Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

The Daily Pilot reported a 16-year-old bicyclist was injured last week after he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle in Costa Mesa. The accident occurred at the intersection of Irvine Avenue and Broadway, at about 7:30 a.m. on Monday, November 22 2010. Apparently, the boy, whose name was not released to the public, was hit by a Jeep Wrangler, and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. He was taken to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.

Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

According to the Daily Pilot, the driver of the Jeep was cited following the collision, although it is unclear what for. However, if the driver was determined to have caused the accident, he or she may be financially liable for the injuries sustained by the teenage boy riding his bicycle. In situations such as this Costa Mesa bicycle accident, the parents or guardians of the injured teen would be well-advised to consult with a California bicycle accident lawyer about the victim's legal rights in a personal injury claim. A skilled and experienced attorney - one who is also a cyclist - can advise the victim and his family of their legal options to pursue compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering, as well as any other expenses related to the accident.

Continue reading "Teen Cyclist Struck by Jeep Wrangler in Costa Mesa" »

The Los Angeles Times and the Pasadena Star-News reported two men were very tragically killed Saturday while they were helping one of the men's sons change a tire on the 605 Freeway in Irwindale. The Los Angeles County accident was reported in the southbound lanes of the freeway at 11:13 a.m., just south of Arrow Highway, according to the CHP. The men had reportedly just finished changing the tire and were in the process of putting away their tools when they were both struck by a Ford Taurus. The driver of the Ford Taurus apparently lost control while trying to avoid a collision with a tan sedan that had changed lanes in front of him. The victims were identified as Pedro Pedroza, 43, of Azusa, and Ricardo Beltran, 49, of West Covina. Other than the two fatalities, no one else was seriously injured.

Cause of the Accident

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. The driver of the Taurus was going about 70 miles per hour, although it was unclear if speed was a factor in the crash. The CHP is the agency investigating the crash. This accident is a unique type of accident sometimes referred to as a freeway bystander accident. These collisions are often fatal or result in very catastrophic injury because high speeds are usually a factor. It is never advisable to change a tire on the freeway, because accidents such as this one occur far too often. Occupants of a broken down vehicle should always remain in a vehicle with seat belts fastened until the vehicle can be taken off the freeway or help arrives.

Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

The family members of the victims of this horrific accident may benefit from speaking to a California wrongful death lawyer who has represented families of victims of freeway bystander accidents. These types of crashes have unique and complex legal issues. Advice from a knowledgeable attorney can help the victims' families understand what types of wrongful death compensation they may be entitled to, and the time limits that govern their legal rights to pursue compensation for their loss - including funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, and loss of love, care and companionship. If the driver that struck the men did not have adequate insurance coverage, the victims' families may be entitled to pursue a claim from the victims' own insurance policies, if they had them. After any accident, it is always advisable to speak to a lawyer before making statements or accepting compensation from an insurer.

Continue reading "Two Men Struck and Killed While Changing Tire on 605 Freeway in Irwindale" »

Three people were injured Saturday, November 27th, including one critically, in a collision in Anza, the Anza Valley Outlook reported. The two-vehicle Riverside County accident occurred at 6:36 p.m. at the intersection of Yucca Road and Cary Road, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. The cause of the accident was not known and remains under investigation. None of the parties involved in the crash were identified.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

The news report of this accident provided very limited details as to what happened and who was responsible. In situations where the cause of a major injury collision is unclear, the injured victims (or their families) would be well-advised to seek a consultation with a qualified and experienced Riverside personal injury attorney. A lawyer can look at the accident report and advise the victims of whether they may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries, including medical care costs and expenses, lost earning or wages due to not being able to work, and pain and suffering as a result of injuries sustained in an accident.

