Cirila Guzman, 76, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say may have involved a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on January 26, 2012 at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Dalton Avenue in Azusa. Guzman suffered major head trauma and died from her injuries.

Police booked the driver, 74-year-old Luis Sanchez, on suspicion of DUI causing injury and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. However, he has been released this week after the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office sent the case back to police for further investigation. Officials are waiting for the results of a blood alcohol test. Officials say they plan to present their case to the DA once more evidence has been gathered.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Cirila Guzman for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 13 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Azusa. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 179 people died and 4,918 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Gross Vehicular Manslaughter

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver who struck Guzman may have been under the influence of alcohol. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, it is illegal to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges.

California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

Claim for Compensation

If it is determined that Sanchez was at fault, then, in addition to facing criminal charges, he can be held financially responsible for Guzman's wrongful death. In cases where negligence is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will advise victims and 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.

Ameen Eric Alfadl-Andreasson, 25, of Ontario, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after his motorcycle was struck by another vehicle on the 101 Freeway. According to an Associated Press news report, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred during the early morning hours of January 29, 2012 near Hollywood Boulevard. Officials say Alfadl-Andreasson was just south of the Cahuenga Pass when his Kawasaki motorcycle collided with a van. The man who was driving the 2008 Ford E-350 van, a 48-year-old from Istanbul, Turkey, was not cited or arrested. Both, he and his passenger, a 16-year-old girl also from Istanbul, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Ameen Eric Alfadl-Andreasson for their devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 35 fatalities and 1,248 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, motorcycle accidents claimed 83 lives and injured 2,719 people, during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to how or why this van versus motorcycle collision occurred. There are several questions here. Was the motorcycle rear-ended by the van? Did driver distraction, inattention or excessive speed play a part? Did the driver of the van make an unsafe lane change or an unsafe pass? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Fault and Liability

If the van's driver is determined to have been at fault, then, he can be held liable for Alfadl-Andreasson's wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, and loss of love and companionship.

In such cases, victims' families 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. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to accident victims or their families.

At least two people were injured in a Los Angeles bus accident after a Metro bus collided with a FedEx truck, the morning of January 25, 2012. According to a KABC news report, the crash happened in the 9600 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. The impact from the crash knocked the delivery truck on its side and spilled an unknown amount of fuel on to the roadway. Two people were taken to an area hospital with injuries. Officials are still looking into what led to this crash.

My thoughts and prayers are with the two injured victims of this collision. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery, and sincerely hope that they were not seriously hurt.

Los Angeles Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 227 fatalities and 25,043 injuries involving Los Angeles car accidents. Countywide, car accidents claimed 554 lives and injured 50,817 people, during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to what caused this bus versus truck accident. There are still several unanswered questions here. Who was at fault for this crash? Did one of the vehicles make an unsafe turn? Did the bus or the FedEx truck make an unsafe lane change? Did one of the drivers fail to yield the right-of-way? Did impairment, driver distraction, inattention, speed or some other form of negligence play a part in this injury crash? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Fault and Liability

If the bus driver is determined to have been at fault, then, the driver and his or her employer can be held liable. On the other hand, if the FedEx truck driver is found to have been at fault, that driver as well as his or her employer can be held financially responsible for the resulting injuries and damages. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages and benefits, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An accident victim would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to victims and their families.

Three people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident involving four vehicles. According to CBS Los Angeles news report, the car crash occurred on Lindley Avenue in Reseda, the morning of January 19, 2012. Officials have not released information regarding how or why the multi-vehicle crash occurred. A male pedestrian was critically injured in the crash. Two other men -- another pedestrian and a passenger in one of the four vehicles -- suffered non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.

My thoughts and prayers are with the male pedestrian who has been severely injured in this pedestrian accident. I wish all three injured victims the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Los Angeles Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 227 fatalities and 25,043 injuries occurred as a result of car accidents within the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, 554 people were killed and 50,817 were injured due to car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Injury Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not clear what caused the four vehicles to collide, or the pedestrians to suffer injuries. I trust investigators are determining the answers to a number of questions here. Where were the two pedestrians at the time of the collision? Were they attempting to cross the road, walking along the side of the road or walking in a sidewalk? Were any of the motorists distracted, fatigued, inattentive or otherwise negligent? Did alcohol consumption or reckless driving contribute to the crash?

