Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

A 24-year-old Ontario man died early Sunday morning after he was struck by a car while changing a tire, the OC Register reported. The victim, Frank Nguyen, was standing outside his 2001 Acura Integra on the shoulder of the freeway at about 2:50 a.m. on the 57 Freeway near the 91 Freeway in Anaheim when his vehicle was struck by a 2010 Ford Expedition driven by Pedro Resendiz, 28, of Fullerton. According to the CHP, the Ford Expedition struck the Integra, which then struck Nguyen, who died at the scene of the accident. A 26-year-old woman with Nguyen was not hurt. Resendiz and three passengers in the Expedition were not injured.

Cause of the 57 Freeway Accident

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the fatal accident. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear why the driver of the Expedition was unable to avoid colliding with Nguyen's vehicle. The CHP will undoubtedly investigate whether the driver was impaired, distracted, or if something else caused him to lose control of the vehicle. At this point, there are more questions than answers as to what happened.

Potential Wrongful Death Liability

Recently there have been a number of tragic accidents involving a broken down vehicle on a freeway and an out-of-control vehicle striking it. Three people died in a crash on Highway 78 in San Diego County earlier this month in a similar accident where a vehicle had stopped because one of the occupants felt ill. These "freeway bystander" pedestrian accidents have unique legal issues. In situations such as this one, the family members of the victim may benefit from talking to an experienced and knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer about the family's potential rights to compensation in a wrongful death claim. An attorney who has represented victims of fatal accidents on freeway shoulders can help the victim's family protect their legal rights and advise them of their best course of action handling communications with the insurance companies following this tragic accident.

Continue reading "Ontario Man Struck and Killed While Changing Tire on 57 Freeway" »

A 59-year-old Moreno Valley man tragically died Saturday after a woman driving a sedan allegedly cut off his Harley-Davidson, throwing him off his bike. The fatal Riverside County motorcycle accident happened Saturday, August 28, 2010, at about 12:45 p.m. on westbound State Route 60, about 500 feet east of Day Street in Moreno Valley. The Desert Sun reported the driver of a 1999 Daewoo Leganza, Stephanie Clation, 38, was travelling in the fast lane and the motorcyclist, Albert Jackson Welch, 59, was travelling in the carpool lane. When traffic started to slow, Clation allegedly swerved into the carpool lane and into Welch's path. Welch reportedly braked, but was unable to avoid striking the bumper of Clation's vehicle, and was ejected from his bike. Welch was rushed to Riverside County Regional Medical Center where he died about an hour after the crash.

Cause of the Fatal 60 Freeway Motorcycle Crash

The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the fatal crash. However, if news reports are correct, it appears that the driver of the sedan is likely responsible for causing this fatal accident. A charge of misdemeanor manslaughter will be sought against Clation, the Valley News reported.

Motorcycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that Clation is responsible for this fatal motorcycle accident, as it appears to be the case, she may face criminal charges for her actions that resulted in the death of Albert Welch. Additionally, she may be held financially responsible for her actions in a civil claim for wrongful death. In situations such as this one, where negligent or reckless driving is suspected to be the cause of a fatal accident, the family members of the victim may benefit from seeking counsel of an experienced and knowledgeable California motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney who specializes in motorcycle accidents can help the victim's family understand and protect their legal rights, and advise them of their best course of action going forward. Damages the family may be entitled to for their loss include money for funeral and burial expenses, future income and benefits, and loss of love, care, and companionship.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Struck and Killed in Crash on Moreno Valley Freeway " »

A 39-year-old Hemet tragically died last week when the vehicle she was driving was struck head-on by an oncoming vehicle, the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner reported in a press release. The fatal accident occurred on Monday, August 23, 2010, at about 7:00 a.m. on the Ramona Expressway, about ¾ of a mile west of Warren Avenue in San Jacinto.

The victim, Veronica Ochoa, was driving westbound on Highway 79, when, according to the CHP, an eastbound vehicle drifted into the path of her vehicle, causing a head-on collision. The 22-year-old driver of the eastbound vehicle, a resident of Yucca Valley, was taken to Riverside County Regional Medical Center for a possible broken foot. Ochoa was also taken to Riverside County Regional Center in Moreno Valley, where she died at 8:18 a.m.