Continue reading "Three People Hurt in Car Accident in Anza " »

The driver of a red Mazda sedan suffered serious injuries Thursday morning in crash near Lake Elsinore, the Southwest Riverside News Network reported. The November 25th accident, which also involved a GMC Yukon, happened shortly after 10 a.m. on State Route 74 near Meadowbrook Avenue. The driver of the GMC apparently collided with the Mazda, although it was unclear why. The SUV driver only suffered minor injuries. Neither party involved in the crash was identified. The cause of this accident remains under investigation, and based on the news reports, it is unclear what happened to cause this crash.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

If the driver of the GMC Yukon is responsible for this accident, he or she may be financially liable for the serious injuries sustained by the driver of the Mazda sedan. While the cause of this Riverside County major injury accident is still under investigation, the family of the injured man that had been driving the Mazda would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable and experienced California car accident lawyer about the victim's rights to compensation for his injuries, including medical care costs and expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Continue reading "Driver Seriously Injured in Highway 74 Crash on Thanksgiving Day " »

Two people were tragically killed and five others were injured in a violent head-on collision Friday afternoon near the Barstow outlet malls, the Desert Dispatch reported. The fatal San Bernardino County accident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 26, 2010. The victims - identified by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner as Agustin Enriquez, 77, of Hesperia, and Marlene Chito, 4, of Hesperia - were passengers in a 2003 Nissan Murano travelling southbound on Outlet Center Drive in Barstow. For unknown reasons, a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe was travelling northbound in the southbound lane and struck the Nissan Murano head-on.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff Coroner, Enriquez died at the scene of the crash at 2:12 p.m. and Chito died at Barstow Community Hospital at 2:31 p.m. The Desert Dispatch reported there were five people in the Nissan, and two people in the Kia, which had a Colorado license plate. In addition to the two fatalities, four people were critically injured in the accident, and were taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton and Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Cause of the Crash

Based on the limited information provided in news accounts, the cause of the accident is unclear. The Barstow Police Department is the agency investigating the cause of the head-on collision. Authorities will likely look at speed, possible driver impairment or distraction, road condition, or possible vehicle defect or malfunction in determining exactly what happened and why, and who was ultimately responsible.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability

In multiple fatality, major injury collisions such as this one, the family members of the victims of this crash would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, about the victims' rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. While the accident remains under investigation, an attorney can help the family understand and protect their legal rights, and begin gathering evidence to build a potential case. If negligence was a factor in the crash, the family may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses as a result of this crash. A skilled lawyer can help the victims and their families recover the maximum compensation they may be entitled to for medical care costs and expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and other related damages.

Continue reading "Two People Killed in Head-on Collision Near Barstow Outlet Malls " »

A 51-year-old Santa Maria man was killed in an accident caused by a suspected distracted driver Monday morning on Highway 154, KSBY News reported. The accident happened shortly before 10:30 a.m. at Highway 154 and Edison Road. According to news sources, the victim, identified by the Santa Barbara County Coroner's Office as John Schrader, was driving a 2004 Honda that was stopped at a stop sign when he was rear-ended by a Ford truck going approximately 55 miles per hour. Schrader died at the scene. The 47-year-old driver of the Ford, Greg Edward Baum of Templeton, who was not injured, was reportedly distracted by something he had dropped in his vehicle. He voluntarily submitted to a blood test, but according to the CHP, he did not test positive for drugs or alcohol. He was not arrested, but could be facing vehicular manslaughter charges, pending the investigation.

Our condolences and sympathies go out to the family and friends of this man, whose life was taken tragically in a completely preventable accident. Please keep the family of John Schrader, and everyone who knew him and loved him in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Distracted Driving Accident Statistics

According to Distraction.gov, the official US government website for distracted driving, in 2009, distracted driving killed nearly 5,500 people and injured a half a million more. To learn more about the stories behind the statistics, see the Faces of Distracted Driving on Distraction.gov.

Distracted Driving and Wrongful Death Liability

Distracted driving is negligent driving. Drivers who take their hands, eyes, and mind off the road must be held accountable for the accidents they cause and the lives that end as a result. In situations such as this one, where another driver is suspected of driving distracted and causing a fatal accident, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and qualified California wrongful death lawyer. A skilled attorney can review the facts of the incident and advise the family of their best course of action to hold the at-fault driver and any other parties responsible for their loss fully accountable.

