Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

The CHP has identified the two victims of a horrific double-fatal crash near Terra Bella Friday night as Rafel Mendez, 56, of Portville and Juan Reyes, 53, of unknown city of residence, according to the Porterville Recorder. Both Mendez and Reyes were passengers in a Toyota driven by Adrian Ramos, 23, of Mecca. According to reports, Ramos was driving a 2005 Toyota southbound on Road 208, while at the same time, Porterville resident Manuel Valencia, 69, was driving a Mercury westbound on Avenue 96. Ramos reportedly failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection and collided with the Mercury.

Adrian Ramos, Manuel Valencia and a passenger in his vehicle, Juan Hernandez, 49, all suffered major injuries. Both Ramos and Valencia were taken to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. Hernandez was taken to Sierra View District Hospital. Mendez and Reyes died as a result of their injuries. Adrian Ramos was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

In alcohol-related accidents such as this one, the family members of the occupants of Mercury as well as the two victims who lost their lives in this accident may benefit from speaking to an experienced southern California drunk driving accident lawyer. A knowledgeable lawyer who has represented victims of alcohol-related crashes can help the victims' families understand and protect their legal rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim following this accident. Compensation for personal injuries may include damages for medical care costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Damages awarded in a car accident wrongful death claim may include funeral and burial expenses, anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care, and companionship.

Continue reading "Two Men Killed, Three Injured in Suspected DUI Crash Near Terra Bella" »

A 23-year-old Oceanside man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early Monday morning after an accident sent five other people, including a 5-year-old child, to the hospital. According to the OC Register, the suspected alcohol-related accident occurred on northbound Interstate 5, south of the 91 freeway, around 12:26 a.m., according to the CHP. The suspected drunken driver, Sabah Mikha, was driving a 2004 Mazda that struck a 1993 Ford Explorer and caused it to overturn. The five occupants of the Explorer, Maria Garcia-Salas, 24, the driver, and passengers Elizabeth Garcia, 22, Rosa Garcia, 5, Jesus Garcia, 20, and Evelyn Aguilar, 19 suffered injuries ranging from minor to moderate.

Cause of the Interstate 5 Accident

The cause of the Orange County Interstate 5 crash remains under investigation by the CHP. However, if news reports are accurate, this unfortunate accident was likely caused by drinking and driving. Accidents caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable.

Drunk Driving Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

If the suspected drunk driver is determined to having driving under the influence of alcohol, he may face criminal charges for driving under the influence and causing an accident resulting in injury. Additionally, he may be held liable for the injuries sustained by the five occupants of the Ford Explorer in a personal injury claim. In situations such as this September 27th Anaheim car accident, the family members of the injured victims would be well-advised to consult with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer. An attorney who has successfully represented hundreds of injured victims of alcohol-related accidents can advise the family of their best course of action to hold the driver financially accountable for their injuries and recover the maximum financial compensation they may be entitled to.

Continue reading "Five Injured in Anaheim Crash on Interstate 5; Oceanside Man Arrested On Suspicion of DUI " »

A 20-year-old Chino Hills man tragically died early Saturday morning after he was struck by a Nissan Pathfinder, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Eucalyptus Avenue west of Chino Hills Parkway at about 3:25 a.m. The victim, identified by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner as Jason Tennies, died at the scene. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Cause of the Accident

Based on the very limited information provided in news reports, the cause of this fatal Eucalyptus Avenue pedestrian accident is not clear. The news reports only raise questions at this point. Was Tennies crossing the street, walking in the middle of the road, or was he on the side of the road? How fast was the Nissan Pathfinder travelling when the impact occurred? Could the driver of the Nissan have done anything to avoid the collision? Hopefully the investigation by law enforcement will provide answers as to exactly what happened and why.

Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

In situations such as this one, where the cause of a fatal pedestrian accident is not clear, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyer who can look into the incident a little more and advise the family of their rights, options and obligations following the accident. If the driver of the SUV was responsible for the crash, the family of the victim may be entitled to compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime lost earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Struck and Killed in Chino Hills " »

In product liability news, earlier this month a federal jury in New Hampshire awarded $21 million to a woman who suffered severe burn injuries and blindness after taken the anti-inflammatory medication Clinoril (sulindac) for shoulder pain. The jury found, after deliberating for three days, that the manufacturer of Clinoril, Mutual Pharmaceutical Co., should have known the dangers of the drug. According to the plaintiff's attorneys, the jury's verdict was the largest award in a New Hampshire product liability lawsuit.

