An Orange County Sheriff’s deputy was injured in an Santa Ana car accident after being struck by a car at an intersection. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the accident occurred at Newhope and First streets in Santa Ana, the evening of February 2, 2012. Officials say the patrol car had its emergency lights on when it slowed down to enter the intersection, before being broadsided by a Toyota Camry. The deputy and the other motorist suffered non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.

My thoughts and prayers are with both individuals who were injured in this Orange County car accident. I wish them the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Orange County Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 11 people were killed and 1,359 were injured in Santa Ana car accidents. During that same year, 141 fatalities and 13,373 injuries occurred as a result of Orange County car accidents.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, the sheriff’s deputy was responding to an emergency call and had the emergency lights on. 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

If the police officer was at fault here, then, the injured victim can seek compensation from the at-fault officer and his employer. On the other hand, if the Toyota's driver is determined to have been at fault, then the police officer, in addition to seeking workers compensation benefits, may also file a personal injury claim seeking damages from the at-fault driver. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, loss of wages and benefits, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related expenses. An experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer will better advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Guillermo Preciado, 85, was killed in an Orange County car accident after his vehicle was hit by another car. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car crash occurred on Santiago Canyon Road near Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange, the afternoon of January 6, 2012. Officials say Preciado was turning left when a Honda struck his vehicle. Preciado as well as the driver and a passenger in the Honda were hospitalized with injuries. Several hours later, Preciado succumbed to his injuries. Investigators are looking into the cause of the crash as well as whether the victim's death resulted from internal injuries or from a pre-existing medical condition.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Guillermo Preciado, the deceased victim of this tragic car accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with the surviving injured victims of this collision.

Orange County Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), car accidents in the city of Orange claimed the lives of six people and injured 725. During that same year, 141 fatalities and 13,373 injuries occurred involving car accidents, countywide.

What Caused This Car Accident?

Based on this news report, the fatally injured victim was making a left turn at the time of the accident. Who had the right-of-way in this case? Why was the other motorist unable to avoid the collision? Was the other motorist distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent? I trust investigators are considering all possible causes of this fatal crash.

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."

Liability Issues

The family of a deceased car accident victim would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will help protect their legal rights and best interests. If the driver of the other vehicle is determined to have been at fault here, he or she can be held liable for the victim's death. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims or their families.

Betty Dietz, 65, of Westminster, was killed in a pedestrian accident after she was struck by a trash truck in a residential neighborhood, the afternoon of December 29, 2011. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred in the 9000 block of Madison Avenue near Magnolia Street in Westminster. Police say the woman had forgotten to put some trash out and was trying to flag down the driver when she was hit. The driver of the Midway City Sanitary District did not see her and ran over her. Dietz was transported to an area hospital where she died from her injuries.

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

Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 24 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in Westminster. During the same year, four fatalities and 465 injuries were reported due to Westminster car accidents. In Orange County as a whole, 141 people died and 13,373 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2009.

Causes and Compensation Issues

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to why this accident occurred. There are several questions here. Did the woman run in front of the trash truck? Was the trash truck driver distracted or negligent at the time? Was the truck driver traveling at an unsafe rate of speed? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine precisely why this accident occurred.

If the trash truck driver is determined to have been at fault, he and his employer can be held liable for Dietz's wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to truck accident victims or their families.

A worker suffered major job injuries after an explosion at an Orange County manufacturing facility. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred the morning of November 17, 2011 at the 30,000-square-foot L.A. Spas manufacturing facility in the 1300 block of North Blue Gum Street in Anaheim. Fire officials say the explosion may have been triggered by a chemical reaction. Employees at the facility were apparently mixing small amounts of chemicals when there was a reaction causing smoke and an explosion with fire. The injured employee suffered a burn injury to his ear. No one else was reportedly injured. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the injured worker. I'm relieved to hear that he did not sustain life-threatening injuries and to note that none of his co-workers were injured. I wish the injured victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Worksite Accident Statistics

There were six fatalities in California worksites involving fires and explosions in the year 2009, according to the California Department of Occupational Safety and Health, also known as Cal/OSHA. In 2009, there were a total of 409 fatalities as a result of job-related accidents in California.