Cause of the Highway 79 Head-on Collision

The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the Riverside County crash. If news reports in the Valley Chronicle are accurate, it appears that the driver of the eastbound vehicle may have caused the crash. It is unclear whether he was distracted or impaired, or if something malfunctioned mechanically in his vehicle that caused it to drift into oncoming traffic. The CHP will undoubtedly look at these and other factors in determining exactly what happened and why.

Potential Wrongful Death Liability

In situations such as this one, where a motorist is a victim of a fatal head-on collision that was likely not her fault, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking to a knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer. An attorney can help the family understand and protect their legal rights to compensation for their loss. Although no amount of money could ever undo the pain of losing a loved one unexpectedly, a wrongful death claim can hold an at-fault party financially responsible for their actions, and provide the family with money for funeral and burial expenses, the anticipated future financial income and earnings of the victim, and compensation for loss of love, care, solace and companionship. An experienced lawyer can explain the unique legal issues of a potential claim, and advise the family of their best course of action to protect their rights going forward.

Continue reading "Hemet Woman Killed in Head-on Crash on Highway 79 " »

A 22-year-old Diamond Bar woman tragically was killed Sunday night in a likely alcohol-related crash in Anaheim, the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner reported. The accident occurred on the southbound 57 Freeway (Orange Freeway), near the 91 Freeway (Riverside Freeway), at about 11:15 p.m. on Sunday, August 22, 2010. The victim, Mai Hayakawa, 22, was a passenger in a 2003 Toyota Celica driven by Michael Keating, 24, of Fullerton.

Keating, who was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, was attempting to merge onto westbound 91. He reportedly sped up to pass a big-rig on the shoulder, and lost control of his vehicle. The Celica veered down an embankment and struck a palm tree. Hawakawa died at the scene of the crash. Keating and a 22-year-old woman in the backseat of the vehicle suffered minor injuries and were taken to UCI Medical Center.

Cause of the Crash

The cause of the fatal 57 Freeway crash remains under investigation by the CHP. However, if news reports are accurate, this fatal solo-vehicle Orange County crash was caused by the suspected drunk driver of the vehicle. Under the 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."

DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If Michael Keating is determined to have caused the accident, he may face criminal charges for driving under the influence of alcohol and the death he is suspected to have caused. In addition to criminal charges, he may also be held liable and financially responsible for Hayakawa's death in a California DUI accident wrongful death claim. While this fatal 57 Freeway accident remains under investigation, the family members of Mai Hayakawa may benefit from talking to a Southern California drunk driving injury lawyer about this accident and the family's legal rights and options. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include compensation for final medical expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings of the decedent, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "Diamond Bar Woman Killed in Suspected DUI Crash in Anaheim " »

Three cyclists were hurt Monday morning when they were struck by a car driven by an elderly driver in Calabasas, the Los Angeles Times reported. The August 23rd accident was reported at 7:30 a.m. on Mulholland Highway at Stokes Canyon Road. According to news reports, the three cyclists, who were not identified, were riding westbound on Mulholland Highway, while an Audi A-4, driven by an 81-year-old woman, was travelling eastbound. The driver of the Audi apparently attempted a left turn into the path of the cyclists, and failed to yield to their right of way.

All three riders were airlifted to UCLA Medical Center with undisclosed injuries. The Calabasas Patch reported two of the cyclists suffered major injuries, and one suffered minor injuries.

Car vs. Bicycle Left-Turn Accidents

The state law pertaining to left turns is found in California Vehicle Code Section 21801: "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." In this case, the bicycles are considered vehicles. Under the Vehicle Code Section 21200, "Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle..."

Bicycle Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

The Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys at Estey Bomberger have handled a number of bicycle accident cases involving the driver of a car making a left turn and colliding with a cyclist. In these situations, the driver of the vehicle is almost always responsible for the accident, by failing to yield to the right-of-way of the cyclists. Simply because a cyclist is harder to see than a car does not excuse a motorist from failing to yield to their right-of-way. If news reports are accurate, and the driver of the Audi caused the Mulholland Drive accident, she may be liable for the serious injuries of the cyclists, including monetary damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

While this Calabasas bicycle accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who specializes in bicycle accidents. A lawyer who is also an experienced cyclist, and who has represented dozens of seriously injured victims of bicycle accidents can help the victims and their families understand their legal rights and the unique legal issues that are relevant to a potential claim.

