Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

A 78-year-old resident of Ventura County was tragically killed Sunday in a multi-vehicle pileup in the Cahuenga Pass involving four separate collisions and as many as seven vehicles, the Daily Breeze reported. According to multiple news reports, a 45-year-old woman driving a 2003 Dodge Ram pickup truck swerved into the path of a Honda Civic on the Hollywood Freeway (101 Freeway). The driver of the Honda Civic, a 77-year-old Camarillo woman, was unable to avoid the collision. A passenger in the Honda Civic, Sylvester Ray Martinez, 78, of Camarillo, was killed in the crash. The driver of the Honda Civic was hospitalized with serious injuries. The driver of the Dodge pickup suffered only minor injuries. It was unclear if anyone else was injured in the crash. It was reportedly raining when the collision occurred, and visibility was somewhat limited at the time of the crash. The time of the accident was not disclosed in news reports.

Cause of the Hollywood Freeway Crash

This accident raises a number of questions, and news accounts do not explain the other vehicles' involvement in the "pileup." Based on the news reports, it appears that the driver of the Dodge may be responsible for this collision with the Honda Civic, if in fact she did swerve into the path of the Honda Civic. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the multi-vehicle crash and will determine who was responsible.

Los Angeles Car Accident Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

After a horrific accident such as this one on the Hollywood Freeway, it would certainly be advisable for the family members of the victims of this crash to consider speaking with a Los Angeles car accident attorney. Multiple-vehicle accidents can have very complex legal issues and there are numerous parties that could be partly responsible. While the crash remains under investigation by the CHP, a skilled personal injury attorney can review the incident and advise the victims of their legal rights. If the driver of the Dodge was responsible for the collision, she may be liable for the resulting wrongful death sustained by the passenger in the Civic and the serious injuries sustained by the driver.

Continue reading "Ventura County Man Killed in Highway 101 Pileup In the Cahuenga Pass " »

The Desert Sun reported a man in his late 80's was killed Tuesday night when he was struck by a car on Bonita Avenue. According to CHP reports, the accident happened just east of Magnolia Street at 11:43 p.m. The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner identified the victim as Joe R. Thomas, 86, of Cabazon. The driver of the vehicle that struck Thomas was not injured and remained at the scene of the crash. The incident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol - San Gorgonio Station.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Based on the news reports, it is unclear whether Thomas was in the road or on the side of the road when he was struck. Hopefully the CHP investigation will provide answers as to what happened and why. If it is determined that the driver of the vehicle was responsible for this crash, he or she may be cited for negligent driving. Additionally, if the driver of the car was responsible for this crash, he or she may be liable for the wrongful death of the victim, in which case the family members may be entitled to recover wrongful death damages for funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care, and companionship. After an accident such as this one where the cause is not clear, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking to a California pedestrian accident lawyer who can review the facts of the accident advise the victim's family of their legal rights.

Continue reading "Elderly Pedestrian Struck and Killed in Cabazon " »

More than 10 million people live in Los Angeles County, more than any other county in the United States. With such a large population, pedestrian accidents are unfortunately a relatively frequent occurrence. Traffic congestion is a serious issue in southern California, and many residents travel on foot to work and school on a daily basis. Pedestrian accidents include collisions with cars, tractor-trailer trucks, package delivery trucks, buses, trains and other vehicles. Pedestrians struck by cars are subject to permanently life-changing injuries or death. Accidents include pedestrian accidents caused by drunk drivers, distracted drivers, speeding, falling asleep at the wheel, defectively designed intersections and dangerous road conditions.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Nationwide, a pedestrian is injured in an accident every 8 minutes, and a pedestrian is killed in an accident every 111 minutes. This means that more than 5,000 people are killed and about 64,000 people are injured in accidents each year. Without the protection of the four walls of a motor vehicle, pedestrians can suffer very serious injuries, including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and numerous broken bones. Pedestrians include walkers, joggers, runners, or anyone walking on foot or in a wheelchair. Pedestrians account for 11% of motor vehicle fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Pedestrian Accidents and Injury Victims' Rights

