Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Man Killed in San Bernardino Car Accident

Ron — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:55:39 +0000

Authorities have identified a man killed in a San Bernardino car accident as 38-year-old Eric Sandor Valenzuela. The San Bernardino Sun reports that the accident occurred the morning of March 8, 2010 at the intersection of Air Expressway Boulevard and Gas Line Road in Victorville. Valenzuela was going north on Gas Line in a Hyundai Accent when he tried to make a left turn and struck a big rig. Valenzuela died at the scene of the accident.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Valenzuela for their devastating loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. They will be in my prayers.

Car Accidents

There were 16 fatalities and 266 injuries involving car accidents in Victorville, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 263 fatalities and 8,504 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2008.

The Law Pertaining to Left Turns

California Vehicle Code section 21801 (a) states the following requirements for drivers making a left turn: "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

It is not clear how exactly this car versus truck accident occurred. I trust officials are looking into whose fault this accident was and whether one of the drivers failed to yield right-of-way at the intersection.

Wrongful Death Claim

In this particular case, if the truck driver is determined to have been at fault, then he and his employer could be held responsible for the accident and resulting injuries. An experienced California personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled truck accident cases, will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

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

Los Angeles Car Accident Kills Motorcyclist

Ron — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:33:13 +0000

A man who sustained fatal injuries in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident has been identified as 47-year-old Martin E. Simon. The Santa Clarita Signal reports that the fatal crash occurred the morning of March 7, 2010 after Simon lost control of his 2006 Suzuki motorcycle as he rode north on Bouquet Canyon Road. Simon and his bike then went into opposing traffic lanes. Douglas Ross, a 46-year-old driver in a Nissan Sentra, was in the southbound lane and could not avoid hitting the motorcyclist. The Sentra ran over Simon's lower legs. Simon's injuries were fatal. Ross was uninjured.

I offer my deepest condolences to everybody who knew and loved Simon. They will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accidents

There were five fatalities and 44 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Santa Clarita, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 114 people died and 2,934 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Accident?

This news report does not clearly show how or why this motorcycle accident occurred. We do not know why Simon lost control of his Suzuki motorcycle. It is possible that there was a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the motorcycle which led to the fatal crash. There may have also been a dangerous condition on the roadway or debris on the roadway, which caused the crash.

In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will analyze all facets of the accident and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. If a vehicle defect is suspected, the vehicle must be preserved carefully in its current, damaged condition, unaltered, so it can be carefully examined by an expert for evidence of product defects or malfunctions. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

Los Angeles Car Accident Kills Motorcyclist is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Sudden Unintended Acceleration of Toyota Vehicles Still Doesn't Have A Fix

Lorraine — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:10:21 +0000

Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) hit the news big in recent months as more and more Toyota drivers are experiencing issues with their cars unexpectedly accelerating. The various Toyota models accelerate even when the driver's foot is on the brake, the car is in idle, or the driver is keeping a steady and consistent speed. Though Toyota is hurriedly recalling vehicles and trying to fix this dangerous auto defect now, SUA has been affecting drivers for many years and has resulted in at least 815 accidents.

Initially blaming SUA on improperly installed accessory floor mats, Toyota has not found a reliable remedy. SUA has been reported under such a wide variety of circumstances that it seems there may be many contributing factors.

Since replacing floor mats, assessing pedal placement, correcting vehicle trim, and investigating many other mechanical issues in certain models has not proved fruitful for Toyota, some car experts are suggesting the auto defect stems from the electrical system. Toyota has not accepted this as plausible, claiming their vehicles' electrical systems to be fool-proof, yet it is becoming clear that a full examination of SUA with respect to the mechanical workings as affected by electronics will be necessary.

In the mean time, Toyota drivers are concerned and wanting Toyota, who has been slow to act to prevent SUA accidents until the recent recall, to place a higher regard on public safety. Many believe brake-to-idle features should be installed in all models, lines, and years, allowing the driver to override acceleration even when the throttle is open or being affected by one of the potential SUA causes.

Read more here: Toyota Sudden Unintended Acceleration.

Sudden Unintended Acceleration of Toyota Vehicles Still Doesn't Have A Fix is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Elderly Couple Injured in Orange County DUI Car Crash

Ron — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:18:50 +0000

An elderly couple was injured in an Orange County car accident that officials say was caused by an allegedly intoxicated off-duty Orange County sheriff's deputy. The Orange County Register reports that this collision occurred on March 1, 2010, on the Street of the Golden Lantern, in Laguna Niguel. Deputy Allan James Waters struck the Toyota carrying Benjamin and Dolores Molina with his 2008 Mercedes. The Toyota then collided with a tree. Dolores Molina was taken to an area hospital with injuries.

I sympathize with Dolores and Benjamin Molina and hope they did not sustain serious injuries. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) there were three fatalities and 19 injuries involving DUI collisions in Laguna Niguel. Countywide, 62 people died and 1,492 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes, in 2008.