Continue reading "Three Cyclists Struck by Elderly Driver Making Left Turn in Calabasas " »

A 39-year-old Monterey man sadly died Wednesday night, a few hours after he was severely injured in a rollover accident on Highway 46 in Kern County, the CHP reported. The accident occurred on Hwy 46, just west of Highway 33, around 7:30 p.m. Officials said Elliot Mora, 39, was driving a Ford F-150 pickup truck eastbound on the Highway, when for unknown reasons, he lost control of his vehicle. The truck overturned numerous times, and Mora was ejected. He suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Kern Medical Center. He died at 11:10 p.m., ABC News said.

Cause of the Fatal Highway 46 Crash

The CHP is investigating the cause of the crash. Based on the information provided in news reports, it was unclear why Elliot Mora lost control of the vehicle. At this point there are only questions as to what occurred. What happened, who was responsible, and could anything have been done to prevent this tragic fatal accident? The CHP reported that alcohol or drug use was not suspected to be a factor in the August 18th accident.

Solo Vehicle Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

Solo-occupant, solo-vehicle fatality accidents raise a number of questions as to why a crash occurred and who was responsible. Did the accident occur because of the driver, a defect in the vehicle, or the condition of the road? In cases such as this one, where the cause of a crash is unclear, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to talk to a knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer about the fatal accident and the unique liability issues involved. An attorney can look at the accident report, and if necessary, arrange to have the vehicle, as well as the location of the crash, inspected. If negligence was a factor in the accident, the family may be entitled to compensation for their loss, including damages for funeral and burial expenses, the decedent's future lost earnings, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "Monterey Man Killed in Truck Rollover Crash on Highway 46 " »

A 20-year-old San Bernardino man died early Sunday morning after he was struck by a truck while walking to his parked car, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The August 15th pedestrian accident occurred at around 3:13 a.m., in the 2100 block of N Sierra Way in San Bernardino. Police said Mario Antonio Flores Topete was struck by a a 2000 Chevy Pickup truck driven by Augustine Ramirez, of San Bernardino. Topete was taken to St. Bernardine Medical Center where he died. Ramirez reportedly fled the scene but was arrested a short time later on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter. He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact Detective Carlson at 909-384-5664 or Sgt. R. Lawhead at 909-384-5738.

Cause of the Fatal Accident

The San Bernardino Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident. The Press-Enterprise stated that Ramirez was reportedly under the influence of alcohol when the accident occurred.

Wrongful Death Liability

If this fatal accident was indeed caused by the suspected drunk driver, he may face criminal charges for the death of Mario Topete. Additionally, Ramirez may be held financially responsible for Topete's death in a California wrongful death claim. Damages awarded to the family of a victim of wrongful death may be substantial, and include compensation for final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings of the victim, and loss of love, care and companionship. In situations such as this one, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible who can help them understand and protect their legal rights.

Continue reading "San Bernardino Man Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident " »

The Associated Press reported that at least eight people died and twelve people were seriously injured Saturday night when a truck plowed into a crowd at the California 200, a race for off-highway vehicles north of Highway 247 in San Bernardino County. The crash happened at 7:51 p.m., about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles near the Lucerne Valley.

One of the off-road racers participating in the crash, Brett M. Sloppy, 28, of San Marcos, lost control of his white truck at a spot called the "rock pile", shortly after the race started. The driver was reportedly not hurt. Witnesses described the scene as "complete chaos" and said "bodies were everywhere."

Because of the remote location of the crash, it took rescue units a half hour to reach the location. Ten emergency aircraft responded and 12 people were flown to Southern California hospitals. Victims included four men from the San Diego area, Brian Wolfin, 27, of Escondido, Anthony Sanchez, 23, of Escondido, and Aaron Farkas, 25, also of Escondido, and Michael James Dickinson, 34 of Spring Valley, and a woman from Las Vegas, Danica Frantzich, 20. Other victims were identified as Andrew Therrin, 22, of Riverside, Zachary Freeman, 24, of Fillmore and Dustin Malson, 24, of Ventura. The name of the eighth victim was not immediately released.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the 200 mile race where the accident occurred was held at Soggy Dry Lake on federal desert land just east of the San Bernardino Mountains. The only way to reach the location of the accident is via a six-mile dirt road off of California State Route 247. Some off-duty police and firefighters who were spectators at the event helped the injured and placed blankets over the deceased.

