Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

CHIRIACO SUMMIT - An 84-year-old Phoenix, AZ woman tragically died Tuesday night, about seven hours after she was ejected from a SUV in a rollover accident on Interstate 10, the Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred in the westbound lanes of the freeway in the Chiriaco Summit area at 11:24 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2011.

According to the CHP, the driver of the vehicle, a 26-year-old Scottsdale woman, allowed the vehicle to drift into the center median past Cottonwood Springs Road, where she lost control. A rear passenger in the vehicle, Violet Nikas, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected when the vehicle overturned. She was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where she died Tuesday night. The driver of the SUV was also airlifted to Desert Regional with major injuries. Two men in the SUV, ages 23 and 81, suffered only minor injuries.

Cause of the March 29th Interstate 10 Accident

Based on the news reports in the Desert Sun and Press Enterprise, it is impossible to tell why this SUV rollover accident occurred. Freeway rollover accidents may be caused by unsafe maneuvers, tire blowouts, falling asleep at the wheel, roadway debris, roadway defects, and numerous other causes. Hopefully, the investigation by law enforcement will reveal exactly what happened. The passengers in the vehicle who survived this accident may also provide information as to what happened in the moments leading up to the collision.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability

In situations where a car accident is caused by negligence or recklessness, the injured parties and family members of the deceased victim may consider filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim for medical care costs and funeral and burial expenses, and other damages. Following an accident such as this one, an experienced and knowledgeable California SUV rollover accident attorney can advise the victims of their legal rights and best course of action to protect their interests following this accident.

Continue reading "Arizona Woman Dies Following Interstate 10 Rollover Accident " »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY - A 6-year-old Fontana girl died Monday night, about 10 hours after being critically injured in a traffic collision Monday morning in Fontana, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department reported. The accident was reported at the intersection of Alder Avenue and Miller Avenue at 7:28 a.m. on March 28, 2011. The girl, Destiny Hernandez, was ejected from the vehicle she was riding in, the Press-Enterprise reported. News accounts of the incident provided very little details of the incident. It is unclear why the collision occurred, how many vehicles were involved, or who was at fault.

Fontana Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Hopefully, the investigation by Fontana Police will provide answers as to exactly what happened and why, and who was ultimately responsible. If negligence of another driver caused this crash, the at-fault party may be liable for the wrongful death of the young girl, in which case the family may be entitled to recover compensation for final medical care expenses, funeral and burial expenses, as well as non-economic damages for loss of love, comfort, affection and companionship. Following a tragic accident such as this one, where the cause is unclear, the parents of the young victim would be well-advised to consult a knowledgeable car accident lawyer who can review the accident report and advise them of their legal rights and options.

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ORANGE COUNTY - A bicyclist was taken to UCI Medical center after being struck by a blue Toyota 4Runner SUV Monday morning in Westminster, the Orange County Register reported. The car vs. bicycle accident was reported on Beach Boulevard at the 22 Freeway off-ramp at about 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 28, 2011. According to the CHP, the cyclist, only identified as a male, was in the crosswalk when the accident occurred. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

Car vs. Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the SUV is responsible for this collision, he or she may be liable for the injuries sustained by the cyclist. While this incident remains under investigation, the family members of the injured bicyclist would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced and knowledgeable California bicycle accident lawyer. A skilled lawyer can advise the injured victim of his best course of action to protect his rights following an injury accident such as this one in Orange County.

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VENTURA - A 12-year-old girl was hit by a school bus Thursday afternoon in front of Balboa Middle School on Woodland Street, KEYT News reported. The bus vs. pedestrian accident was reported shortly after 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2011. According to news reports, the 12-year-old was running across the street when she was struck by a westbound bus operated by the Ventura Unified School District. The student, who was not identified, was taken to Ventura County Medical Center where she was listed in stable condition. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Ventura Police Department.

Bus Accident Personal Injury Liability

While police are working to determine who was ultimately responsible for this incident, the parents of the injured girl may benefit from speaking with a California personal injury attorney knowledgeable in the unique legal issues of school zone pedestrian accidents. If the driver of the bus was operating the bus negligently, the family may be entitled to compensation for the young girl's medical care and other damages in a personal injury claim against the school district. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help the victim's family protect their and preserve their rights and understand their legal options following this incident.

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THOUSAND PALMS - Six people were hospitalized following a minivan rollover crash Thursday morning on westbound Interstate 10, near Cook Street, KPSP Local 2 News reported. The accident, involving a 2002 Mercury van registered to the Coachella Valley Unified School District, occurred around 8:49 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2011. According to the CHP, six people were injured in the crash. Two people suffered critical injuries, two people suffered moderate injuries, and two people suffered minor injuries. The occupants included a high school student, parent and staff of Coachella Valley Unified, and were part of a caravan of vehicles headed to Ontario International Airport, where the group would fly to Sacramento and then visit California State University Chico.

