A car accident in Ventura left a pedestrian in critical condition. The Ventura County Star reports that the injury collision happened near the intersection of Spring Road and Los Angeles Avenue in Moorpark the afternoon of February 1, 2012. Police say a female driver was pulling out of a parking lot when she hit the male pedestrian. The man was critically injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Officials are still looking into what caused this accident.

My thoughts and prayers are with the seriously injured pedestrian. I hope he recovers swiftly and fully from whatever injuries he has sustained.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were 10 deaths and 196 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Ventura County, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Moorpark, one person was killed and five were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the pedestrian was struck by a vehicle that was exiting a private driveway. Motorists who are pulling out of public or private property are required, under California Vehicle Code Section 21804 (a), to yield the right-of-way to all traffic including pedestrians.

In this particular case, if it is determined that the driver was at fault, then, she can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. It would be in the best interests of injured victims to seek the counsel of a skilled Ventura personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. In cases where a dangerous condition on a private property contributed to the incident, the property owner can also be held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Ventura Pedestrian Accident Causes Major Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A car accident in San Diego resulted in injuries for a woman who was riding a bicycle the evening January 31, 2012. U-T San Diego reports that the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Girard Avenue and Pearl Street in La Jolla. The bicyclist, a woman in her 20s, was struck by a vehicle at the intersection, which had a flashing red light. The victim suffered a broken leg. Officials are looking into the cause of this accident.

My heart goes out to the injured bicyclist in this case. I pray that she recovers quickly and completely from whatever injuries she has sustained in this incident.

Bicycle Accidents in San Diego

There were nine deaths and 972 injuries involving bicycle accidents in San Diego County, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of San Diego, six people were killed and 525 were injured in bicycle accidents in 2009.

Causes and Compensation Issues

In this particular case, it is not clear how or why the SUV struck the bicycle. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21200 (a): “A person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle.” Based on this news report, there was a flashing red light at the intersection as the bicyclist was riding through it. I trust officials are looking into who failed to yield the right-of-way at the intersection or if the driver or bicyclist may have run the red light.

If the driver of the SUV is determined to have been at fault, she can be held liable for the victim's injuries. It would be in the best interests of injured victims to contact a skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. An experienced car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be filed within six months of the accident or injury.

Bicycle Accident in San Diego Causes Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Let’s face it—a personal injury accident is a frightening event, and it may leave you unable to determine the best course of action to follow.  Sometimes, after a personal injury accident, people are depressed, anxious, and unsure, and they may make bad decisions as a result.  Here is a checklist of what you should do after a Huntington Beach personal injury accident.  By following these steps, you will insure the best outcome for your situation.

1)      Seek proper medical attention.  Your health is more important than any amount of money or time at work.  If you are hurt, you need to see a doctor.  In fact, you need to see a doctor after a personal injury accident even if you feel fine—it is very possible for a person to feel okay after an accident, only to have problems show up days or even weeks later.  As soon as your accident occurs, get to the doctor and follow his or her instructions to the letter.

2)      Get in touch with a Huntington Beach personal injury accident attorney.  Do this immediately—as soon as you have taken care of your medical issues.  Do not be fooled by the propaganda of “ambulance chasers” or other pejorative terms applied to personal injury lawyers—the fact is that without them, insurance companies and their lawyers would probably never pay a claim, and you, the victim, would be left holding the bill.  By talking to a Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer immediately after your accident, you are preventing a whole host of problems which result from eager defendants and insurance companies trying to talk you into a settlement figure which is unfairly low.

3)      Do not sign anything or talk to anyone about your case.  This is another good reason to hire a personal injury attorney immediately—then you can refer all correspondence and phone calls to your lawyer.  Be aware that, if you do not have representation, you will be a target for insurance companies or defendants in the case to try to convince you to settle, or even to badger you with the idea that “you don’t really have a case.”  This “doing you a favor” mentality has worked in the past for defendant’s lawyers, as many people really do not know how much their case is worth.  If you receive correspondence or communication from anyone involved in the case, forward it to your attorney.

4)      Realize that most personal injury cases do not settle for millions.  While many plaintiffs have the wrong idea that their case is not worth much, others go to the opposite extreme.  They believe that their slip and fall accident will put them on easy street for the rest of their lives.  This is usually not the case, but if a person is convinced that a small accident is worth millions, some unscrupulous lawyer will emerge who will take advantage of that mentality.  You are far better off with a fair, reasonable settlement negotiated by a good, practical personal injury attorney.

