Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys | Defenders of Justice

Superman’s Worst Enemy – Gene Hackman Involved in a Pedestrian Accident

2012-01-26T14:51:00.000-08:00

Gene Hackman – the actor best known for his portrayal as Superman’s worst adversary, Lex Luthor – got involved in a pedestrian accident while riding on his bike at Florida Keys, Florida.

According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol, Hackman was riding on his bike in Florida Keys last Friday when a pick-up truck hit him from behind, causing him to be thrown to a grassy shoulder.

Hackman was not wearing a helmet when the accident happened. He sustained bumps and bruises from the incident. However, the truck driver that struck Hackman was not immediately charged of any traffic violation and is still under investigation.

According to Hackman’s spokesperson, the actor was transported to a Florida hospital for medical treatment via airlift.

His spokesperson added that several hours after routine tests, Hackman was released from the hospital and is now doing fine. The personal injuries he sustained are not life-threatening and he is expected to recover soon.

Roads harbor many perilous elements and the most exposed to the dangers are pedestrians. Pedestrian accident accounts for 11% of the total number of fatalities in the roadway. Even in a court battle, pedestrians often came out as defenseless that’s why a victim should obtain the best lawyer in town to defend and fight for his or her claim like a Los Angeles personal injury attorney.

A 3–Year Old Boy in Critical Condition After a Dog Bite Incident

2012-01-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

A toddler from Ashburton is now in critical condition at Christchurch Hospital after a dog bit him in the throat.

The dog bite incident happened last January 18 while visiting a relative at King St., Ashburton.

According to police reports, the relative’s dog attacked the boy. Based on investigation, the dog tried to get the chocolate that the 3–year old boy was eating and bit the child which caused serious personal injuries to the toddler.

The boy was first taken to Ashburton Hospital for immediate treatment and was later transferred to Christchurch Hospital by the Westpac rescue through a helicopter.

A spokesperson from Christchurch Hospital said that that boy is in critical condition due to the serious injuries he sustained from the incident.

Police officers said that the dog that bit the little boy is huge but its breed was not yet determined. A spokesperson from Ashburton District Council said that the dog was killed right after the incident at the request of the family.

It is very important to take note that all dog breeds can bite since it is embedded in their genes as animals. Dog owners must be responsible enough for dog breeding and ownership. Owners must understand the importance of being well-educated about dog bite laws.

In this case, it is understandable if the boy’s family would not file for any personal injury claim since one of their family members owned the dog. But in some cases, a dog bite victim may immediately contact a Los Angeles injury lawyer, which could be reached by e-mail or by calling their toll – free number.

Authorities Remind Drivers and Pedestrians about Accidents as Holiday Break Ends

2012-01-12T15:27:00.000-08:00

The Los Angeles Police Department is reminding drivers to do all precautionary measures to avoid pedestrian accidents in school zones as students are back from their holiday break.

A representative from Automobile Club of America reminded drivers that additional road commotions should be expected as the school resumes after the holiday season.

Drivers and motorist should be more careful in driving during peak hours – 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning and 2:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon. These are the times when students together with their parents are arriving and leaving for school. Parents are also advised to be more vigilant in taking good care of their children while on the busy streets to avoid pedestrian accidents.

According to Los Angeles Police Traffic Detectives for San Francisco, parents should try to avoid the morning rush. He explained that because parents and the children don’t give themselves sufficient time to get prepared for the school days, chances are they would rush going to school. Because of this, pedestrian and run over accidents unfortunately become common.

Authorities are also reminding the drivers to abide by the speed limit especially in school zones. Furthermore, drivers should keep off from double parking and u-turns since children are everywhere during school days. Drivers are expected to be the one to take responsibility in ensuring the safety of the pedestrians particularly the children due to the fact that they do not have the ability of estimating speed and distance of a moving vehicle.

Statistics last year show that 627 pedestrians were injured due to auto accidents involving pedestrians, 27 of which were killed and five of those killed were children of school age.

In case that your child or your loved one gets involved in a car accident, it is advisable for you to seek assistance from personal injury lawyers. By doing this, you can be assured that your loved one would obtain proper amount of compensations from the liable party.

Medical Malpractice Filed against Dental Health Practitioners after a Teenager’s Death

2011-12-27T13:48:00.000-08:00

Having an aching wisdom tooth is really bothering. It prevents you to sleep soundly during the night. It prohibits you to eat or chew properly. It can even disturb you mentally. An affected person may even consider having a tooth extraction and forget about the fear associated with it just to get rid of the severe, lingering pain.

However, would you still consider a wisdom tooth removal after hearing this piece of news about a teenager who died days after his tooth extraction?

A teenager named Jennifer Michelle Olenick from Woodstock, Maryland died ten days after having her wisdom tooth removed.

Though the anesthesiologist, oral surgeon and three other dental practitioners performed the standard operating procedure during the oral surgery, they failed to resuscitate Olenick after her heartbeat dropped and became negligent when the teenager’s body started to lose oxygen.

Olenick was rushed to Howard County General Hospital and then transferred to John Hopkins Hospital for a more specialized care. However, despite being on advanced life support, Olenick died ten days after being in a comatose stage.

Investigations found out that Olenick’s primary cause of death was hypoxia, which usually occurs when the brain lacks of oxygen and has been known to take place when complications arise from the administered general anesthesia.

According to Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation President Robert Stoeling, if the patient is administered with anesthesia, the patient’s breathing and oxygenation should be continuously monitored through the use of proper medical equipments to determine the development of hypoxia before it causes cardiac arrest.

This was what Olenick’s attending surgeons and dental practitioners probably missed during her oral surgery. Now, they are facing a medical malpractice lawsuit filed by Olenick’s parents after learning the real cause of death of their daughter.

Dr. Krista Michelle Isaacs, the anesthesiologist, Dr. Dominick Coletti, the oral surgeon, the Central Maryland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery PA and the Baltimore Washington Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Center LLC were named in the lawsuit with alleged claim of more than $30,000.

Now, would you still consider wisdom tooth removal or just endure its nerve-racking pain?

In Olenick’s case, the medical malpractice committed is due to the mental health practitioners’ absentmindedness during the operation and failure to provide necessary medical equipments. Now, they are not only to pay for their negligence but they also ruined their long-established career.

66 – Year Old Man Found in a Car Accident with a Bullet In His Head

2011-12-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

A 66 – year old man in Florida was found in a car accident with bullet in his head last December 8.

Respondents to the car accident first thought that the wound in Paul T. Holloway’ head was just a result of his car accident injury . However, when Hollowaywent ot the hospital to be treated, a bullet on his head was found by the doctors giving him medical treatment.

Holloway said during the investigation that he did not realize that he was shot. He just thought that he was having a stroke which caused the head injury and the distressing part is that he did not seek immediate medical treatment.

In a report from ABC News, Holloway stated that before he left his house that day, he had an argument with his two – room mates – Paul Anthony Edwards Jr. and Christopher Martin. Holloway testified that one of the two men was handling a gun. However, he is not aware that he was shot. According to the investigation, started driving south bound and seems like going to an address that did not exist in that direction.

The two men were arrested for attempted murder after questioning. During the inquiry, Edwards and Martin made statements that implicated themselves to the crime.

Eventually, after series of investigations, police found out that the two men really had plan of murdering Holloway because Edward wanted a new roommate and that he intends to collect Holloways’s social security checks.

It is not yet clear whether Edwards or Martin got a personal injury lawyer to represent them in court. Both men are detained in the county jail without bail while Holloway is in critical condition.

5 – Year Old Afghan Child Sustained Dog Bite After the SOTG Clearing Operation

2011-12-12T14:42:00.001-08:00

After the Special Operation Task Group (SOTG) conducted a compound – clearance operation in Oruzgan province in Afghanistan last November, a dog bite incident brought a 5 – year old Afghan child in an unfortunate situation.

The Acting Chief, Rear Admiral David Johnston, headed the joint operation. The officer saw the incident as highly unwelcomed and ill fated.

Though the clearing operation was conducted in accordance with proper legal procedures, the incident still took place. He noted that the SOTG force had been operating only with approved procedures.

The rear admiral stated how the dog bite incident occurred according to the initial review that they are conducting. According to him, after the civilians vacated the building, they advised SOTG men that the compound was clear of people. Consequently, the men entered the compound together with the army dogs. Right after the clearing operation, the five-year-old boy was then discovered of having deep wound on his leg. Most often, the common victim of dog bites are children.

Though they believe that they conducted appropriate procedures, the task force is still making a review regarding the incident focusing on finding out how the child was attacked by the animal.

The task force’s medical team immediately provided the child with medical treatment and then later transferred him together with his mother at Tarin Kowt via helicopter.

Thereafter, they were soon transferred to the advance medical facility at Kandahar Airfield for specialist treatment. The boy was released from the hospital after a few days.

Granted that the SOTG force have conducted a successful clearing operation using the standard and approved clearing procedures, the said dog bite incident is still under their liabilities since the child was bit by an army dog and not just by any other dog. The Rear Admiral was aware of this and this is the reason why they gave the child full assistance.

Medical Malpractice Case, Filed for Wrong Prescription of - Christianity?

2011-12-08T13:35:00.000-08:00

Christianity – with a generic name of “anointed one” is a religion based on Jesus’ teachings and life as illustrated in Gospels and other New Testaments. Followers of Christian faith are known as Christians.

Oops, wait. Apparently, definition of Christianity doesn’t relate into a drug or a medicine. It’s definitely a religion. How come a British doctor has been prescribing Christianity to his patients?

Dr. Richard Scott is now under investigation for wrongful prescription of religion and not medicine. Allegedly, he was promoting Christianity as a health benefit to his 24-year-old depressed patient.

According to the British medical guidelines, medical malpractice is not allowed. Doctor’s personal belief should not be discussed to patients if it is far relevant to the patient’s medical care needs.

Another point is that Scott’s patient is suffering from depression regarding his lifestyle issues. It is also stated in the General Medical Council of UK that doctors must not express their personal beliefs like political, religious and others in such ways that may exploit their patient’s sensitivity or that may possibly cause them further distress.

This case is about Scott and his colleagues, directly offering God as part of his usual treatment. It’s not a case about a doctor who once mentioned his religious belief during a consultation.

The main reason why the medical litigation occurs is because Scott declines the GMS’s decision to reprimand him over the incident. He was insisting that he has the right to offer the word of God to his patients.

Well, obviously this case still doesn’t qualify to a medical malpractice. It is still under debate and expected to prolong. Based on the doctor’s act, this case is more like a religious discrimination rather than a medical malpractice.

Alarming Number of Head Injury Cases from Bumbo Baby Seats in Infants

2011-11-29T14:51:00.000-08:00

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents to never leave infants unattended in a Bumbo baby seat. Placing the same in uncertain places like countertops and other raised surfaces may also cause accidents to infants.

Statistics shows that infants aged from 3 to 10 months old have fallen out of the Bumbo baby seat and suffered serious head injuries.

Bumbo baby seats are created to help infants to sit in an upright position as soon as they can b support their head. However, a 3-month-old infant can easily fall or escape from the said baby seat through leaning backward, sideways and worst - when the baby gets excited or upset and rocked the seat.

Despite the product recall and safety precautions done by the CPSC and Bumbo International Trust of South Africa, the numbers of head injuries arising from Bumbo seat falls significantly increased to 14 from 46.

The CPSC and the Bumbo International Trust of South Africa after being alarmed by the growing number of head injures caused by the Bumbo baby seat, is encouraging parents to follow strict product warnings for the safety of their children.

Since 2003, about 3.85 million Bumbo seats have been sold in US. Therefore, the CPSC had seen a huge possibility of receiving more reports of head injury incidents resulting from Bumbo baby seat fall.

If an infant suffered from an unpleasant accident caused by the negligence of other people or more particularly failed to comply with the proper safety standards, parents have the right to demand and file for a personal injury claim. However, it is still best to take safety precautions than seeing children get hurt.

NY Assembly Speaker Hospitalized After a Bike Accident

2011-11-28T14:23:00.000-08:00

Assembly State Speaker, Sheldon Silver has been hospitalized after his bike accident which occurred in San Juan last November 10.

In an interview, the speaker stated that he was in Puerto Rico to meet with other lawmakers at the annual political conference – Somos El Futuro, meaning we are the future, when the accident happened. On his excitement upon arriving at the event venue, he rented a bike and went riding alone along the rough path by sea side which is several miles away. As he was about to get back, he passed through an open hole on the ground which caused him to be thrown on the ground.

He was found seriously injured and bleeding by a Puerto Rican couple walking nearby. The couple brought him to Ashford Presbyterian Community Hospital in Candado, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Speaker Silver sustained a dozen of stitches above his right eye and a couple on his knee. Bruises and scabs are all over his face. His hands are also scraped.

Sheldon Silver is an American lawyer from New York. A democrat, he was officially appointed as New York State Assembly Speaker since 1994. He plays golf and bikes occasionally with his family.

Several days after the accident, knowing that he was feeling well enough, he flew back to Washington with the New York congressional delegation but days after, the cut on his knees became infected and he was hospitalized again in Stamford Hospital in Connecticut where he will undergo a surgery to be performed by his nephew Dr. Marc D. Silver, a surgeon in the field of orthopedic and sports medicine.

According to the speaker’s representative, Mr. Silver is working in his hospital room and is expecting to be back in the office soon.

Apparently, due to the said bike accident, Speaker Silver might probably lose his biking career. Though the speaker is not complaining of pain, the personal injuries he had sustained are obviously serious.

Wrongful Death Claims Against a Mining Company in West Virginia Finally Settled

2011-11-22T13:09:00.000-08:00

Way back in January 2, 2006, the Sago Mine in Upshur County, West Virginia experienced an unforgettable disaster when the mining site exploded and collapsed, leaving 13 miners dead and only one survivor.

It was the worst mining explosion in the United States since the 2001 mining company disaster in Alabama and the 1968 mining explosion in West Virginia. The explosion received worldwide news coverage then.

According to investigations, miners were killed after a powerful explosion of a methane gas that ripped through the underground mine. Of the 13 miner trapped in the explosion, only one had survived.

The families of the miners killed in the said mining explosion filed a wrongful death claim in 2006 and finally, their lawsuits have been already settled now. However, terms of the settlements were undisclosed according to reports.

The coal mine was formerly operated by Wolf Run Mining Company and owned by International Coal Group. The mine was sold to St. Louis – based Arch Coal early this year.

Well, at least surviving families of the decedents have got their late family member’s due compensation and claims. In some cases, it took longer than expected and worst is that they haven’t receive any of their claims.

Hopefully, with the new owner of the coal mine, such accidents will be avoided. Said site explosion can be classified as a premises liability. In such event, people who sustained injuries from the accident may file a personal injury claim and worst, premises owner may also possibly face such wrongful death lawsuit.

Woman Who Underwent Mastectomies Received $198,000 for Medical Malpractice

2011-11-21T13:05:00.000-08:00

Mastectomy is the medical term for removal of one or both breast though a surgical operation. Removal could either be partially or completely. It is usually done to treat breast cancer. Cancer cells are being removed from the breast in this procedure.

Generally, mastectomy is advisable for patients with cancer or with a high risk of cancer only. And this had led a woman from California to file for a medical malpractice lawsuit against a Los Angeles county hospital.

Ana Jimenez – Salgado filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against a hospital in Los Angeles where she had her mastectomy after she found out that she never had a breast cancer.

Jimenez – Salgado underwent a mastectomy on 2007 after she learned from an outside pathologist that the cells obtained from her biopsy were cancerous. She only found out that she never had breast cancer when she later underwent a reconstructive surgery after the hospital’s pathologists concluded that she never had such illness.

In the lawsuit, Jimenez Salgado claimed that the hospital has been negligent in relying on the outside pathologists and that her reconstruction was carelessly performed. The county hospital admitted that they failed to review her biopsy specimen before heading on her mastectomy.

