Traffic Accident Statistics

There were three fatalities and 342 injuries as a result of car accidents in Tuolumne County in 2008, according to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, in the unincorporated areas of the county, three people died and 272 sustained personal injuries in 2008.

Fault and Liability

If this news report is accurate, it appears the two drivers initially involved in the collision give differing accounts of the events leading to the crash. However, based on this news report, it seems that the accident was triggered by Wood rear-ending Lamendola's vehicle. Investigators are possibly looking into why Wood struck the vehicle from behind. Was she distracted, speeding, impaired or inattentive at the time?
California Vehicle Code Section 21704 also states that the driver "shall keep the vehicle he is driving at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear of any other motor vehicle subject to such speed restriction which is preceding it."

If Wood is determined to have been at fault for this accident, she could be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused to the victims. Victims in such cases would benefit from a consultation with a reputed California personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their auto insurance policy might apply to an incident involving an at-fault motorist who is uninsured or underinsured.

Have you ever been hit by a driver who was following too closely?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Six Injured in Chain Reaction Car Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

The Mercedes was struck by a Dodge van, whose driver, 36-year-old Toby Okleshen, may have suffered a diabetic attack, officials say. The Mercedes in turn hit Payne who sustained fatal injuries. Officials are still talking to witnesses and conducting an investigation.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everybody who knew and loved Kevin Payne. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

One death and 13 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Glendora, according to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County, 214 people died and 4,985 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

Causes and Compensation Issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, officials are saying that a medical condition, not alcohol or drugs, caused this tragic crash. However, if Okleshen is determined to have been at fault, he could be held liable for Payne's wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, will be able to advise victims' families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

What are some of the toughest challenges faced by victims and their families after an injury car accident?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Man Killed in Los Angeles Car Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

My heart goes out to the injured victims of this crash. I hope none of the victims have sustained catastrophic injuries and pray that they recover quickly and completely.

Hit-and-Run Statistics

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved serious personal injuries. There were a total of 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.

Law and Liability Issues

According to California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident that results in injury to a person. Motorists are required to stop the vehicle immediately, remain at the scene until authorities arrive, exchange information with the other parties involved and obtain assistance for the injured victims.

It would be in the best interests of injured victims in such cases to contact a reputed Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that negligent individuals are held liable for their actions. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash where the suspect is never found, or in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

In your opinion, what should be done to reduce the number of hit-and-run crashes? We would love to hear your comments and suggestions.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Five Injured in Hit and-Run Collision is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

I hope neither of these car accident victims suffered catastrophic injuries and pray that they recover quickly and completely. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Elderly Drivers

California now has almost 3 million drivers who are 65 years or older, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds fatality rates for drivers begin to climb after age 65. In 2005, about 11 percent of fatal car accidents in the United States had involved drivers 65 or older.

Fault and Liability

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

I trust officials are looking into whether the 70-year-old driver was impaired, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent. If the driver of the pickup truck is determined to have caused the accident, then, he could be held liable for the injuries of the other driver. Injured victims in such cases could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages. The best San Diego personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What defensive driving techniques do you practice when you drive? We would like to hear your tips and suggestions for safe driving.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Head-on Car Crash in San Diego Causes Serious Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

I sympathize with all those who were injured in this crash. I pray that they recover quickly and completely from their injuries. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

There were 16 fatalities and 790 injuries as a result of pedestrian accidents in San Francisco, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, 35 people died and 3,577 were injured as a result of San Francisco car accidents during the same year.

Liability Issues

The driver of the Explorer is facing one charge of driving without a valid license. Apparently, she told officials that she lost steering control and her brakes failed. If this accident occurred as a result of an auto product defect the auto maker could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. If the driver was impaired, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent, then, she could be held liable as well.

Victims in such cases would be well-advised to consult an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise them about how their car insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

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

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Serious Injuries in San Francisco Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

I sympathize with this victim and his family. I pray for his speedy and complete recovery and hope he has not suffered any catastrophic injuries.

If you have information about this incident, please remember that you may call our anonymous tip line. We at BISNAR | CHASE are committed to eradicating hit-and-run incidents. We have a reward program in place for information leading to the arrest and felony conviction of the suspect. To find out more about our program, please visit www.hitandrunreward.com.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were no fatalities, but 32 injuries reported in Fairfield as a result of pedestrian accidents, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 traffic accident statistics. In Solano County as a whole, four fatalities and 106 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

Laws and Liability Issues

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California Vehicle Code 20001 (a). Motorists are also required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians crossing in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

