Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

The Orange County Register reported a 57-year-old Westminster woman tragically died Thursday night in a crash at the intersection of Goldenwest Street and Georgetown Avenue. The fatal Orange County crash occurred at about 10 p.m. on Thursday, December 23, 2010. According to news reports, the victim, Elvira Bermudez, was driving northbound in a Saturn on Goldenwest Street. A white GMC pickup heading southbound on Goldenwest made a left turn to head east on Georgetown, and collided with Bermudez's vehicle. Bermudez died at the scene of the crash; the two occupants of the BMC truck were reportedly not injured.

Cause of the Fatal Orange County Accident

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and police are asking anyone with information to call the Westminster Police Department at (714) 548-380. Based on the news reports, it appears that this accident may be the result of the driver of the GMC failing to yield to the right-of-way of Bermudez's Saturn. Under 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."

Car Accident Wrongful Death Claims

If it is determined that the driver of the GMC is responsible for the collision, he or she may be cited for failing to yield. Additionally, the driver may be held liable for the victim's death in a civil wrongful death claim. After an accident such as this one, the family of the victim may benefit from speaking to a car accident lawyer about the accident and the unique legal issues involved. An experienced California wrongful death attorney can review the accident report and help the victim's family understand and protect their legal rights. If negligence of the driver or another party was the cause of the accident, the family may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and benefits the decedent would have earned, and loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Woman Killed December 23rd in Westminster Intersection Crash " »

A 25-year-old Pasadena man was hospitalized with critical injuries after being struck by a car Monday evening in Pasadena, the Pasadena Star-News reported. The accident was reported at 5:45 p.m. at the intersection of Orange Grove Boulevard and Manzanita Avenue. The cyclist, who was not identified, suffered severe head trauma and was taken to Huntington Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. The driver of the vehicle, identified only as a 56-year-old man, was cited for driving without a license. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

If the driver of the car is determined to be partly or completely responsible for this accident, he may be liable for the very serious injuries sustained by the cyclist. After accidents such as this December 20th accident, where the cause of a major injury collision is not clear, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer about the incident and the victim's legal rights. An experienced personal injury lawyer can advise the victim and his family about their rights to financial compensation for medical care and treatment, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related injuries.

Continue reading "Man Critically Injured in Pasadena Bicycle Accident " »

BURBANK - The Burbank Leader reported 77-year-old Michael Barone died early Wednesday from serious head injuries he sustained when he was hit by a car Monday. The pedestrian accident occurred at 5:17 p.m. Monday at the intersection of West Victory Boulevard and Pepper Street, about one block from Barone's Home. Barone was struck by a 2001 Toyota Tacoma driven by Manny Castillo, 48, of Burbank. Castillo was making a left turn at the unsignaled intersection when he struck Barone. No charges have been filed against Castillo, who was not suspected of driving under the influence. Barone was taken to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, where he later died. The investigation into the cause of the fatal accident may take up to four weeks to complete, according to the Burbank Leader.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck in Burbank Crosswalk " »

A cyclist tragically died in a hit-and-run bicycle accident in La Quinta Tuesday afternoon, the Desert Sun reported. The December 14th Riverside County accident occurred on Avenue 54, east of Jefferson Street, at 3:06 p.m. According to La Quinta Police, officers responded to a report of a hit-and-run collision involving a cyclist. The bicyclist, identified only as an adult male, died at the scene of the crash in the westbound bike lane.

Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as a Chevrolet Malibu. A motorcycle officer was able to locate the vehicle at Avenue 52 and Monroe Street within an hour. The driver of the vehicle, Tracey Salter, 52, of Merriam, Kansas, was arrested on suspicion of felony hit and run about three miles away from the scene of the crash. Salter was booked into the Indio Jail with bail set at $150,000.

The La Quinta Police Department is asking anyone with additional information concerning this incident to contact the at department at (760) 863-8990 or report tips anonymously at (760) 341-STOP.

Fatal Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

A driver found guilty of causing serious bodily injury or death in a hit and run accident is usually charged with a felony. According to California Law, a Hit and Run Felony is defined as, "a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving death or permanent injury to any person(s) associated with the accident." In addition to criminal charges for not stopping at the scene of the accident, the driver may also be liable for the wrongful death of the cyclist. In accidents such as this one, it would certainly be advisable for the victim's family to speak with a California bicycle accident lawyer about their legal rights and options to hold the driver financially responsible for their sudden and unexpected loss of their loved one.