The said medical malpractice lawsuit had awarded her a $198,000. That’s a somewhat good consolation for losing her breast. She may now have her prefect reconstructive surgery now using her medical malpractice compensation.

Hopefully, the county hospital learned their lesson from this personal injury case to prevent such mistakes from happening again.

Garbage Truck Driver Trapped in a Truck Accident in a Landfill

2011-11-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

A garbage truck driver was trapped in a dump truck after a second dump truck unloaded its trailer causing it to fall over.

Thirty one– year old Charlie Martinez of Birdsboro, Pennsylvania was unloading the garbage he collected at the Pioneer Crossing Landfill in the 700 block of Red Lane Road early morning of November 14, 2011.

The truck accident occurred when another dump truck also unloading garbage next to the first truck accidentally shifted its trailer causing it to fall atop of Martinez truck. According to police, the weight of the trailer smashed the first truck causing Martinez to get trapped. It took almost a couple of hours before the rescuers were able to free Martinez from the crushed truck.

During the difficulty of pulling him out of the truck, Martinez was fully conscious. He was immediately sent to Reading Hospital and Medical Center through a helicopter after he was pulled out.

It seems hard to determine who is at fault in this accident. It is either Martinez or the other truck driver missed to take proper precautions or signals and committed negligence or could also be a pure accident. However, engine or truck malfunction could also be another angle into this incident.

Trucks are huge and under the laws of physics, trucks will tend to gain force of movement or the so called “momentum” much more than any other vehicle. Over speeding is the most common cause of truck accidents, but definitely not for this incident. Probably, there’s either a manual or a technical malfunction involved here that’s why its trailer fell down.

In rare cases like this, you can consult a personal injury lawyer to further understand every detail concerning the accident.

2 Motorcycle Accidents Occur During Fund Raising Motorcade

2011-11-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

A motorcade that was organized to raise funds and support autism research in Los Angeles was unfortunately marred by two motorcycle accidents in the area.

Before, motorcades are conducted as a form of protest action but now, they are being used for publicity, for launching and introduction of businesses, products, and even people, particularly politicians. It could also be done for the purpose of raising funds to support charity institutions. It is usually done in busy streets at a very low speed rate of course.

It was supposedly a successful fund raising motorcade but all turned into a tragic incident when two consecutive motorcycle accidents occur right at the place where motorcade is being conducted.

The first accident occurred at around 10:24 in the morning at the Golden State Freeway near San Fernando Valley, involving two motorcycles and few cars. The second accident occurred at around 11:12 in the late morning. Another motorcycle crashed into a truck. Both the driver and the passenger of the motorcycle died on the spot.

According to reports, the victims were not yet identified and investigation is still being conducted. Authorities were still unsure if the individuals involved in those motorcycle accidents were part of the motorcade.

Who would ever expect that a motorcade for a good cause will result in the death of two individuals? The first accident definitely contributed to the second accident since it caused a heavy traffic and eventually after the second accident, three northbound lanes were closed for several hours.

The lesson learned here is that before conducting a motorcade, the safety of the participants and the inconvenience that it might bring to others should also be taken into consideration first before getting into the action.

Anti – Depressant Drug During Pregnancy May Cause Birth Injury

2011-11-11T13:47:00.000-08:00

It is common for mothers to experience pre – natal or post natal depression, that’s why they seek treatment and use anti-depressant drug to relieve them of their depressions. Far from their knowledge is that anti – depressant drugs could cause birth injury when taken during pregnancy.

The use of anti – depressant drug like Paxil and Zoloft may increase the risk of birth defects and other birth injuries when taken by a mother during pregnancy. Paxil and Zoloft are part of a type of anti – depressants identified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which have been connected into several studies to an increased risk of defects and birth injuries.

Researches conducted found out that the use of Paxil during pregnancy can increase the risk of heart defects to baby, like atrial septal defects (ASD), ventral septal defects (VSD), persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) and other birth defects. While the use of Zoloft can increase the risk of septal defects, ventricular outflow tract defects, PPHN, hypoplastic left syndrome (HLHS) and other types of birth defects.

Hundreds of mother whose children were born with birth defects and birth injuries caused by Zoloft, Paxil and other anti-depressant drugs during pregnancy have already filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of these drugs.

Despite warnings and clear traces of defects and birth injuries caused by anti – depressant drugs, still there is no product recall released by the FDA as of present.

Mothers should take proper precautions before taking any drug during pregnancy. They should be responsible enough for their parenthood. They should not rely too much on FDA and other related agencies for notices since most of the time, they are the last one to be informed when something irregular occurs. Mother should be more vigilant in such matters.

2 Gisborne Boy Found Dead Resulting from Drowning Accident

2011-11-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

Two bodies of little boys were found floating by the teenager girl at the Taruheru river. It was the body of the 2 – year old boy and 3 - year old boy. As a prompt response to what she had seen, the girl run and yells to ask for help from the people nearby the area.

According to the mother of the 2 – year old boy, the two boys were cousins. She realized that the two boys were missing 15 minutes later, therefore, she started searching for them. But it was too late. The mother was surprised when her extended family gathered in their house to bring her the bad news as well as to support her. The bad news is that the two boys were found face – down in the river.

Investigation revealed that at around 1 o’clock in the afternoon, the two boys went out their house, played at the reserve on Atkinson St. in Gisborne and then climbed down the bank to the Taruheru river.

When the rescuers found the body of the two boys, they first thought that the 3 – year old boy was already dead, but soon they realized that it was just unconscious, so, they performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to the boy.

Both boys were brought to the hospital in Auckland and doctors tried to survive the 2 – year old boy, unfortunately all their efforts was to no avail. The younger boy is already dead while the 3 – year old one is still in the intensive care and was expected to recover soon.

The mother of the 2 – year old boy is in deep sorrow and the father of the 3 – year old boy still remains in her son’s side while waiting for the boy to recover from the drowning accident.

It’s really a tragic accident involving the two poor boys. It’s absolutely a traumatic experience for the 3 – year old boy who survived from that drowning accident.

This year, 103 deaths resulting from drowning has been recorded for the whole. The local council is held liable for most drowning accidents. The family claims that if only a fence had been set up in proper place at the edge of the reserve to avoid children climbing down the river and to stop the increasing numbers of drowning accidents in the area. It was still last year when the Atkinson St. neighborhood has requested the local council to place a fence along the river side by the reserve but nothing happened.

Now, the Water Safety New Zealand is planning a new safety campaign aiming Pacific Islanders after the consecutive drowning accidents for the past two years.

Las Vegas Fatal Auto – Pedestrian Accident – The Pedestrian’s Fault

2011-11-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

Despite the increasing number of pedestrian accidents, pedestrians still don’t mind the danger of crossing or walking down the street unmindfully. It seems that pedestrians aren’t aware that they too should have to observe traffic rules and road regulations.

Another fatal pedestrian accident occurred at La Vegas Boulevard and Cheyenne Avenue leaving one dead and one injured.

According to police, a couple walking across the street were not in a crosswalk when a car hit the female pedestrian and died right at the accident scene. The female is apparently about _ years old.

Investigations showed that Betty Parker, 69 years old can only be partly blamed since other pedestrians who witnessed the accident stated that the two were not in a crosswalk while crossing the street.

Hopefully, may this serve as a warning to others and a lesson as well. Whether you are a driver of a vehicle or a pedestrian, traffic rules and road regulations must be observed. No harm can be done to anyone if only people would obey rules and regulations.

Though, it may not be the car driver’s fault in this particular pedestrian accident, it’s still a horrible experience to hit and kill somebody. Whether it’s her fault or not, the driver may possibly feel guilty about the woman’s fate. Seeing how the woman died might bring nightmares to the driver’s life.

Currently, Metro staff members are already working with other government agencies and private institutions to finalize a plan on how to educate the public about pedestrian accidents to avoid the rash of the same.

Cars Crashed in La Habra Leaving Two Injured

2011-10-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

Authorities reported that two people were hospitalized; one of them in serious condition subsequent to a multi-vehicle crash involving three vehicles, Tuesday morning.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Battalion Chief Art Ellis said the crash has been reported just before 8 o’clock in the morning. The accident occurred at Lambert Road, just east of Beach Boulevard.
Ellis added that a man believed to be in his early twenties was hospitalized with major injuries. However, he is expected to survive after firefighters released him from his devastated Hyundai.
It appeared that the driver of the pick up truck traveling westbound on Lane 1 swerved into eastbound lanes, based on the initial investigation and as written in La Habra police officials’ statement.
According to reports, the truck first trimmed off on a Chevrolet and then hit on the side of a Hyundai, pushing all those vehicles to the raised edge of a sidewalk.
Ellis said that the pick up driver believed to be twenty years of age was hospitalized for obviously minor injuries obtained. The woman driving the Tahoe in her late thirties was unhurt.
The precise of the accident still remains under investigation. Witnesses are requested to call La Habra police at 562-905-9750.
The man who caused the accident sped away in the 2006 Altima, he was driving together with a woman sitting on its passenger’s seat. But he was caught and arrested Sunday and was found out to be under the influence of an alcohol during the accident. The investigation also revealed that the involved vehicle is owned by the woman passenger when the incident happened.
The man is now facing many charges of suspicion of felony evading, driving under the influence of alcohol and along with other charges.
During such case, a Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help you the most. They are very much familiar with the life threatening risks that these dangerous vehicles inflict on pedestrians and other motorists on the road. A personal injury lawyer is more than willing to attend to your concerns.

Los Angeles Police Officer Hero after Foothill Accident

2011-10-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles Police Department has a recent handsome image, as one of its officer saved a mother and child in La Canada Flintridge accident.

According to reports on Tuesday, the 40-year-old mother was driving his Ford Escort along Foothill Boulevard at 20-25 mph when its gas pedal got stuck on the floor. She was about to approach the red light that she rushed to call the police station.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Dispatcher Richard Engerbach lifted the handset and asked the mom to shift to neutral gear, switch off the ignition, and turn on the warning lights. The driver was able to execute the emergency steps and stop the car before hitting the red light, reports said.

Reports said the mother's 5-year-old daughter was uninjured in the accident. The woman expressed her thanks for the officer's prompt help.

The dispatcher’s action may seem simple, but it was enough to save the mother and the toddler from serious injuries. Good thing, the woman was driving at a lower speed that shifting to neutral gear has made it easier to ground the vehicle to a halt. Should she have exceeded the public zone speed limit; the car might not have stopped on time.

The woman may breathe a sigh of relief for now, but she should pursue a firm legal action against the manufacturer or dealer soon. She should ask her legal representative or the authorities to examine the defective accelerator pedal. If the investigation shows that the auto part has been defective since the date of purchase, the manufacturer or dealer will face penalties for the negligent act.

The mother may further argue that the defect caused serious danger to her and her young daughter. She may present evidence from the accident scene along with the car’s documents to substantiate the case. If she is successful, she may recover damages.

For more information on defective auto part, you may consult a product liability lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will guide you throughout the process of litigation. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Speeding Blamed in Downtown LA Car Crash that Left 2 Dead

2011-10-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

Speeding remains one of the leading causes of fatal car accident, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also remains true in downtown Los Angeles.

Take the example of a speeding motorist on downtown Los Angeles who crashed his car, leaving his two passengers dead on Saturday morning.

According to reports, David Young Lee was traveling on Wilshire Boulevard at high speed when his car swerved and overturned near MacArthur Park. At least two of his passengers were pronounced dead at the accident scene.

Another passenger, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained minor injuries while Lee suffered broken leg. Paramedics transported the injured people to a local hospital, reports said.

Reports said Lee was charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and murder charges. No other injuries were reported. Police officers resumed operations on Wilshire Boulevard eastbound lane shortly after investigation.

Speeding on the congested lanes of downtown Los Angeles is a sure way to cause danger on yourself as well as to your passengers. Exceeding the speed limit reduces the reaction time and aggravates the hazard that a collision may bring.

Worse, when the driver is drunk, he or she may not execute emergency action to prevent swerving and rollover. The result is fatal and serious injuries to the occupants.

California driving laws does not let negligent drivers escape such violations. The local district courts impose stringent penalties and may order imprisonment for cases involving deaths.

If you or your loved one has been a victim of a speeding or drunk driver in Los Angeles, you may consult with a personal injury attorney. Your lawyer will help you file legal action and assert maximum compensation for your losses.

For more information on rollover crashes, you may dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

68 year-old Survives Car Crash after Ravine Fall

2011-10-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

David Lavau was a true survivor. At the age of 68, he managed to stay alive after a car wreck which nearly took his life. On top of that he remained unlocated for six grueling days and survived only by eating dead bugs, leaves and drinking from a creek.

According to KABC-TV Los Angeles, it was on the 23rd of September when Lavau’s blue Toyota plunge to a 200-feet deep ravine near Pine canyon and Lake Hughes. It was said that he had lost control of his car. He suffered from a fractured back, dislocated shoulder and broken bones and couldn’t climb his way up.
His family grew worried and reported their father had been missing after his unusual disappearance. After finding out that he went to buy bread from a familiar store, Lavau’s relatives decided to find him on their own without the help of the local police.

His children, after narrowing their search to the ravines along the steep roads, found their father after he responded to their shouts. Lavau was then rushed to the Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital and had undergone surgery for his dislocated shoulder.

David Lavau’s family was reported to be in good condition and extremely grateful that he survived the accident. There had been reports that there was a similar case of a ravine wreck in Pine Canyon, but the driver did not survive unlike him.

For more information on car accidents or personal injury cases in California, you may consult with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney who will help you recover from the damages and claim your insurance. Dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Pedestrian Crossing Tracks Killed in Amtrak Accident

2011-10-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

Crossing the rail tracks illegally may shorten your trip, but may also shorten your life.
A few seconds of getting struck by the Amtrak train will leave you literally breathless.

Instead of taking the risk, walk a few more blocks and cross the pedestrian lane dutifully, doing this will prevent an accident and spare hours of traffic delay on the railroad.

Consider the case of a pedestrian who was killed after he crossed the tracks illegally in South Front Street and Cherry Street on Sunday.

The Amtrak was moving 45 mph en route from Seattle to Los Angeles when it struck a pedestrian who trespassed into the tracks. Authorities pronounced the person dead at the accident scene, reports said.

Witnesses said it has been customary for some residents to cross through the fenced area to shorten their trips since there is no legal crossing for several blocks in the area.

None of the passengers and staff aboard the train was injured. Police officers shut down rail traffic for two hours to give way to the investigation.

If a pedestrian has illegally crossed through the fenced area, the surviving family members may lessen their chance to obtain maximum compensation for the accident. This is because the pedestrian is considered a trespasser whom the train operator does not expect to be on the railroad. Hence, the train administration may contend non-liability for the accident.

However, if the family members may prove that the train administration still have been negligent in securing the fenced area, the court may allow percentage of damages.

For more information on train accident lawsuit, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will guide you throughout the process of litigation.
Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Ferrari Crash on PCH Results to Fatal Injury

2011-09-20T14:49:00.001-07:00

Ferrari is one of the most popular and expensive luxury sports cars that most men covet. However, a fatal crash is the last of the words you want to hear from an owner.

Recently, a dream car exactly like this one turns out a nightmare for an owner who is traveling on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) at the middle of the night.

On Sunday, a driver of a Ferrari was moving on PCH when the coupe crashed into a power pole. The car was almost torn in half and ejected the driver and a passenger. The victims fell 30 feet down the rocky beach, according to reports.

Reports said the accident left one of the victims dead on the scene. Paramedics rushed the other person to UCLA Medical Center for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

The crash resulted to down power lines along PCH north of Sunset Boulevard and has affected businesses and households. Police officers resumed traffic operations on two lanes hours after investigation.