Injured victims of accidents may have legal rights to compensation for their injuries. If the driver of a vehicle is responsible for causing an accident, the driver may be financially responsible for the victim's injuries, including medical care costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. Depending on the unique circumstances of the pedestrian accident, numerous parties may be responsible.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyers " »

Police say a 69-year-old Long Beach woman was legally crossing Willow Street Saturday evening when she was struck and killed by a Honda Accord. According to the Long Beach Post, the victim, Sally Rae Paskin, was in an unmarked crosswalk at about 6:11 p.m. when she was struck by the Honda driven by Jose Rodriquez, 28, also of Long Beach. The accident happened between Long Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue. Paskin was rushed by paramedics to a local hospital, where she died of her injuries.

The fatal pedestrian accident is being investigated, and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Long Beach Police Department Accident Investigation Detective Sirilo Garcia at (562) 570-7355.No charges have been filed against Rodriquez, as the incident remains under investigation. Police will present their case to the Long Beach City Prosecutor who will decide what, if any, charges will be filed against the driver.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If the driver of the Honda is responsible for causing this fatal January 22nd Long Beach pedestrian accident, he may cited or charged for negligent driving. He may also be liable for the fatal injuries sustained by the victim, and the family members of the victim may be entitled to recover compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim against the driver. After a fatal accident such as this one, the family members of the victim may benefit in speaking to an experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney. A lawyer can advise them of their legal rights and arrange to have an independent investigation of the fatal accident to determine exactly how the incident occurred and who was responsible.

Continue reading "Long Beach Woman Struck and Killed While Crossing Street " »

SANTA FE SPRINGS - A 59-year-old Garden Grove man died Friday when his motorcycle collided with a tractor trailer, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported. The fatal crash occurred on Bloomfield Avenue, between Clark Street and Telegraph Road. Both the motorcycle and the tractor trailer were travelling northbound in the second lane, when the tractor trailer slowed to turn into a driveway. The motorcyclist tried to avoid the collision, but collided with the back of the truck. The motorcyclist was taken to Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, where he died. The Whittier Police Department is investigating the January 21st Los Angeles motorcycle accident.

Continue reading "Garden Grove Man Killed in Santa Fe Springs Motorcycle Accident " »

The Los Angeles Times reported three men were rushed to the hospital early Friday morning after fumes overcame three men cleaning a large cylindrical blood storage tank at Baxter International Inc., in Atwater Village. Firefighters were called to the plant shortly before 4 a.m., and found an unconscious man lying near the large 4-foot-tall, 5-foot-wide tank. Two other men lying in the tank were also unconscious. All three men were rushed to the hospital, where one of them later died.

Authorities said the men were cleaning the tank with a detergent when they were over come by ethanol fumes early Friday morning. The ethanol was used as a separating agent for blood plasma, which the tank was used to store. According to reports, the worker who collapsed outside the tank had called 911 and tried to rescue his co-workers before he was also overcome by fumes.

A hazardous material team was dispatched to the plant to investigate. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, Cal-OSHA, is investigating. According to the Times, the Atwater Village Baxter plant had a good safety record, although two other Baxter-owned facilities in California have reported injury accidents in the last 10 years.

Workplace Industrial Accident Liability

Every year, thousands of workers are seriously injured or killed in workplace accidents. Exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals can cause permanent brain damage, which may result in permanent physical or mental disability. Depending on the unique circumstances of the accident, the survivors of this incident and the family members of the victim may have legal rights. If the Biotech company is responsible for the incident, the company may be liable for the medical expenses of the sickened workers as well as the wrongful death of the man who lost his life. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the men involved in this accident would be well-advised to contact a California workplace injury attorney about the incident and their legal rights.

Continue reading "One Dead, Two Critically Ill from Fumes at LA Biotech Plant " »

The Orange County Register reported a woman was taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana Friday morning following a crash at Chapman Avenue and Canyon View Avenue. According to news reports, the accident occurred at about 7:20 a.m., and involved a Mercedes-Benz 300E and a GMC Yukon. The Yukon was travelling eastbound on Chapman, and the Mercedes was travelling northbound on Canyon View. One of the vehicles reportedly ran a red light, although it was not clear which one. The woman driving the Mercedes was trapped and had to be extricated. It was not clear if anyone in the GMC Yukon was injured.

