Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

A woman and a young child were seriously hurt Wednesday evening when they were struck by an SUV in Altadena, the Pasadena Star-News reported. The pedestrian accident occurred on Altadena Dive, near Glenrose Avenue, just after 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29. The woman and child were crossing the street when they were struck by an SUV travelling eastbound on Altadena Drive. The child, a 2-year-old boy, suffered critical injuries and was flown to USC Medical Center. The 19-year-old woman with him was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The Pasadena Star-News reported that the woman and young child were in a crosswalk when they were struck.

Cause of the Accident

The cause of the car vs. pedestrian accident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Based on the limited information in news reports, it is unclear why the driver of the SUV struck the woman and child, and whether she could have done anything to avoid striking them. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection..." The CHP will certainly look at whether the driver was speeding, distracted, or impaired, or whether the accident was due to a dangerous road condition or even a vehicle malfunction.

Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability

If the driver of the SUV is determined to have caused this accident, she may be liable for the serious injuries struck by the 19-year-old woman and 2-year-old boy, including medical expenses, any lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages. In situations such as this October 26th Altadena pedestrian accident, the family of the injured victims would be well-advised to contact a skilled and knowledgeable Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney. An experienced lawyer can review the accident report and advise the victims and their family their best course of action to protect their legal rights to financial compensation from whoever is responsible for this accident.

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An 11-year-old boy was hospitalized with critical injuries after he was struck by a car while crossing the street in Oxnard, the Ventura County Star reported. The accident occurred at about 7 p.m. on Wednesday when the boy ran across North Marquita Avenue, near Felicia Court. The boy, who was not identified, suffered a head injury when he was struck by a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck going northbound on Marquita Avenue. He was taken to St. John's Regional Medical Cetner in Oxnard. Drugs or alcohol were not suspected to play a role in the crash, which is still under investigation.

Child Pedestrian Accident Liability Issues

"Dart out" accidents such as this one are tragic for all parties involved. Police will look at the speed of the pickup truck and other factors in determining exactly what happened. If the driver was speeding or otherwise driving negligently, he could be cited for this accident. Pending the investigation, he may also be liable for the serious injuries sustained by the 11-year-old Oxnard boy. In situations such as this one, while the cause of the accident is under investigation, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking to an experienced and knowledgeable Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer about the incident and the potential liability issues involved. If negligence was a factor, an attorney can help the family understand their legal rights and advise them of their best course of action to protect them.

Continue reading "11-Year-Old Boy Seriously Injured in Oxnard Pedestrian Accident " »

A passenger died in a single vehicle accident early Sunday morning on southbound Interstate 15 northeast of Barstow, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The accident was reported around 5 a.m. when the driver of a Chevrolet Cobalt went off the road and into the open desert. One of the passengers in the vehicle died at the scene of the crash at around 5:15 a.m. near Harvard Road. The victim was later identified by the San Bernardino Sheriff Coroner as Catherine Roseski, 21, of Bloomington. The driver of the Cobalt, Stephanie Ann Aiello, 20, of San Bernardino, was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center with critical injuries. The third passenger, Andrew James Coulson, 22, of Fontana, suffered only minor injuries.

Our condolences go out to the family of the victim, Catherine Roseski, and everyone who knew her and loved her. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Cause of the October 24th Accident

There was no clear cause of the crash reported. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, the cause of this fatal Interstate 15 crash remains unclear. The California Highway Patrol will certainly look at whether this crash was caused by the driver, a defect in the vehicle, or a dangerous road condition. Hopefully, the investigation will yield answers as to what happened and why.

Passenger Fatalities and Wrongful Death Liability Issues

Solo vehicle accidents have unique and sometimes complex liability issues. Although it may be easier to determine the cause of the crash when only one vehicle is involved, it may be challenging for victims to recover fair compensation in a wrongful death claim against the driver's insurance company (or any other party determined to be liable for a solo vehicle accident). In situations such as this one, while the cause of a fatal car accident is under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney who has represented numerous families of passenger victims of solo vehicle accidents can help the victim's family protect their legal rights and advise them of their best course of action following this accident.

