Personal Injury Q and A » lawyer

Bakersfield Area Car Accident Injures Two

Steve — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:59:52 +0000

Two 21-year-old men were seriously injured in a Bakersfield area car accident on September 7, 2010 after their car crashed head-on with a pickup truck. According to a news report in the Taft Midway Driller, the major injury collision occurred on Airport Road, near Honolulu Road, in Taft. The two men were traveling in a Honda Civic, northbound on Airport Road, when the driver of the Honda lost control on a curve. The car entered into opposing traffic lanes and crashed head-on into a GMC Sierra pickup truck. The Honda's passenger sustained a fractured leg and the driver suffered moderate injuries. The driver of the pickup, a 69-year-old man, was uninjured. An investigation is ongoing.

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I hope the two injured victims are recovering quickly from their serious injuries. I wish them both the very best for a prompt and complete recovery. It is indeed fortunate that the driver of the pickup truck was not hurt.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one fatality and 31 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Taft. In Kern County as a whole, 103 people died and 3,460 were injured due to car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Head-On Collision?

Based on this news report, it is not clear why the driver of the Honda Civic lost control at the curve. There are several questions here. Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the Honda that may have caused or contributed to the crash? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which caused the driver to lose control? Were there any other vehicles involved in this accident? Were speed or alcohol factors in this crash? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what caused this collision.

Fault and Liability

If the driver of the Honda is determined to have been driving recklessly, then, his passenger could seek compensation from the at-fault driver for his injuries. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization and treatment costs such as rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Injured car accident victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the crash. If that was the case, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within six months of the accident or injury, under California Government Code Section 911.2.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for motorists 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.

Los Angeles Car Accident Injures Police Officer

Steve — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:29:44 +0000

A police officer was injured in a Los Angeles car accident after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle, the afternoon of September 6, 2010. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the injury collision occurred in the 6100 block of Sepulveda Boulevard. The officer was rear-ended and thrown off his motorcycle. He sustained injuries, which were apparently not life-threatening. The driver of the car stopped at the accident site and no citations were issued pending an official investigation.

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I am relieved to hear that the Los Angeles police officer was not seriously hurt in this motorcycle accident. My thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers from his injuries.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 42 fatalities and 1,289 injuries involving Los Angeles motorcycle accidents in 2008. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 114 people died and 2,934 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

Rear-End Collision

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

Claim for Compensation

I trust officials are looking into whether the motorist who rear-ended the officer was impaired, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time. In this case, since the officer was on-the-job, he will be entitled to worker's compensation benefits to cover medical costs and loss of earnings. However, he can also file a claim against the at-fault driver seeking damages. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

In your opinion, what are some of the biggest hazards faced by motorcyclists today?

Santa Ana Car Accident Injures Two

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

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

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

Car Accident Statistics

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

Rear-End Collisions

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

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

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

Woman Killed in Orange County Car Accident

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

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

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

DUI Statistics

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

Laws and Compensation Issues

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

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

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

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

Police Seek Suspect in Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Collision

John — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 22:47:56 +0000

Pasadena police are on the lookout for a hit-and-run suspect who they say struck and injured 83-year-old Frank Paneno the morning of September 1, 2010. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, police are looking for Lucio Morales also known as Martin Beltran. Officials say Paneno was riding a motorized scoter in the bike lane at the intersection of Cordova Street and Chester Avenue when Morales, who was turning left from Cordova to Chester, struck the pedestrian. He fled the scene. Police found his abandoned 1994 Mercedes, but he has not yet been apprehended.

I sympathize with Paneno and his family for what they are going through at this time. Apparently, Paneno sustained critical injuries including rib fractures and head trauma. I pray that he recovers quickly and completely from these serious injuries. For more information about how to report hit-and-run collisions anonymously, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There was one fatality and 90 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Pasadena in 2008, according to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics. In Los Angeles County as whole, 214 deaths and 4,985 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

California Vehicle Codes

Based on the news account, Morales was turning left when he struck the victim. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a): "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Also, 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." Motorists are required under the law to stop immediately, remain at the scene until authorities arrive and help obtain medical assistance for the injured victim. In this case, according to reports, Morales and his passenger got off the car, extracted the injured Paneno and his mangled scooter from under the Mercedes and drove away.

Victims' Claim for Compensation

In such cases it would be in the best interests of injured victims to contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer who will stay abreast of the investigation and make sure their legal rights are protected.

What would you do if you saw a driver leaving the scene of an accident? How would you react?

Woman Injured in San Diego Hit-and-Run Car Accident

John — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:29:27 +0000

A woman was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident after she was struck by a van while crossing the road the night of August 23, 2010. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the woman was walking across South El Camino Real near Encinitas Boulevard in Encinitas, when a northbound van hit her. The driver did not stop and was last seen making a right turn on Encinitas Boulevard.

The pedestrian accident victim was transported to a local hospital with "extensive injuries." Police have described the suspect vehicle as a black or dark-colored 1992 to 1995 Dodge Caravan or Plymouth Voyager with damage on the front driver's side. The driver's side view mirror in this vehicle will also be missing, officials say. Anyone who witnessed this accident or has information about the suspect is asked to call police at 760-966-3544. You may also visit our web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to find out how to leave an anonymous tip and become eligible for a $1,000 reward.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 17 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in Encinitas. In San Diego County as a whole, 63 deaths and 998 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

Laws and Liability Issues

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. Motorists are required under the law to stop immediately at the scene of an injury accident, remain until authorities arrive and most importantly, obtain medical assistance for the injured victim. 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."

In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise injured victims about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run collision or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

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

Orange County Car Accident Injures Motorcyclist

Steve — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:30:25 +0000

A motorcyclist sustained injuries in an Orange County car accident after a collision with an SUV at a Fullerton intersection. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury accident happened at the intersection of Valencia and Richman avenues the afternoon of August 26, 2010. The rider of the Suzuki motorcycle sustained moderate trauma, while the female driver and passenger in the Mitsubishi Montero Sport SUV were not injured in the crash.

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My thoughts and prayers are with this injured victim. I wish the injured motorcycle rider a complete and speedy recovery.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), no one was killed but 54 people were injured in Fullerton motorcycle accidents. In Orange County, 35 fatalities and 801 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Motorcycle Accident?

This news report does not state exactly how this accident happened. Due to the relatively small size of motorcycles, many intersection collisions occur when other drivers are inattentive and do not make an effort to ensure there are no motorcycles around before turning. This particular crash occurred near an intersection. If an investigation determines that the driver of the SUV did not yield the right-of-way to the motorcyclist, then, she could be liable for the accident. 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."

Claim for Compensation

Motorcycles provide little protection to their riders, so it is common for serious injuries and fatalities to occur whenever there is a motorcycle accident. Injured victims of motorcycle accidents often face the burden of financial hardships in addition to the physical suffering from their injuries. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

Do you make it a point to look out for motorcycles before turning or changing lanes?

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.

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?

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.