The plaintiff, Karen Bartlett, 51, spent 112 days in five hospitals, including the burn unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. She was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. She is legally blind, despite having undergone 12 eye operations. Mutual Pharmaceutical argued that the drug has been approved by the FDA for 32 years. The judge presiding over the case instructed jurors that in order for them to hold Mutual liable, they had to find the drug unreasonably dangerous and the underlying cause of Bartlett's condition.

Continue reading "Jury Awards $21 Million to Woman Blinded by Anti-Inflammatory Drug " »

A Fontana man was sadly killed and three other people were injured Saturday in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 10, the Fontana Herald News reported. The accident occurred at about 5:20 p.m. on westbound I-10, near Etiwanda Avenue. According to reports, Americo Aucaruri, 53, was driving a green Jeep Cherokee that was rear-ended by another vehicle. The collision caused the Jeep to overturn multiple times and come to rest underneath the Etiwanda overpass. Aucaruri died at the scene of the crash. Three other occupants of his vehicle were taken to area hospitals.

Cause of the September 18th I-10 Accident

Based on the news reports, it is not clear exactly what happened. However, it appears that the unidentified driver of the vehicle that rear-ended the Jeep may be responsible for this accident. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the accident.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability

In situations such as this September 18th fatal accident on Interstate 10, where another driver may be responsible for a crash causing death and serious injuries, the family members of all of the victims of this crash would be well-advised to speak to an experienced California car accident lawyer about their legal rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. If the other driver was responsible for the crash, he or she may be liable for the injuries sustained by the three passengers, including their medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering, and the wrongful death of the driver. A knowledgeable attorney can help the victims and their families understand and protect their legal rights so that they may recover the maximum compensation they may be entitled to.

Continue reading "Fontana Man Killed, Three Others Injured in Interstate 10 Rollover Accident " »

The Press-Enterprise has reported a tire blowout is likely to blame for a fatal solo-vehicle accident over the weekend on Interstate 15. The accident occurred on southbound Interstate 15, north of Baseline Road, at about 5:15 p.m. Sunday, September 19, 2010. According to news reports, Vannity Joy Lewis, 18, of Fontana was a passenger in a 1997 Volkswagen Jetta travelling southbound on Interstate 15. One of the rear tires on the vehicle blew out, causing the driver to lose control of the car.

The Jetta overturned multiple times, and Lewis was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene of the crash. The driver and one other passenger suffered major injuries. Two other passengers suffered moderate injuries.

Cause of the Interstate 15 Crash

The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the accident. If news reports in the Press-Enterprise and Fontana Herald News are accurate, this accident was likely caused by a tire blowout, a common vehicle malfunction that can lead to a serious car accident. Tire blowouts can occur for a number of reasons, which may be attributable to the driver or vehicle owner, or the manufacturer of the tire or vehicle.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

Car accidents caused by tire blowouts have unique and often complex legal issues. After an accident caused by a suspected tire blowout, injured victims and family members of deceased victims would be well-advised to consult with a southern California car accident lawyer who can arrange to have the vehicle and damaged tire inspected as soon as possible for a possible tire defect. Determining the exact cause of a blowout is very important in determining why an accident occurred and who is ultimately responsible. If negligence (either on the part of the driver, the manufacturer of the tire or vehicle, the company that installed the tire, or agency responsible for maintaining the roadway or any other party) was a factor in the tire blowout, an experienced lawyer can help the victims and their families pursue compensation in a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Tire Blowout Blamed for Fatal I-15 Rollover Accident " »

A 28-year-old Hesperia man tragically died in a head-on collision Thursday evening in San Bernardino County, the Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred on Highway 395 near Desert Flower Road at approximately 5:25 p.m. According to the Victorville Daily Press, the victim, Robert Linder, was driving a 2004 Kia Rio southbound on Highway 395, while at the same time, a 1992 Toyota pickup truck was travelling northbound. For reasons not yet known, the driver of the Toyota veered across double yellow lines and into the path of Linder's vehicle. The two vehicles collided head-on, and the truck came to rest on its side.

Linder died at the scene of the crash. A 13-year-old passenger in his vehicle was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center with unknown injuries. The driver of the pickup truck was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.

Highway 395 Accidents in San Bernardino County

Highway 395 from I-15 to Adelanto is one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the country. Just last week, on September 6th, a 36-year-old Victorville woman was killed in an accident on Highway 395, about two miles south of Bear Valley Road. On June 7th, a 30-year-old Bakersfield woman died in a head-on crash on Highway 395 at Eucalyptus Street. In February, three people were killed in a head-on collision on Highway 395 north of Rancho Road. Already this year, more than 10 people have died in accidents on Highway 395 in San Bernardino County.