Huntington Beach Personal Injury Accident Checklist is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A car accident in San Bernardino involving a red light runner proved fatal for 47-year-old Andrew Joseph Brown of Apple Valley. The Press-Enterprise reports that the deadly collision happened the morning of January 30, 2012 at Bear Valley Road and Industrial Boulevard in Victorville. Police say Brown's 1993 Buick was struck by a 2003 Saturn station wagon driven by a 22-year-old Lucerne man. Officials say the driver of the Saturn ran a red light at the intersection and broadsided Brown's Buick that was making a left turn. Brown died from his injuries shortly after the incident.

I offer my deepest condolences to everybody who knew and loved Andrew Joseph Brown for their devastating loss. They will be in my prayers.

Car Accidents in San Bernardino

There were 16 deaths and 1,049 injuries involving car accidents in San Bernardino County, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). During the same year, there were 16 fatalities and 1,049 injuries as a result of Victorville car accidents.

Laws and Liability Issues

According to 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."

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver of the Saturn blew through the red light and broadsided Brown's vehicle. There are still several unanswered questions here. Why did the driver of the Saturn run the red light? Was he intoxicated? Was he distracted by a cell phone or texting at the time? Was he traveling at an excessive rate of speed.

If the driver of the Saturn is determined to have been at fault, then, he can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. It would be in the best interest of victims' families in such cases to seek the counsel of a knowledgeable San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Man Killed in San Bernardino Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A car accident in Compton involving a hit-and-run driver resulted in life-threatening injuries for a pedestrian the evening of January 28, 2012. City News Service reports that the major injury collision occurred when a pedestrian who was walking near the intersection of Compton Boulevard and Williams Avenue was struck by a maroon four-door sedan. The driver did not stop. The pedestrian was critically injured. California Highway Patrol officials are asking witnesses to come forward to help them apprehend this hit-and-run suspect.

My thoughts and prayers are with this hit-and-run car accident victim, who is apparently fighting for his life. I pray that he recovers quickly and fully from his serious injuries.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were 179 fatalities and 4,918 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles County, according to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Compton, there were three fatalities and 35 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in 2009.

Hit-and-Run

If the details in this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver in this case struck and critically injured the pedestrian and then left him lying on the street. Leaving the scene of a car accident is not only an inhumane and irresponsible act, but it is also illegal under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Justice for Hit-and-Run Victims

I certainly hope officials are able to arrest this hit-and-run driver and prosecute him or her to the fullest extent of the law. If you have any information about this hit-and-run vehicle or driver, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and also become eligible for a $1,000 reward.

It would be in the best interest of hit-and-run victims to seek the counsel of a skilled Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also be able to advise victims about how their own car insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault driver is not located, or, 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.

Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Car Accident Causes Major Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A 53-year-old Buena Park woman who was killed in a car accident in Anaheim involving a suspected drunk driver, has been identified by officials as Kyung Namgoong. The Orange County Register reports that the fatal accident occurred when a Honda Civic, which was driven the wrong way on the 91 Freeway by 23-year-old Ruben Gorrola, struck two vehicles including a Toyota Camry in which Namgoong was a passenger. Gurrola has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The 58-year-old man who was driving the Camry suffered traumatic injuries, as did Gurrola and his female passenger. An investigation is ongoing.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Kyung Namgoong for their terrible loss. I also pray that the injured victims of this DUI collision recover swiftly and completely.

DUI Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 10 fatalities and 176 injuries in Anaheim as a result of DUI collisions. In Orange County as a whole, 62 people died and 1,340 were injured due to alcohol-related crashes during the same year.

California DUI Laws

It appears from this news report that Gurrola was driving on the wrong side of the freeway because he was under the influence. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges.

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

Holding Wrongdoers Accountable
In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, loss of love and companionship and emotional distress. Victims would be well advised to get a knowledgeable Anaheim personal injury lawyer on their side – an injury lawyer who has experience and a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

Orange County DUI Collision Proves Fatal for Woman is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A car accident in Riverside County proved fatal for 44-year-old Brigitte Jasso. The Press-Enterprise reports that the fatal collision happened near the intersection of Indio Boulevard and Biskra Street the night of January 26, 2012. Jasso was initially struck by a motorcycle and then a black Ford Taurus. She died at the scene. The motorcyclist also sustained injuries. There have been no arrests or citations pending an official investigation.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Brigitte Jasso for their devastating loss. They will be in my prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There were 39 fatalities and 370 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Riverside County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Indio, there were no fatalities, but 10 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Collision?