Car Accident Injury Liability

This accident remains under investigation. Based on the limited details in news reports, it is unclear who was responsible. Injured victims of car accidents caused by negligent driving may be able to recover compensation for their injuries. Before providing any statement to insurance representatives, injured victims are well-advised to speak with a knowledgeable California car accident lawyer. An attorney can review the unique circumstances of the crash and advise them of their legal rights and options to recover damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Woman Injured Friday Morning in Orange County Intersection Crash " »

ANAHEIM -- A 26-year-old Diamond Bar man and a 24-year-old Long Beach woman were killed in a wrong-way collision early Wednesday morning on the 91 Freeway in Anaheim, the LA Times and multiple other news outlets reported. According to news accounts, 21-year-old Anthony Louis Fragoso, 21, of South Gate, was driving west in the eastbound 91 carpool lane at about 12:50 a.m.

As Fragoso approached the off-ramp at Harbor Boulevard, he collided head on with at 2006 Toyota Scion. The driver of the Scion, Alan Reyes, 26, was ejected onto the freeway.

Both Reyes and his passenger, Vanessa Cease, 24, of Long Beach, died at the scene of the crash.

Fragoso suffered major injuries in the collision and was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange. He was arrested at the hospital charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. All lanes of the freeway were closed for about three hours while the California Highway Patrol Investigated.

Our condolences go out to the families of the two young victims, and everyone who knew them and loved them. Please keep their families in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Cause of the Orange County Accident

The CHP is investigating why Fragoso was driving the wrong direction. At this point, it has not been confirmed whether Fragoso was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Regardless, he was driving on the freeway in the wrong direction, and this act of negligence took the lives of two people. Fragoso may face further charges for driving under the influence if blood tests come back positive for drugs or alcohol.

Wrong-Way Driving Wrongful Death Liability

This accident is tragic and heartbreaking. While some head-on collisions are caused by driver inattentiveness or unsafe passing maneuvers, wrong-way head-on collisions such as this one are very often due to intoxicated or impaired driving. After fatal wrong-way collisions such as this one, the family members of the victims may benefit from speaking with a California wrongful death lawyer. In addition to criminal charges for grossly negligent driving, the driver may also be financially liable for the wrongful deaths of the victims, including funeral and burial expenses, lost anticipated lifetime earnings, and loss of love, care affection and companionship. In some cases, where the at-fault driver shows deliberate disregard for the safety of others, punitive damages may be available.

Continue reading "Two Killed by Wrong-Way Driver on 91 Freeway in Anaheim " »

More and more information is being collected in the Los Angeles disabled sexual assault case, which we are closely monitoring. As we previously reported, in March of 2010, a computer technician anonymously provided LA County Sheriff's detectives 11 DVDs containing more than 100 hours of men sexually assaulting severely disabled women.

Authorities have made significant progress, and so far have located two suspects, the anonymous tipster and one of the victims. CNN reported that the second of at least 10 disabled victims has come forward and spoke with authorities. The second woman, 27, came forward to investigators after following the story on the news.

The first suspect, Bert Hicks, is currently incarcerated in a Tehachapi, CA state prison, for sexual assault, abuse, and fiduciary crimes against the first victim. Hicks is scheduled to be released in 2012.

Last Friday, sheriff's investigators served search warrants at three residential care facilities in western Los Angeles County. One of the residences is a location where both victims say they were sexually assaulted. The incidents took place between 2007 and 2009.

Sexual Assault Victims' Rights

Victims of unwanted sexual assaults may have legal recourse against not just the perpetrator, but the facilities where the incidents took place. Residential care facilities have obligations and responsibilities to protect those entrusted with their care from harm. Failure to protect the victims may constitute negligent supervision and improper security. The victims may be entitled to significant financial compensation for their injuries, including psychological care, counseling, therapy, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. While this case remains under investigation, the victims and their families would be well-advised to consult a disabled sexual assault lawyer can help them protect their legal rights to recover financial compensation for their injuries and the pain they suffered.