Continue reading "Santa Maria Man Killed in Highway 154 Rear-End Crash " »

A 66-year-old Tustin man has been arrested following a major injury collision with a 23-year-old bicyclist Wednesday night in Tustin. The accident happened about 7:30 p.m., on Walnut Avenue near the intersection of Browning Avenue. According to the Orange County Register, the bicyclist was rear-ended by a red Ford Mustang driven by Renato Demartino, 66, of Tustin. Demartino reportedly fled the scene and abandoned his vehicle in a cul-de-sac in the 13000 block of Epping Way. His vehicle was found about three hours after the accident. Demartino was located at his home nearby a short time later and was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. The bicyclist suffered severe head trauma and remained hospitalized at Western Medical Center in Santa Ana in critical condition Thursday.

Drivers Must Stop at the Scene of an Accident

There is never any excuse for not stopping at the scene of an accident, and it is unclear why the driver fled the scene of this accident. Under the California Vehicle Code § 20001, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." It is fortunate that law enforcement was able to locate the suspected hit-and-run driver.

Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

The family of the seriously injured bicyclist would likely benefit from talking with a California bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. If news accounts are accurate and the hit-and-run driver is responsible for the Tustin car vs. bicycle accident, he may be held financially responsible for the victim's serious injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering and other related expenses. A skilled attorney can help the victim and his family protect their legal rights to recover the maximum compensation possible following this very serious bicycle accident. As a general rule, it is advisable for injured victims to consult with a lawyer before making statements to an insurance adjustor or accepting any settlement offer.

Continue reading "Cyclist Critically Injured in Tustin Hit-and-Run Accident " »

A motorcyclist died Tuesday night in a collision with a UPS delivery truck, the Victorville Daily Press reported. The motorcycle vs. truck accident occurred on Nisquali Road near Hesperia Road, at about 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16th. According to news reports, the victim, Jose Canales, 21, of Victorville, was travelling westbound on Nisquali Road, while at the same time a UPS delivery truck was making a left turn onto eastbound Nisquali Road. Canales attempted to pass a vehicle in front of him and collided with the delivery truck. Canales suffered major injuries and was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he died about three hours after the accident.

Cause of the November 16th Victorville Accident

The San Bernardino Sheriff's Department is the agency investigating the incident. Based on the news reports, it is unclear whether this accident was caused by the motorcyclist making an unsafe passing maneuver, or if the accident was caused by the UPS truck driver making an unsafe turn. Authorities will certainly look at the speed of both vehicles, possible driver impairment, the condition of the road at the location of the accident, prior accidents at the same location, and other factors in determining exactly what happened and who was responsible. Anyone who witnessed the accident or has information about the wreck may call Deputy James Snow at 760-241-2911.

Motorcycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the UPS truck caused or contributed to the accident, the driver and any other negligent parties may be liable for the wrongful death of the motorcyclist, Jose Canales. Accidents such as this one involving delivery trucks have complex and unique legal issues. In situations such as this one, it would be advisable for the victim's family to speak to a knowledgeable truck accident wrongful death lawyer - one who has handled a number of claims against UPS - about the accident and the potential liability issues involved. A skilled attorney can review the accident report and advise the family of their best course of action to protect their rights following this accident.

Continue reading "Victorville Man Killed in Motorcycle Collision With UPS Truck " »

A 79-year-old man was tragically struck and killed when a car struck his motorized wheelchair Tuesday evening in Chino Hills, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The accident occurred at 5:25 p.m. at the intersection of Pipeline Avenue and Rosewood Way. The victim, Juan Coya, of Chino Hills, was crossing the street when a northbound vehicle struck him. Coya died at the scene of the Chino Hills intersection accident.

Our condolences go out to the family of Juan Coya, and everyone who knew him and was close to him. Please keep his family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear exactly what happened and whether the driver of the vehicle could have done anything to cause the accident. If the driver of the vehicle is determined to have caused the fatal Chino Hills pedestrian accident, he may be cited or arrested for causing the accident that resulted in the death of Coya, depending on the circumstances. Additionally, he may be held financially accountable for causing Coya's death in a civil action for wrongful death, and may be liable for funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship.