In such cases, an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, will be able to advise injured victims about their legal rights and options. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway may have caused or contributed to this accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Are the crosswalks in your neighborhood clearly marked and well lit?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Hit-and-Run Collision Injures Pedestrian is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A suspected DUI collision in San Diego proved fatal for 65-year-old Marc William Durham the night of August 20, 2010. The fatal accident occurred at the intersection of Camino del Norte and Carmel Mountain Road in Rancho Bernardo, 10news reports. A 57-year-old driver apparently rear-ended several vehicles that were stopped at a red light at the intersection. Durham was the driver of the car that was rear-ended first. Several other sustained minor injuries, officials said. Police are investigating the involvement of alcohol and/or drugs in this incident.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Marc William Durham. They will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

There were 81 fatalities and 6,123 injuries involving car accidents in San Diego, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Of those incidents, 34 deaths and 907 injuries involved alcohol-related collisions.

DUI Laws

California law prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle while under the influence or alcohol or drugs. It is illegal to drive in California with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or more under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). A person, who by the act of driving drunk fatally injures another, can face gross vehicular manslaughter charges.

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

Fault and Liability

In such cases, at-fault parties can be held both, criminally and civilly liable for the injuries and damages they cause. Injured victims or families of deceased victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who will advise victims about how to pursue their legal rights.

Do you believe that drunk drivers are a serious problem in your community? What do you believe lawmakers should do to counter this problem?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

DUI Collision Proves Fatal for San Diego Man is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Booth, who was driving a Ford truck, was stopped at the intersection to make a left turn with his turn signal on when he was rear-ended by a vehicle whose driver was identified as 36-year-old Ruben Medina. Booth and Gutierrez were hospitalized with injuries, but they are expected to survive. Medina was not injured.

Colusa County Car Accident Statistics

There were no fatalities, but 12 injuries involving car accidents reported in Colusa in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Colusa County as a whole, six people were killed and 138 people sustained personal injuries as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Laws and Liability Issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, it seems to me that Medina may have been traveling too fast given the conditions. The news report states that Booth had stopped to make the left turn and had the signal on at the time. California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."

Where negligence or wrongdoing is apparent in a car accident, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact a reputed California personal injury lawyer, who will better inform them about their legal rights and options.

What are some precautions you take as a driver to avoid rear-end collisions?

Rear-End Collision Results in Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A pregnant woman and a Madera County Sheriff's deputy sustained injuries in a car accident the evening of August 16, 2010. CBS News reports that the collision happened at the intersection of Dorstan Drive and Road 222. Madera County Sheriff's Deputy Homar Puga was responding to an emergency call when he collided with a car driven by Cameron Taylor. Officials say Taylor was making a left turn when he was struck by Puga's police cruiser which was going in the same direction. Puga sustained major injuries while Taylor's girlfriend, Melissa Skallerud, who was seven months pregnant escaped with minor injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I'm relieved to hear that Skallerud and her baby were unharmed. I pray for Deputy Puga's speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these injured victims in your prayers.

Car Accidents

There were 32 fatalities and 626 injuries involving car accidents in Madera County as a whole in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the unincorporated areas of Madera County, 21 people died and 464 sustained personal injuries as a result of car accidents.

Who was at Fault?

This news report does not clearly state who was at fault here. In fact, law enforcement officials are still looking into who or what caused this accident. We know Puga was on the way to an emergency call, but it is not clear if he had lights or sirens on. It is also not clear whether Taylor failed to yield to an emergency vehicle

According to California Vehicle Code section 21806, when emergency vehicles with lights and/or sirens approach, "the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection, and thereupon shall stop and remain stopped until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed." However, police and other emergency vehicles are also required to follow protocols and policies set by their own department and the state of California.

Liability Issues

In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer who will explain their legal rights and options. If the police officer was at fault, both he and his employer, could be held liable for the injuries caused to the woman. If the other driver caused the crash, then the injured officer can claim compensation from the at-fault driver in addition to claiming worker's compensation benefits because he was on-the-job at the time. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

What precautions do you take when you encounter emergency vehicles on the roadway?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Madera County Car Crash Injures Two is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

I hope no one was seriously injured in this car accident. I pray for the swift and complete recovery of everyone concerned.

Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 152 deaths and 13,414 personal injuries involving car accidents in Orange County in 2008. The same year, in the city of Fullerton, four people died and 743 were injured as a result of car accidents.

Accident Laws

It is not clear from this report which one of the drivers caused the accident. When it comes to crashes that occur at street intersections, it is likely that one of the drivers ran a red light or failed to yield right-of-way. California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown." Failure to yield right-of-way is also a serious traffic violation under California Vehicle Code section 21800.

Compensation Issues

Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to consult with a reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the investigation and make sure the victims' legal rights and best interests are preserved. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

What precautions do you take at street intersections to avoid such collisions?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Car Accident in Fullerton Injures One is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report