Continue reading "Videotaped Sexual Assaults: Second Victim Located" »

Estey Bomberger is closely monitoring developments in the videotaped sexual assault investigation that is rapidly evolving in Los Angeles. After months of reviewing more than 100 hours of grainy videotape showing horrific sexual acts on disabled women, authorities say they've located and interviewed one of the victims, a 25-year-old woman who resides at a Los Angeles County residential care facility.

Due to her medical condition, the victim, whose name or location is not being released, is physically defenseless and unable to move. The District Attorney's office has requested more medical information on the victim, and investigators were expect to provide that information a few days ago.

Last Saturday, one of the suspects, Ernie Lloyd, 27, turned himself in to authorities after seeing himself depicted in police sketches. The victim told authorities that Lloyd had sexually assaulted her, along with another suspect in the case. Detective said the interview was emotional and painful for the victim, and described her as "very traumatized."

The first suspect in the case, Bert Hicks, 42, who is currently incarcerated in Tehachapi, CA, is serving time for abuse, sexual assault and fiduciary crimes against the woman. The victim told investigators that Hicks took her and married her, possibly in Las Vegas.

Investigators have not determined if the crimes for which Hicks is serving time are part of the 100 hours of video coverage. At least eight other women and six other men are believed to be involved. Tips are coming in from around the country.

Continue reading "L.A. Disabled Rape Investigation: Authorities Locate First Victim " »

MANHATTAN BEACH - A 39-year-old Redondo Beach man suffered major injuries Wednesday afternoon when he was thrown from his motorcycle and run over by a flatbed truck in Manhattan Beach, the Contra Costa Times reported. The accident happened at the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Valley Drive. The motorcyclist, who was not identified, was riding southbound on Sepulveda Boulevard when a flatbed truck driven by John Garcia of North Hollywood pulled in front of him. The motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and the rear wheels of the truck rolled over him, crushing his pelvis. Garcia was not injured in the crash. The motorcyclist was taken to UCLA Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

Based upon the news reports, it appears that the driver of the flatbed truck may be responsible for causing this accident, if he failed to yield to the right-of-way of the motorcyclist. If the driver of the truck caused this accident, he may be liable for the very serious injuries sustained by the motorcyclist. If the truck was company-owned, the owner of the truck and other parties may also be liable. After a major injury accident such as this one, it would be advisable for the victims to consider speaking with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer, who can help the injured man protect his legal rights to compensation for his injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Manhattan Beach Crash " »

MORENO VALLEY - A patient in an ambulance died Wednesday following a horrendous Riverside County car vs. ambulance crash that left five people injured, including two American Medical Response paramedics and two Cal Fire firefighters. The accident was reported shortly before 10:45 p.m., at the intersection of Ironwood Avenue and Pigeon Pass Road in Moreno Valley. The victim, a 47-year-old Moreno Valley woman, died at the scene of the crash. Along with the four responders, the driver of the car was also injured. The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner identified the ambulance patient victim as Ann B. Layton.

This accident raises a number of questions, as the news reports in the Press-Enterprise provide only limited details of what happened. It is not clear if the ambulance had sirens activated, or how fast the vehicles were going when they collided. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

Medical Transport Provider Wrongful Death Liability

Medical transport companies are considered "common carriers" - because they advertise their services to the general public and accept payment for their transportation services. Under the California Civil Code, "a carrier of persons for reward must use the utmost care and diligence for their safe carriage, must provide everything necessary for that purpose, and must exercise to that end a reasonable degree of skill."

Regardless of whether this accident was the fault of the ambulance driver, or the driver of the other vehicle, the family members of the victim may have legal rights to compensation for the loss of their loved one in this horrific crash.

After an accident such as this one, the family members of the victims may benefit from speaking to a lawyer who has represented victims of medical transport accidents and their families. Common carrier accidents have very unique legal issues, and it is important to understand the victim's family's legal rights and options. It is always advisable to talk to a Riverside personal injury lawyer before providing a statement to an insurance adjustor or accepting any insurance settlement offer. The family may be entitled to financial compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care, and companionship.