You may have your dream car, but if you’re not careful, it may drag you down into catastrophe, especially when you drink and drive along PCH at night. The long and curve road design of PCH may cause trouble for a sleepy driver. The hazard continues when the car hits a road object, and rolls down the rocky embankment.

Such fates of the Ferrari occupants do not cross the minds of young buyers. Perhaps this accident will remind motorists on how equally life-threatening a sports car can be, especially when driven negligently.

Impaired driving due to drunkenness or fatigue is considered a hazardous act. It may be
considered negligence when the driver is aware of the danger he or she may cause, but continues with the action. It carries stringent penalties under California law.

In situations when the driver hits a road object due to a hazardous highway design, the family member of the victim may pursue legal action to recover damages. The plaintiff may file a premises liability claim against the government to receive compensation for injuries and losses.

To learn more on car accident claims, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will help you throughout the process of litigation. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Church Pastor Gets 7 years of Imprisonment after Fatal Truck Crash

2011-09-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

Is it too much to ask for an additional income?

Perhaps this is the question of a pastor to God in the midst of his legal mishaps.

A church pastor was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to seven years and four months of imprisonment on Thursday after a truck accident in Pasadena, according to reports.

Reports said the Los Angeles Superior Court judge made a decision on Thursday after a lengthy hearing since July.

According to reports, Marcos Costa was driving a big rig along the San Gabriel Mountains down the Angeles Crest Highway when the truck's brakes went out of control on April 1, 2009. The big rig crashed into a car, causing fatal injuries to George (58) and Angelina (12) Posca. The truck hit four other vehicles and slammed into a nail salon and a bookstore, injuring three other people.

Reports said Costa ignored an alert from an off-duty firefighter that the mountain road was hazardous for the truck and that his brakes are beginning to smoke. Costa continued driving and poured water on the brakes instead of letting it cool down.

Prosecutors commented that Costa had many opportunities to stop and prevent the accident.

Defendant's lawyer argued that Costa followed directions on his GPS to traverse the mountains through Angeles Crest Highway, but did not notice any warning signals. The lawyer blamed the local officials for failing to install safety ramp near the intersection, reports said.

Reports said Costa was born in Brazil, but has resided in Everett, Massachusetts. The jury initially reduced his charges from second-degree murder to involuntary manslaughter in July. Costa claimed he is a pastor and he accepted the driving job for additional source of income.

Costa could shorten his sentence to two years for credit on his good behavior and 20 months of already served jail time. The California Department of Transportation prohibited five-axle trucks from entering an area of the Angeles Crest Highway since the accident, according to reports.

Reports said Costa sought forgiveness from the family of the victims after the verdict was given on Thursday.

Perhaps God may answer yes when a full time minister asked if it is too much to ask for more money. However, for California authorities an additional income is not bad as long as the person can fulfill one’s job responsibilities as well as legal duties. Sad to say, the pastor should have enhanced his driving skills more before risking traveling on LA roads.

Costa’s mistake was not wanting more income, but heading the advice of a GPS rather than the authorities. He could have easily asked a police officer for right travel directions and heed to the firefighters warning on the hazard. In that way, he could have saved his job as well as the lives of “his people”.

Failure to heed to warning signals is a negligent act that carries stringent penalties under California traffic law. Pursuing to travel on known hazardous road and driving a known defective vehicle is a clear sign of failing to exert duty of care. These acts resulted to the crash and the tragic fate of two occupants.

Sin perhaps is more of people’s decision to continue a known wrong conduct, ironically the law views violation similarly.

For more information on truck accident, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will help you go through the legal process. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Los Angeles Detective Off Duty when Killed in Motorcycle Crash

2011-09-10T00:05:00.000-07:00

When an off duty officer is gets involved in an accident, the police department may not have to compensate the surviving family members. The family members may choose to file a formal lawsuit instead to recover damages.

On the other hand, when an on duty officer is injured in a motorcycle accident, the police department will have to provide compensation for the family of the deceased. The family representative will have to show proof that the crash occurred while the officer is performing his or her duties within the assigned shift.

However, when the officer or the detective is off duty, the police department's liability on the accident is lessened. Take the example on Friday when an off duty Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detective was killed after a motorcycle crash on 110 Freeway.

According to reports, the investigator was traveling on 110 Freeway when a truck collided with his personal motorcycle. Paramedics arrived and rushed the 48-year-old detective to a local hospital where he died shortly after arrival.

The surviving family members may assert a formal lawsuit instead. A wrongful death lawsuit against the truck driver may help clarify the causes of accident and determine the negligent act/s. The family representative may present proof of the truck driver’s fault in the crash and recover damages such as medical and funeral expenses and emotional loss.

For more information on motorcycle accident, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will guide you throughout the process of litigation. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Car Hits Bus Bench, 3 Injured in LA Crash

2011-08-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

Have you seen cars flying around the block and crashing into bus bench? - Seems like an action flick for movies, but lately the Koreatown experienced the suspense in a real-life scene.

On Wednesday morning, a car was traveling in 3300 block of W. 8th Street when it ran the red light and crashed into another car. The collision caused one of the cars to jump the curb and struck two people at the bus bench. The two pedestrians and one of the motorists suffered serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

The authorities are still investigating the details on the cause of accident.

Running on red light is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Los Angeles. The negligent driver may bump into the car in front or cause collision with an oncoming vehicle. Worse, the strong impact may cause the other car to jump and crashed into pedestrians and road objects.

The car driver will not escape penalties as Los Angeles police officers can trace from the street cameras on how the traffic light was violated. The investigators can also use the skid marks to track the causes of events. By all means, beating the red light carries legal consequences.

If the authorities find the driver guilty of traffic law violation, he will face jail time as well as financial obligations to compensate the injured victims’ losses. The family members of the pedestrians may file the complaint at Los Angeles district court.

For more information on pedestrian accident lawsuit, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will guide you throughout the process of litigation. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Rapper Lil Wayne Suffers Cuts after LA Skateboarding Accident

2011-08-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

Grammy Awardee Lil Wayne cannot miss out a perfect rhyme, but he can slip and fall on his skateboard head first.

The master rapper suffered cuts on his forehead after falling off his skateboard and hitting his head on the pavement of Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on Sunday, according to reports.

Reports said Wayne was rushed to DePaul Health Center, where doctors administered nine stitches on his head. He was listed in stable condition and was expected to recover shortly after.
The hip-hop artist plans to pursue with his performance on Sunday at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles. He will also launch his new album, The Carter IV, after the show.

The admired rapper may have been fearless while navigating through the slopes of Verizon pavement. He might have realized his imperfect skateboarding skills when he saw the blood flowing from his face. Fortunately enough, the paramedics arrived on time to rescue him.

Skateboarding accident often occurs among young people who are an avid fan of the sport. The skater either loses balance or hits a road obstruction, resulting to cuts and bruises. At times, a simple blunt on the head can lead to internal injuries. The symptoms may not surface immediately, but may become evident after several months.

By all means, a skater who has suffered head injuries after a fall should seek consistent medical examination to track any complications.

The injured victim may also assert legal action against the owner of the facility, if the accident is caused by the building’s unsafe environment or an existing hazard.

For more information on skateboarding accident, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will guide you throughout the process of litigation.
Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Nickelodeon Star Miranda Cosgrove Cancels Dancing Crazy Tour

2011-08-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

"iCarly" icon Miranda Cosgrove has met bad luck in her Illinois tour, which ruined the rest of her Dancing Crazy summer concert.

The Nickelodeon star had to cancel her Henderson concert on September 16 to give way to her therapy after sustaining broken ankle in a tour bus accident on August 11 in Illinois, reports said.
According to reports, Cosgrove has to cancel also the rest of Dancing Crazy Summer Tour series. The Cultural Arts and Tourism officials affirmed fans that they will refund the tickets after one or two weeks. The organizers assured that the money will be credited to respective accounts or be received as check through mail. The singer-actress was traveling along Interstate 70 for her Illinois concert when the tour driver crashed their bus into a truck. The tractor trailer tripped on its side while the bus sustained damage to the front. She suffered broken ankle while four other passengers sustained minor injuries.

Cosgrove's representative thanked the fans who expressed their support for the young artist.

The accident was not just a bad omen, but a real disaster for the budding performer. The Hollywood celeb could have completed her concert summer series had the crash did not occur.
The tour bus driver might have lost control on the wheels and collided with the oncoming truck. The impact could have been tremendous as the bus’ front was crushed while the truck slipped sideways.

Assessing how the vehicles sustained damage, Cosgrove may still express some thankfulness that her injuries were not serious. Staying alive is enough for her to hope on better months and a brighter career.

On the other hand, legal measures can be asserted to apply penalties to negligent driver/s. In this way, the causes of events may be clarified and reckless driving conduct will be corrected.

For more information on tour bus accident, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will guide you throughout the process of litigation. Dial 1-866-998-2545 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Teen Driver Plows Chevy Tahoe into Artesia House

2011-08-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

What could have occurred between stealing a SUV and crashing into an Artesia home at dawn?
Whether it is street racing with friends or driving under the influence (DUI), the homeowners well know that their house was broken.

Teen driving at dawn is usual along Los Angeles streets especially during summer break. Teenagers engage in road race and night partying that precedes vehicle crashes.

Take the case of Martins' family when a teen driver crashed a stolen Chevy Tahoe into their Los Angeles home on Tuesday at 2:25 a.m.

According to reports, a young motorist was traveling on 183rd Street and Clarkdale Avenue intersection when the SUV slammed into the house. The homeowners were at home, but were not hurt in the accident.

Los Angeles police officers arrested the young boy, but his identity was not released because he is a minor.
Virgina and Joe Martins, the homeowners, said that their house's fence has been struck four times, but the front door was struck once. The couple commented that the property has insurance and they will assert coverage for the damage. The family has been staying in the house for 40 years.
Building inspectors are assessing the safety of the house.

Because the accused is a teenager, the litigation process for his robbery and vehicle accident is different than that of adult’s. The court may summon the boy’s parents and determine their responsibility for the accident. The boy may face penalties such as hours of community service and rehabilitation.

If the insurer is cooperative enough to cover the property damage, the couple may give a sigh of relief. The boy’s parents may also negotiate with the other party on how to settle the matter.

For more information on SUV accident, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will help you go through the legal process. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Teen Driver Killed in Angeles Crest Highway Serial Crash

2011-08-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Angeles Crest Highway might have really lost its safe image since the Station fire.
The infamous fire accident has caused the once-esteemed freeway to shut down and undergo a 16-month repair. However, the succeeding LA heavy rains have aggravated the road condition.

Just a month after the re-opening of Angeles Crest Highway, four vehicle accidents have occurred and harmed a number of motorists. Recently, an 18-year-old driver suffered the pangs of LA road mishap when his car swerved and overturned on the highway.

On Saturday, Aaron Martinez was traveling on the Angeles Crest Highway when he lost control on the wheels. The car rolled over and caused him critical injuries. Los Angeles rescue officials arrived and extracted him from the car, but they found him lifeless, reports said.

Authorities are now conducting further investigation to determine the cause of accident.

Burned debris from the Angeles Crest Highway have been further washed by the So-Cal heavy rains and added more damage to the road. The deteriorating condition of this freeway has seemed unredeemable by ordinary means of repair. The LA officials may have not corrected the road hazard much to the disappointment of motorists.

Car accidents caused by poor road condition can be blamed on city officials. This apportionment of negligence to government can be classified as a premises liability suit. Drivers and surviving family members can file the claim and recover damages for losses.

Filing a premises liability lawsuit against the government can be difficult. This is because city officials can assert maximum legal defense to nullify claims. However, if you have sufficient evidence to prove that the road has design defect or has poor condition; you can pursue the suit and receive payment for medical expenses and emotional loss.

You may present police reports, medical records, and witness statement to substantiate your claim. For more information on premises liability lawsuit, you may consult with a lawyer in Los Angeles. Dial 1-866-998-2545 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

3 People Hurt after Hit-and-Run Crash in Downtown LA

2011-08-10T00:18:00.000-07:00

Leaving the accident scene after you hit somebody can bring you more trouble than relief.

If fright crumples your whole body after seeing blood from the victim's leg, pause and take a deep breath first. Do your best to act objectively by prioritizing the medical needs of the injured person. You can then call emergency personnel who can transport the victim to a nearby hospital.

Informing authorities of the accident allows you to clarify your version of events. It also allows you to avoid imprisonment by presenting proof of financial responsibility. You see, it is not that scary after all.

However, if you allow your fears to overcome you, you will see yourself running towards legal mishaps.

Take the example of an Audi car driver who struck three pedestrians and fled the scene afterwards at Downtown, Los Angeles on Sunday.

According to reports, the driver was traveling on 11th and Hill Streets when the car hit three people and a parked vehicle. The motorist then fled the accident scene.

Rescuers arrived and rushed the injured victims to a local hospital. Witnesses commented that the car sustained damage on the windshield. Los Angeles police officers are investigating the accident.

If the driver stopped and helped the victims acquire medical treatment, police officers may not be searching for his whereabouts right now.

Failure to stop and identify oneself at the accident scene is a violation of traffic law and they carry penalties before the court. These acts aggravate current charges as well as potential damages.

However, if the driver intended to hurt the victims, he will probably flee without leaving any trace with regard to his whereabouts. Sadly, a planned act carries more stringent penalties before the court.

For more information on car accident lawsuits, you may consult with a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles. Your lawyer will help you go through the process of litigation. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Car Crashes into a Stalled Vehicle, Killing the Driver

2011-08-08T23:14:00.000-07:00

Disasters lurk anywhere, literally, and there are times, when it may add insult to injury. A car crashed into the center divider of the Pomona Freeway at Atlantic Boulevard when another car slams into the disabled vehicle killing its 22-year-old driver.

The motorist was driving a 1991 Acura when he hit his car into the center median for unknown reasons. A witness of the car crash immediately attended to the disabled vehicle and called the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to report the incident. However, just after a few seconds, another car crashed into the stalled vehicle that fatally injured the Acura driver.

According to CHP, the Acura’s driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other car says that he did not notice the stalled car.

When a driver crashes his or her car, it is an enough reason to worry. However, if another car hits his or her stalled vehicle, the story turns from bad to worst. No matter how careful a road user is, he or she may face a lot danger if others do not take extra caution.

Wrongful death from a vehicle accident always results to grief and emotional pains, which is why there is a law that aims to recompense the suffering of the affected party. Pursuant to tort law, an individual who inflicts harm to another because of negligence should provide compensations for the loss and damage to the person affected.

To know more on car accident claims, you may consult with a Personal Injury lawyer in California. You may contact our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Adult Day Care Van Crash Injures 15 Senior Citizens

2011-08-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

Elderly people are highly susceptible to injuries during a vehicle accident. More so, a slight damage to legs or head can result to complications or lead to serious injuries.

Because senior citizens do not have the strong recuperation ability of young ones, even injuries from a minor fender bender crash may require long medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Recently, 15 elderly persons were injured in a van accident in San Fernando Valley. The adult day care van that they were riding in was struck another car. At least eight seniors were transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The rest of the elder passengers were treated at the scene, according to reports.

Even though the senior citizens sustained only minor injuries, their medical condition may aggravate if they have existing illness or impairment. More so, worsening damage to the head and other body parts may not manifest symptoms until later years. This means elderly people who are hurt in a collision needs consistent medical monitoring and care.

Such case also means heightened responsibility for the other driver to face the legal consequences of the accident. This can be in the form of giving medical coverage through insurance among the injured elders.

The involved driver, if he or she has some share of fault in the fender bender crash, may also offer a settlement sum. This financial aid may help the seniors gain access to better medical treatment and nursing home services.

However, if the other party is confident that he or she has obeyed all traffic laws at the time of crash, the court may nullify claims for damages.

For more information on accident compensation, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will guide you throughout the process of litigation. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Car Splits, 2 People Die after Pomona Car Crash

2011-08-02T23:54:00.000-07:00

Have you seen a car flying in fiery flames as it splits into two? Perhaps in movies, but for Pomono residents -- in real life.

