. The dog owner is not expected to face criminal charges.

It is indeed fortunate that none of the children was seriously injured in this dog attack. This is a situation that could have turned tragic in a heartbeat, if not for this brave, little dog.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to statistics provided by Dogsbite.org, during the five-year period between January 1, 2005 and March 8, 2010, 158 fatal dog attacks took place in the United States. Pit bulls were responsible for 56 percent of these attacks. This amounts to a pit bull killing an American every 21.5 days. Over the last few months, we have witnessed several dog attacks involving pit bulls. These attacks, a majority of which were on young children, resulted in fatalities as well as catastrophic injuries.

Liability Issues in Dog Bite Cases

In this particular case, officials have not filed criminal charges against the dog owner. However, California is one of several states that have a "strict liability statute." What this means is if your dog attacks someone or someone's pet, then you will be held financially liable for the injuries and expenses involved.

California's Civil Code Section 3342 states: "The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness."

Victims who have sustained injuries as the result of a dog attack would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that the negligent dog owner is held liable. Victims can also claim compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery, psychological counseling and other related expenses.

Do you believe California should make breed bans legal?

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.

The parents of two women who were killed in a car accident have been awarded $15 million in a wrongful death lawsuit against Enterprise Rent-A-Car. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, Raechel and Jackie Houck died after their rented PT Cruiser slammed into a big rig on Highway 101 near King City on October 7, 2004. The sisters were 24 and 20 years old at the time. The lawsuit alleged that Enterprise rented the car although there was a vehicle defect recall because of a faulty power steering hose that could lead to fires under the hood.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Enterprise attorneys attempted to argue that it was Raechel's driving and not the auto product defect that caused the crash. Shortly before the trial began, Enterprise officials admitted responsibility and made an offer to settle the lawsuit for $3 million. But the family did not accept that settlement. The wrongful death case went to trial and the jury awarded the parents of the deceased women $15 million.

As part of the trial, an Enterprise employee testified that it was the company's practice to rent out recalled vehicles. This was especially true, he told jurors, when they did not have enough cars and there was a lot of demand for vehicles. The sisters were given the PT Cruiser, which they were told, was a "free upgrade."

Holding Wrongdoers Accountable

My heart goes out to the parents, Chuck and Cally Houck. Obviously, Enterprise officials put profits over the well-being of their customers. They knew fully well that they were given the women a defective auto, a vehicle that had been recalled for a serious defect. Enterprise later removed these and other recalled vehicles from their fleet. However, it was too late for Houcks and others who have lost loved ones or sustained catastrophic injuries as a result of such unethical business practices.

There is no question that these businesses must be challenged and held accountable. Chuck and Cally Houck did the right thing by taking Enterprise to court. This is typical of what we see in corporate America today where companies continually place profit over the safety of their consumers. We have seen it ourselves with Enterprise where we caught them creating their rental fleet with vehicles that lacked safety options just to save money. This type of conduct is despicable and should not be tolerated. I'm glad to see that this jury saw that Enterprise does not care about the safety of its customers and issued a verdict against the company. It is a shame, however, that it came the cost of the lives of two young women.

What precautionary steps do you take before renting a car? What types of questions would you ask?