Cause of the August 14th Accident

Based on the limited information provided in news reports, the cause of this horrific crash is not clear. The California Highway Patrol has begun their investigation to see if this crash was caused by driver error or a defect in one of the vehicles. It was not evident who was the owner of the truck. The San Jose Mercury News reported that the Bureau of Land Management issued a statement saying safety was the responsibility of the race organizer, Mojave Desert Racing, based in South El Monte.

Liability for Injuries and Deaths

Spectators attending the race were not protected by barriers. The promoters of races such as the California 200 may not employ the proper amount of manpower to keep spectators a safe distance away from racing vehicles. Instead, promoters rely on federal and state land managers who are responsible for patrolling the desert. Due to high temperatures in the desert areas where races are permitted, races are often held at night. Bystanders have been killed or injured at other off-road races, including the Baja 1000 and the Dakar Rally, according to a report in the New York Times.

In situations such as this one, victims and their families would be encouraged to contact a California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Because of unique liability issues of these type of event bystander accidents, victims and their families have only a limited amount of time to pursue compensation for their injuries or a loved one's wrongful death. If you would like to know more about your legal rights as an injured bystander or the family of someone who was killed in this crash, contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your potential case and rights to compensation from whoever is responsible for the accident.

Continue reading "Eight Spectators Killed, Dozens Injured in Off-Road Accident at California 200 OHV Race " »

A 60-year-old Rancho Cucamonga man died Monday night when he was struck by a car while crossing the street, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reported. The fatal accident occurred at 8:24 p.m. Monday, August 9th, on Grove Avenue, south of Bowen Street in Upland. According to news reports, the victim, Louis Chambers, was not in a crosswalk when he attempted crossing Grove Avenue. He was subsequently struck by a southbound Toyota Corolla. Chambers was rushed to San Antonio Community Hospital, where he died less than 30 minutes after the accident. The driver of the Corolla, David Martinez, 22, of Upland, reportedly saw Chambers prior to the collision and attempted to stop, but was unable to. The front of his Toyota Corolla struck Chambers and ejected him from his wheelchair.

Cause of the Upland Pedestrian Accident

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Based on the information provided in news reports, it is not clear whether the driver of the Corolla was at fault. Even though he was not cited or arrested at the scene, he still may be determined responsible pending the investigation. If the driver of the Corolla was speeding, or otherwise driving negligently so that he should have seen Chambers, he may be found responsible.

Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

Wheelchair-bound pedestrians are unfortunately somewhat common victims of fatal accidents. 75% of pedestrian-vehicle accidents occur at non-intersections. While crossing the street outside of a crosswalk increases a pedestrian's risk of being struck, an accident still may be the fault of the driver. In situations such as this one, while an accident is still under investigation, the family members of the victims are well-advised to contact a San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyer about the family's rights in a wrongful death claim. If the driver is determined to be responsible, he may be liable for the victim's final medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, future anticipated income, and loss of love, care, and companionship. A lawyer who has successfully represented victims of wheelchair pedestrian accidents can advise the victim's family of their legal rights and best course of action going forward.

Continue reading "Man Crossing Street in Wheelchair Struck and Killed in Upland " »

The Los Angeles Times reported today that six people were killed in a horrific crash on Highway 395 Monday night, about five miles south of Bishop in Inyo County. The August 9th accident, which involved a southbound SUV and a northbound Ford Econoline van, happened just after 8 p.m. The driver of the SUV lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons, and drifted off the shoulder, across the center median, and into the van carrying athletes from California Baptist University in Riverside. The SUV burst into flames following the collision.

The SUV was believed to be carrying athletes on a cross-country running team from the San Diego area. The injured victims included Derek Randal Thomas, 19, of Encinitas, who was flown to West Hills Hospital in Reno, Nevada with major injuries. Drew Constantine Delis, 22, of Encinitas, who also suffered major injuries, was transported to San Joaquin Community Hospital in Bakersfield.