Continue reading "Chino Hills Man Killed in Pedestrian Accident " »

A 14-year-old Riverside boy was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle Wednesday night in Pedley, Valley News reported. The fatal pedestrian accident occurred at about 7:15 p.m. on Limonite Avenue, about 80 feet east of Camino Real. The victim, identified by the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner as Ian James Griott, was crossing the roadway when he was struck by a vehicle. He died at the scene of the accident. Further details about the fatal November 10th Riverside County pedestrian accident were not available. The cause of the incident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Who was at fault?

Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear what happened. The CHP will investigate to determine why the driver of the vehicle was unable to stop and time and avoid striking the Riverside teenager. At this point there are more questions than answers as to what happened. Was the driver distracted, impaired, or speeding? Did something malfunction in his or her vehicle? Was there a dangerous road condition? Did the teenager step into the path of the car?

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If the driver of the car is determined to have caused the fatal car vs. pedestrian accident, he or she may face criminal consequences or reckless driving. Additionally, he or she may also be held financially responsible and civilly liable for the wrongful death of the victim. In cases such as this one, while the cause of an accident remains under investigation, it would be advisable for the victim to contact an experienced and qualified California wrongful death lawyer who can advise them of their legal rights and steps to take to ensure any and all negligent parties are held accountable for the unexpected and devastating loss in this tragic accident.

Continue reading "Riverside Teenager Struck and Killed in Pedley Pedestrian Accident" »

A 25-year-old Twentynine Palms resident and active duty U.S. Marine was very tragically killed Friday night when a car pulled out in front of his Yamaha motorcycle on Twentynine Palms Highway, the Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred at State Route 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) and Indian Cove Road, at 6:31 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2010. According to news reports, the victim, Omar E. Salazar, was riding westbound on his Yamaha motorcycle when a vehicle travelling southbound on Indian Cove Road pulled out in front of him. The impact caused Salazar to be ejected. Salazar was taken by ambulance to Hi-Desert Medical Center, where he died of his injuries at 7:19 p.m., according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner.

Cause of the Twentynine Palms Highway Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department - Morongo Basin Station. However, based upon the limited information in news reports, it sounds as though this fatal San Bernardino County motorcycle accident may be the result of a right-of-way violation. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21804, (a), "The driver of any vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from any public or private property, or from an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all traffic, as defined in Section 620, approaching on the highway close enough to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to that traffic until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety. "

Continue reading "Twentynine Palms Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident on State Route 62" »

An 89-year-old woman and her daughter, believed to be in her 60's, tragically died Saturday after they were struck by a vehicle at a Leimert Park intersection, the Los Angeles Times reported. The accident occurred at the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Coliseum Street at about 3:30 p.m. According to news reports, a Volkswagen Beetle travelling north on Crenshaw Boulevard collided with a southbound 1998 Chevrolet pickup truck attempting a left turn onto Coliseum Street. The impact of the collision hurled the Volkswagen Beetle onto the corner of the intersection where the two women were standing. The mother died at a nearby hospital shortly after the accident, and her daughter died later that night. Neither driver had any visible injuries, according to police. None of the parties were immediately identified.

Cause of the Leimert Park Pedestrian Accident

The LA Times reported that the driver of truck received a traffic citation for failing to yield to the right of way of the Volkswagen Beetle. If news reports are accurate, it sounds as though the driver of the pickup truck may be responsible for causing this accident that caused the deaths of two innocent pedestrians. 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."

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

While the cause of this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the two victims of this crash may benefit from consulting a knowledgeable and experienced Los Angeles wrongful death attorney who understands the unique legal issues of pedestrian bystander accidents. A lawyer who has represented numerous families of victims of fatal pedestrian accidents can help the victims' families understand and protect their legal rights to hold the at-fault driver and any other responsible parties accountable for causing this devastating incident. In the event the driver did not have insurance, a lawyer may be able to help the families obtain wrongful death compensation from the victims' own insurance policy, if they had one.