Continue reading "Cyclist Struck and Killed on Avenue 54 in La Quinta " »

Three people were tragically killed in a horrific crash Saturday night in Vernon, the Los Angeles Times reported. The triple fatality accident occurred at Alameda Street and Vernon Avenue, just before 10 p.m. The victims were identified as Rafael Chavez-Rodriguez, 30, Jessika Quinonez-Gonzalez, 25, and Amanda Samayoa, 70 all of Los Angeles. A 6-year-old boy in the vehicle, identified as Jessika's son, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The four victims were in a vehicle travelling north on Alameda Street in a Honda when their vehicle was struck by a Dodge pickup at East Vernon Avenue.

The driver and sole occupant of the Dodge, Issac Bandt. fled the scene, but was later apprehended and arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run. Police are reportedly investigating the possibility that Bandt may have been driving under the influence when the collision occurred. Anyone who saw what happened was asked to call police at (323) 587-5171.

Cause of the Fatal Los Angeles County Accident

Based on the news reports, it appears that the driver of the Dodge who fled the scene may be responsible. However, the incident remains under investigation. Regardless, the driver of the Dodge broke the law by fleeing the scene of the 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."

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

In situations such as this one, the family members of the victims of this crash would be well-advised to contact a California wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can advise the victims' family members of their legal rights and options to hold the driver or any other negligent parties accountable for their loss. Damages available in a wrongful death action may include financial compensation for final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship.

Continue reading "Three People Killed in Horrific Vernon Hit-and-Run Crash " »

A 72-year-old Arkansas woman was tragically killed in a head-on collision in eastern San Bernardino County late Sunday morning, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The accident occurred just west of the California / Arizona state line in Vidal Junction area, on Sunday, December 12, 2010, at 11:23 a.m. The victim, Phyllis Clemons, of Marvell, Arkansas, was a front seat passenger in a 2006 Toyota Prius travelling southbound on US 95 near mile marker 17. The Prius was struck by a 1992 Isuzu SUV travelling northbound that was passing a semi tractor-trailer big rig truck. Clemons died at the scene of the crash. It is not clear if anyone else was injured.

Cause of the US 95 Accident

The CHP is investigating the cause of the crash. However, based on the news reports, it appears that this accident may be caused by the driver of the Isuzu making an unsafe passing maneuver. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21751: "On a two-lane highway, no vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

Head-on Collision Wrongful Death Liability

If the driver of the Isuzu is determined to have caused this fatal crash, he or she may be liable for the wrongful death of Phyllis Clemons. Additionally, the driver could be cited or arrested pending the investigation. In situations such as this December 12th fatal head-on collision, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable California wrongful death attorney who has represented numerous families of victims of fatal head-on collisions on state highways. A lawyer can advise the family of their legal rights and options to hold the driver - and any other negligent parties - financially accountable for funeral and burial expenses and loss of love, care, affection of companionship.

Continue reading "Arkansas Woman Killed in Highway 95 Head-On Collision " »

COMPTON - CBS 2 News reported a pedestrian was fatally struck by a car early Saturday morning on the Long Beach Freeway in Compton. The fatal pedestrian accident was reported at 4:15 a.m. on December 11, 2010. According to the CHP, the accident occurred in the northbound lanes of the freeway just north of Alonda Boulevard. It is unclear whether the pedestrian had gotten out of a disabled vehicle or had previously crashed. The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Struck and Killed on 710 Freeway in Compton " »

A 15-year-old Fontana teenager suffered severe internal injures after being hit by a car on Monday, December 6th, the Fontana Herald News reported today. The accident was reported at 7:22 a.m. in the area of Duncan Canyon and Serrano, at 7:22 a.m., according to police. The teenager, who was not identified, was struck by a 1998 Chevrolet driven by a 66-year-old woman, who was not identified. The cause of the Fontana car vs. pedestrian accident remains under investigation; it was not clear who was at fault.

Fontana Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability

In any car vs. pedestrian accident, police will look at numerous factors, including the speed of the vehicle, the location of the pedestrian in the road, and who had the right-of-way. If it is determined the driver of the car was responsible, the injured pedestrian may have legal rights to financial compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering. In situations such as this one, it would absolutely be advisable for the parents of the injured teenager to speak to a California pedestrian accident attorney about the accident, fault and liability issues, and the victim's rights to compensation for injury-related expenses and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Teenager Seriously Injured in Fontana Pedestrian Accident " »

A 24-year-old Torrance man was tragically killed Tuesday afternoon in a car vs. motorcycle accident in Torrance, the Daily Breeze and Los Angeles Times reported. The victim, Lawrence Tom Brennan, 24, of Terrance, died at the scene of the accident at the intersection of Anza Avenue and Emerald Avenue. Lawrence Brennan, who went by Larry, had been riding north on Anza Avenue at about 1:40 p.m. on December 7, 2010, when the driver of a sedan travelling southbound on Anza turned left onto Emerald Street and into the path of Brennan's motorcycle. A boy in the vehicle that struck Brennan was critically injured.