What Caused This Worksite Accident?

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to what led to this chemical explosion. There are several unanswered questions here. Was this accident the result of a defective product or faulty equipment? Were the workers, who were mixing the chemicals, supervised at the time? Were they properly trained to do the job? Were they apprised of the safety measures that must be taken before mixing chemicals? Were the workers provided with necessary safety gear and equipment such as gloves, goggles, or face shields before performing the job? I trust OSHA investigators are looking into these and other factors in order to determine what caused this accident and if it could have been avoided.

Compensation for Injured Workers

Victims injured on the job can seek workers compensation benefits from their employers. In some cases, workers will also be able to file a third-party claim against an individual or entity whose negligence caused or contributed to the incident. Examples of third parties include, but are not limited to, general contractors, sub-contractors, property owners, and manufacturers of defective products.

Injured workers would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Romeo Jimenez-Zavaleta, 35, was killed in an Orange County car accident after he was hit by an OCTA bus. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Paseo de Valencia and Alicia Parkway in Laguna Hills, the evening of November 12, 2011. Police say the bicyclist was riding across Alicia in the westbound crosswalk when an Orange County Transportation Authority bus turned right and struck him. Jimenez-Zavaleta was transported to an area hospital where he died. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Romeo Jimenez-Zavaleta. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Orange County Bicycle Accident Statistics

There were no fatalities but eight injuries occurred involving bicycle accidents in Laguna Hills in 2009, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Orange County as a whole, bicycle accidents claimed 12 lives and injured 1,199 people, during the same year.

Bicycle Laws

Based on this news report, the bicyclist was riding his bike in a crosswalk at the time of the crash. It is not against California law to ride a bicycle in a crosswalk. California Vehicle Code Section 21650 says that "Upon all highways a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:" subsection (g) states that "This section does not prohibit the operation of bicycles on any should or a highway, on any sidewalk, on any bicycle path within a highway, or along any crosswalk or bicycle path crossing, where the operation is not otherwise prohibited by this code or local ordinance."

Liability Issues

I trust authorities are looking into whether the bus driver was distracted, inattentive, impaired, or otherwise negligent here. In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, at-fault motorists can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. Victims' families in such cases would be well advised to retain the services of an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and make sure their best interests and legal rights are protected.

A man was injured in an Orange County car accident after his motorcycle was struck by an SUV at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Live Oak Canyon and Canyon Creek Drive in unincorporated Trabuco Canyon. The collision happened the afternoon of November 5, 2011 near Cook's Corner, a popular Orange County restaurant and spot where bikers gather. The motorcyclist was transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries described as "moderate." An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the injured victim of this motorcycle accident. I wish him the very best for a quick and full recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Orange County Motorcycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 44 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of Orange County. Also, countywide, motorcycle accidents claimed 17 lives and caused 735 injuries, during the same year.

What Caused This Injury Crash?

Based on this news report, there are a number of unanswered questions. Who had the right-of-way at the intersection? Did one of the vehicles fail to yield the right of way? Did one of the vehicles make an unsafe turn? Did drunk driving, distracted driving, inattention or any other form of negligence play a part? Was there a dangerous condition at the intersection or on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this incident? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

If the driver of the SUV is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County 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 lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway condition caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the incident.

A female bicyclist sustained life-threatening injuries in an Orange County car accident after she was struck by a vehicle, the afternoon of November 3, 2011. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the major injury bicycle accident occurred on Santiago Canyon Road at Lomas Peak Road in Orange. Officials say the bicyclist, who was in the bike lane, and a Lexus were both traveling eastbound on Santiago Canyon Road. For unknown reasons, the bicyclist made a 90-degree turn in front of oncoming traffic and was struck by the driver. Officials say the Lexus was traveling at 50 mph, which is the speed limit in the area. The severely injured bicyclist was transported to an area trauma center. Officials say she was wearing a helmet. The driver and passenger in the Lexus remained at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to this injured woman, who is fighting for her life. I pray that she makes it through her injuries and wish her the very best for a full recovery.