Continue reading "Bloomington Woman Killed in Interstate 15 Crash in San Bernardino County" »

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a popular route for cyclists in Malibu. It is also has been the location of a number of serious bicycle accidents involving cyclists in the last decade. Last year, PCH in Malibu made headlines when hundreds of cyclists were put in danger when a Caltrans contract crew failed left a repaving project over the weekend and failed to warn cyclists of serious dangers in the roadway. Dozens of cyclists suffered flat tires and a few were hospitalized with serious injuries.

A lawsuit was filed this week on behalf of four cyclists who suffered serious injuries while riding on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) that weekend in Malibu, Malibu Times reported yesterday. The suit was filed against the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the agency responsible for maintaining PCH. According to news reports, Caltrans had hired an outside contractor to repave a portion of PCH near Zuma Beach. During the initial stages of the repaving, the contractor left the jobsite unprotected, without posting warning signs that the road had been cut away, leaving rocks, loose gravel, cracks and crevices. The lawsuit asserted that the conditions of road caused the roadway to be unreasonably dangerous for cyclists. As a result of the dangerous road conditions, the four cyclists suffered multiple serious injuries, including concussions, broken bones, punctured lungs, severe road rash and paralysis.

In this situation, Caltrans had a responsibility to post a warning about the construction project, and failed to do so. As a result, they may be liable for the serious injuries sustained by the four cyclists, including their medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.

Continue reading "Four Cyclists Injured on PCH File Personal Injury Lawsuit Against Caltrans" »

In personal injury news, a Florida man severely injured in a car accident in 2007 in Melbourne has been awarded $14.4 million, Lawsuits and Settlements reported this month. The plaintiff, Glen Kroeger, 50 at the time, was driving his van when it was struck head-on by a vehicle driven by Christopher Bevis and owned by C&G Homes, Inc. At the time of the collision, Bevis was using his cell phone. He was subsequently convicted of reckless driving.

Kroeger suffered a fractured humerus, a crushed left ankle, and a traumatic brain injury. As a result of his injury, he lost over 110 pounds, and suffers from memory loss and severely impaired speech. His counsel alleged that he has difficulties make decisions and acting appropriately in certain situations. The plaintiff contended that because of his injuries, he will never again be able to return to his work as a air conditioner repairman.

The defendants did not appear at the trial and a default judgment was entered. The court awarded $10.4 million to Kroeger for past and future medical costs, past and future lost earnings and earning capability, and past and future pain and suffering. Kroeger's wife was awarded $4 million for loss of consortium.

Continue reading "$14 Million Awarded to Victim of Florida Crash Involving Cell Phone Use " »

A 19-year-old Fontana man was tragically killed Sunday evening in a motorcycle crash in Rancho Cucamonga, the Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred at 7:16 p.m. at the intersection of Milliken Avenue and Church Street. The victim, Timothy Neil Denzler Jr. was riding a 1996 Suzuki motorcycle that collided with a 2009 Toyota Corolla. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner, Denzler was riding northbound on Milliken. As he entered the intersection to Church Street, the 2009 Toyota Corolla turned left from southbound Milliken Avenue toward eastbound Church Street, and collided with his motorcycle. Denzler was flown to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton where he died of his injuries shortly after 8:30 p.m.