Motorcycle Accident Injury and Death Statistics

In 2008, the CHP reported 537 motorcycle fatalities and 11,390 injuries in motorcycle collisions in California. Los Angeles County accounted for 114 fatalities (more than any other county) and 2,934 injuries (also more than any other county in California). More statistics can be found in the 2008 Annual Report of Fatal and Injury Motor Vehicle Traffic Collisions on the CHP website.

Cause of this December 7th Torrance Motorcycle Accident

The cause of this accident remains under investigation. Torrance Police will look at the speed of both vehicles, the timing of the intersection traffic signals, and other factors in determining who was responsible for this devastating accident that left one man dead and a boy critically injured. Based on the news reports, it appears that the driver of the car could be responsible, if she failed to yield to the right of way of the motorcyclist.

California Vehicle Code Section 21801 - Left Turn or U Turn

Under 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."

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If investigators make the determination that this accident was caused by the driver of the vehicle, the family members of the deceased victim may consider pursuing a wrongful death claim for their loss. In situations such as this one, or any fatal motorcycle accident involving a driver making a left turn, it would certainly be advisable for the victim's family to speak with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer about the accident and their legal rights, options, and responsibilities. An experienced attorney can also look into other similar accidents at the same location, and investigate whether the design of the roadway or intersection could also have been a factor in the accident, in which case, the city or other government agency responsible for designing and maintaining the intersection could be liable.

Continue reading "Torrance Man Killed in Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident " »

A 35-year-old Victorville man tragically died in a horrific motorcycle accident Tuesday afternoon on Roy Rogers Drive in Victorville, the Victorville Daily Press reported. The victim, Charles Curtis Robinson, was reportedly riding his Honda motorcycle eastbound on Roy Rogers Drive Tuesday, shortly before noon, when a blue Toyota Camry made a left turn from the Home Depot Plaza onto westbound Roy Rogers Drive, into the path of Robinson's motorcycle. Officials reported Robinson's left leg was severed on impact. Despite resuscitation efforts by San Bernardino County Fire personnel, he died at the scene of the crash. The driver and passenger in the blue Toyota suffered only minor injuries.

Cause of the December 7th Victorville Motorcycle Accident

The cause of this tragic accident is still under investigation, and anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Victorville station at (760) 241-2911. However, based on the information provided in the news reports, it appears that the driver of the Camry may be responsible for this accident that caused Robinson his life, if it is determined the driver of the Camry failed to yield to the right of way of the Robinson, who was travelling eastbound on Roy Rogers.

Vehicle Code Section 21804 - Entry Onto Highway

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. "

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In California, if it is determined that the driver of the Camry is responsible for this crash, the family members of the victim may pursue a wrongful death claim against the negligent driver and any other responsible parties for their loss. In situations such as this one, it is advisable for family members of a deceased accident to consider contacting a California motorcycle accident attorney to discuss their legal rights to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and benefits the decedent would have earned for his family, and loss of love, care and companionship. An experienced attorney who has represented dozens of families of victims of fatal motorcycle accident can advise the victim's family of their best course of action to protect their rights following this or any accident.

Continue reading "Victorville Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident on Roy Rogers Drive " »

In DUI accident news, a jury in Lee County, Florida, awarded nearly $14 million to a family who lost two young boys in an alcohol-related accident in 2007. The drunk driver and only defendant, George Butler, 36, was driving at speeds of about 80 mph when he hit the truck carrying Jordy Martinez, 1, and Jesus Martinez, 6, on January 14, 2007. In 2008, Butler was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by years of probation and community service. The award consisted of $12 million for pain and suffering of the parents and surviving brother, and the remainder of the damages went to past and future medical bills and funeral expenses. The jury awarded $25,000 in punitive damages.

