Authorities Remind Drivers and Pedestrians about Accidents as Holiday Break Ends

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.

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

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.

Garbage Truck Driver Trapped in a Truck Accident in a Landfill

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.

Cars Crashed in La Habra Leaving Two Injured

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.

Pedestrian Crossing Tracks Killed in Amtrak Accident

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

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

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

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 Crashes into a Stalled Vehicle, Killing the Driver

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

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.

Newmark Resident Dies in Pyramid Lake Jet Ski Crash

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.

Los Angeles Woman Dies of Internal Injuries from Crash

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.

Angels Flight Closes Due to Worn Out Steel Wheels

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.

Insurance Institute Highway Safety Commends New SUVs’ as Safe

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.

Santa Cruz Motorist Injured in H-9 Single Car Accident

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.