Cause of the Rancho Cucamonga Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. However, if news reports are accurate, it appears that this collision was likely caused by the driver of the Toyota making an unsafe left-turn into the path of the motorcycle. The law pertaining to left turns is stated 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." Investigators will surely look at the speed of both vehicles and other factors in determining exactly what happened and why.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the Toyota caused this collision, he or she may be financially liable for the death of the motorcyclist. In situations such as this accident in San Bernardino County, where another driver is potentially responsible for causing a fatal accident, the family members of the victim may benefit from consulting with an experienced and knowledgeable San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can review the facts of the incident and help the family understand who is responsible for their devastating and unexpected loss. If negligence of the driver caused the crash, the family may be entitled to compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim, including damages for final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "Fontana Man Killed in Rancho Cucamonga Motorcycle Crash " »

A 55-year-old San Bernardino man was tragically killed Friday night when he was struck by a vehicle in San Bernardino, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The victim was identified by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner as Richard Salazar-Borrego. According to news reports, Salazar-Borrego was walking south on Western Avenue in traffic lanes around 9:23 p.m. when he was struck by a 2004 Jeep travelling westbound on 9th Street. Salazar-Borrego was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he died of his injuries. The cause of the fatal October 8th San Bernardino pedestrian accident is under investigation by police.

Cause of the Accident

Based on the very limited information provided by the Press-Enterprise and the San Bernardino Sun, it is unclear exactly what happened. Police will surely look at factors such as the speed of the Jeep, the location of the pedestrian, and possible impairment of either the pedestrian or the driver of the Jeep in determining exactly what happened and why. Hopefully, the investigation will provide answers to the many questions this accident raises.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If authorities determine that the driver of the Jeep caused this accident, the driver may be liable for the death of the pedestrian. In situations such as this accident, where the cause of a fatal accident is unclear, the family members of the victim may benefit from talking to a knowledgeable San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer about the accident and who may be responsible. If negligence or wrongdoing were a factor in the crash, an attorney may be able to help the family obtain compensation for their loss, including damages for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and benefits of the victim, and loss of love, care and companionship.

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A 23-year-old Huntington Park man riding a motorcycle was tragically killed early Friday morning when his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck that ran a red light in Downey, the Long Beach Press Telegram reported. The accident occurred around 2 a.m. at the intersection of Paramount Boulevard and Florence Avenue, Police reported. The driver of the 2001 GMC pickup truck, a 31-year-old Los Angeles man, was arrested on suspicion of felony drunken driving. The pickup truck, travelling east on Florence Avenue, struck the motorcycle, which was traveling southbound on Paramount Boulevard. The name of the victim and the driver were not immediately released.

Cause of the October 8th Crash

If news reports are accurate, the driver of the pickup truck, who was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, is likely responsible for this suspected DUI crash. However, the Downey motorcycle accident remains under investigation.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

DUI crashes such as this one are not mere "accidents." If it is determined that the driver of the pickup truck caused this crash, in addition to criminal charges for driving under the influence, he may also be financially liable for his actions in a civil claim for wrongful death. While this accident remains under investigation by law enforcement, the family members of the victim may benefit from talking to an experienced and knowledgeable Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer. An attorney who specializes in accidents involving drunk drivers can help the victim's family understand the unique legal issues involved in this incident, and advise them of their best course of action to hold the at-fault driver financially accountable to the maximum extent. Damages awarded for a wrongful death claim may include funeral and burial expenses, anticipated lifetime earnings of the decedent, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "Huntington Park Man Killed in Downey Motorcycle Accident; Driver Arrested" »

A 17-year-old Sylmar resident was tragically killed early Saturday morning in an accident that authorities say was caused by a suspected drunken driver. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the fatal car vs. bicyclist collision occurred at Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Chamberlain Street, at around 2 a.m. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Shawn Fields, 26, was driving northbound on Laurel Canyon Boulevard nearing Chamberlin Street when he collided with the Sylmar teen riding his bicycle. Police responding to the collision determined that Fields was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and booked for Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while Driving Under the Influence under 191.5 (a) P.C. The teen, who was not identified, was taken to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, where he later died.

Cause of the Fatal October 2nd Bicycle Accident

The cause of the accident is under investigation by LAPD Traffic detectives. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to call Valley Traffic Detectives Bustos or Menesez at 818-644-8021. However, if news reports are accurate, this crash was likely caused by the suspected drunken driver, Shawn Fields.

Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If it is confirmed that the driver was driving under the influence and caused this crash, he may be liable from the wrongful death of the teen cyclist. In situations such as this October 2nd bicycle accident, while the cause of a fatal bicycle accident remains under investigation, the family members of the deceased victim may benefit from talking to a California bicycle accident attorney. A lawyer who specializes in bicycle accidents and who is also a cyclist understands the unique legal aspects and challenges of car vs. bicycle accidents. Damages available in a civil claim for wrongful death include final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "Sylmar Teen Killed in Pacoima Bicycle Accident " »

The Beverly Hills Courier reported two people suffered critical injuries in an accident early Monday morning near Paramount Studios. The crash was reported at about 2 a.m. at the intersection of North Highland Avenue and Melrose Avenue, when a car struck a power pole and knocked down high tension lines. Two people were reportedly taken to Cedars-Sinai Hospital with critical injuries. According to the newspaper, two Mustangs were reportedly involved in the accident.

Car Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

Based on the news reports, it is not clear what happened to cause this major injury accident or who was responsible. Furthermore, it is not clear if alcohol, speeding, or other negligent driving played a role in this crash. In situations such as this one, while the cause of a major injury crash is under investigation, the injured victims' families would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable Los Angeles auto accident lawyer. A skilled attorney can help the victims' families understand and protect their legal rights following this accident, and advise them of their best course of action to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering as a result of this crash.

Continue reading "Two People Critically Injured in Early-Morning Crash Near Paramount Studios" »

A 52-year-old Wildomar man tragically died early Sunday morning, about four hours after he was struck by a sedan while riding his bicycle, the North County Times reported. The accident occurred at about 7:50 p.m. on Grand Avenue, about 15 feet south of Blackwell Boulevard in Lake Elsinore. The bicyclist, identified by the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner as Mark Westwood, was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center where he died of his injuries shortly after midnight.

Cause of the Fatal Bicycle Accident

Very little information about what happened and who was responsible was available in news reports. According to the North County Times, a CHP dispatcher said drunken driving was suspected, and a technician was sent out to collect a blood sample from the driver of the sedan. However, it was unclear if anyone was arrested. The cause of the fatal Riverside County bicycle accident remains under investigation.

Bicycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

Accidents such as this October 3rd Lake Elsinore bicycle accident have unique legal issues. In situations such as this one, while the cause of the accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims of this crash may benefit from speaking to an experienced and knowledgeable Riverside bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents and who has successfully represented numerous victims and their families in bicycle accident personal injury and wrongful death claims, can advise the family of their best course of action to protect their legal rights following this devastating accident.

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A 69-year-old Rowland Heights woman suffered a broken femur, fractured ribs, and other serious injuries after she was struck by a Jeep Wrangler Friday morning, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported. The pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Colima Road and Fairway Drive at about 5:40 a.m. Friday morning. According to news reports, a Dodge Neon was stopped at a red light when the driver of a Jeep Wrangler failed to see the stopped vehicle. The Wrangler then spun out of control and struck the Rowland Heights woman who was crossing the street in the crosswalk. She was taken to UC Irvine with serious injuries.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident

If news reports are accurate, the driver of the Jeep Wrangler likely caused this crash. However, the official cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability

In situations such as this October 1st Rowland Heights pedestrian accident, where the driver of a vehicle is likely at fault for an accident resulting in serious injury to a pedestrian, the family members of the injured victim would likely benefit from speaking to an experienced and knowledgeable Los Angeles pedestrian injury attorney. A lawyer who has represented numerous victims of pedestrian accidents that occur in crosswalk can help the victim and her family protect their legal rights to financial compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings or benefits as a result of the accident, pain and suffering and other expenses related to the accident and her injuries. It is always advisable to contact an attorney soon after an accident, while evidence and witness recollections are still fresh.

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