The tragic scenario was still fresh among neighbors as they recount to police officers a collision on Monday.
According to witnesses, a car-theft suspect was moving at 60 mph near Holt and Garey Avenue when it broadsided a Nissan Maxima, which was trying to make a left turn at the intersection.

The impact caused the Nissan car to split and burst into flames. The occupants of Nissan, A pregnant teenager and her boyfriend, were pronounced dead at the accident scene. The other car driver sustained minor injuries, reports said.
Police officers commented that Lorraine Martinez was driving a stolen car and did not have a driver's license. Her passenger was believed to have fled the accident scene.

Scary like a real life and death film flick, this accident shows how collision can take the lives of innocent ones on the road. Even an unborn child had been a victim of a night’s criminal episode. Worse, the “partner-in-crime” has fled from legal responsibilities.

Authorities are pursuing investigation on the accident and are tracking the whereabouts of the runaway passenger. Even though he or she has not been the driver of the stolen car, his/her conspiracy with the crime carries stringent penalties.

If Martinez will be found guilty of car theft and reckless driving, she will face hours of jail time plus thousands-worth of damages. The court may also double the sum for the emotional loss of the surviving family members.

For more information on car accident lawsuit, you may consult with a Personal Injury attorney in California. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Drowsy Driver Hits LAPD Cars, Two Critically Injured

2011-08-01T22:49:00.000-07:00

When you go to sleep, you always hope for a beautiful dream. However, if you sleep at the wrong place and at the wrong time, you only get nightmares. This is what happened to a 64-year-old woman driver when she fell asleep while behind the wheel.

According to reports, the car driven by a female motorist crashed into two Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) patrol cars in Woodland Hills. The car accident left the two police officers in critical condition, and two others sustained minor injuries.

Police reports said that the two LAPD cars were parked at Fallbrook Avenue when a black Jaguar hit the two police vehicles. According to investigation findings, the woman driver who incurred minor injuries is believed to have fallen asleep while driving.

It is obvious that driving while sleepy can pose threats to other road users. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted studies on drowsy driving in 2004. Here are some of the findings from the research:

•    People aged 18 to 29 are more likely to drive while sleepy compared to other age groups
•    Male drivers are more likely to drive while drowsy compared to women
•    People who sleep for six to seven hours a day are two times more likely to be involved in a car accident than those people who get eight hours of sleep

People who get hurt in a car accident due to drowsy driving can file for compensation claims against the involved driver. It is the legal duty of the liable driver to provide compensation for the damage and loss that he or she had cost the victim.

To know more on car accidents in California, you may consult with a Los Angeles attorney. Your lawyer will help you file a lawsuit and assert compensation for your losses. Contact our toll fee number at 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Train Carrying Hazardous Chemicals Derails in Antelope Valley

2011-07-28T00:40:00.000-07:00

A train accident in Antelope Valley became like a scene from a summer blockbuster action movie, but this time, it is real – there is no one who will say “Cut!”

A 62-car train derailed near Littlerock, Los Angeles, reports said. According to California Highway Patrol (CHP), about 14 carriages of the train were packed with hazardous material.

Residents nearby feared of exposure to the harmful chemicals, but they were safely evacuated with the help of the Antelope Valley emergency response team. According to news reports, no fatality was recorded and officials are trying to determine if the hazardous material caused the derailment.

Train accidents can cause much disaster if not prevented. In the case of this accident, it is fortunate that no one was negatively affected by the dangerous substance.

However, some train mishaps result in serious injuries to train passengers and to other people involved.

According to the data released by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), in 2010, 32 people were killed and 175 were injured due to train accidents in California. It is a much lower number compared to other traffic accidents, but it cannot be ignored. No one can disregard the fact that in any accident, a single fatality is enough to cause alarm to others.

Victims of train accidents have the right to demand compensation for the losses they have suffered. They should seek assistance from a train accident lawyer who will guide them with the legal procedures.

To know more about your rights regarding train accidents, you may consult with a Los Angeles lawyer. Your attorney will help you file a lawsuit and recover compensation for your losses. Contact our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Two Men Suffer Injuries after Car Hits Pole

2011-07-27T22:57:00.000-07:00

Perhaps Sunset Boulevard needs to change its name to Crash Avenue as it has become notorious for its numerous car crashes in downtown, Los Angeles.

According to reports, the driver of the Chevrolet Impala was approaching Mandeville Canyon Road and Sunset Boulevard intersection when the car hit a pole on Monday. At least two passengers suffered broken bones while six others sustained minor injuries.

Paramedics rushed the injured victims to a local hospital.

Sunset Boulevard may have been prone to accident due to its curve road design. Drivers often have to lower the speed level and exert more caution when navigating through its lanes. Sometimes, driver error or road hazard trigger a crash.

It is not yet clear what caused the accident, but when the police officers find out that a negligent act prompted the crash; the driver may lower his or her chance to receive damages from the government. The state should have given premises liability compensation for the hazardous design of its road.

For more information on premises liability lawsuit, you may consult with an attorney in Los Angeles. Your lawyer will help you go through the process of litigation. You may dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

California Plastic Company Catches Fire

2011-07-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

“Safety first” – this is the recurring motto of any construction or industrial workplace to avoid untoward incidents that may cause construction liability. However, a plastic company in Fairfield, California failed to place safety as its priority agenda to avert a fire accident to happen.

Fortunately, no one got injured from the construction accident, reports said. The fire broke out in a storage area at Macro Plastics Inc., near Travis Air Force Base. According to news reports, the fire was controlled in the storage area.

The fire generated massive black smoke up to hundreds of feet into the air which made the neighboring locals worry. According to Fairfield Fire Department, the residents living near the compound were asked to stay indoors to avoid exposure to the smoke.

Workers are always at risk for injuries while working in industrial places that is why it is imperative for employers to implement high safety standards. If the fire was not contained, it could have been a disaster for the workers.

Common injuries from construction accidents like fire may result to head injuries, suffocation, fractured bones, and even death. Employers should always prioritize safety to prevent any mishap that may cause harm to their employees.

Workers who are injured in the workplace due to negligence on the part of their employers have the right to claim for compensation. According to tort law, employers who are found out to be guilty of negligence must finance the loss of the victims.

To know more about your rights regarding construction liability, you may consult with an attorney in Los Angeles. Your lawyer will help you file a lawsuit and recover compensation for your losses. Contact our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Newmark Resident Dies in Pyramid Lake Jet Ski Crash

2011-07-22T00:24:00.000-07:00

Failure to give signals when making a right turn can lead to tragic crash even on waters.

In fact, a Newark resident was killed after his WaveRunner collided with a ski boat on Saturday at 1:40 p.m.

According to reports, Edgardo Gabriel Almaraz made a sudden right turn, causing his watercraft to crash into the 20-foot ski boat. He was found motionless after the accident while the other boat operator was able to keep himself afloat.

A US Coast Guard arrived and transported the two men to shore, reports said.

Paramedics administered CPR on Almaraz, but they were unable to revive him. He was pronounced dead at 2:22 p.m.

Authorities found no traces of alcohol in the other boat operator’s body.

Los Angeles police officers commented that Almaraz might not have been paying attention when the collision occurred.

Failure to give signals when making a right turn happens mostly when the boat operator is distracted. Lack of attention while navigating the boat can trigger a collision with an approaching watercraft. Though the accident occurred on waters, police officers will still investigate the causes of events as if the men have driven on land.

If the other boat operator was not found guilty of Boating Under Influence (BUI), authorities may look into other factors that contributed to the collision. He may build a good defense to prove he was not negligent and he has not committed boating law violations.

The defendant may present witness statements, photos from the accident scene, and documents to prove his innocence. If he is successful in doing so, he will not have to pay expensive fines. The court may also reduce the amount of damages in the case.

For more information on boating accidents, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your defense attorney will help you prepare legal defenses which may help you prove your innocence. . Dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Female Driver Dies after Highway 17 Two-Vehicle Crash

2011-07-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

A 30-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries after a tragic Highway17 collision. She is one of the many women who were involved in a car crash.

According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports, the motorist was heading on southbound Highway 17 when she collided with another vehicle. She died instantly after the crash.

Paramedics rushed the other vehicle driver to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, reports said.
CHP officers are conducting an investigation in order to know if one of the motorists committed a violation which led to the collision.

If authorities found out that the injured driver was negligent in the crash, he or she may face stringent penalties such as fines and imprisonment. More so, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages.

A wrongful death lawsuit allows the decedent’s surviving family members to establish the negligent act of the other party and to receive compensation for losses. The plaintiff has to show how the defendant’s failure to exercise duty of care triggered the accident.

However, if the injured driver can nullify the allegations against him or her, the court would dismiss the case. The defendant may present witness’s statements and accident reconstruction as evidence.

For more information on defenses in a car accident lawsuit, you may consult a personal injury attorney. Your lawyer in Los Angeles will guide you throughout the process of litigation. Dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Angels Flight Resumes Operations on Tuesday

2011-07-06T23:08:00.000-07:00

Busy Los Angeles commuters need not take the stairs or walk across Hill and Olive Streets because Angels Flight Railway has been reopened.

Downtown residents can take a sigh of relief as the historic railway resumed its operations on Tuesday afternoon. The California Public Utilities Commission lifted the suspension order after the Angels Flight administration replaced the worn-out steel wheels on two rail cars.

The admin installed custom-made wheel flanges on Sinai and Olivet rail cars after Safety Inspectors found a quarter inch deterioration on them last month.

Residents can now cut their travel time because the 110-year-old train can fetch passengers up and down the 298-feet Bunker Hill again.

The Angels Flight admin assured passengers of safer travel with the new rail parts.

For those who worry about being involved in a train accident, they may take the stairs or walk across Hill and Olive Streets. They can save a few dollars and shed some weight for good.

However, if a train crash occurs, victims can hold the state officials liable for the accident. They may seek compensation for losses just like the old times.

The California court allows citizens injured in public trains to file a premises liability suit. The plaintiff may present evidence that the accident resulted from the negligent act of a state official. He or she must establish that the accident caused injuries and losses.

For more information on premises liability lawsuits against the government, you may consult with a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles. Dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

LA City Council Fails to Reach Consensus on Red-Light Camera Closure

2011-06-29T00:44:00.000-07:00

Peer Pressure? Perhaps no. The LA City officers have cast their individual votes on whether to stop the use of red-light cameras on Tuesday.

The council garnered 7-5 votes, which is short of the required 8 votes to repeal the July 7's initial decision, according to reports.

Because the city officials failed to reach consensus, the prior decision to uninstall all the red-light cameras at Los Angeles intersections will take effect.

The American Traffic Solutions can resume operations of its red-light cameras if the officers convene again and receive at least eight votes to resume the safety system before July 31. The company may also continue to receive $2.7 million each year as payment for the service.

Most of the LA City officials have voiced out the importance of cutting expenses, including the cost of extra safety equipment in the city. The council suggested improving the Los Angeles Police Department's strategies in disciplining LA motorists instead.

It will be better if the LA motorists will comply with their individual duties to exercise duty of care on the road rather than rely on red-light cameras for safety. More so, car drivers can save thousand of dollars from “running on red light” tickets.

Looks like the city officers have decided to eliminate the special safety equipment and concentrate on implementing more effective policing strategies. On a more serious note, Los Angeles is now more concerned on extra savings rather than saving lives.

For more information on traffic law violations, you may consult with a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles. You may dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Los Angeles Woman Dies of Internal Injuries from Crash

2011-06-22T23:12:00.000-07:00

Even minor injuries resulting from a truck accident can have fatal effects. When the victim does not receive immediate medical treatment, damaged tissues can cause internal bleeding, which can then result in death.

Such situation could have happened to a Los Angeles woman who was hurt when her truck overturned on Interstate 95 on Sunday at 1:40 p.m.

The 48-year-old woman was driving her U-Haul truck when it swerved and hit a guardrail. The truck overturned and landed on its side, reports said.

According to police, the woman was wearing her seatbelt during the crash. Some bystanders helped her get out of the crashed vehicle.

A witness commented that the woman appeared to have minor injuries before paramedics rushed her to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Later at 6:00 p.m., doctors pronounced her dead, explaining that she died of internal injuries.

Injuries which appeared to be minor ended up killing the woman. Noting that the truck overturned and tripped on its side, the woman could have suffered from more serious injuries due to the impact..

Internal bleeding may result from damage to tissues and blood vessels in the head and chest. Such situation is enough to compress an organ and cause it to malfunction.

The symptoms of internal injuries or bleeding might not have been obvious and this problem likely caused the woman’s death.

If you or your loved one suffered from injuries resulting from a truck accident, you can consult a personal injury lawyer who can help you take legal action. Your attorney in Los Angeles will help you prove the fault or negligence of liable parties and receive compensation for your medical expenses and losses.

For more information, you may dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Metropolitan Bus Involved in Tragic LA Accident

2011-06-16T23:02:00.000-07:00

Drivers and operators of public transports like buses, trains and taxis have to comply with high standard of care to prevent catastrophic accidents. This stringent requirement is necessary to safeguard large number of passengers each day. When bus drivers fail to abide with existing traffic laws, authorities can impose penalties.

On Tuesday, another bus accident occurred in Los Angeles when a Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus collided with a car.

According to reports, the bus was traveling on 6th Avenue and West Adams when it crashed onto a car. A pregnant bus passenger sustained serious injuries while her three young daughters suffered minor injuries.

On the other hand, six other passengers suffered minor back pain and bruises. Rescuers arrived and rushed them to a local hospital.

Reports said Los Angeles firefighters had to use a hydraulic equipment to extract the 30-year-old car motorist out of the crashed vehicle. Paramedics arrived and transported him to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

If results of police investigation show that the driver failed to exercise duty of care, he and the bus operator can face legal consequences. The employer will have to compensate for the losses of the injured passengers and involved motorists. Also, the driver may face court penalties.

For more information on bus accident lawsuit, you may consult with a Personal Injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will help you clarify the causes of events in the accident. You may dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

Angels Flight Closes Due to Worn Out Steel Wheels

2011-06-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has suspended the Angels Flight operations on Thursday after its steel wheels were found defective.

During a routine inspection, the CPUC has detected worn-out wheel flange on Angels Flight. The CPUC immediately ordered the train's administration to suspend operations, reports said.

Reports said the Angels Flight administration has not expected the sudden wear on steel wheels. The admin has just installed the wheel flange last March 2011. The engineers were inspecting the cause of damage on the tracks.

The Angels Flight administration said that operations may resume in weeks after they have completely replaced the steel wheels.

The historic railway transports commuters to and fro the 298-foot steep Bunker Hill.

The Bunker Hill residents commended the Angels Flight’s safety precaution. The suspension has prevented a second crash similar to February 2001’s fatal crash.

Supposed the Angels Flight has caused another tragic accident, the train administration may face more penalties and grave liability before CPUC and LA City Officials.

Defective train parts are a common cause of accidents in California. Worn-out parts trigger malfunction and collision with oncoming vehicles. When train operators fail to correct known faulty train parts, they can face legal consequences.

To learn more on train accidents, you can consult with a Personal Injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will guide you throughout the legal process. You may dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

Actress Estella Warren Charged with Traffic Violation, Battery Charges

2011-06-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

No belle can escape battery charges.

Planet of the Apes actress Estella Warren was charged today with Hit-and-run, DUI, and battery on a police officer at Los Angeles district court.

The misdemeanor charges were filed at the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office. The hearing date is scheduled on June 17. If proven guilty, the model-actress will have to render two and a half years of jail time. Currently, Warren is out on $100,000 bail.

The Victoria's Secret ex-model was involved in a car crash and police fight on May 23. She failed her field sobriety test, assaulted a police officer, and attempted to escape from authorities.