It is not clear from this report if Jasso was walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk or at the intersection. There are several unanswered questions here. Was the motorcyclist inattentive or distracted at the time? Did the pedestrian dart across the roadway or cross against a light? Did the driver of the Ford Taurus have sufficient time to stop before hitting the pedestrian? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway such as dim lighting or lack of crosswalks, which may have caused or contributed to this accident? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Compensation Issues

If it is determined that the motorcyclist or the other driver were at fault in this case, then, the at-fault driver could be held liable for the woman's wrongful death. It would be in the best interests of victims' families in such cases to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Fatal Riverside County Pedestrian Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A car accident in San Bernardino County resulted in fatal injuries for 66-year-old Alfred Eclipse Jr. The Press-Enterprise reports that the collision between Eclipse's UPS big rig and a Nissan 350z sports car, occurred the morning of January 25, 2012 on the 15 Freeway  in Hesperia. California Highway Patrol officials say that a speeding Nissan went out of control and hit the truck's left wheel. The UPS truck rolled over and went down an embankment. Eclipse was pronounced dead at the scene. The Nissan's driver did not sustain life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Alfred J. Eclipse Jr. for their devastating loss. This grieving family will be in my prayers.

San Bernardino Car Accident Statistics

There were 223 deaths and 7,870 injuries involving San Bernardino County car accidents, according to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). During the same year, 10 people were killed and 221 were injured in Hesperia car accidents.

Laws and Liability Issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver of the Nissan sports car was driving at an unsafe rate of speed 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."

If the Nissan's driver is determined to have been at fault, he can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. It would be in the best interests of victims' families in such cases to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Speed a Factor in Fatal San Bernardino County Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

January 25, 2012--Colton, CA--a  43-year-old man is dead after being tasered repeatedly by police, and family members claim that the officers used excessive force in subduing the man.

Hutalio Serrano was "acting strangely," according to relatives who say the man was "wandering" down the street and mumbling to himself.  They called the police, who arrived about 5:15 p.m.

After that, the facts become less clear.  Witnesses say that several officers tasered Serrano four or five times while he screamed and pleaded for them to stop.  Officers say that it took a great amount of force to subdue Serrano, who was finally handcuffed and arrested.  However, the officers have not made any further comment or explained any more about the incident.

Once police transported Serrano to the station, they realized he was having a medical emergency and sent him to the hospital, where he died an hour later of undisclosed complications.  An autopsy will be performed this week to determine the cause of death.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. Serrano's family and friends in the loss of their loved one.

Accident Statistics

While tasers have been hailed as a less-violent solution to using firearms to stop suspected criminals, there is a degree of risk in their use, as well.  More than 180 people have died as the result of the use of tasers by police officers since 2006, although the Department of Justice claims that the vast majority of those tasered suffered no ill effects.  People who already have medical issues are more likely to suffer negative reactions to tasers, and some may even suffer life-threatening complications.

What Happened in this Accident

While it is clear from witnesses' statements that the police were called by family members and help was requested, something happened which made the police feel that Serrano was a threat.  The fact that more than one officer tasered him leads to the conclusion that he said or did something which caused the officers to view him as threatening their safety or the safety of others.

On the other hand, tasers are only supposed to be used in cases of imminent harm to a person or property, so why they were used in this incident remains to be seen.  It is hardly likely that Serrano was able to validly threaten family members with the police standing by, and he does not seem to have been armed.

Until the facts of the case and the results of the autopsy are revealed, it will be difficult to determine why the officers felt they had to taser this man.  The officers' and department’s silence is also a problematic factor, in that it may lead people to believe that there is some type of “cover up” brewing.

Liability Issues

Serrano's family may indeed have a case against the officer or officers who tasered him, although police do enjoy a certain amount of limited protection from liability in the course of their jobs.  This immunity can, however, be lifted in the police officer acts outside the scope of his or her duties.  Until the facts are clear in this case, it will be difficult to determine if liability can be attached to the police or department for the officer’s actions.

Contacting A Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer

The family of Hutalio Serrano would be well advised to speak with experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyers who can help to ensure that justice is served.

Taser Incident Leads to Questionable Death is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A car accident in San Diego resulted in injuries for two women and a 3-year-old girl the afternoon of January 24, 2012. UT-San Diego reports that the pedestrian accident happened at Tiger Way and Positive Place in San Marcos. Police say the three pedestrians were crossing the street when they were hit by a vehicle that was making a left turn onto Tiger Way from Positive Place. The victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Officials are investigating the cause of the car accident.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the three pedestrians who were injured in this collision. I pray that they recover swiftly and fully from their injuries.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were 57 deaths and 937 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Diego County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of San Marcos, there were two fatalities and 15 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in 2009.

Laws and Liability Issues

It is not clear from this report as to who had the right-of-way at the intersection. The law requires drivers making a left turn at an intersection. California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

If it is determined that the driver was at fault, then, she can be held liable for the victims' injuries. It would be in the best interests of injured victims in such cases to seek the counsel of a knowledgeable San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

San Diego Car Accident Injures Pedestrians is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report