The LA Times reported that eleven student athletes from Cal Baptist were taken to area hospitals with minor to serious injuries: David Solis, 19, of Corona; Alyssa Neimeyer, 19, of Temecula; Brenda Perez, 20, of Riverside; Alicia Catanese, 21, of Corona; Kayla M. Beaudoin, 19, of Corona; Jennifer McGuire, 17, of Stevenson Ranch; Miguel Angel Gonzalez, 18, of Hacienda Heights; Marissa Benson, 18, of Gresham, Ore; Jonathan Hernandez, 18, of Moreno Valley; Jonathan Monteon, 18, of Chino; and Hanna Ingulsrud, 19, of Ontario.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

The cause of the August 9th crash remains under investigation. Based on the information provided in initial news reports, it is not clear who was responsible for this accident.

Highway accidents have unique and complex legal issues. In situations such as this one, while the accident is still being investigated by the California Highway Patrol, the injured victims and their families would be well-advised to contact a California personal injury lawyer. An attorney who has represented passenger victims of Highway 395 crashes can help the victims protect their legal rights following a mass casualty accident such as this one. Whether this accident was caused by a negligent driver, or a defect in one of the vehicles, an experienced highway accident lawyer will be able to help the victims protect their rights and ultimately recover the compensation they are entitled to for their injuries, or the wrongful death of a loved one.

Continue reading "Multiple Fatalities and Major Injuries Reported in Highway 395 Crash Near Bishop " »

The San Bernardino Sun reported a 48-year-old Twentynine Palms woman died Sunday evening when she was struck by a car on Highway 62. According to news reports, the victim, Sandra Dawn Cox, was struck by a 2005 Chrysler 300 driven by Lacey Barker, 19, also of Twentynine Palms. The fatal pedestrian accident was reported on Highway 62, at Encelia Avenue, at 7:14 p.m.

Cause of the Fatal Pedestrian Accident

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner, the cause of the accident remains under investigation. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear exactly what happened, and if the driver of the Chrysler was in fact responsible for the accident Law enforcement will surely look at speed, possible driver or pedestrian impairment, and other factors in determining the cause of the August 8th car vs. pedestrian accident and who was responsible.

Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the Chrysler is responsible for this accident, she may be held liable for Cox's death in a wrongful death claim. Without more information, it is impossible to tell if this is the case. While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, the family members of Sandra Cox may benefit from speaking to a San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyer about this crash and the family's possible rights in a wrongful death claim. A knowledgeable lawyer who has successfully represented victims of fatal highway pedestrian accidents can explain the family's legal rights and options, and best course of action going forward.

Continue reading "Twentynine Palms Woman Struck and Killed on Highway 62 " »

A 21-year-old Rialto man was tragically killed early Tuesday morning in a solo-vehcle crash on Lone Pine Canyon Road, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The August 3rd San Bernardino County crash happened around 1 a.m. near Swarthout Canyon Road. According to news reports, the victim, Luke Eller, was a seat-belted passenger in a silver 2010 Mazda. While travelling at least 50 mph eastbound on Lone Pine Canyon Road, the driver of the Mazda, Daniel Sigala, 20, of Phelan, lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons. The Mazda overturned and Eller was partially ejected. He was taken to Desert Valley Hospital in Victorville, where he died at 2:27 a.m.

Sigala left the scene of the accident without reporting the collision to authorities, and was later taken to the hospital by a friend. The accident remains under investigation. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Victorville CHP office at (760) 241-1186.

Passenger Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

As a restrained passenger in the vehicle, Eller likely could have done nothing to prevent this horrific accident that ultimately took his life. While the cause of this accident remains under investigation by the CHP, the surviving family members of Luke Eller may benefit from speaking to a knowledgeable San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer experienced in the unique liability issues of solo vehicle accidents and passenger fatalities.

An experienced lawyer can review the accident report, and if necessary, hire an independent investigator to help the family understand who was responsible for this accident. If the crash was caused by the negligence of the driver, a defect in the vehicle, a hazard in the roadway or other dangerous road condition, an attorney can help the victim's family hold the party or parties responsible for this crash accountable. Damages awarded for a passenger's wrongful death may include compensation for final medical expenses, anticipated lifetime earnings of the victim, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "Passenger Killed in Solo-Vehicle Crash Near Lyttle Creek " »

A 79-year-old Glendora man tragically died Tuesday afternoon, about 6 hours after he was struck by a Toyota Corolla while out on a morning walk, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported yesterday. According to news reports, the victim, Theodore McElligatt, was crossing the street at about 7:30 a.m. at the intersection of Bennett Avenue and Vista Bonita Avenue when he was hit by the Toyota. He suffered severe injuries and was flown to USC Medical Center where he reportedly died of his injuries at about 1:30 p.m.