Based on this news report, it appears that Waters was stopped by sheriff's deputies in connection with another crash barely a half an hour before this collision. However, officers did not arrest him and let him go. The question that comes up now is whether officers gave Waters a break and let him go or missed his signs of intoxication. Apparently, another driver was following Waters and called 911 because she was concerned about his erratic driving. Sadly, the accident involving the Molinas occurred before help arrived.

Laws and Liability Issues

California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." The victims in this case would be well-advised to contact a reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record of holding negligent drivers accountable.

If the Sheriff's Department is determined to have been responsible for letting a suspected drunk driver go, they could be held liable as well. Any claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury, under California law. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies to an incident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Elderly Couple Injured in Orange County DUI Car Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Motorcyclist Fatally Injured in Fresno Car Accident

Lorraine — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:39:17 +0000

A 66-year-old man sustained fatal injuries in a Fresno car accident after he lost control of his motorcycle and collided into another vehicle. The Fresno Bee reports that the March 3, 2010 accident occurred when the motorcyclist was riding on Trimmer Springs Road near Pine Flat Road. The 2009 Harley-Davidson motorcycle went into the path of a westbound 1996 Ford Taurus driven by 54-year-old Susan Adams. The man was thrown off his motorcycle and sustained critical injuries. He was taken to a local hospital where he died. Adams was not injured. According to California Highway Patrol officials, drugs or alcohol was not a factor in this crash.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this man for their devastating loss. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

There were five fatalities and 71 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Fresno County According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records Systems (SWITRS). Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 127 lives and injured 3,323 people during the same year.

Causes and Liability Issues

In this particular case, it is not quite clear how or why the motorcyclist lost control. Apparently, intoxicants were not a factor. The article also does not mention speed or reckless driving as issues. So why did the motorcyclist lose control? Was there a vehicle defect or a mechanical problem in his Harley Davidson? Was there a dangerous condition on that roadway that caused this tragic accident?

In such cases, it would also be a good idea to preserve the motorcycle in its crashed condition, in tact, so it can be carefully examined by an expert for vehicle defects, mechanical malfunctions and other evidence. If the accident was caused by a vehicle defect, the manufacturer of the defective product could be held liable. Experienced Fresno personal injury lawyers who have successfully handled motorcycle accident cases as well as auto product defect cases, will be able to advise victims' families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Motorcyclist Fatally Injured in Fresno Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Girl Injured in San Bernardino Dog Attack

Ron — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:06:29 +0000

A toddler sustained serious injuries in a dog bite incident on March 1, 2010 involving a pit bull. The San Bernardino Sun reports that the 4-year-old girl was visiting her uncle at his apartment in the 1600 block of E. Kingsley Ave. in Pomona where the dog attack occurred. Authorities say the girl may have surprised the sleeping dog. The pit bull bit the girl on the face. She was transported to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The dog was neither licensed nor had current rabies shots. The pit bull was taken into custody by animal control officials.

Frightening Attack

I sympathize with this little girl and her family for what they are going through now. I hope and pray that the girl did not suffer serious disfigurement or deep scarring that cannot be fixed by cosmetic surgery. A number of young victims mauled by dogs do live with their physical scars for the remainder of their lives. I hope this child has not sustained any catastrophic injuries and pray for her quick and complete recovery.

This news report does not clearly state who was watching the girl at the time of the attack. We also do not know how the dog got provoked or whether the pit bull had any prior history of aggression.

Dog Bite Statistics

Despite what pit bull activities say, statistics show that these animals are prone to be aggressive. According to Dogsbite.org, a Web site for dog attack victims nationwide, of the 88 fatal dog attacks in the United States in a three-year period between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008, 59 percent or 52 incidents involved pit bulls followed by Rottweilers (14 percent), American bulldog and Husky (5 percent each). This dog bite fatality finding is more or less consistent with an earlier report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which states that pit bulls and Rottweilers together account for 60 percent of all fatal dog attacks.

Claim for Compensation

California has what is known as a "strict liability statute. What that means is if you are a dog owner in California and if your dog bites someone, then you are liable for the injuries caused. If the dog owner also owns a home, then his or her homeowner's insurance should cover the loss and damages just as an at-fault party's car insurance covers damages in a car accident. An experienced California personal injury lawyer can help injured victims and their families obtain fair compensation to cover medical expenses, hospitalization costs and cosmetic surgery expenses in such dog bite cases.

Girl Injured in San Bernardino Dog Attack is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Six Injured in San Diego Car Accident

Lorraine — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:34:42 +0000

Six people sustained injuries in a San Diego car accident that involved several vehicles. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the injury collision happened the morning of February 28, 2010 in Spring Valley. Officials said a BMW was traveling south on Avocado Boulevard when it collided into a Honda. The driver of the Honda was trying to turn left on to Challenger Boulevard. The BMW veered off the roadway, struck a wall and a vehicle parked outside a home. Six people were injured. One woman in the Honda sustained head injuries. The other injuries are said to be relatively minor.