Continue reading "Mother and Daughter Killed in Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident" »

A 61-year-old Las Vegas woman tragically died in a vehicle rollover crash Wednesday morning on Interstate 15, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner reported. The woman, Christine Ann Newton, was a right rear passenger in a 2007 Ford F-150 travelling northbound on I-15. About one mile north of ZZyzx Road, at about 8:48 a.m. on November 3rd, the driver of the truck she was riding in lost control and struck the center divider. The driver apparently overcorrected, and then jerked the wheel back to the right. The vehicle overturned and Newton, who was wearing a seat belt, was partially ejected and died at the scene of the crash. It is unclear if anyone else in the vehicle was injured.

Cause of the I-15 Crash

The cause of the fatal Interstate 15 accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol - Barstow Station. Based on the news reports, it is unclear what caused the driver of the vehicle Newton was riding in to lose control and crash. As a restrained passenger in the backseat of the vehicle, Newton likely could have done nothing to prevent this horrible crash that ultimately ended her life. Accidents like this one can have numerous causes, including tire blowouts, dangerous road conditions, road debris, falling asleep at the wheel or driving distracted or impaired. Hopefully, the investigation by the CHP will reveal exactly what happened and why.

Passenger Deaths and Wrongful Death Liability

From a liability standpoint, unique legal issues are involved when a passenger is killed in a rollover accident. It is possible that, depending on how the accident occurred, the manufacturer of the vehicle may be liable for this accident, and the resulting wrongful death of the passenger. While this accident remains under investigation by the Highway Patrol, the surviving family members of Christine Newton may benefit from consulting and knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer. Whether the accident was caused by the negligence of the driver, a defect in the Ford F-150 truck, or even a dangerous condition on the freeway, an attorney can help the family understand their rights and options to hold whoever is responsible for this accident financially accountable. Damages awarded for a passenger's wrongful death may include compensation for anticipated lifetime earnings and income of the victim, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship.

Continue reading "Las Vegas Woman Killed in I-15 Rollover Crash Near Baker " »

A bicyclist was hospitalized with a leg injury Monday afternoon after the driver of a car ran a red light and struck him, the Orange County Register reported. The car vs. bicycle accident occurred at 12:47 p.m. at the intersection of Chapman Avenue and Murray Street. A witness at the scene told police that the driver of the car drove through a red light. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

If witness accounts of the collision are accurate, the driver is likely responsible for causing the accident and may be liable for the injuries sustained by the cyclist. In situations such as this one, while the cause of an accident is under investigation, it would be advisable for the victim to contact a knowledgeable California bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can help the victim understand and protect his legal rights following this incident, and help him recover the maximum financial compensation he may be entitled to for his injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Injured in Placentia Bicycle Accident " »

Two girls ages 12 and 13 were hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday night after they were struck by a car in a North Hollywood crosswalk, Fox Los Angeles reported. The pedestrian accident occurred on Laurel Canyon Boulevard near Kittridge Street at 7:27 p.m. The girls, who were not identified, were thrown about 50 feet when they were struck by a green Jeep with Oregon plates driving south on Laurel Canyon. At least one of the girls was unconscious when paramedics responded. Officers gave the driver a field sobriety test and he was put into the back of a police cruiser. It is not known if alcohol or drugs played a role in this accident.

The girls were taken to separate hospitals where they were listed in critical condition. We hope the two young girls injured in this accident make a full and quick recovery from their undoubtedly very grave injuries. Please keep the girls, and their families, in your prayers. We wish them the best.

Cause of the North Hollywood Pedestrian Accident

It is not clear why the driver of the vehicle struck the girls, or how fast he was going at the time of impact. The posted speed limit in the area was 35 mph. Based on the news reports, the driver should have stopped if the girls were in a marked crosswalk. 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..."

Crosswalk Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability

In situations such as this one, where a car vs. pedestrian accident occurs in a marked crosswalk, it would certainly be advisable for the family members of the two victims to contact a knowledgeable Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer. If the driver is determined responsible for the crash as may be the case based on the news report, he may be liable for the injuries of the two young girls, including their medical care expenses, and compensation for any resulting physical disability and pain and suffering. Contacting a lawyer soon after an accident is critical to preserve evidence and witness statements necessary to determine liability and financial responsibility.

Continue reading "Two Girls Struck by Car in North Hollywood Crosswalk " »