Our condolences go out to Theodore McElligatt for their loss. Please keep his family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Cause of the Glendora Pedestrian Accident

The cause of the fatal Glendora pedestrian accident remains under investigation. Based on the limited details provided in news reports, it is unclear why the woman driving the Toyota did not stop her vehicle before striking McElligatt. Was she distracted, speeding, or did something malfunction in her vehicle? At this point, there are more questions than answers as to why this accident occurred. Although the driver was not cited or arrested at the scene, she could still be found responsible pending the outcome of the investigation.

Possible Wrongful Death Liability

If the driver of the vehicle is determined to have caused this accident, she may be liable for the wrongful death of McElligatt. While this accident remains under investigation, the family of the victim may benefit from talking to a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer about their possible rights to compensation in a wrongful death claim. A skilled lawyer who has successfully represented victims of fatal pedestrian accidents can help the family understand the unique legal issues of this accident and advise them of their best course of action to hold the at-fault party accountable for their devastating loss.

Continue reading "Glendora Man Struck and Killed While Crossing Street " »

Three people were taken to Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center following a collision Tuesday night on the 405 Freeway in Westwood, the Beverly Hills Courier reported. The accident was reported south of Santa Monica Boulevard at 10:42 p.m. on August 3rd. One of the vehicles involved in the crash was a Caltrans work truck. The CHP is investigating the cause of this accident. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why this accident occurred, or who was responsible.

405 Freeway Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

People are seriously injured every day in accidents on southern California freeways. For every person that dies in an accident, about 70 people are injured. When another driver's negligent actions cause a crash, injured victims may be entitled to monetary damages. After a car accident such as this one on the 405 Freeway, injured victims (the not-at-fault parties) are well-advised to consult with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer about their legal rights to compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. A skilled lawyer can help the victims understand and protect their rights and recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to.

Continue reading "Three People Injured in 405 Freeway Crash in Westwood " »

Four people were hurt in a SUV rollover accident Tuesday afternoon in Barstow, the Desert Dispatch reported. The solo-vehicle accident, which involved a Jeep Grand Cherokee, occurred near the intersection of CA State Route 58 and Interstate 15. According to the CHP, the tread separated on one of the rear tires on the Jeep, causing the driver of the vehicle to lose control and veer off the freeway. Two of the occupants in the vehicle suffered major injuries and were airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center; two others with less serious injuries were taken by ambulance to Barstow Hospital. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the San Bernardino SUV rollover accident.

Tire Blowouts and SUV Rollovers on I-15

On March 21st of this year, a San Bernardino woman who was a passenger in a 1995 Jeep died in a solo-vehicle rollover accident on Interstate 15 in San Bernardino caused by a tire blowout. This July 3rd Jeep rollover accident, and the one earlier this year in March, are both examples of the serious consequences of tire blowouts at highway speeds. There have been a number of other serious injury and fatal vehicle rollovers on I-15 this year involving pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Tire blowouts have a number of causes, including underinflation, overinflation, overloading, negligent maintenance, road debris, negligent installation and structural defects.

Potential Personal Injury Liability

In any accident where a defect in a vehicle is a potential contributing factor to a collision, the vehicle must be preserved for inspection and testing. The vehicle itself is valuable evidence that can establish what happened in an accident. In situations such as this one, the family members of the injured victims would be well-advised to contact a California SUV rollover accident lawyer about this accident and whether a defect in the tire caused this accident. If the accident was caused by a tire defect, the injured victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries from the manufacturer of the tire or the vehicle. A Barstow personal injury lawyer who has successfully represented victims of SUV rollovers can help the injured victims protect their rights and recover the maximum compensation they may be entitled to for their injuries.

Continue reading "Major Injuries in Jeep Grand Cherokee Rollover Near Barstow " »

Less than a week after seven people were injured last Friday in a Los Angeles bus crash, 13 people were injured early Tuesday morning when an MTA bus carrying 11 passengers collided with a truck at West Temple Street and North Hill Street. According to the LA Times, both the driver of the truck, the driver of the bus, and all 11 passengers on the bus were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the accident is under investigation. ABC7 News reported that both drivers told police they had the green light.