Continue reading "Patient Killed in Moreno Valley Car vs. Ambulance Crash " »

The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner has reported a 68-year-old Helendale man was tragically killed in a head-on collision Monday morning in Victorville. The crash occurred around 10 a.m. at the intersection of Hesperia Road and Seneca Road, and involved a 2008 Nissan and a 1990 Honda Accord. One of the victims, Gary Talbott, was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center where he died at 11:35 a.m.

The Press-Enterprise and San Bernardino Sun provided only limited details about the incident. The news reports only serve to raise questions as to what happened, why, and who was responsible. It is unclear if anyone else was injured in the crash other than the victim who died. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Victorville Police Department.

Fatal Accident Wrongful Death Liability

After any fatal accident, it is understandable that the family members of victims will have many questions about the accident, who was responsible, and what, if any, charges any of the parties may face. If another driver was responsible for causing this accident, the family members of the victim may be able to hold the driver financially responsible for their loss in a wrongful death claim. In situations such as this one, it would be advisable for the family members of the victims to consider speaking with a California wrongful death attorney who can oversee the investigation by law enforcement and advise the family of their legal rights and best course of action following this accident.

Continue reading "Helendale Man Killed in Head-on Collision in Victorville " »

A 27-year-old Los Angeles man turned himself into authorities Saturday night in connection with the ongoing investigation of the more than 100 hours of video of sexual assaults of disabled women. The suspect, Ernie Lloyd, appeared at a Hollywood police station and announced that he had seen himself on the news and knew that he was wanted in connection with the case.

According to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Capt. Michael Parker, authorities had identified Lloyd before he turned himself in. Lloyd is being held on $100,000 bail. Another man suspected in the case, Bert Hicks, 42, is currently serving time at Tehachapi State Prison on sexual abuse charges. Hicks is reportedly scheduled to be released in 2012.

Authorities believe the assaults of severely disabled women took place at a Los Angeles residential care facility where Lloyd was living at the time. Investigators believe that they have identified one of the victims, and are working to locate her.

The video footage, which consists of more than 100 hours of video and surveillance camera coverage, is not being released to the public. The video was discovered by a computer technician who was hired to wipe a hard drive clean. Before clearing the hard drive, he made copies of the video and turned it in to authorities. The tipster, who is not suspected of any wrongdoing, spoke with authorities over the weekend.

What to Do If You Have Information

This investigation is ongoing, and authorities say there are as many as 10 men suspected of sexually assaulting severely disabled women. So far, only two have been identified. If you have information about this case, please contact the Special Victims Bureau at their special toll free hotline at (866) 247-5877 or your local sheriff's station, as soon as possible. You can also provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477, or by sending a text messages the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637).

Protecting Victims' Legal Rights

This case is particularly disturbing because the victims of these sexual assaults were helpless to do anything; many of them were reportedly unable to move. They could not pick up a phone or tell anyone what they suffered. We hope the investigation by the Sheriff's Department will locate all of the parties involved in this case - and that the suspects will be fully prosecuted. The family members of the victims of these horrendous rapes should also consider speaking with a sexual assault victim lawyer who understands the injustices these women suffered, and can help them hold not just the perpetrators, but the facilities that also may be responsible. If indeed these incidents occurred at a residential care facility, the facilities themselves may be financially liable for the incidents, for negligently supervising their employees, and failing to protect the women from harm.

Other entities, such as the agency that hired the men to take care of the women, may also be liable, if they failed to perform a sufficient background check on the hired employees. Without more information - information that authorities don't even know yet - it is impossible to know who is responsible for these sexual assaults. However, based on the information already provided to the public, it is clear that the victims may have legal rights to compensation for the severe emotional trauma they suffered.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Sexual Assault Case: Second Suspect Arrested " »

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said yesterday that they've located the man who turned in 11 DVDs last March that contained more than 100 hours of disturbing video of sexual assaults on disabled women. The man, who is not being identified and who is not suspected of any wrongdoing, told investigators that he turned in the content anonymously because he feared for his safety.