Now that the charges against Warren were officially filed at LA court, the 40-year-old actress may begin feeling sorry for her misconduct. Though the violations were categorized as "misdemeanor", DUI and battery actually have stringent penalties. Estella better have to prepare her legal defenses for the upcoming hearing date.

In California, it is illegal to exceed the 0.08 % Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit and disrespect authorities. Also, attempting to flee from police officers may put you more in legal trouble. It still pays to face your responsibilities and accept known consequences.

For more information on car accident lawsuit, you may consult with a Personal Injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your defense attorney will help you prepare documents that can clarify the causes of events in the crash. You may dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

Insurance Institute Highway Safety Commends New SUVs’ as Safe

2011-06-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a report on Sport Utility Vehicle's (SUVs) improved safety due to installed Electronic Stability Control (ESC) equipment.

According to IIHS report, the ESC installed on SUV 2009 to 2011 models has reduced the probability of rollover crash. The ESC has helped drivers regulate steadiness during adverse road conditions.

The IIHS representative commented that the safety equipment has been produced to lessen the cases of skidding, involving SUVs. Its high center of gravity and narrow tires were being regulated by the ESC to increase stability and traction on road surface, reports said.

The IIHS is a private organization that oversees private auto consumers.

However, critics commented that the IIHS’ reports can be misleading as SUVs’ new ESC may not completely prevent rollover crash during high-speed driving. Also, SUVs’ inherent hazardous design can still trigger tripping when traveling on slippery roads.

Some engineers have recommended installing high-speed cutoff circuit to complement stability control on SUVs.

Whether IIHS’ reports on ESC are accurate, observing traffic rules is still the best way to prevent catastrophic crashes. Abiding with the 25- 60 mph speed rate limit on Interstate 101 or Pacific Coast Highway can ensure a safer travel.

For more information on SUV accident, you may consult with a Personal Injury lawyer in Los Angeles to help you. Your attorney will guide you on the legal process of car crash lawsuit. You may dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

Downtown LA Car Crash Seriously Injures Toddler

2011-06-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

A toddler has sustained severe injuries after her mother made an unsafe lane change at downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

According to reports, the mother was traveling westbound on Route 66 near Loraine Avenue when she shifted to the other lane. Suddenly, a car from behind crashed onto her vehicle. The mother suffered a broken rib while her two-year-old child sustained serious injuries.

Paramedics arrived and rushed the toddler to Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. On the other hand, the mother was transported to UCLA Medical Center.

Making a sudden lane change puts the driver and her passenger in danger, especially when the road is wet or has curve design. Slippery and curved highways expose vehicles to swerving and rolling over. Worse, if the car has ineffective baby seat, the toddler may sustain head and spine injuries.

Children often sustain severe injuries even in a minor rear-end collision. This is because toddler's muscular and skeletal system is not yet fully developed to withstand blunt force. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent the long-term effect of trauma.

The mother should have not risked making the lane change, knowing that her baby is in the back seat. It is still worth to abide with traffic rules and be patient to fellow LA motorists. Perhaps, busy mothers can forget what is best for their toddlers when driving at downtown LA.

If you have been involved in a rear-end collision at Los Angeles, you may consult with a Personal Injury lawyer to help you. You may dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

Teenage Cyclist Suffers Injuries after Norwalk Crash

2011-06-08T00:54:00.000-07:00

Another teenager in Los Angeles has experienced the curse of Los Angeles streets when he crashed his bike onto a vehicle in Alondra Boulevard on Friday.

Nowadays, it is no longer fun to roam around LA's pavement on a cozy afternoon. Even a simple exit at a parking lot can spell disaster for an unsuspecting teenage boy.

According to Los Angeles police, the teen cyclist was riding out of the Norwalk Indoor Swamp Meet parking lot when his bike was hit by an oncoming vehicle. The juvenile suffered moderate injuries and was rushed to a local hospital.

Reports said that the teenager had undergone surgery on Friday and was expecting to survive. It is unclear whether the facility has safety marks to warn oncoming vehicles.

Even though the Los Angeles city officials have provided bike lanes for citizens, not all streets are protected with such safety measure. Most of LA areas are left with convoluted roads with students competing with the morning or afternoon rush. Worse, parking lots add to the trouble when teen cyclists are left on their own to navigate out of the facility.

When such problematic vehicle and a hurried cyclist meet on the highway, an accident is expected.

In a vehicle-bicycle crash, it could be that either of the drivers are speeding or have failed to notice the oncoming road object. Bicycles appear less visible on streets because of its size and are more prone to collision. Also, its limited safety gear cannot protect the rider from sustaining injuries.

If you have been injured in a similar crash, you may consult with a Personal Injury lawyer to help you assert legal action. Your bike accident attorney in Los Angeles will assist you in proving the liability of the vehicle driver over your injuries.

For more information, dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

Santa Cruz Motorist Injured in H-9 Single Car Accident

2011-06-03T00:12:00.000-07:00

A Santa Cruz man was killed after his car overturned at Highway 9 on Wednesday morning.

The motorist was traveling along Rinson crossing near the railroad tracks when he lost control of the wheels. The car tripped to its side and trapped the driver for less than an hour, according to reports.

Firefighters arrived and pulled the man through the front windshield. Paramedics rushed him to Dominican Hospital for an evaluation and treatment of minor injuries.

The Santa Cruz police officers are still investigating whether alcohol or speeding is a factor in the crash.

If the driver's Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) test exceeded 0.08 percent, the authorities can cite him a Driving Under Influence (DUI) charge. On the other hand, if the investigation point to speeding violation, the driver may face a more stringent penalty.

DUI and speeding are considered as negligent acts under Personal Injury law. Adults must comply with the 0.08 % BAC limit, and minors must abide with the zero percent tolerance rule. On the other hand, drivers must meet the 60 mph speed limit on freeways and 25 mph on populated areas. The driver may face expensive fines or jail time if found guilty of these traffic regulations.

If you have experienced a similar roll over crash, you may consult with a car accident attorney in Los Angeles to help you clarify the causes of events in the accident. Your Personal Injury lawyer will help you undergo the process of litigation.

For more information, you may dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

DUI Severely Injures Two Female LA Teenagers

2011-06-01T00:20:00.000-07:00

No matter how much you try to safeguard your young teenager from harm, chances are she'll encounter risks once she heads into LA hazardous traffic. The increasing car crash reports in LA tell how notorious drivers ply the downtown routes. Congested streets, high car population and rampant violations of traffic rules are factors that may have contributed to LA’s infamous reputation as a car crash capital.

On the early hours of Sunday, four female teenagers were riding a Mercedes-Benz, driven by one of the girls’ father. As they approached Irvine Boulevard and Culver Drive, a Toyota pick up crashed onto their vehicle, reports said.

According to reports, two of the high school students were seriously injured and have been treated at a local hospital. The other two, including the father, sustained moderate injuries and were recuperating.

The driver of the pick up and his passenger were not hurt in the accident. Initial investigation of Los Angeles police showed that the Toyota driver could have exceeded the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit.

Authorities arrested Austin Farley, the Toyota driver, for Driving Under Influence (DUI) charges with $100,000 set bail.

Under California law, motorists are not allowed to go beyond the 0.08 percent intoxication cap. Violators can be charged with DUI offense, and face expensive fines. Also, the driver may have to deal with stringent penalties, hours of community service, and rehabilitation. The family of the victim can also file a Personal Injury lawsuit to recover damages.

In a Personal Injury lawsuit, the plaintiff must present sufficient evidence to prove that the other party has committed a negligent act. The plaintiff can proceed with establishing that such action resulted to the victim's injuries. If the court decides in favor of the plaintiff, the other party has to pay damages.

For more information on car accident lawsuit, you may consult with a Personal Injury attorney in Los Angeles. You may dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

Motorcycle Officer Killed During Police Funeral Procession

2011-05-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

An already gloomy afternoon turned even gloomier when police escorts who are supposed to ensure a safe funeral procession for a colleague’s grieving family got one of themselves killed in a fatal accident.

According to reports, Hawthorne Police Officer Andrew Garton was escorting a funeral procession when his motorcycle collided with a patrol car. His motorcycle hurled at an oncoming traffic and struck a sedan. He was pronounced dead at the accident scene.

Patrol car driver Sgt. Rex Fowler suffered broken leg and was transported to a local hospital. On the other hand, the sedan driver was uninjured in the accident, reports said.

The SoCal officers were escorting the funeral of Manhattan Beach Officer Mark Vasquez. The Vasquez family was en route to Green Hills Memorial Park at Rancho Palos Verdes when the crash happened.

Witnesses commented that the motorcycle officers were at high speed to block traffic. Garton crashed head onto the patrol car and struck another vehicle. The passersby described how the officials "leaped" from one intersection to another.

Police officers were seen blocking traffic to assist funeral procession at streets. They accelerate ahead of other vehicles to alert other vehicles of the ritual. However, the high speed needed to complete the task often puts these motorcycle officers’ safety at risk. "Leaping" from one intersection to another has been hazardous for police officers themselves as well as to other motorists.

What paints a more gloomy hue to the scenario was that the funeral involves the loss of a colleague. Instead of comforting the surviving members, the procession has caused an even more emotional trauma. As you can see, even law enforcers cannot be exempted from the speed regulation in California. It's better to abide with the 25 mph limit on populated zones and 60 mph on freeways than suffer the consequences of one’s negligence.

If you or your loved one has suffered fatal injuries from a speeding vehicle, you can consult with a Wrongful death lawyer in Los Angeles to help you. Your attorney will assert damages for your family's losses. You may dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

Three Workers Suffer Burn Injuries in Sunwest Electrical Accident

2011-05-28T00:18:00.000-07:00

Electricians working on power supply are more exposed to fire hazards. Electrocution and burn injuries are among the common injuries that can result from faulty electrical wirings. Recently, two workers were hospitalized after the supply panel caught fire at Sunwest retirement village.

According to reports, an electrical contractor and two Sunwest laborers were fixing the supply panel when it burst into flames. The two employees suffered facial burns and respiratory tract injuries. On the other hand, the electrician sustained hand burns.

The two Sunwest employees were rushed to Arrowhead Burn Center, but the electrical contractor declined further treatment.

A case like this shows how an electrical hazard can cause serious injury to workers. Because of such inherent danger, employers have the responsibility to implement more safety measures to prevent accidents and therefore, can be held liable for injuries incurred by workers if they fail to prevent potential accidents.

When employers fail to fulfill such duty, laborers can file Workers Compensation claim to avail of medical coverage. It serves as the company’s health insurance benefit for employees injured at work. The employees will have to fill up a claim form and attach medical records to prove the injuries sustained.

If the employer refuses to cooperate, the workers can assert legal action to recover damages. A Personal Injury lawsuit can be filed in Los Angeles district court to hold the employer liable for the accident. If the worker has sufficient documents to prove the employer’s fault, he/she can receive compensation for medical expenses and losses.

If you have suffered similar accident, you can consult with a Personal Injury attorney in Los Angeles to help you. Your lawyer will guide you throughout the process of litigation.

You may dial our toll free number at 1-866-998-2545, or email us at info@mesriani.com
for free case analysis.

Ex Victoria’s Secret Model Estella Warren Spends Jail Time in LA

2011-05-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

It seems like blue-eyed fashion model Estella Warren can't get over something when she crashed her Toyota Prius onto three parked cars in Los Angeles on Monday.

Whether it is about her man or pressure on upcoming film commitments, Warren ends up looking wasted behind prison bars.

The ex Victoria's Secret model was traversing Los Angeles road, where she was found intoxicated by Los Angeles police officers. She was arrested for Driving Under Influence (DUI) after hitting parked vehicles subsequently.

According to reports, the Planet of the Apes star argued with the authorities and slipped off her wrists from the handcuffs. Despite her resistance, the LAPD officers managed to capture and detain her with $100,000 set bail.

Because of her reluctance to submit to authorities, she is now facing additional assault and felony escape charges.

Failure to comply with DUI test or cooperate with authorities can cause more legal trouble. Should she have let the police officers go through the investigation without argument, she will just have to deal with basic DUI penalty.

However, as celebrities are known for fearless crashes, $100,000 is just a cent-worth for Warren. Similar blonde stars such as Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, and Cristina Aguilera have driven drunk on LA and got away with it in hours. All without a worry on paying bail.

If you're wise enough to save your money on worthy cause, you can manage not to drink and drive on LA streets. Or, make sure to fall below 0.08 percent on Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit. DUI still has its grave penalties as it is considered as a negligent act.

Under Personal Injury law, a negligent act can lead to liability, especially if the victim suffers harm. The offender can face penalties such as expensive fines, jail time, or payment of damages. The defendant will also have to pay property damage for the crashed vehicle/s.

Should a negligent celeb driver crashed onto your parked vehicle, you can consult with a Personal Injury attorney in Los Angeles to help you assert legal action. For more information, dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

Criminal Minds Hunk Shemar Moore Files Lawsuit over Bike Crash

2011-05-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

Criminal Minds actor Shemar Moore has decided to pursue a lawsuit against the negligent people who caused his bike accident at Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles.

The popular "FBI agent Derek Morgan" filed the lawsuit at Los Angeles Superior Court against Philip Randall and Florence Rosenthal. He is represented by Shawn Holley (Lindsay Lohan's lawyer), according to Los Angeles police reports.

The lawsuit stemmed from an incident that occurred on August 1, 2009 when the hunk model was cycling on his way home and a car rear ended his bike. Moore suffered broken leg and rib. Holley is asserting damages and penalties against the liable parties.

Though it is unlikely for a tough rich celeb to seek compensation, for sure, Moore would like to see the negligent driver penalized. However, his hope to give a taste of prison life
may be infamous as Holley faces LA judges again.

Criminal Minds fans can just put their fingers crossed that Holley will impress LA Superior Court this time.

More so, she will have to convince the judge that the car driver/owner committed the traffic offense, which resulted to her client’s crash injuries. Also, she has to present more evidence that would establish the legal basis for the suit.

Should Holley fail to do so, the defendants can go freely and without a dollar obligation.

To learn more on Personal Injury lawsuit, you may consult with an attorney in Los Angeles to help you. You may dial 1-866-772-2889 toll free, or email at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

Toddler Dies in Los Angeles SUV Accident

2011-05-20T00:43:00.000-07:00

How many times have your heard of SUV crash? - Perhaps a thousand times.

Los Angeles has added one more count to its pile of SUV accident cases after a toddler lost his life in a Walnut accident.
Christian Antonio Martinez, 5 years old, was crossing Poplar Place Street when an oncoming SUV struck him on Sunday at 6 p.m. The young boy didn't survive his injuries.

Children who are hit by vehicles even in a 25-mph accident may not survive injuries due to their fragile bones and under-developed immune system. The child who has suffered even a mild force on the head can die within minutes.

Such alarming road condition can become worse when SUV traverses residential areas. SUV has hazardous design with its high center of gravity, making it prone to swerving. It can even have difficulty making a full stop. Even at 25mph, a SUV may lose stability and crash on road objects or a pedestrian. A SUV driver who is already encountering trouble on the wheels may fail to stop on time upon seeing a crossing child.

Though parents have the primary responsibility on overseeing their child's activity near the street; SUV drivers, manufacturing company, and the City Officials can face liability when failing to observe safety laws.

The manufacturer and drivers of SUVs have the obligation to adhere with safety rules to prevent accidents. Also, city officials have to be more vigilant in protecting minors on the road. If these entities fail to adhere with the safety laws, parents can pursue litigation as a way of recovering losses.

To learn more on filing a Personal Injury lawsuit, you may call Mesriani Law Group number at 1-866-772-2889 toll free. You may also send an email at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

DUI Offenses Seems Unstoppable in Causing Vehicle Accidents

2011-04-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

Incidents of fatal crash resulting from DUI offenses have been very common these few months. Just few days ago, a Long Beach fire captain was sued for causing serious injuries after striking a 47-year-old bicyclist in a DUI hit-and-run accident in Seal Beach April 1.