Cause of the September 16th Highway 395 Crash

The CHP is investigating the cause of the fatal head-on collision. Based on the news reports, it is not clear what caused the driver of the Toyota to lose control of his vehicle. The CHP will likely investigate whether the driver was distracted, impaired, fatigued, or if something malfunctioned mechanically in his vehicle to cause the crash. However, it does appear that Linder likely could not have done anything to cause the collision.

Head-on Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability

If the CHP determines that the driver of the pickup truck was responsible for causing the head-on collision, he or she may possibly face criminal charges for vehicular manslaughter, depending on how the crash occurred. Additionally, the driver may be held financially responsible for Linder's death in a civil wrongful death claim. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include funeral and burial expenses, anticipated lifetime future earnings or benefits, and loss of love, care, support and companionship. Additionally, the driver may also be liable for the injuries sustained by Linder's young passenger. In situations such as this one, where another driver may be at fault for a fatal accident, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak to an knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer. An attorney who has represented a number of victims of Highway 395 crashes can help the victims' family protect their rights and hold the driver and any other liable parties fully accountable for this devastating accident.

Continue reading "Hesperia Man Killed in Highway 395 Head-On Crash in San Bernardino County" »

A 73-year-old Solvang woman tragically died Wednesday night in a violent multi-vehicle accident on Highway 154 (San Marcos Pass Road) near Lake Cachuma. Authorities believe alcohol played a role in the September 15th crash, which involved five vehicles.

Around 8 p.m. Wednesday, Priscilla A. Susman, 54, was seen driving a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder erratically on Highway 54 toward the Santa Ynez Valley, near Lake Cachuma. Witnesses reported she made an illegal U-turn and began heading back toward Santa Barbara.
According to news reports, Susman's vehicle was seen weaving over double yellow lines and into oncoming traffic. Susman then sideswiped a 2006 Pontiac driven by Syrena M. Hernandez, 24, of Oxnard. Both vehicles spun out of control. Fortunately, Hernandez was not hurt.

Susman's Pathfinder, which ended up in oncoming traffic, was then struck by the 73-year-old Solvang woman driving a 1989 Saab, and then a 2005 Toyota Prius, driven by Linda J. Gaytan, 53, of Santa Ynez. A 2007 BMW, driven by Jay B. Fortman, 55, of Santa Barbara, reportedly struck Hernandez's Pontiac.

Susman suffered major chest trauma and was taken to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Despite being in critical condition, she was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

The 73-year-old Solvang woman, who was not identified, died in the crash. Gaytan and Fortman both suffered blunt force trauma injuries and were taken to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Continue reading "73-Year-Old Solvang Woman Killed, Three Injured in Highway 154 Accident " »

A 19-year-old woman suffered major injuries late Wednesday night when the vehicle she was riding in overturned on a curve on Highway 74, the Desert Sun reported. The CHP received reports of the solo vehicle accident at 11:38 p.m. Wednesday, September 15, 2010, on Highway 74 between Vista Point and Palowet Drive. The driver of the vehicle, a 22-year-old man, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center on Palm Springs. He was later booked into the Riverside County Jail in Indio on suspicion of felony DUI. The front-seat passenger of this vehicle, a 19-year-old woman, suffered major injuries and was also taken to Desert Regional.

Cause of the Highway 74 Crash

If news reports are accurate, the 22-year-old driver is likely responsible for this September 15th Riverside County accident that left his passenger with serious injuries. This accident is just one example of thousands of why drunk driving is very dangerous.

DUI Accidents, Passenger Injuries and Personal Injury Liability

In situations such as this one, where a driver is likely responsible for an accident that caused serious injury to a passenger, the family of the injured passenger would be well-advised to speak to a California car accident lawyer about the victim's legal rights to compensation for her injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to the accident. A knowledgeable lawyer can help the victim and her family protect their rights and and advise them of their best course of action in handling communications with the insurance company to ensure she receives the maximum compensation she may be entitled to receive.

Continue reading "Highway 74 Rollover Accident Seriously Injures Passenger" »

Two men from Norco who were occupants of a white Toyota Tacoma sustained moderate injuries Wednesday morning when their truck was rear-ended in Orange County, the San Clemente Times reported. The accident occurred on southbound Interstate 5, north of Camino Las Ramblas, at about 8 a.m. on Wednesday, September 15, 2010. The white Toyota pickup was rear-ended by a black Audi, driven by Jesse James Matheny, 20, of San Clemente. Matheny, who was not injured, was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence of alcohol.