Liability Issues

Victims of pedestrian accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and best interests. If it is found that one of the drivers was negligent, he or she can be held liable for the injuries suffered by the victims. A knowledgeable Los Angeles car accident attorney will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

Three people were injured in a Baldwin Park car accident, which officials say involved a suspected drunk driver. The injury collision occurred the afternoon of January 13, 2012 on Garvey Avenue near Vineland Avenue. Police say a Toyota Camry that was traveling west on Garvey crossed the center divider and hit a Kia Spectra that was eastbound. The 32-year-old woman who was driving the Kia suffered a broken femur and several lacerations.

The woman's 12-year-old son suffered lacerations to his neck and leg, while a 2-year-old daughter ended up with cuts to her neck and face due to flying debris and glass. They were all transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the Toyota, identified as 25-year-old Arturo Meza, was also injured and is to be arrested on suspicion of felony DUI. Police state Meza was speeding and driving on a suspended license here.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this head-on crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 21 injuries involving DUI collisions in Baldwin Park. In Los Angeles County as a whole, alcohol-related crashes caused 204 fatalities and injured 4,672 people, during the same year.

Violation of Laws
Based on the news report, the driver in this case was not only driving under the influence, but was also speeding and driving without a valid license. 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."
California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."

Fault and Liability

In such cases, injured victims and their families 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 knowledgeable accident attorney will also be able to advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

December 19, 2011--A multi-car accident in the Leimert Park area of Los Angeles on Sunday resulted in injuries to ten people.  Paramedics transported victims to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical.

The Leimert Park car accident took place at the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Vernon Avenue, beside Leimert Park.  Officials confirmed that a person had to be extracted from one of the vehicles with the "Jaws of Life," but did not give details on who the victim was.

The car accident took place when a pickup truck from Colorado collided with the rear of a Chevy sedan and a Ford SUV, causing a chain reaction, which eventually involved nine vehicles.  The truck, driven by an unidentified female, was apparently traveling at a high rate of speed.

The driver of the truck suffered a broken ankle, and four other victims were hospitalized with their injuries.

No criminal charges have been filed at this time.

My sincere thoughts are with the victims and their families.  I hope that the victims' injuries prove to be remedied quickly.

Car Accident Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a decrease in total fatalities for 2010, with 32,885 people dying in car-related accidents for the year.  However, distracted driving accidents and deaths have increased, with 3,090 people killed due to accidents in which texting or talking on cell phones played a role.  This number may underestimate the actual total, due to the reluctance of many drivers to admit to distracted driving when questioned by police.

California experienced an 11% drop in car fatalities in 2010, possibly due to better safety features on cars, such as side airbags and antilock brakes, which are standard now on many cars.

What Caused This Crash

According to current reports, the police have not filed charges against the driver, so it remains to be seen if distracted or impaired driving contributed to the crash.  It is already known that excessive speed was a factor.

It is possible that mechanical conditions, such as failed brakes, contributed to the crash.  It is also possible that the driver was distracted and simply failed to stop in time to avoid striking the cars ahead.

Liability Issues

Police will continue to investigate the causes of the car crash, and will likely uncover evidence which shows the conditions leading up to the accident.  It is very important to preserve all the vehicles involved in the crash so a determination as to liability can be made.  In a multi-car crash, it is possible that liability rests with only one person, with more than one person, or with an outside agency.

An expert Los Angeles personal injury attorney can look at the evidence and make a determination as to liability.  If the driver was at fault, then the driver can be held liable for the accident.  If the problem was due to a defective part, such as faulty brakes, the manufacturer of the brakes, brake pads, or other parts of the system may be liable.  If the accident occurred due to roadway hazards, the governing agency which maintains the roadway may be held liable.  Other drivers may also be partially liable for the accident if they were following too closely or otherwise engaged in dangerous behavior.