Fire officer John Hines was discovered having a .24 percent blood alcohol level, three times more than allowable limit.

In California, the legal limit of alcohol level is 0.8 and if you have been found to exceed this limit, the authorities apprehend you for infringement of DUI driving laws.

Driving under the influence (of alcohol and/or drugs) is creating serious threat on the lives of the motorists and even pedestrians. Almost 39% of all fatal vehicle accidents in the U.S. can be attributed to excessive alcohol intake.

With this large percentage, stricter punishments and higher penalties have been implemented to signify the government’s serious campaign to at least lessen the number of DUI offenders. License suspension has also been prolonged to give the violators more hard time. Habitual violators may now face felony charges after three DUI convictions. Some states also allow days of imprisonment for offenders.

There is no justifiable reason why a person should drink liquor and drive afterwards. Thus, if you know that you will be driving after a drinking session, better limit yourself to a bottle of beer or yet do not drink at all. It is better to drive home safe than to endanger your life as well as other people’s safety.

Meanwhile, if you have been a victim of a DUI accident, you must immediately consult with vehicle accident lawyer and learn how you can seek for damages and suitable compensation. It is your right and duty to let those DUI offenders learn their lesson and cease from driving their vehicles intoxicated.

Do Red-Light Cameras Prevent Vehicle Accidents?

2011-04-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

“Red-light cameras save lives” - LAPD

After announcing their plans to renew the contract for red-light cameras, the L.A.’s Board of Police Commissioners received many complaints and other suggestions from critics as well as from some city leaders. Are these cameras really worth its effectiveness in deterring vehicle accidents?

In Downtown L.A., more than 30 units of camera have been placed on intersections and it was able to bring about approximately 46,000 citations. Statics also shows that no fatal incidents have been reported in intersections with running red lights.

With these reasoning, the LAPD their strong support for the continuous utilization of these photo-enforcement system. Yet, they also said that they will not renew the contract with ATS, L.A.’s photo-enforcement system contractor, until further studies have been made.

However, several motorists and even public officials are raising their points on the effectiveness of these cameras. Some of them said that these cameras have been placed on intersections just to cite more drivers and collect more money.

This $3.1 million photo-enforcement system contract still has to face a lot of scrutiny from critics before city council approval. Unless LAPD proves its worthiness and effectiveness in providing us safer travel and preventing serious accidents on intersections, I guess we should divert the money to other programs that are more needed.

Zero Tolerance on Distracted Driving Awareness Month

2011-03-31T00:50:00.000-07:00

The entire police departments and California Highway Patrol will unite to join the campaign against distracted driving this whole month of April so cell phone users, be aware.

Local police agencies were ordered to implement “zero tolerance” against those who will break the law and conscientiously text or operate their cell phones while driving their vehicles. Authorities will enforce the minimum ticket cost of $159 to 1st offenders and $279 for succeeding tickets.

For many years, distracted driving has been putting everyone on the road to higher risk and, several times, resulting to fatal accidents across the state of California. It is really a good move for the state to declare April as “Distracted Driving Awareness Month.”

Using hand-held devices create more chances of major crashes that result to serious injuries and deaths. Studies also show that inexperienced drivers below the age of 20 have the greatest number of involvements in distraction-related road accidents.

In 2009 alone, about 5,500 Americans died while approximately half a million sustained injuries on accidents involving distracted drivers according to the Transportation Department’s data.

The state is implementing traffic rules to protect the motorists and pedestrians as well. We just hope that all of us will abide the law, not only to avoid tickets, but also to experience safe travel and keep away from vehicle accidents.

Also, all states in the U.S. must implement same laws and act to completely eradicate the use of hand-held cell phones while driving and make the roadways safer for all.

Fire Accident Damages former Mouseketeer’s Home, Three Persons Injured

2011-03-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

In Encino the home of Annette Funicello, the former Disney Mouseketeer was damaged by fire. Fire spokesman named Erik Scott says that two female-one of them in wheelchair - and a male were inside the house. They were hospitalized immediately due to smoke inhalation.

Funicello’s ex-husband, Jack Gilardi said that the 68-year old actress who has a multiple sclerosis was at home with her current husband and a nurse. Gilardi said they were exposed to smoke and slightly injured but will surely recover.

Funicello was a former Mouseketeer on TV's "Mickey Mouse Club'' in the 1950s and had a singing and acting career that included a series of beach movies.

Losing a home is horrifying. I hope that they will all get well and they can get back everything they had lost because of the fire accident. They must be thankful that they were saved from the fire because life is more important than money or a house. It is the most precious gift we ever have and something that cannot be replaced.

Chain Crash Triggered by Fog in Fresno

2010-12-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

Motorists should always be cautious when driving in foggy and slippery roads where accidents are prone to occur. Further, they should keep in mind that other drivers may not be as careful so they must observe preventive measures to avoid these road accidents.

In a recent vehicle accident, a big rig that was about to cross the intersection was hit by another vehicle and the collision started the chain crash that involved at least four vehicles. Fog in the area is believed to be a factor in the crash.

According to reports, the westbound big rig travelling along Manning Avenue was moving into an intersection when it was hit by a motorist in a northbound van driving along McMullen Grade.

After the initial crash, a northbound vehicle along McMullen hit the big rig after it swerved as a fourth vehicle from the southbound lane added to the pileup a few moments later.

At least one person was taken to the hospital to be treated for the moderate injuries he sustained in the crash and there were no fatalities reported.

This accident could have been a lot worse especially if the vehicles involved were speeding.

To avoid road accidents caused by weather and climate change, drivers must:

• Install tire chains when driving along icy roads
• Check the traffic lights and approaching traffic before going into intersections
• Maintain a safe speed that is not below or above the speed limit
• Keep your eyes on the road
• Never drink and drive
• Avoid tailgating

These reminders should help in preventing road accidents that result in injuries and property damages. Be wise and always follow traffic laws and regulations.

Woman Dies after Losing Control over Vehicle in Fiery Crash

2010-12-02T17:49:00.001-08:00

Quick thinking and good reflexes goes a long way when confronted with traffic situations that can lead to vehicle accidents which results to injuries, vehicle damages, and even death.

Unfortunately, a great number of motorists are unable to deal with these situations smartly and fast enough that they often end up compensating for the damages they caused.

A 54-year-old Bell woman is one of the recent victims of fatal vehicular accidents as she lost control of her vehicle that ignited a fiery chain crash at Crenshaw Boulevard. Aside from the woman, three others were also injured in the crash.
According to reports, the woman was going along Santa Monica 10 Freeway on her westbound Plymouth Breeze some time before 5 am when, for unknown reasons, she veered and crashed into the center divider.

The woman’s Plymouth rested facing the opposite direction when it was hit by an approaching Ford Explorer. The number of the vehicles involved in the chain accident was not immediately reported but one of them caught fire and an occupant had to be extricated from the vehicle engulfed in flames.

Authorities said two others were seriously injured in the crash and another person was treated for minor injuries. Identities of all involved persons are yet to be released.

The accident caused some delays as traffic in the westbound lane of the freeway was closed for several hours while authorities investigated and clear debris from the crash.

A lot of factors could have contributed to this unfortunate accident. The authority’s report on what caused the accident should enlighten those involved as to the cause of their sufferings and losses.

Drunken Young Driver Crashes into Pole, Injures two Passengers

2010-11-17T20:31:00.001-08:00

Young drivers are more likely to be involved in vehicle accidents than older drivers, considering that they are less experienced and they are not yet completely aware of the dangers they might face while on the roads. In addition, many young drivers are influenced by their peers, causing them to do actions that are prohibited by the law, most specifically drunk driving.

In fact, a 20-year-old drunken driver was recently arrested after she crashed into a light pole in Fullerton, causing her two passengers to sustain serious injuries.

According to reports, the accident occurred near Brea Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard at around 2 a.m.

The 20-year-old passenger was brought to a hospital under a serious condition while the 21-year-old passenger, from Anaheim, was rushed to Long Beach Memorial Hospital, where she was listed under a critical condition.

The suspected drunken driver Andrea Palacios, from Fullerton, was transported to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries. She was arrested by the authorities on suspicion of felony DUI after being released from the hospital.

According to authorities, the three of them drank prior to the accident, but refused to name the establishments which they likely visited.

If the driver was found guilty of felony DUI, different punishments that she might face include license suspension, paying of fines, jail time, and mandatory DUI classes.

Drunk driving is one of primary reasons why vehicle accidents occur. Aside from that, the other common causes of road crashes include distracted driving, speeding, and driver fatigue, among others.

Fiery Crash Kills Motorcyclist at Newcastle Road

2010-11-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

A motorcyclist died after hitting a van at Newcastle Road resulting in a fiery crash recently.

The unidentified rider reportedly crossed the center line before slamming into the maintenance van and burst into flames. The driver of the van was lucky enough to survive unscathed in the accident along the intersection of Indian Hill Road and Newcastle Road.

Until authorities have concluded their investigations, we can only think of several factors that can be considered to have caused this unfortunate accident. Here are some of them:

• Driver intoxication. Similar cases have been linked to drunk driving. Keep in mind that motorcycles are harder to balance and maneuver as compared to four-wheeled vehicles. Hence, the rider’s possible intoxication will certainly have greater effects on his control over his chosen vehicle which can explain why he crossed the center.

• Speeding. Most riders prefer to ride motorcycles because of the extra speed they get on the road. However, speeding can cause them to lose control over their vehicle and get into accidents so they should always moderate their speed and keep it within the allowable limit.

• Distraction. Seasoned motorcyclists also get distracted while on the road. Be it an aggressive driver or a road fixture, riders should maintain their focus on the road and always be alert of approaching motorists or pedestrians.

These are just some of the possible causes that may have caused the recent motorcycle accident in Newcastle. The lessons of this incident should emphasize that riders must observe safety rules and always ride their motorcycles more responsibly.

Hit-and-Run Driver Kills Pedestrian on Route 56

2010-10-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

Authorities are now trying to locate the driver of a late model Nissan Sentra that reportedly hit and killed a pedestrian walking along State Route 56.

The California Highway Patrol confirmed that they received a call from a concerned motorist shortly before 3 am regarding a man who was walking along the shoulder lane of the highway. After a few minutes, the CHP was notified by another motorist that a man was spotted curled in the east of Black Mountain Road.

Rescuers found the pedestrian who sustained fatal injuries. The culprit’s car was a four-door vehicle described as a 2007 or 2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S or 2.0 SL that has front end damages because of the collision. Authorities are investigating whether the vehicle was purchased or is serviced at Mossy Nissan.

Some lanes were shut down as authorities investigated the pedestrian accident. The pedestrian’s identity is yet to be released. Witnesses are encouraged to come forward to help out in the investigation.

After an accident, it may be the instinct of the guilty driver to just speed away from the accident and avoid his responsibilities. However, they must realize that a life may be saved if only they are strong enough to face the consequences of their actions and call for help.

Also, it is important that they stay at the scene of the accident until rescuers can get to them so that the victim won’t be left alone and the driver can give his statement regarding the accident.

Saving Children from Death Caused by Dirty, Unsafe Water

2010-10-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

Do you know that unclean water causes more deaths compared to wars and all types of violence?

Yes, many people are dying each year due to it. This is the alarming message given by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during the World Water Day.

The Earth’s surface is mostly comprised of water, which is the most important natural resource in the planet. People will die without it, given that we need to drink it each day just to be healthy.

However, water can also be a cause of death, especially to children. Records show that a child younger than 5-years-old dies every 20 seconds as a result of water-related illnesses.

In addition, statistics released by the World Health Organization (WHO) show that around 1.5 million children who belong in the same age bracket die every year due unclean water, hygiene, and sanitation.

Children are more susceptible to water-related illnesses or deaths compared to adults because their body is not yet strong enough to tolerate or withstand the effects of such unclean and dangerous substance. It is the responsibility of parents to provide them with clean water along with their other basic needs like food and shelter.

In some areas, children are forced to drink unclean water because they do not have the means of getting safe water. Some of them do not even know the importance of it. In this case, the responsibility will be attached to the government.

Because the government has the money, means, and influence towards people, it has the option to invest in water purification systems to ensure that clean water will be provided to everyone. This task will be challenging for public officials, but they should not be afraid to take risks because lives can be saved if they were able to do to their task properly.

Antelope Valley Transport Authority Bus Collides with Car; 7 Injured

2010-10-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

Under California law, public or mass transportation such as buses can be held liable even if there is no negligence on the part of the bus driver or the bus company.

That is because under the Common Carrier law, individuals or organizations that are in the business of transporting people are required to exercise a higher level of care in ensuring the safety of their passengers.

Take the bus accident that happened in Lancaster this week.

According to reports, an Antelope Valley Transport Authority bus and a sedan collided with each other near the intersection of North Sierra Highway and East Avenue L at about 1:03pm last Wednesday.

The bus accident injured seven people – 4 with minor injuries and 3 with major injuries.

Now the passengers have the option to make an accident injury claim either against the driver of the sedan or the Antelope Valley Transit Authority.

If the liable party is the driver of the sedan, you will need to prove that he committed a negligent act while he was driving and that in turn caused your injuries.
However, if the bus driver is the one at fault, you no longer have to prove negligence to collect compensation.

Even without negligence, as long as you can prove that the driver or the bus company failed to exercise the level of care required from common carriers, you will be able to recover your losses.

The aim of the law is to hold public transportation companies to a higher level of care compared to regular vehicle owners because they make a profit out of transporting people.

Brea Car Accident injures Driver

2010-10-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

If liability in a car accident is not clear, would you still be able to make a personal injury claim?

The answer is yes; the state of California recognizes that liability in car accidents is not always clear cut.

In fact, there are a lot of cases where each motorist in one car crash has been negligent in some way that contributed to their own injuries.

So you see, assigning liability is not always a question of was it your fault, rather it should be how much of the injuries was your fault.

Take this car accident that occurred in Brea this week.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a Ford Thunderbird and a Hyundai Tucson collided with each other in the intersection of Tonner Canyon Road and Brea
Boulevard.

The driver of the Tucson was reportedly injured although it was not clear how serious those injuries were.

In this car accident, it is not clear who triggered the car accident; was it the driver of the Ford Thunderbird or the driver of the Hyundai Tucson.

What the driver of the Tucson can do is still file a personal injury claim against the driver of the Thunderbird.

The insurance company will then send an adjuster to investigate the car accident.

They will compute all the driver’s losses, including monetary and non-monetary losses.

Then they will determine the driver’s level of liability in the car accident and subtract it from the losses that were computed.

That should be the compensation that the driver can get.

That sounded simple enough right, wish it were so but the driver have to take into account that he will be dealing with insurance companies.

He should watch out as they will try to pin as much fault for the car accident on him as possible so that they do not have to pay that much.

To prevent this, it is recommended that the driver consult with a car accident attorney to guide him in the claims process.

Elderly Driver Dies in Crash after Suffering from Medical Condition

2010-09-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

The issue on whether or not elderly drivers must be allowed to drive has become a focus of many discussions as more and more older people are getting involved in serious and fatal accidents. Although they should not be discriminated due to their age, it is safe to say that their driving skills are diminished and impaired once they start to feel the various signs of aging, and therefore may lead to accidents.

A male elderly driver recently died after his truck swerved off Interstate 80 in Roseville and went into a construction area. The accident reportedly occurred near Highway 65 at around 4:30 a.m.

According to the Placer County Coroner’s Office, the crash occurred because the man suffered from a medical condition while behind the wheel. It turned out that he was not able to control the vehicle because he was not physically fit do so.

Reports said the man was rushed to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where he unfortunately died.

The truck did not sustain major damage. It was the only vehicle involved in the crash.

The accident did not affect the traffic flow along the freeway.