Bus passengers may be entitled to compensation for their injuries sustained in a Los Angeles bus accident. The attorneys at Estey Bomberger have handled numerous bus accident and public transportation injury claims. If you or a member of your family were injured in this accident, contact us for a free consultation of your legal rights and explanation of the unique legal issues surrounding your potential claim. We will not charge any fees unless we recover money for you.

At Estey Bomberger, we work hard to help our clients recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to for their injuries, lost earnings, and physical pain and emotional suffering. We understand the unique legal issues of bus accidents, including the skills and training of the driver, the condition and maintenance of the bus, and the responsibilities of the transit authority following an injury accident. If you have been injured in this August 3rd, 2010 downtown Los Angeles bus accident, you need a skilled bus accident lawyer to make sure your interests are protected. Contact Estey Bomberger today for a free consultation.

Continue reading "13 Injured in MTA Bus Crash at Temple and Hill Streets" »

A 61-year-old man was taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo Sunday night after he was hit by a car driven by a 16-year-old near San Clemente High School, the Orange County Register reported. The accident occurred in the 700 block of Avenida Pico, at around 9 p.m. The teen driver was not cited, and police did not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash. The injured man suffered a broken leg and a head injury in the August 1st San Clemente pedestrian accident.

Pedestrian Accidents & Personal Injury Liability

The cause of the incident remains under investigation. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear what happened or who was responsible. Authorities will look at the location of the accident, the speed of the vehicle, and whether there was any way the driver could have prevented in the accident. If the driver is determined to be at fault, he or she may be liable for the injuries sustained by the victim. In situations such as this one, while an accident investigation is ongoing, the family members of the injured victim would be well-advised to consult with a California pedestrian injury lawyer about the accident and the victim's possible rights to compensation for his injuries in a personal injury claim.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Hit by Teen Driver Near San Clemente High School " »

An 11-year-old boy was seriously injured Friday morning when he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle, the Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred in the 700 block of Fairview Parkway, at about 10:40 a.m., according to Hemet Police. The boy was reportedly riding his bike when he was struck by the car and thrown onto the hood, before he became lodged underneath the vehicle and was dragged about 25 feet. Witnesses and a Hemet city work crew lifted the vehicle and got the boy out from under the car.

Cause of the Hemet Bicycle Accident

The Hemet Police department is investigating the incident. Based on the news reports, it is not clear how this accident occurred, and whether the driver of the car was at fault. Police will investigate all the factors leading up to the crash, including whether the driver was impaired, distracted, speeding, or otherwise could have prevented striking the young boy on the bike.

Bicycle Accidents and Children's Injury Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the car caused the crash, he or she may be liable for the injuries the boy sustained, including all medical expenses and pain and suffering. While this July 30th Hemet bicycle accident remains under investigation, the parents of the victim may benefit from speaking to a Riverside bicycle accident attorney about the accident, and the victim's possible rights to compensation in a personal injury claim. A lawyer who has successfully represented families of children hit by cars while riding a bike can advise the family of the unique legal issues of this accident and the family's best course of action to protect their rights.

Continue reading "11-Year-Old Bicyclist Struck and Dragged by Car in Hemet " »

A violent head-on crash Friday afternoon in eastern Los Angeles County tragically left one person dead and eight others injured, the Southwest Riverside News Network reported. The accident occurred on Valyermo Road east of 157th Street East at about 2:57 p.m. Friday. According to reports by the CHP, a 1987 Honda According was travelling west on Valyermo Road, while at the same time, a 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage was travelling eastbound.

The driver of the Honda, Jonathan Maze, 19, of Palmdale, apparently failed to make the curve, and drifted into eastbound lanes where the Honda collided head-on with the Mitsubishi Mirage. The impact caused the Honda Accord to overturn.

One of the passengers, a 25-year-old Palmdale man, died of his injuries at the scene of the crash. The driver of the Honda suffered major injuries and was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital. Two children in the vehicle, an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy, were taken to Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. The five occupants of the Mitsubishi, all from Littlerock, were taken to Antelope Valley area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Cause of the Valyermo Road Crash

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Based on the news reports, it appears that the driver of the westbound Honda Accord likely caused this crash, by failing to negotiate the turn. According to the CHP, speed was a factor in the collision.

Continue reading "One Person Killed, Eight Injured in Head-On Collision near Valyermo " »