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 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 Chula Vista proved fatal for a 77-year-old bicyclist. U-T San Diego reports that the fatal bicycle accident happened near the intersection of Fourth Avenue and L Street the morning of January 19, 2012. Police say the elderly man was riding his bicycle down Fourth Avenue near Rice Elementary School. A woman in a Jeep SUV, who was exiting the school's parking lot, hit the bicyclist. The man was fatally injured. Officials are looking into what caused this fatal collision.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved this bicycle accident victim. The victim's grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accidents

There were nine fatalities 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 Chula Vista, there were no fatalities, but 37 injuries reported as a result of bicycle accidents in 2009.

What Caused This Fatal Bicycle Accident?

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the elderly woman who was driving the Jeep SUV struck the bicyclist as she was pulling out of the school's parking lot. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21804 (a), motorists who are exiting a private property, alley or driveway are required to yield the right of way to all traffic until they can enter or cross a highway with reasonable safety. In this case, it is not clear why the driver did not see the bicyclist. Was she inattentive, distracted or negligent in any other way?

Liability Issues

If the driver is determined to have been at fault, she can be held liable for the bicyclist's wrongful death. It would be in the best interests of victims' families to seek the counsel of a skilled Chula Vista personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Chula Vista Car Accident Proves Fatal for Elderly Bicyclist is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A car accident in Los Angeles the morning of January 13, 2012 killed three people and resulted in major injuries for three others, NBC Los Angeles reports. Police say the fatal crash happened on Downey Avenue at Somerset Ranch Road in Paramount. A speeding Chevy Tahoe SUV went out of control, crashed into several objects, overturned and burst into flames. Five people were ejected from the vehicle. Three suffered fatal injuries and three others were transported to an area hospital with major injuries. An investigation is ongoing, although officials suspect that excessive speed was a factor.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with the injured victims of this rollover accident. I pray for their swift and full recovery.

Car Accidents

There were 554 deaths and 50,817 injuries involving car accidents in Los Angeles County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Los Angeles, there were 227 fatalities and 25,043 injuries involving car accidents in 2009.

Laws and Liability Issues

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." Officials believe that the driver of the Tahoe was traveling at nearly 100 mph. The speed limit in that zone is 35 mph. In addition to speed, it is unclear at this time if any other factors caused or contributed to this incident.

If the driver is determined to have been at fault, then, that person or his or her estate and liability insurance can be held responsible for the injuries, damages and losses here. Families of deceased victims would be well advised to seek the counsel of a knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Los Angeles Car Accident Proves Fatal for Three is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A 50-year-old pedestrian who was fatally injured in a car accident in Riverside has been identified by authorities as Rigoberto Morales-Reyes. The Desert Sun reports that the fatal hit-and-run collision happened the evening of January 2, 2012 near the intersection of Harrison Street and Avenue 50 in Coachella. The vehicle left the scene of the crash. Morales-Reyes died from his injuries. Officials are still looking for the hit-and-run driver. Officials have described the car as a light-colored four-door sedan, likely a Toyota Camry, with front-end damage.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Rigoberto Morales-Reyes for their terrible loss. They will be in my prayers.

Hit-and-Run Statistics and Law

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 hit-and-run car accidents involved injuries. There were 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.

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."

Liability Issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver in this case left the critically injured victim on the roadway without care or medical attention. The least this driver could have done was to have stopped and called 911 so the victim could get the medical attention, which he needed right away. If you have any information at all about this hit-and-run crash, please visit our web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.

Families of deceased hit-and-run victims would be well advised to contact a knowledgeable Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their rights are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Pedestrian Killed in Coachella Hit-and-Run Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

Emako Mendoza, 76, who was brutally mauled in a San Diego dog bite incident in June, died from her injuries on December 24, 2011. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, Mendoza's husband said that her kidneys were shutting down and she was having trouble breathing. According to the testimony given in a September court hearing regarding the attack, the two pit bulls escaped the yard of Alba Cornelio, 39, and her daughter, Carla Cornelio, 20 by pushing through a gap in their fence. The dogs attacked Mendoza and left her catastrophically injured. Mendoza underwent eight surgeries since the vicious attack, including amputations of her left leg below the knee and left arm below the elbow. Most recently, she also had to have her right leg amputated.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Emako Mendoza’s husband, James, her friends and family members for what they have undergone over the last six months and their terrible loss at this time. My heart especially goes out to James Mendoza who had to watch his wife suffer through the pain and endure eight surgeries. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pit Bull Attacks

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year. About 800,000 victims seek medical attention and 386,000 need emergency treatment as a result of dog attacks. According to statistics gathered by Dogsbite.org, between the years 2006 and 2008, pit bulls accounted for 52 dog attack fatalities. During those same years, pit bulls accounted for 59 percent of all fatal dog attacks, while pit bulls and rottweilers accounted for a combined 73 percent of all dog-related fatalities.

Responsibility of Dog Owners

Based on this news report, Carla and Alba Cornelio were both charged with two felony counts as well as misdemeanor charges related to owning dogs that have caused great bodily injury and failing to protect the public from their animals. They pleaded not guilty to the charges. It is not clear if they will face additional charges now that the victim has died from injuries.

Regardless of what criminal charges or penalties negligent dog owners face, under California law, they can be held civilly liable for injuries and damages caused by their pets. According to California Civil Code Section 3342 (a), “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness.”

In this particular case, Mendoza's immediate family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent dog owners seeking compensation to cover all medical expenses, surgery and hospitalization costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims' families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing their legal rights.

Woman Dies from Injuries Suffered in San Diego Dog Attack is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report

A driver who was under the influence caused a head-on car accident in Riverside which proved fatal for 69-year-old Ella Anne Jefferson. The Press-Enterprise reports that the deadly collision happened near the intersection of Domenigoni Parkway and Leon Road in Winchester the morning of December 26, 2011. Officials say a 2003 Saturn Ion that was speeding westbound on Domenigoni Parkway went out of control, crossed into opposing lanes of traffic and crashed into Jefferson's 2011 Toyota Camry. Jefferson died from her injuries. Mahan suffered major injuries, but officials say he will face DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges.

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

DUI Collisions

There were 87 fatalities and 987 injuries involving DUI crashes in Riverside County in 2009, according to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the unincorporated areas of Riverside County, 27 people died and 363 were injured due to DUI collisions in 2009.

California DUI Laws

Officials say the driver was not only speeding and weaving in and out of lanes right before the collision, but that he was under the influence at the time. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a serious offense in California. 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." A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges, under California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a).

Protecting Victims' Rights

It would be in the best interests of victims and their families in such cases to seek the counsel of 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. Drivers who operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs, in addition to facing criminal charges, can also be held civilly liable for the damages they cause. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Fatal Riverside Car Accident Involves Suspected Drunk Driver is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Report