The tipster, a computer technician, revealed Sunday to authorities that a drug addict had given him a computer to clean its hard drive. Before cleaning the drive, he saw the videos and copied them and sent them to the sheriff's department with a note. He contacted authorities recently after seeing coverage of the ongoing investigation in the news.

The DVDs included both video shot by a security surveillance-type camera, as well as a handheld camera. Many of the assault victims were severely disabled, and some were even wearing diapers. Sheriff's detectives said more than 50 tips have come in with quality information.

Continue reading "Detectives Locate Tipster in Los Angeles Disabled Rape Investigation" »

In March 2010, an anonymous tipster hand-delivered 11 DVDs containing more than 100 hours of videotape at the Los Angeles Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau in Monterey Park, showing videos that appear to be 10 female patients at residential care facilities being raped. From the videos, which have not been released, it is unclear when or where the assaults took place, although authorities believe the acts occurred within the last three years. Veteran investigators assigned to the case called the content "extremely disturbing" and "shocking to the conscience," and say this is one of the worst cases of abuse of defenseless victims they have ever investigated.

Some of the videos appear to come from surveillance videos, while others appear to come from handheld cameras. Investigators believe the perpetrators were employed by residential care facilities and that the victims were sexually assaulted at residential care facilities.

After months of investigation, detectives say they are coming closer to identifying the suspects. Los Angeles Police Detectives reportedly contacted sheriff's detectives this week and said they recognized one of the suspects, Bert Hicks (pictured at far left in the image above) and possibly a second man, whose identity was not released. Sheriff's officials said January 7th that they've identified two of the men suspected in the case. Hicks, 42, is currently serving a sentence at Tehachapi State Prison for sexual assault, and is up for parole in 2012.

Anyone with information about the assaults was asked to contact the Special Victims Bureau at (866) 247-5877. Sheriff's officials said they would also like to talk to the anonymous tipster who dropped off the footage at the Monterey station, promising the person could remain anonymous.

Sexual Abuse Victims' Rights

These incidents are shocking and disturbing, and raise so many questions. Who filmed the videos? Who knew about these multiple instances of abuse and turned a blind eye? Were background checks performed on these employees that allegedly committed the acts of abuse at residential care facilities? While this investigation is ongoing, the family members of the victims of these shocking crimes would be well-advised to contact a Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible. While nothing can be done to make the pain of these horrific acts go away, a lawyer can ensure the victims are compensated for the undoubtedly horrendous emotional pain and trauma they've endured and ensure that other victims do not suffer the same injustices in the future.

Continue reading "Investigators Begin Identifying Men Suspected of Assaulting Disabled Women " »

A 16-year-old Twentynine Palms boy was killed Tuesday morning when he was struck by a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado while walking near Indian Trail Road and Meldora Avenue, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The victim was identified by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner as Mario Leonard Mercado. According to news reports, at about 6 a.m. on January 4, 2011, Mercardo was struck by the Silverado, which was driven by a civilian employee heading to USMC Air Ground Combat Training Center. The driver stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation into the cause of the crash.

The sudden and unexpected loss of a teenager is heartbreaking and tragic, and our condolences go out to the family and friends of Mario Mercado, and everyone who knew him and loved him. Please keep his family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Fault and Wrongful Death Liability

Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why this accident occurred and whether the driver of the pickup truck could have avoided the collision. At this point, there are more questions than answers. If it is determined that the driver is responsible for the fatal collision, he or she may be liable for the victim's wrongful death, in which case, the family members of the victim may be entitled to recover financial compensation for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings the victim would have earned, and loss of love, care, and companionship.

After any fatal pedestrian accident where the cause is still under investigation, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to speak with a California wrongful death attorney. A San Bernardino personal injury lawyer can stay on top of the CHP investigation, and advise the family of their legal rights.