I sincerely hope the seriously injured woman did not sustain any catastrophic injuries. I wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and full recovery. They will be in my prayers.

San Diego Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrols 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 81 fatalities and 6,123 injuries involving car accidents in San Diego in 2008. Countywide, 246 deaths and 13,527 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Left Turn Law

Based on this news report, it is not clear which one of the vehicles had the right-of-way at the time of the collision. Apparently, the crash occurred when one of the driver was attempting to make a left turn. The question here is: Who failed to yield right-of-way to whom? According to California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a): "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Contacting an Experienced Injury Lawyer

The injured victims in such cases, would be well-served to obtain the counsel of a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will make sure the negligent parties are held accountable. If there was a dangerous condition on this roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for its maintenance could also be held liable. Under California Governmental Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental entity must be properly filed within six months of the accident or injury.

Six Injured in San Diego Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Ventura Car Accident Leaves One Dead

Ron — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:18:36 +0000

A man who was killed in a Ventura car accident has been identified by local officials as 36-year-old Raymundo C. Vasquez, 36. The Ventura County Star reports that the fatal car accident occurred the morning of February 27, 2010 after Vasquez lost control of his SUV on the Highway 101 near Santa Barbara Avenue. Vasquez's SUV drifted to the right shoulder and he lost control when he tried to overcorrect. The SUV then rolled over, slid down an embankment and came to rest on train tracks where it was struck by an Amtrak train. Vasquez's passenger escaped uninjured, but Vasquez was pronounced dead at the scene.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Vasquez. I offer my heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends. Please keep them in your prayers.

Car Accidents

There were 21 fatalities and 632 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 63 lives and caused 3,785 injuries in 2008.

What Caused this Accident?

In this case, it is not clear what caused Vasquez to lose control of the SUV. There may have been a vehicle defect or malfunction in the SUV that caused it to go out of control. There may have been a dangerous condition such as debris, which may have caused the SUV to crash. We also do not know whether speed, distractions or other vehicles were involved in this incident.

Auto Product Liability

In such cases, families of accident victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto product liability cases involving SUVs. Vasquez's family would also be well-advised to preserve the SUV so it can be carefully examined by an expert for malfunctions, vehicle defects and other evidence. If an auto product defect caused the accident, then, victims could seek compensation from the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective auto.

Ventura Car Accident Leaves One Dead is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Huntington Beach DUI Car Accident Injures Two

Ron — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:04:57 +0000

A Huntington Beach car accident caused by a speeding driver who police say was also under the influence, injured 29-year-old Alfredo Garcia the night of February 23, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, 52-year-old Melvin Brown was speeding west on Pacific Coast Highway near Warner Avenue, when he rear-ended Garcia's Infiniti G35. Police say Brown was going at about 150 mph just before the collision. Both cars went off the roadway and into the water at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Both drivers suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. Brown was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

I'm relieved that neither man died in this crash. It is truly fortunate that both survived. I pray for Garcia's quick and complete recovery.

Alcohol-Related Crashes

There were six fatalities and 122 injuries involving DUI collisions in Huntington Beach, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Orange County as a whole, 62 people died and 1,492 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes during 2008.

Serious Violations of the Law

Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." Brown was also traveling at 150 mph, a serious violation of California's Basic Speed Law (Vehicle Code section 22350).

Contacting An Experienced Injury Lawyer

Injured victims in such cases where negligence is apparent, would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer, who will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options and make sure they receive fair compensation for their injuries damages and losses. In this case, Garcia could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization costs, and other related damages.

Huntington Beach DUI Car Accident Injures Two is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Los Angeles Car Accident Results in Fatality

Lorraine — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:57:41 +0000

One person sustained fatal injuries in a Los Angeles car accident involving at least eight vehicles and a big rig. ABC News reports that the fatal traffic accident, which occurred the night of February 24, 2010 on the eastbound 101 Freeway near Sepulveda Boulevard, in Sherman Oaks, also critically injured another person. Three others also sustained injuries, but it is not known how serious they were. An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the family of the deceased victim for their terrible loss. I wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. These victims and their families will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Los Angeles Car Accidents

There were 268 fatalities and 25,588 injuries involving car accidents in the city of Los Angeles, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 deaths and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of traffic accidents in 2008.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is unclear how or why exactly this accident occurred. But what is clear in these cases is that someone or something must have triggered the collision. In cases where so many vehicles are involved, it is clear that someone initiated a chain reaction. These types of accidents are extremely common on our freeways. In such cases, the at-fault driver or the one who caused the accident could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. In this particular case, if the truck driver caused the accident, then both he and his employer could be held liable.

Injured victims in such cases, would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable and that the victims are fairly compensated for the injuries, damages and losses they have suffered. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Los Angeles Car Accident Results in Fatality is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report