Hopefully, this incident will show how dangerous it is for old people to drive a vehicle. Aging really affects a person’s body. Here are some of the usual signs and effects of aging:

• Poor eyesight
• Slower reflexes
• Fatigue or sleepiness
• Heart problems
• Hearing problems

An elderly driver should refrain from driving once he starts to feel these signs. If he wants to travel, he should ask someone else to drive for him in order to avoid an accident.

Car Seat Saves Baby from Injuries in Two-Vehicle Crash

2010-09-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

One of the most important safety devices that should be installed in cars is a child seat. It will restrain children while the car is in motion and prevent them from being ejected from the vehicle in the event of an accident.

In fact, a baby was recently spared from injuries because of it. Reports said the baby was riding in a Toyota Corolla being driven by her mother, when the accident occurred in Orange County.

Authorities said the driver suddenly stepped on the brakes after the vehicle in front of her started to slow down at Main Street. She turned away to avoid a collision, but ended up entering into the westbound 22 freeway.

The Toyota then swerved across all lanes and slammed into a Honda Civic.

The baby may have been ejected from the vehicle were it not for the child seat. Maybe next time, the woman should be more careful when on the roads as an accident can happen anytime.

Fortunately, this accident did not end up badly for the baby, but some other children are not as lucky as he or she is. In fact, statistics show that over 2,000 children below 14-years-old are killed in vehicle accidents each year in the United States.

Many of them died because they were not properly secured in the child safety seat. Meanwhile, others were killed because their parents failed to use the right type of car seat.

Parents should remember that the type of car seat your child is required to use depends on his age and weight. For example, infants should use rear-facing seats while older ones should use forward-facing or booster seats.

Ten-year old Boy Killed When ATV Crashes into Pickup in Corcoran

2010-09-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

Children are prohibited from operating vehicles because they are still unaware of the different dangers that they might face while on the roads. In addition, they are also incapable of protecting themselves when involved in difficult situations.

A 10-year-old boy was killed when the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) he was driving collided with a pickup truck in Corcoran.

The boy was identified by the Kings County Coroner’s Office as Brandon McBride, from Corcoran.

Reports said the boy was going west on a canal bank when he hit a truck that was moving south along Avenue 5 ½.

The whole incident happened so fast and the truck driver did not have enough time to stop the vehicle.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers said the truck passenger and the driver only sustained minor injuries. The passenger was treated at the Corcoran District Hospital.

It is disappointing to know that a boy has died because he was not properly supervised by adults. This vehicle accident would have been prevented if Brandon’s parents had prevented him from driving.

Drivers Extricated from Vehicles after Collision

2010-09-01T00:27:00.000-07:00

Male drivers involved in a recent head-on collision in San Diego had to be extricated by rescuers from their mangled vehicles that blocked traffic in the Fenton Parkway area.

Reports show that one of the drivers, a 70-year-old man, collided with an incoming vehicle on Friars Road after he lost control of his westbound pick-up truck and veered across the lanes. The other driver, a 25-year-old man, was said to be driving a Dodge Stratus when he was hit by the other man’s Ford F-150.

The head-on collision caused heavy traffic near Qualcomm Stadium as rescuers freed the men who both sustained multiple broken bones in the crash. The older driver had fractures on his ribs and limb bones while the younger man had both of his thigh bones broken in the accident.

The investigation is yet to be concluded as many factors must be considered before the cause of the accident is determined. It can be caused by the older man’s intoxication, fatigue, or distraction inside his vehicle.

Motorcyclist Hits Traffic Cone, Dies after Losing Control of Vehicle

2010-08-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

Motorists should always be on the lookout for road objects or hazards that may cause or lead to accidents. Even warning signs and traffic cones placed in the middle of the road can cause an accident if motorists were unable to avoid hitting them.

In fact, a motorcyclist recently died when he lost control of his vehicle after hitting a road crew’s orange traffic cones in Fair Oaks.

According to reports, the man was identified as Todd Jacob Stahl, 45, from Orangevale.

He was moving northbound along Sunrise Boulevard near Sunset Avenue when he approached the orange cones and warning signs. The cones were placed in the roadway to inform all motorists that a Sacramento County crew is conducting sewage work along the right lane.

Stahl’s vehicle went out of control when he struck one of the cones, said reports.

He sustained fatal injuries after he was ejected from the motorcycle. The vehicle then crashed into a parked truck along the closure area.

Boy Dies in Castro Valley Drowning Accident

2010-08-03T22:55:00.001-07:00

Today, both parents need to work just to sustain their family’s needs. As a result, some of them leave their child in a day care center, thinking that he will be properly supervised by the people who runs it.

A six-year-old boy recently died in a drowning accident while he was in an outing with a day care center.

According to reports, Alameda County medical and fire personnel responded to reports of a possible drowning accident at the Castro Valley High School Swim Center along 3979 Mabel Avenue in Castro Valley.

When they arrived at the area, they saw that lifeguards are already performing CPR on Paul Sniffen, from Castro Valley.

Reports said the lifeguards discovered the boy in around four feet of water. They immediately performed a water rescue with the aim of saving him.

The boy was then rushed to Eden Hospital, where he was announced dead.

Reports said the boy went into the deeper part of the pool. It is not yet established if he went there on his own or if he was allowed by his companions to do so.

The boy’s parents were not included in the outing, said reports.

Authorities Looking to Identify Route 67 Fatal Pedestrian Accident Victim

2010-07-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

Authorities are currently trying to identify the victim of a fatal pedestrian accident on State Route 67 near Bradley Avenue.

The victim was described as a male, probably between 25 and 30 years old.

According to reports, the pedestrian accident occurred at about 3:30 am, Sunday when the victim was struck by a Nissan Murano in the southbound lane of the highway.

The victim was then thrown onto the northbound lanes by the collision where he was struck several more vehicles.

He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Once the victim is identified, his family can explore the option of making a wrongful death claim with the car accident insurance provider of the Nissan Murano driver.

However, the amount that will be received by the family will also depend on the circumstances surrounding the pedestrian accident.

Questions will be raised on the victim’s own negligence as a contributing factor to the collision.

Various details including where the victim was walking and if he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time will be asked as well.

That is why it is important that the family consult with a wrongful death attorney to help them in the case.

A wrongful death attorney should be able to guide the family through the claims process and protect them from making harmful statements when talking to the insurance adjuster.

If the claim is not resolved, the wrongful death attorney can help the family file a lawsuit and represent them in a jury trial that will decide the level of coverage the insurance company should provide.

Patrol Car Crushed by Train, Officer Injured

2010-07-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

The job of police officers often exposes them to different kinds of dangers and puts their life at risk, especially in the event of a vehicle accident.

In fact, a Long Beach police officer sustained injuries after his patrol car was hit by a Blue Line train near Long Beach Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway.

According to reports, the officer was hit while he was traveling along 16th Street.

Police said the southbound train hit the patrol car and dragged it dozens of feet before stopping.

Rescuers needed to use the “Jaws of Life” just to extricate the police officer from his wrecked patrol car. He was then brought to Long Beach Memorial Hospital, where he was listed in a stable condition.

Meanwhile, several train passengers were brought to local hospitals to be treated for back and neck injuries. Their condition did not seem to be serious, said reports.

It is not yet clear if the police officer ran a red light or was responding to an emergency call at the time of the accident.

Dogs Attack Elderly at Golden Gate Park

2010-07-06T22:28:00.000-07:00

Two dogs were believed to be responsible for the injuries sustained by a 71-year-old woman and a middle-aged man while they were at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco recently.

Authorities responded to the call and aided the two who were eventually brought to San Francisco General Hospital. They later caught the female dog near Lloyd Lake while the male dog was shot in the face and was taken to a local veterinary clinic.

The dogs are in the custody of San Francisco Animal Care and Control as the owner is yet to claim them. If the dog remains unclaimed, the department will have to make a decision as to what will be done to them.

Owners must never let their dogs wander off as unfortunate incidents like this could happen. They have the responsibility to keep their pets safe and to make sure that they will not hurt anyone.

For more information about dog bite injuries, you may visit http://personalinjurydefenders.com/Dog-Bite.html.

Mailman’s Death in Fatal Dog Attack Investigated

2010-06-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

In Oceanside, the death of a postal worker in currently under investigation by the police after a dog attack caused him to fall and suffer serious head injuries.

Ironically, the fatal dog attack happened just after National Dog Bite Prevention Week. The Postal Service even sponsored a public service campaign, which clamored for increased owner responsibility to prevent dog attacks.

Hao Yun “Eddie” Lin, a 33-year old father of three who relocated his family from Los Angeles, was covering his co-worker’s shift and mail route when he was chased down by an unrestrained Rottweiler which jumped on him causing him to hit his head hard on the ground.

Lin was taken to the hospital where doctors tried but failed to treat Lin’s brain swelling and bleeding. He died 9 days later after the attack.

Although the dog has been euthanized following the attack, the investigation is ongoing on whether the owner should be facing charges for the death of Lin.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, dogs bites victimize more than 4.7 million people every year. Postal employees and mailmen, aside from children, are some of the most commonly attacked people by dogs. Postal officials have reported that last year alone, more than 2,800 mail carriers were bitten by dogs. Allegedly, most attacks occurred in California, particularly in Los Angeles and Orange County.

The law in California recognizes the strict liability doctrine in cases of dog bite attacks. This means that even if it was the first time the dog attacked or bit a person or even if it had no prior history of violence, the dog owner shall be held liable for a dog bite attack.

This is based on ownership because as the owner of the dog, it is his duty to keep the dog leashed and controlled at all times to prevent the dog from harming other people. So long as the following elements are present, the dog owner can be held civilly and criminally liable for the actions of his dog:

• He is the owner of the dog.
• The dog attacked the victim on public property or while lawfully on private property.
• The victim suffered an injury.
• The dog was the proximate cause of the injury.

5-Year-Old Dies in Father’s Day Drowning in San Diego

2010-06-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

Authorities have identified the 5-year-old victim of the pool drowning accident last Father’s Day in Rolando Drive, San Diego as Nicholas Joseph Norman.
According to reports, Norman was found face down in the neighbor’s pool in the vicinity of Loma Alta Drive at about 7am.

Responding paramedics were not able to revive the boy and he was pronounced dead after being brought to Grossmont Hospital.

It is unclear yet how the boy got into the pool or who is supposed to be watching him.

It is also unclear if the neighbor’s pool is compliant to California law standards.
Under the state law since January 1998, all pools constructed in a private home should meet at least one of the following:

• Isolated from access from the home by an enclosure
• Has an approved safety pool cover
• Home has exit alarms on doors with access to the pool
• Self latching doors that prevent access to the pool
So if the neighbor failed to implement any of the measures listed above, even if the child has entered the premises without consent, he can still be held liable for the death.

The reason is that premises liability law considers children special types of trespassers as they recognize that good judgment also comes with age.

So if Norman’s family can prove that the owner failed to keep his pool safe for possible child trespassers then he will lose the case and will have to pay damages to the family.

Bicyclist Hit by Pickup Truck on Bike lane in Carlsbad

2010-06-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

A 22-year-old bicyclist was injured after being struck by a pickup truck last night in Carlsbad.

According to reports, the bicyclist was going east on the biker lane of Cannon Road at about 11:30pm when he was hit by the pickup.

The driver of the pickup stopped and cooperated with the police after the accident.

Alcohol or drugs were ruled out of the investigation and the driver was not cited before being let go.

However, charges may still be filed on a later date.

The bicyclist on the other hand was hospitalized after sustaining a head wound and a broken leg.

He should be able to make a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the pickup truck driver to take care of the medical expenses and future lost income since it looks like he will be missing a lot of work because of his the injury.

The liability in the accident mostly falls on the pickup driver since he struck the bicyclist in the bike lane.

He can however claim comparative negligence on the part of the bicycle driver.

One of the questions he must raise is if the bicyclist was wearing a helmet during the accident.

If not, then that could be used as basis for comparative negligence by claiming that the head injuries would not have happened if the bicyclist was wearing a helmet.

Both parties should consult an attorney to get their best legal option.

Woman Rescued in Creek after Car Crash in Roseville

2010-05-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

A woman was rescued yesterday morning in Roseville after she lost control of her car and ended up upside down in a creek.

Authorities are still investigating the car accident, which happened near the intersection of Junction and Washington Boulevard.

There is no report yet on the extent of her injuries.

However, she should consult with a car accident attorney as soon as she can to find out what her legal options are.

Although this is a single vehicle accident, there may be other factors that may have caused the crash.

Two possibilities include car defects such as sudden acceleration (which has put Toyota on the hot seat for months now) or dangerous road conditions such as potholes or slippery surfaces.

Although, it is possible that the real cause of this whole accident is probably speeding, reckless driving, or even DUI, it would not hurt to explore other causes.
In fact many car accidents are not always a result of a single factor; it could be a combination of different factors such as driver behavior, road conditions and vehicle condition.

So even if the woman did have some fault in the accident, she might still be able to make a claim against the city or the car manufacturer.

Actor Dennis Quaid Files Product Liability Case against Pharmaceutical Company

2010-05-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

Manufacturers are required to sell products that are safely and uniquely packaged so that mix-ups will not happen. A pharmaceutical company that failed to do so is now being sued by actor Dennis Quaid.

Reports stated that the product liability lawsuit was filed against Deerfield, III-based Baxter Healthcare, which is responsible for producing the blood thinner heparin, after the actor’s twins almost died three years ago due to drug overdoses.

The lawsuit claimed that heparin and Hep-Lock, which is the lower-dose version of heparin, are both packed in similar blue vials that have a small print on their labels. This wrong packaging reportedly resulted in a mix-up at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Reports said the suit, which asks for unspecified damages, also stated that the pharmaceutical company should have pulled out the heparin vials after knowing that similar medication errors have already resulted in a number of deaths involving infants.

The drug was recalled by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in March 2008 due to contamination problems.

Both the actor and his wife were given around $500,000 in June 2009 as a settlement pay from the hospital.

Dog Shot After Mauling Girl

2010-05-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

Dog owners must make sure that their pets are well-kept and would not threaten other people around them. This is also a way to protect their animal as they can be hurt, or even killed, by people who fears for their life.

A mother recently shot a boxer after it mauled her 6-year-old daughter and tried to attack her 1-year-old son. Reports indicate that the woman sent her four children inside the house and was scaring the dog away when she was attacked.

The woman was able to get free and run inside the house to retrieve a pistol and shoot the dog on its throat. The girl was rescued and treated for the bite injuries she suffered on her face and legs.

Witnesses say the dog stayed down after being shot but was later able to get up and get away from the property. Authorities were able to corner it near the house.

The dog was reportedly from the area but it is still unclear who owns it.

Homeless Man Dies after Second Accident in Two Months

2010-05-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

Pedestrians, especially those who have been involved in earlier accidents, should be more careful in crossing streets and make sure that motorists would notice them so that they can slow down in time.

At the same time, drivers should always renew their expired licenses and carry it around, especially when driving, which will show the driver is fit or qualified to drive, which has to be presented whenever they get involved in accidents.

A 63-year-old homeless man in Santa Barbara was recently killed after a collision in the area where he was hit by a pick-up truck two months ago. The man was reportedly wearing dark-colored clothes and was carrying a backpack and sleeping bag when he was hit by the car. Authorities said a passing physician stopped to assist the pedestrian who later died.

The 23-year-old Javier Castillo was driving the vehicle that hit the homeless man. He was not charged even if he had no driver’s license to present to authorities who are conducting a criminal investigation in the accident.

Pedestrian accident could have been prevented only if cautiousness had been exerted by both the driver and the pedestrian. Both of them should have been more wary of passing vehicles and pedestrians so that proper action could have been done.

Woman in Wheelchair Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver

2010-05-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

Slowing down on marked crosswalks and following the traffic lights will further ensure you of a hassle-free driving. Yielding to these traffic signs will also prevent pedestrian accidents that are known to take many lives yearly.