Continue reading "Jury Awards $14 Million to Family of Two Boys Killed in DUI Accident" »

Several people were injured Friday afternoon in an SUV rollover accident in Cathedral City, the Desert Sun reported. The solo vehicle rollover accident was reported at 2:02 p.m. on eastbound I-10 approaching Date Palm Drive. One of the occupants of the Ford Expedition was ejected, and another had to be extricated by firefighters. Three others suffered minor to moderate injuries. The cause of December 3rd Riverside County crash is not clear, and remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

SUV Rollover Accident Personal Injury Liability

In California, if a SUV rollover accident is caused by a defect in a vehicle, or a vehicle part, such as a defective tire, injured victims may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer of the vehicle or vehicle part. In rollover accidents such as this one, accident victims and their families are well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable California SUV rollover accident attorney. A lawyer can review the cause of the accident and advise the victims of any legal rights they may have to compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Continue reading "Five People Injured in SUV Rollover on Interstate 10 " »

Two people were taken to area trauma centers following a car accident Wednesday in Ontario, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The two-vehicle collision occurred around 11:20 a.m. on December 1, 2010, near the intersection of Jurupa Street and Etiwanda Avenue. According to news reports, one of the vehicles became engulfed in flames, and a second car crashed into the tree. At least one person suffered burn injuries. The cause of the San Bernardino County car crash remains under investigation.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

Details of this Ontario car accident provided in news reports were very limited and it was unclear what happened to cause this collision, or who was responsible. If this accident was the result of negligence of another driver, the injured victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. In any accident that results in serious injuries, it is advisable for victims and their families to contact an knowledgeable and experienced California car accident lawyer about their rights. A skilled lawyer can advise the victims of their rights to compensation for their injuries, including medical care costs and expenses, surgical treatments, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Continue reading "Two People Injured in Ontario Car Accident " »

A 22-year-old Fontana man was tragically killed the evening of November 22, 2010 in a car vs. motorcycle accident in Fontana, the Contra Costa Times and Beverly Hills Courier reported. The accident occurred on Prairie Avenue between East Arbor Vitae Street and East Hardy Street, at about 10:33 p.m. The motorcyclist, Carlos Martinez, 22, of Fontana, was heading south on Prairie when a northbound Ford Explorer SUV made a left turn in front of him. According to news reports, Martinez attempted to stop, but was unable to avoid the collision. His motorcycle skidded more than 100 feet and came to rest underneath a Coca-Cola delivery truck. The driver of the Ford Explorer, a Los Angeles resident, was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Cause of the November 22nd Motorcycle Accident

Police are investigating the cause of the crash, and alcohol was not suspected to be a factor. Authorities will look at whether the speed of the motorcycle or the Explorer was a factor in determining who was responsible for this fatal accident.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the Ford Explorer made an unsafe left turn into the path of the motorcyclist, the family of Carlos Martinez may have legal rights to financial compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim. In fatal motorcycle accidents such as this one, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking to an experienced and knowledgeable Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney about the crash and their legal options. If negligence was a factor in the crash, the family may be entitled to damages for their loss, including funeral and burial expenses, anticipated income the decedent would have made over her lifetime, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "Fontana Man Killed in Inglewood Motorcycle Accident " »

The Long Beach Press-Telegram reported a man was tragically killed Tuesday in an accident in Long Beach involving a big-rig tractor. The crash occurred on the westbound side of the Gerald Desmond Bridge at 3:05 p.m. The man who died - who was not identified - was a passenger in a Ford Expedition SUV that may have been fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run crash when the fatal collision occurred. The victim of the hit-and-run crash described a vehicle that matched the Ford Expedition, although it was unclear where the collision took place. The SUV reportedly clipped a semi-trailer truck near the end of the bridge, struck a guardrail, and flipped multiple, ejected the passenger, who died. The female driver of the SUV was taken to a local hospital, where she was listed in critical but stable condition.

Cause of the Fatal Accident

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. News reports in the Long Beach Press-Telegram and Contra Costa Times provided only limited details as to what happened. Police will undoubtedly look at factors such as vehicle speed, possible driver impairment, and other factors in determining why this crash occurred and who was ultimately responsible.

Passenger Wrongful Death Liability

After accidents such as this one, the family of a car accident victim may be wondering who may be held accountable for their loss. If negligence was a factor in this collision, the family of the victim may be entitled to financial compensation for their loss, including funeral and burial expenses, anticipated lifetime earnings the victim would have earned, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship of family members. While the cause of this accident remains under investigation by police, it would be advisable for the family members of the passenger victim of this crash to consult with an experienced California wrongful death lawyer, who can advise of theim of their legal rights and options, and best course of action following this accident.

Continue reading "Passenger Killed in Long Beach Car Accident on Gerald Desmond Bridge" »