Cause of the September 15th Crash

If news reports are accurate, the driver of the Audi, who is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, is likely responsible for this collision. However, the cause of the crash is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Rear-End Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the Audi is responsible for causing the collision, he may be liable for the injuries sustained by the two men in the Tacoma. In situations such as this September 15th Interstate 5 car accident, injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to speak to an experienced and knowledgeable California car accident lawyer. A skilled attorney familiar with the unique legal issues of rear-end accidents on Interstate freeways can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights so that they may recover the maximum financial compensation they may be entitled to for their medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering and other accident related expenses.

Continue reading "Two Norco Men Injured in Suspected DUI Crash on Interstate 5 " »

A 30-year-old man suffered serious injuries Wednesday afternoon after he was hit by a car in Perris, the Southwest Riverside News Network reported. The car vs. bicycle accident happened at about 4:45 p.m. on Nuevo Blvd., west of Evans Road. According to news reports, the cyclist was riding eastbound on Nuevo Road approaching the intersection of Evans Road when, for unknown reasons he "swerved" into oncoming westbound lanes of Nuevo and was hit by a passing 1994 Honda Accord. The unidentified cyclist was taken to Riverside County Regional Center in Moreno Valley.

Cause of the Accident

The cause of the September 8th Riverside County bicycle accident is under investigation. Anyone who witnessed this accident or otherwise has information regarding this incident is requested to call Deputy Gasparini at the City of Perris Police Department at 951-210-1000. Based on the limited information in news reports, it is unclear exactly what happened.

Bicycle Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

If it is determined that this accident was not caused by the cyclist, he may be entitled to compensation for his injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages. While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, the family members of the injured cyclist would be well-advised to talk to a Riverside bicycle accident attorney about the accident and the liability issues involved. If negligence of the driver or some other party caused this accident, a skilled attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents can help the victim recover the maximum compensation he may be entitled to for his injuries.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Struck by Car, Seriously Injured in Perris " »

A bicyclist suffered major injuries Tuesday afternoon when he was broadsided by a vehicle at a Ventura intersection, the Ventura County Star reported. The car vs. bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Ventra Avenue and Warner Street, at 1:03 p.m. on September 7, 2010. According to a news release, 54-year-old Curtis Reese was riding his bicycle westbound on Warner Street across Ventura Avenue, while 36-year-old Jason Friedman was driving a vehicle southbound on Ventura Avenue. Friedman's car collided with Reese's bicycle and Reese was thrown from his bike. He suffered major injuries and was taken to Ventura County Medical Center where he was reportedly in critical condition. Friedman was not hurt.

Cause of the Bicycle Accident

Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is impossible to determine why this major injury collision occurred, and whether the cyclist or the driver was responsible. It is also a possibility that accident could have been caused by a defect in a vehicle, a bicycle, or even a dangerous road condition. Ventura Police are investigating what happened and will look at factors such as speed, right-of-way, and possible impairment or distraction of either party.

Potential Personal Injury Liability

If the driver of the vehicle is found to be completely or partially at fault for this collision, he may be liable for the serious injuries sustained by the cyclist. In situations such as this one, where the cause of a car vs. bicycle accident is not clear, the family members of the injured victim would be well-advised to speak with a California bicycle accident lawyer about the incident and the unique legal issues involved. If negligence of the driver or some other party was the cause of the crash, a skilled personal injury attorney who understands the unique issues of bicycle accidents can help the injured victim protect his legal rights and obtain the maximum compensation available for his medical expenses, loss of earnings or loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering and other related damages.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Struck by Car, Seriously Injured in Ventura " »

Police yesterday arrested 19-year-old Beau Richard Cook, six days after he struck and killed a pedestrian in Santa Ana, the Orange County Register reported. The fatal accident occurred last Wednesday, just before 11:30 p.m. According to news reports, Cook was speeding southbound on Harbor Boulevard in a 2010 Scion when he may have run a red light at Warner Avenue. He lost control of the car, struck a curb and knocked over a fire hydrant. Eloise Aguilar of Santa Ana, who was walking home from work, was struck by Cook's Scion and was killed instantly. Cook was taken to the hospital with injuries to his pelvis and left leg. He was arrested Tuesday shortly after being released from the hospital. He is facing felony charges of vehicular manslaughter along with an enhancement for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Cause of the Fatal Pedestrian Accident