Orange County Bicycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 65 injuries occurred involving bicycle accidents in the city of Orange. In Orange County as a whole, 12 people died and 1,199 were injured due to bicycle accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Injury Crash?

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to how or why this tragic collision occurred. There are several unanswered questions here. Why did the bicyclist turn in front of oncoming traffic? Were there other eyewitnesses to this incident? Was the driver of the Lexus under the influence, distracted, inattentive or otherwise negligent? Did a dangerous or defective roadway cause or contribute to this car versus bicycle accident? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

If the driver of the Lexus is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held liable for the bicyclist's injuries. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

If a dangerous or defective roadway condition caused the accident, the governmental agency 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 180 days of the accident or injury.

Esat Ozgul, 91, of La Habra was killed in an Orange County car accident involving two vehicles. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car crash occurred at the intersection of Idaho Street and Sandlewood Avenue in La Habra, the evening of October 29, 2011. Officials say the Acura Integra Ozgul was driving collided with a silver Porsche Cayenne. Officials are investigating what caused the two vehicles to collide at the intersection. Ozgul was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital and the male driver of the Porsche was treated for minor injuries.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Esat Ozgul following this tragic Orange County car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 289 were injured in La Habra car accidents. During that same year, 141 fatalities and 13,373 injuries occurred as a result of Orange County car accidents.

What Caused This Intersection Accident?

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to how or why this fatal car accident occurred. There are a number of unanswered questions here. Was either of the drivers distracted, fatigued, or under the influence of alcohol or medication? Was speed a contributing factor in this collision? Did the elderly driver suffer from a medical condition before the crash? Did one of the drivers run a red light or fail to yield right-of-way at the intersection?

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."

Liability Issues

If the driver of the Porsche is determined to have been at fault, he could be held liable for Ozgul's wrongful death. In such cases, families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County 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 car accident victims and their families.

William James Kaucky, 39, was killed in an Orange County motorcycle accident after he lost control of his vehicle. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred on Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano the afternoon of October 2, 2011. For unknown reasons, Kaucky veered out of control near a lookout spot. Officials are still looking into what caused this crash and if there were other vehicles involved.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of William James Kaucky following this tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Orange County Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 44 were injured due to motorcycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of Orange County. During that same year, 17 fatalities and 735 injuries occurred involving Orange County motorcycle accidents.

What Caused This Fatal Motorcycle Accident?

It is not clear from this report as to what caused the victim to lose control of his motorcycle. Officials suspect speed may have been a factor. There are still other questions that remain. Was there an auto defect or mechanical malfunction in the motorcycle that Kaucky was riding? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway which may have caused or contributed to this incident? Were there other vehicles involved? For example, was the motorcycle sideswiped or run off the roadway by another vehicle? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of victims' families to preserve the vehicle in its crashed condition, unaltered, so it can be examined by an expert for evidence of defects, malfunctions and other evidence. Families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway condition caused the incident. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Three people sustained injuries in an Orange County car accident when a car rolled over after striking a vehicle, which officials say, was traveling in the opposite direction. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the serious injury collision occurred in the 400 block of South Hewes Street in Orange, the evening of September 28, 2011. Investigators say a Nissan 240 SX, southbound on Hewes, hit a Mercedes Benz, which was traveling north on Hewes. Two people in the Nissan were transported to an area trauma center with serious injuries. One person in the Mercedes was taken to a local hospital, but that victim's condition was not known. An investigation is underway.

My heart goes out to the injured victims of this car crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 725 injuries involving car accidents in Orange. In Orange County as a whole, 141 people died and 13,373 were injured due to car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Collision

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to what led to this injury collision. Officials say the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions. But, it is not known at this time if the vehicles collided head-on or if one vehicle clipped the other. However, it does appear that one of the drivers drifted into opposing lanes of traffic and struck the other vehicle.

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

Fault and Liability

In such cases, the at-fault motorist can be held liable for injuries and damages caused to victims. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy, and pain and suffering. Victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the case and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.