A 46-year-old woman on her wheelchair was recently killed after she was hit by a vehicle in a marked crosswalk at Union Avenue. The woman was brought to a hospital but she succumbed to her injuries a few hours later.

Authorities are yet to find the driver who tried to escape his responsibility and continued on his way even if the woman lay injured on the road.

The family can file a wrongful death lawsuit once the driver has been apprehended so that they may recover the damages that resulted from their loss. It would not compensate their anguish over the death of their loved one but it should somehow help them cope with the financial problems they may encounter after the victim’s death.

Infiniti G35 Recalled by Nissan to Correct Air Bag Problem

2010-05-07T00:15:00.000-07:00

Air bags are very important because they can save a person’s life in the event of an accident.

This is what pushed Nissan Motor Co. to recall around 135,000 Infiniti G35 coupes and sedans with air bag problems.

The recall will be conducted so that the automaker can correct the problem immediately. Failure to do so can stop the air bag from deploying when a crash happens.

According to reports, vehicles that will be included in the recall are 2005-2006 models of G35 Sedans and 2005-2007 models of G35 Coupes.

Reports said the air bag’s signal can be interrupted if the wire harness was overused, thus increasing the chances that the vehicle occupant will be hurt upon impact.

Fortunately, the problem has not yet resulted in injuries.

Owners of the affected models are advised to have their vehicle repaired if they noticed that the air bag’s warning light is on.

Woman Killed, Border Patrol Agent Injured in Collision

2010-05-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

Slippery roads have caused fatal accidents in the past. Motorists should make it a habit to observe the condition of the road that they are travelling on and to be extra careful along wet and slippery roads.

Travelling on a manageable speed will also help in preventing fatal accidents and will maintain the driver’s control over the vehicle.

A woman, who appeared to be around 30-40 years old, was recently killed as she lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a marked vehicle on the opposite lane driven by an on-duty Patrol Border agent.

The woman died at the scene while the Border Patrol agent was rushed to a hospital and was immediately treated for his minor injuries.

Police are still investigating why the woman lost control of the vehicle on a curve and drifted onto the opposite lane where two marked border patrol vehicles were passing.

Woman Dies Another Injured in Foothills Head On Collision

2010-04-21T22:55:00.000-07:00

Under the reasonable duty of care, motorists are responsible for any accident that they may cause. Because of this, they are expected to exert extra effort in being cautious when driving around other vehicles.

Also, they must use all safety equipments, such as seatbelts, as this has been proven to reduce the number of casualties in vehicle crashes.

Two female drivers in their 50’s were recently involved in a head-on collision in Foresthill. One of them was wearing her seatbelt and lived while the other who did not wear her safety belt died.

The 52-year old Foothills woman identified as Pamela Hawkins was said to be driving a Chrysler Sebring near Happy Pines Drive when the head-on collision with a GMC Acadia occurred.

Hawkins died while the driver of the GMC, who was wearing her seatbelt, survived with serious injuries and was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center. She was identified as 56-year-old Graciela Mata.

Authorities Offer $50,000 Reward to Locate Fatal Hit-and-Run Driver

2010-04-21T00:39:00.000-07:00

The surviving family members are slowly losing their hope of acquiring justice for a relative who died in a hit-and-run accident, especially after authorities failed to apprehend the driver at fault.

Authorities said they are willing to hand out a $50,000 reward to anyone who can give information that will lead to the capture of the driver who struck and killed 59-year-old Carlos Perez.

According to reports, Perez was crossing Alameda Street in Los Angeles when he was fatally hit last April 1.

The crash’s impact damaged Perez’s leg. He was announced dead at the accident area.

Pieces of evidence that were taken at the scene show that the vehicle involved in the accident may have been a 2005-06 dark colored Infiniti G35 sedan that has tinted windows.

In addition, the vehicle likely sustained damage to its windshield, hood, and front right fender, reports said.

Authorities and Perez’s wife and children are asking for the public’s help in locating the whereabouts of the hit-and-run driver.

Three People Injured in Boyle Heights Fire Accident

2010-04-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

Preventing fire accidents is easy to do, but fire safety and prevention is often ignored by homeowners. As a result, around 85% of these incidents reportedly happened in personal residences.

A recent fire accident that burned down an apartment in Boyle Heights caused three people to sustain injuries.

Reports stated that the incident occurred at a two-story four-complex along Cummings Street.

A firefighter and another individual sustained moderate burns. Meanwhile, a third individual sustained “respiratory injury,” and was reportedly rushed to a hospital under a serious condition.

It took at least 75 firefighters to put out the fire, which lasted for around 37 minutes.

Authorities are still trying to establish the cause of the fire.

The three injured individuals can still be considered lucky because they were able to survive the incident, unlike over 3,000 others who die each year because of it.

People can avoid being involved in residential fire accidents by taking care of their home. This goal may be accomplished by installing smoke detectors, keeping flammable items away from the fireplace, and having a fire extinguisher inside the house.

Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Car while Jaywalking

2010-03-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

Pedestrians are required to use designated crosswalks to avoid being hit by approaching vehicles. The consequences of ignoring this rule may be seen in a fatal pedestrian accident that recently occurred in Pacoima.

According to reports, the male pedestrian may have been jaywalking when he was struck and killed by a vehicle along Laurel Canyon and Van Nuys boulevards.

The man was reportedly hit by a vehicle that was moving southbound along Laurel Canyon Boulevard.

Reports said the driver stopped and was interviewed by the police.

Authorities have made no arrests following the fatal accident.

The man is just one of the many pedestrians who were unfortunately killed while trying to cross the road. In fact, statistics show that at least 100,000 pedestrian accidents happen in the country. The worst part is that over 50% of these incidents result in fatalities.

These accidents may be avoided if both pedestrians and drivers will respect each other’s presence on the roads. Pedestrians can avoid being involved in an accident by using marked crosswalks. Meanwhile, drivers can avoid hitting pedestrians if they drive cautiously and avoid any kinds of distractions while out on the roads.

Chain-Reaction Accident Causes Armored Car to Flip

2010-03-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

Motorists are always expected to make safe turns and maneuvers to avoid hitting or being hit by other vehicles. They should keep in mind that they can be held accountable for any damage or injury that they cause to other motorists during an accident.

Recently, an armored vehicle carrying an undisclosed amount of money flipped to its side as it tried to avoid hitting another vehicle.

It is reported that at least six patrol cars surrounded the vehicle after it flipped on its side and ended at the center divider of Whittier Boulevard.

The chain accident occurred after a vehicle suddenly pulled out from an establishment causing the driver of an approaching car to swerve into the lane of the armored car. The driver failed to control the vehicle as it swerved and flipped on its side.

Thankfully, no one was injured in the accident. Authorities are still trying to locate the driver of the vehicle that started the chain reaction as he fled the scene before authorities were able to question him.

Avoiding Road Crashes Made Possible through Teen Driving Education Program

2010-03-18T22:38:00.000-07:00

Different statistics have shown that drivers who are aged 16-19 are more often involved in traffic accidents compared to other drivers in older age groups. They also have the highest number of traffic violation citations including speeding, tailgating, and failure to yield the right-of-way.

To address these problems, a driving education program was scheduled to teach teen drivers the proper skills that are needed just to stay alive while traveling along dangerous roads.

According to reports, the Tire Rack Street Survival driver education program will be held at the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego this coming March 28. It will enhance a driver’s competence by providing him with “hands-on experiences” in different actual driving situations.

Participants are required to drive their own vehicles so that they can directly apply the skills they will learn to their own driving experiences, said reports.

Licensed and permitted drivers who are aged 16-21 are encouraged to participate in this program, which only costs around $75 per participant.

Dropped Ice Cream Leads to Fatal Rollover Accident in Interstate 40

2010-03-16T00:47:00.000-07:00

A 25-year-old driver lost her mother in a rollover accident all because of a dropped ice cream.

The accident occurred at about 5pm the other day in Interstate 40 near Newberry Springs.

According to the CHP, the woman lost control of her Toyota Prius shortly after dropping her ice cream cone.

The car accident claimed the life of her 53-year-old mother who removed her seatbelt to help her clean up the mess.

CHP said that because of the spilled ice cream the driver took her attention off the roadway and allowed the vehicle to drift.

The driver then overcorrected and the Prius overturned on the median.

The driver sustained major injuries including a possible broken arm.

Although DUI and reckless driving are the ones that are always on the news, driver distractions are actually the leading cause of car accidents in the US.

And that is exactly what happened in this incident.

From the reports, the driver was eating ice cream while driving at about 70mph on Interstate 40; that is just not safe driving.

Our focus should be on the road whenever we are driving especially on high-speed roads like freeways.

Hopefully, this sends a strong message against motorists who multi task while driving.

2 Injured and 10 Cars Damaged in San Francisco Tow Truck Accident

2010-03-11T22:51:00.000-08:00

A tow truck accident in San Francisco has injured two people, damaged ten parked cars and disrupted the Muni Railway’s N-Judah line.

According to reports, the tow truck was either returning or removing a car when the car slipped and the driver lost control of the tow truck.

The tow truck proceeded to roll about half a block down Third Avenue hitting ten parked cars along the way.

The driver of the car that slipped off the tow truck and another person who was inside one of the parked cars sustained minor injuries.

The cars that were struck sustained major damages and Muni’s N-Judah line was out of service up to 12:43 pm.

The injured parties can file a personal injury claim for the medical expenses they have spent for their injuries while the car owners can file a property damage claim against the tow truck company.

When filing a property damage claim, get at least two estimates for the repair of the car. It will help speed up the processing of your claim.

Hopefully the insurance company of the tow truck company will take care of all the needed expenses as I don’t see much reason for any claim to be denied.

However it is still advisable to hire the services of a personal injury and property damage attorney for assistance and to avoid being at the short end of any negotiation.

Wrong Way Driver Pleads Not Guilty for Death of Santee Deputy in Car Crash

2010-03-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

The wrong-way driver that was being chased by Deputy Ken Collier before the crash that ended his life has pleaded not guilty to the charge of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Jose Pedro Lopez, 22, may face up to 11 years in prison if convicted.

Lopez was arrested following the car accident on state route 52 last weekend.

Deputy ken Collier of the Santee Sheriff’s Department spotted Lopez going east on the westbound lanes and was moving one lane to the other.

Deputy Collier made a U-turn and tried to halt the vehicle but he ran out of room and struck the concrete abutment for an overpass between Santo road and Mast Boulevard.

Deputy Collier’s SUV fell about 500-600 feet down a ravine.

He was brought to a hospital where he later died of his injuries.

Although most of us want Lopez in jail, I am not so sure if the manslaughter charge will stick because Lopez did not hit Collier’s car.

It is working on the assumption that if not for Lopez actions, then Collier would not have died.

Other factors may have caused the crash like other vehicles, Collier’s own driving abilities or even the SUV itself (SUVs are notorious for being prone to rollovers).

In criminal law, guilt has to be proven without reasonable doubt, and it will be difficult to prove that in this case.

The family of Collier may try filing a wrongful death against Lopez in civil court regardless of what happens in the criminal case.

The standards for proving liability in civil court is not as stringent because unlike in criminal court where the defendant’s freedom is at stake, damages in civil lawsuit are often just monetary.

Officer Saylor’s Family Files Lawsuit against Toyota for Fiery Crash

2010-03-05T18:04:00.000-08:00

Family members of a California Highway Patrol Officer who died with his family in a fiery vehicle crash that sparked Toyota recalls has filed a lawsuit Tuesday for the wrongful death of the four vehicle occupants.

CHP Officer John Saylor was with his daughter, wife, and brother-in-law when the fatal accident occurred in Santee. The family was said to have picked-up their daughter, Mahala, from a practice before the accident.

The family was using a loaned car as they had their vehicle checked-up. Reports show that the vehicle, a Lexus, was earlier loaned by the dealership to another person who complained about acceleration problems caused by defective floor mats.

Moments before the crash, Saylor’s brother-in-law, Christopher Lastrella, was able to place a 911 call asking for help as Saylor appeared to have no control over the vehicle’s acceleration.

After the accident, Toyota started to issue recalls on millions of its vehicle.

Product manufacturers should always prioritize the safety of their consumers over their profit. This will also help them avoid liability over accidents that could be caused by their product’s defects and malfunctions.

Pickup Driver Dies in Moorpark Train Accident

2010-03-02T23:39:00.000-08:00

A pickup driver died at the scene of a train accident in rural Ventura County yesterday morning.

According to Amtrak, a Toyota Tundra collided with a northbound Pacific Surfliner in a private crossing in Moorpark.

The pickup driver was still breathing and was even coherent when he was pulled by the CHP from the wreckage.

Sadly, he died even before he was brought to a hospital.
Nobody else was hurt in the crash.

Does the family of the driver have any legal recourse against the railroad company?
Not much.

Trains always have the right of way in railroad crossings just because of the simple fact that they cannot stop right away.

Other vehicles are supposed to give way and not the other way around.

The possible angle where the family can file a wrongful death case is by looking for negligence on the part of the rail company.

Did the company provide enough safety measures and warnings to prevent this type of accident? If they have been negligent then the family may be able to win the case.

Victim of Fatal Motorcycle Accident in West Covina Identified

2010-03-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

Authorities identified the victim of the fatal motorcycle accident in West Covina the other day.

Alfredo E. Gonzales, 33, of Covina was pronounced dead at the scene after the 2004 Suzuki GSXR 1000 motorcycle he was riding collided with a 1992 Honda Accord in Sunset Avenue.

The 22-year-old woman who was driving the Accord was not arrested.

The family of Gonzales should seriously consider getting the services of a wrongful death attorney.

Although the woman was not arrested or charged, it is not an indication that she is not civilly liable for the death.

The standards in proving liability in a civil lawsuit like a wrongful death case is not like in criminal law where guilt has to be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

In civil law, the plaintiff has to prove that the defendant was negligent or has acted below the standards of how another reasonable person would have acted in the same or similar situation.

An experienced wrongful attorney should be able to give sound advice on that regard.

Driver Makes Wrong Turn, Metro Bus Gets Stuck

2010-02-24T21:17:00.000-08:00

Buses are dangerous during road accidents because of its bulk and weight that can do massive damages to other vehicles nearby. Aside from motorists, commuters are susceptible to injuries that can be incurred from these accidents.

In a recent no-injury incident, the wrong turn of a bus driver has caused delays and hassles to commuters and motorists who were in the area of Brentwood Glen Monday morning.

The passengers of the two-passenger-compartment bus had to transfer to another bus after the driver went into the Sunset Boulevard after getting off the San Diego (405) Freeway.

The driver reportedly attempted to make a U-turn but ended being stuck in bushes. Luckily, no one was reportedly injured and there was no damaged property in the incident.

Bus drivers need to calculate their every move to prevent accidents that would cause delay to commuters and motorists who might be heading to important events or meetings. Also, bus operators must make sure that they hire only qualified and experienced drivers so that passengers will be complacent in using their services. This would also prevent liability in accidents involving these bus drivers.

65-Year-Old man Killed in Concord Pedestrian Accident

2010-02-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

A pedestrian accident in Concord claimed the life of one man the other day.

The Contra Cost Coroner’s office identified the victim as Jose Flores, 65 and a resident of Concord.

According to reports, Flores was trying to cross Clayton Road at Barbis Way at about 6pm when a Buick struck him.

Flores was in a crosswalk when the accident happened.

His family should consult with a wrongful death attorney to know if they can file a lawsuit against the driver of the Buick.

In the reports, there is a strong chance that Flores had the right of way before he was hit by the car.

The fact that he was on a crosswalk strongly indicates that as the case.

However, there are circumstances where even if the pedestrian was in a crosswalk, the car may still have the right of way.

One of them of course is if the car had the green and was too close to avoid the collision.

The wrongful death attorney should be able to advise the family about the case based on its facts and details.