Arthur Apelson, 76, was seriously injured in a Burbank car accident after a vehicle struck him as he attempted to make a left turn, the afternoon of January 10, 2012. According to a report in The Glendale News Press, the injury motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of Buena Vista Street and Alameda Avenue. Officials say Apelson was traveling north on Buena Vista in a Honda Shadow 650. He tried to make a left turn onto Alameda Avenue when he collided with four-door Mazda 6 driven by a 26-year-old Burbank man. Apelson suffered a severed right thumb and a fractured right femur. Officials say based on preliminary investigation that Apelson, who was turning left, may not have yielded the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with Arthur Apelson, who has been severely injured in this car accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 18 were injured due to motorcycle accidents in Burbank. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 83 fatalities and 2,719 injuries were reported due to motorcycle accidents, during the same year.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, Apelson's Honda motorcycle was struck as he was attempting to make a left turn at the intersection. California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: "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, 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."

Protecting Victims' Rights

In such cases, injured victims would be well advised to seek the counsel of 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. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway may have caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

One woman was killed and six others were injured in a Los Angeles car accident after two vehicles collided at a street intersection, the night of January 3, 2012. According to a news report in The Southgate Patch, the fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Alondra Boulevard and Harris Avenue in Compton, when a Ford Excursion SUV hit a car carrying two women and four children. Firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to extricate one woman from the wreckage. Another woman, who was a passenger in the back seat of the car, was transported to a hospital in Lynwood, where she died from her injuries. Six others, including the four children, were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials tested the male driver of the Ford SUV to determine if he was under the influence. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased woman. My thoughts and prayers are also with the injured victims of this crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were eight fatalities and 369 injuries involving Compton car accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 554 people died and 50,817 were injured in car accidents, during the same year.

Was This a DUI Collision?

Based on this news report, the circumstances of the crash are not yet clear. Officials are still in the process of testing the driver of the Ford SUV to determine if he was under the influence. It is against California law to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 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).

Protecting Victims' Rights

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing may be involved, families of deceased victims and injured 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. Victims' families may file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault motorist seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

Four people, including two firefighters, sustained injuries in a Los Angeles car accident after an ambulance collided with a car at a street intersection. According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the injury crash occurred at the intersection of Vanowen Street and Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood, the morning of December 26, 2011. Two civilians who were in the car and two firefighters who were in the ambulance suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Police say the ambulance was responding to an emergency call with its sirens on when the collision happened. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been injured here. I wish these victims the very best for a quick and full recovery.

Los Angeles Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 227 fatalities and 25,043 injuries involving Los Angeles car accidents. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 554 lives and injured 50,817 people, during the same year.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on the news account, it appears that this car versus ambulance collision occurred at a street intersection. 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."

Who is Liable?

The article states that the ambulance had its siren on. I trust officials are looking into which vehicle had the right-of-way at the intersection and who was at fault. If the driver of the civilian vehicle was at fault, then, he or she can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages. If the driver of the ambulance is determined to have been at fault, then, the driver and his or her employer can be held liable. In such cases, injured victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.

Two police officers were injured in a Los Angeles car accident after their patrol vehicle crashed into a stop sign and a telephone pole in an attempt to avoid another vehicle. According to a news report in The Glendale News Press, the injury crash occurred on Foothill Boulevard near Moore Street in Glendale. Officials say the deputies swerved to miss another car that had pulled out in front of them near Moore Street. The female driver of the other car was driving in the opposite direction without her headlights on when she made the sudden left turn in front of the deputies. Officials say alcohol did not play a part. They are still trying to determine what caused this crash. One of the deputies injured his wrist and shoulder while the other suffered leg injuries.

I'm relieved to hear that no one suffered life-threatening injuries in this car accident. I wish the two injured deputies the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three deaths and 779 injuries involving Glendale car accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 554 people died and 50,817 were injured due to car accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, it appears that the woman was not only driving without her headlights on at night, but also made an sudden and unsafe left turn into the path of the patrol vehicle. California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: "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."

Officials say the woman did not seem intoxicated. I trust they are looking into whether the woman was distracted, inattentive or otherwise negligent at the time. If she is determined to have been at fault, she could be held liable for the injuries and damage caused.

Victims' Claim for Compensation

Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages. In this case, the officers can also seek workers compensation benefits from their employer. Victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.