Due to the accident, the trip was cancelled, and the 23 students scheduled to visit the university would not get to go.

Cause of the Interstate 10 Rollover Crash

KPSP News reported that the driver of the vehicle following the van reported seeing a tire blowout before the driver lost control of the vehicle and the fan overturned. Tire blowouts can be attributed to many causes, including deferred maintenance of aging, worn tires, cargo overloading, underinflation, roadway hazards (such as potholes and debris), excessive speed, and manufacturing defects. Additionally, defective tire repairs can allow moisture to penetrate the tires and rust the steel belts. This could lead to rusting and increase the likelihood of tire failure. The CHP will likely have the tire inspected to determine if the crash was caused by a defect in the tire.

Rollover Accident Personal Injury Liability

The family members of the victims of this accident would be well-advised to speak with a knowledgeable California personal injury attorney while this March 24th accident remains under investigation. Because the van involved in the crash was owned by the school district, the CVUSD may be liable for the injured victim's medical care expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. If the accident was caused by a defect in the tire, the tire manufacturer could be liable. An accident attorney who has successfully handled claims against numerous Southern California school districts and tire manufacturers can advise the injured victims of their legal rights and best course of action to protect them. In the interest of preserving evidence and witness recollections, it is advisable to speak with an attorney as soon as possible following a rollover accident such as this one.

Continue reading "Critical Injuries Reported in School Van Rollover on Interstate 10 " »

TUSTIN - A 74-year-old Tustin woman was killed Monday morning after she was struck by a car and dragged for several blocks, the OC Register and multiple news outlets reported. The victim, identified by the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner as Berna Martinez, was crossing Red Hill Avenue at the bottom of the I-5 freeway offramp when she was hit by a Mercury Sable exiting the freeway. The driver, who apparently didn't realize what happened, continued for several blocks dragging the victim, until police stopped her as she pulled into a strip mall at Newport Avenue and Bryan Avenue. It was reportedly raining heavily when the incident occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m.

Cause of the Fatal Accident

Tustin Police are continuing to investigate the fatal March 21st incident. Police said the driver of the Mercury, 79-year-old female resident of Aliso Viejo, was not facing any charges immediately. However, that could change pending the investigation. It is unclear why the driver did not stop when she first struck Martinez. It appears that Martinez was struck in a marked crosswalk, in which case the driver should have yielded to her right of way (under California Vehicle Code Section 21950).

Wrongful Death Liability Compensation Claims

In situations were negligent driving causes the death of a pedestrian, the at-fault driver may he held liable for the death of the pedestrian. While Tustin Police are continuing to investigate the incident, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer, who can help them protect their legal rights. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer who has represented families of victims of accidents similar to this one can advise the family members of their best course of action to hold the driver - and any other negligent parties - fully accountable.

Continue reading "Elderly Woman Dies After Being Dragged by Car in Tustin Accident" »

PHELAN - A suspected DUI crash Thursday night left two people with serious injuries, the Victorville Daily Press reported. The San Bernardino County accident was reported at about 8 p.m. on Phelan Road, west of Monte Vista Road. According to reports, Suzy Ko, 43, of Victorville, was travelling east on Phelan Road when she allowed her vehicle to drift into oncoming traffic. She struck another vehicle driven by a 24-year-old woman. The 24-year-old woman and her 15-year-old passenger were both seriously injured and had to be flown to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Suzy Ko was arrested and booked in the Victor Valley County Jail.

Cause of the Phelan Road Crash

The California Highway Patrol is the agency investigating this head-on collision. If news accounts of the March 10th incident are accurate, Suzy Ko is likely responsible for this collision, because she allowed her vehicle to drift into westbound traffic and strike another vehicle head-on. However, the official cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

DUI Accident Personal Injury Liability

Injured victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries. The drunk driver may be liable for damages including medical care and treatment expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. Following a suspected drunk driving head-on collision such as this March 10th crash on Phelan Road, the injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to speak with a San Bernardino County DUI accident victim lawyer. An attorney experienced with the unique legal issues of drunk driving accidents can help the two injured victims protect their legal rights and recover the maximum financial compensation they are entitled to receive for their injuries.