Continue reading "Teen Pedestrian Struck and Killed Near Twentynine Palms " »

According to NBC Los Angeles, five people were injured Monday, including two people critically, in a multi-vehicle crash on the westbound 101 Freeway (Ventura Freeway) in Woodland Hills. The January 3rd crash was reported at about 8 a.m. at Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Details of the incident were limited; the cause of the Woodland Hills car accident was not clear.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

Victims seriously injured in multi-vehicle accidents are well-advised to speak to an experienced and knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer following a collision, and before providing a recorded statement to insurance companies or accepting any compensation. If negligence of another party was the cause of the accident, injured victims may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries. A skilled car accident lawyer can review the accident and help the victims' determine how much compensation they may be entitled to for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Five People Hurt in Woodland Hills Crash " »

A New Year's Day crash in Havasu Lake tragically took the life of a 37-year-old male resident of Havasu Lake, the San Bernardino County Coroner's Office reported. The January 1st accident, which is under investigation by the CHP, occurred on Havasu Lake Road, about .4 miles north of Jack Bale Road, at 3:34 a.m.. The victim, Alejandro John, 37, was a front-seat passenger in a 1999 Toyota 4Runner SUV travelling northbound on Havasu Lake Road. For reasons not known, the driver, who wasn't identified, lost control of the vehicle, which left the roadway and struck a tree. John died of his injuries at the scene of the crash at 4:11 a.m. It was not clear from the news reports whether the driver or anyone else was injured.

Cause of the Havasu Lake Crash

Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear what happened to cause this fatal accident. At this point - there are only questions. Was the driver of the Toyota drunk, distracted, or speeding? Did he or she fall asleep at the wheel? Was it raining at the time of the accident? Did a defect in the vehicle, such as a tire blowout, cause this accident? Was John wearing a seatbelt? Hopefully, the investigation by law enforcement will reveal what happened, and who was responsible.

Passenger Deaths and Wrongful Death Liability

The sudden loss of a loved one in any accident is devastating, and understandably leaves family members with grief, anguish, and sadness. Along with the emotional pain of a loss, family members are often left with financial hardship from funeral and burial expenses, and loss of income and benefits the victim contributed to his family. When accidents are caused by the negligence of another - either the driver, the manufacturer of the vehicle, or even possibly the agency responsible for maintaining the roadway - the family may be able to recover compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim. After an accident such as this one, the family may benefit from talking to a California wrongful death lawyer about the SUV rollover crash, and their rights to pursue financial compensation for their loss from whoever is determined to be responsible for this fatal accident.

Continue reading "Passenger Killed in SUV Rollover Crash on Havasu Lake Road " »

A New Year's Eve ATV accident tragically took the life of a 37-year-old North Las Vegas man, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department reported. The accident happened at about 10:00 p.m. on December 31, 2010, in the Dumont Dunes area of Rural Baker, Cactus Thorns reported. The victim was identified as Jesus Ruiz. According to reports, Ruiz lost control of a Polaris Razor in the open desert. The Razor overturned and Ruiz was ejected from the vehicle. Ruiz was pronounced dead at 10:30 p.m. The cause of the incident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

ATV Rollover Accident and Wrongful Death Liability

Hundreds of people die each year in ATV accidents. Based on the news reports, it is unclear why Ruiz lost control of the vehicle, and there are many unanswered questions. Was Ruiz wearing any safety gear? How fast was the vehicle going when Ruiz lost control? Was the vehicle defective in any way? In the past decade, Polaris has issued more than a dozen recalls for its vehicles for various product defects. It is possible that a defect was a factor in this accident. If that was the case, Polaris could be financially liable for this accident. After an accident such as this one, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a California wrongful death attorney about the accident. A lawyer can review the accident report by the CHP and if necessary, arrange to have the ATV examined for possible product defects that could have caused the victim to lose control and crash.

Continue reading "North Las Vegas Man Killed in Polaris Razor Rollover Accident " »

COMPTON - A 29-year-old Compton man was tragically killed on New Years Eve when he was struck by an SUV on Compton Boulevard, the Press-Telegram reported. The fatal pedestrian accident was reported about 6:15 p.m. east of Williams Avenue. According to news reports, a 36-year-old Compton woman was driving a black 2000 Chevy Suburban westbound when the man darted into the street. Although the woman braked and swerved, the right front of the SUV struck the man, who died at the scene. The cause of the December 31st Compton pedestrian accident remains under investigation.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Struck and Killed by SUV in Compton " »