If news reports in the OC Register are accurate, the driver of the Scion is likely responsible for the September 1st accident by driving under the influence of alcohol. However, the cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

In addition to criminal charges for his actions, the driver of the Scion may also be held civilly responsible and financially accountable for the death he caused in this pedestrian accident. In situations such as this fatal Santa Ana pedestrian accident, where a suspected drunk driver is likely at fault for causing someone else's death, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to talk to a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney. A lawyer who has successfully represented victims of alcohol-related pedestrian accidents can advise the victims' family of legal rights, and any potential unique issues that may be relevant to a wrongful death claim. Talking to an attorney soon after an accident is always recommended to preserve evidence while it is still fresh and before witness recollections are forgotten.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Allegedly Drunk Teen Driver in Santa Ana" »

A 36-year-old Palm Springs man was tragically struck and killed by a full-size pickup truck Saturday morning on Highway 111 in Palm Springs, KPSP News reported. The fatal Riverside County bicycle accident occurred just north of Overture Drive around 6:30 a.m. on September 4th. Both the pickup truck and the cyclist, identified as Milen Dimitrov, were travelling in the same direction when the collision occurred, and the cyclist was riding in the bike lane. According to the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner, Dimitrov was wearing a helmet. He reportedly died at the scene of the accident about a half an hour after the collision.

Cause of the Fatal Bicycle Accident

Based on the very limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear why this accident occurred. Did the driver of the pickup lose control of the vehicle and veer into the path of the cyclist? Was the driver of the pickup truck distracted, or did something malfunction in his vehicle? Or did the cyclist swerve into the roadway? Investigators reported that drugs or alcohol were not believed to be a factor in the crash. Hopefully, the investigation by authorities will reveal exactly what happened and why.

Bicycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the pickup truck caused this crash, he or she may be liable for the death of the cyclist. While the cause of the fatal accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim may benefit from talking to an experienced and knowledgeable California bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney who is also a cyclist and who specializes in bicycle accident serious injury and wrongful death claims can help the family understand and protect their legal rights following this accident. If the cyclist was not at fault for this accident, the family may be entitled to financial compensation from the driver or whoever was responsible for their loss, including damages for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "Cyclist Struck and Killed in Palm Springs " »

A tow truck driver was arrested Tuesday afternoon after striking a mom and her two young children in a marked crosswalk in Oxnard. The accident occurred at the intersection of Vineyard Boulevard and Simon Way. According to police, the tow truck driver was turning left from westbound Simon Way to southbound Vineyard Avenue on a green light. The young mother, Alma Lopez, 19, was pushing her stroller across Vineyard on a green light in a marked crosswalk. Lopez was struck by the tow truck, driven by Mehran Khamseh, 45, of Santa Barbara, and thrown to the ground, and the stroller was pinned under the flatbed truck and dragged more than a quarter of a mile. The accident occurred at about 12:07 p.m. Tuesday.

Lopez suffered moderate injuries and her two children, a 3-year-old girl and a 1-year-old boy, suffered critical injuries. They were treated at Ventura County Medical Center. Khamseh was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs. According to the Ventura County Star, Khamseh was held in jail without bail on suspicion of DUI, parole hold and immigration hold. Court records showed several prior traffic infractions. Khamseh was also convicted in 2008 of making terrorist threats and petty theft with a prior, both felonies.

Cause of the Major Injury Crash

The Oxnard Police Department is still continuing their investigation. Anyone with information about this major injury collision is asked to contact Officer Maria Pena of the Oxnard PD at 805-385-7750. However, if news reports are accurate, this crash was almost certainly caused by the driver of the tow truck.

Pedestrian Knockdown Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

This accident has unique legal issues because it involved a tow truck (as opposed to a passenger vehicle). If Khamseh was driving a company-owned tow truck, the towing company may be liable for the injuries of the three victims, including medical expenses, future medical care costs, lost earnings related to the victims' injuries, and pain and suffering. In situations where gross negligence or drug or alcohol use are involved, punitive damages may also be available. While this crash remains under investigation, the family members of the three victims would be well-advised to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A skilled and knowledgeable lawyer who has represented victims of pedestrian accidents involving commercial vehicles can help the victims' family protect their legal rights to ensure they receive nothing less than the maximum compensation they are entitled to.

Continue reading "Mother and Two Children Struck by Tow Truck Driver in Oxnard Crosswalk " »