Continue reading "Two People Injured in Suspected DUI Head-on Collision in Phelan " »

DIAMOND BAR - A 32-year-old Diamond Bar man was very tragically killed in a motorcycle accident Thursday afternoon on the 57 Freeway, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported. The March 10th Los Angeles County motorcycle accident was reported at about 1:40 p.m. on the southbound 57 Freeway, just south of the westbound 60 Freeway. According to the California Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist, whose identity was not released, was entering the southbound 57 Freeway from the eastbound 60 Freeway. At the same time, a 51-year-old woman in a Pontiac sedan was entering the 57 Freeway from the westbound 60 Freeway when her car began experiencing "mechanical difficulties." The motorcycle collided with a Pontiac as the driver of the Pontiac was trying to move her vehicle to the right shoulder of the freeway. The motorcyclist, who was ejected from the impact of the collision and thrown into a concrete sound wall, was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Cause of the 57 Freeway Crash

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the 57 Freeway crash. Based on the information provided in news reports, it is unclear why the collision occurred. The CHP will surely look at the speed of both vehicles, and whether either party was driving or riding negligently.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

While the investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney. If driver of the Pontiac lost control due to a defect in the vehicle, it is possible that the manufacturer of the Pontiac could be liable for this accident. If this accident was caused by driver of the Pontiac pulling into the path of the motorcyclist, the driver could be liable for the motorcyclist's wrongful death. A knowledgeable wrongful death attorney can help the victim's family protect their legal rights following this accident to hold whoever is responsible for their loved one's death accountable to the maximum extent. Although a wrongful death claim could never undo the pain of a sudden and unexpected loss in a catastrophic accident, a claim can ease the financial burdens associated with a loss and hold negligent parties financially accountable for the consequences of their actions.

Continue reading "Diamond Bar Man Killed in 57 Freeway Motorcycle Crash " »

STRATHMORE - Two men from Porterville suffered serious injuries in a head-on collision Sunday evening near Strathmore. The accident occurred just before 7 p.m. on Road 224 south of Avenue 176 on March 6, 2011. According to CHP reports, Antonio Pezzi, 27, of Sacramento, was driving northbound on Road 224 in a 2003 Chevy Malibu, while at the same time, Abdur Razaq, 56, of Porterville, was driving a 2004 southbound on the same road. Pezzi swerved to avoid striking an animal on the road and lost control of his vehicle. His Malibu went onto the eastbound shoulder and then to the left into southbound traffic, where he collided with Razaq's Honda. Razdaq, who suffered major injuries, was pinned in his vehicle and had to be extricated. He was taken to Community Regional Medical Center along with his passenger, Gulam Mustafa, 71, also of Porterville. Pezzi sustained moderate injuries in the crash but told paramedics that he would seek his own treatment. His 22-year-old passenger was not injured.

Cause of the March 6th Accident

The cause of this Tulare County head-on collision remains under investigation by the CHP. If news accounts are accurate, it is likely that the driver of the Honda could have done anything to avoid the head-on collision.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

If the driver of the Chevy Malibu is determined to be responsible for this crash, he may be liable for the serious injuries sustained by the two occupants of the Honda. After any serious injury accident, injured victims are well-advised to contact an experienced California car accident attorney. A lawyer who has represented numerous victims of head-on collisions such as this one can advise the victims of their best course of action to protect their legal rights and recover maximum compensation for their injuries. If the driver of the other vehicle is responsible for the accident, the injured victims may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Porterville Men Seriously Injured in Head-On Crash " »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY -- A 21-year-old Phelan woman was tragically killed Saturday night in a multi-vehicle collision in Victorville, the San Bernardino Sun and Victorville Daily Press reported. The victim, Brittany Michele Davis, was driving a 1998 red Chevy Cavalier westbound on Bear Valley Road near Seventh Avenue when two vehicles travelling eastbound on Bear Valley Road collided. One of the vehicles, a Nissan Titan pickup truck struck the center median and rolled into westbound traffic where it struck Davis's car. The driver of the vehicle that collided with the Nissan, possibly a white Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon, fled the scene. Anyone with information regarding the driver of the white SUV involved in the crash is urged to call the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Hesperia Sheriff's Station at (760) 947-1525 or the WeTip hotline at 800-78-Crime.

The Victorville Daily Press reported that Brittany Davis was a young mother. Our condolences go out to her family and everyone who knew her and loved her. We hope that the driver who fled the scene of this crash will be located by law enforcement soon, or will be contact authorities.

Cause of the March 5th Crash

The cause of this fatal March 5th Victorville accident remains under investigation, and it is not clear who was at fault. However, if news reports are accurate, it is likely that the victim, Brittany Davis, likely could have nothing to avoid being struck by the wreckage of the initial collision. It is unclear why the Nissan Titan and the other SUV-type vehicle (whose driver fled the scene) collided.

Fatal Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

The loss of a family member is devastating and life-changing. After a tragic and heartbreaking fatal crash such as this one, the family members of the Brittany Davis would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California wrongful death attorney. A lawyer who has represented dozens of victims of fatal accidents involving hit and run drivers can help the victim's family protect their rights to hold the driver and any other responsible parties accountable for their loss in a wrongful death claim. A skilled attorney can also arrange an inspection of the accident location to determine if a dangerous road condition may have been a factor in the crash, in which case the governmental agency responsible for the maintenance of the road could be liable. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings the victim would have earned for her family, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship.

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