Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

VENTURA COUNTY - According to the Ventura County Star, a July 26th, 2011 collision between two vehicles left one pedestrian injured. The crash took place at the corner of Pleasant Valley and Bard roads in Oxnard at approximately 5:24 p.m. The pedestrian, who was not identified by police, was taken to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. Oxnard police are investigating the cause of the collision, in which one of the vehicles fled the scene of the accident.

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident caused by the negligent or careless actions of another person, contact a skilled Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney for a free case consultation.

Continue reading "Oxnard Motor Vehicle Accident Injures Pedestrian " »

RANCHO MIRAGE - A 41-year-old man died when he was struck by a pickup truck on Highway 111 Saturday night, KPSP Local 2 News reported. According to news accounts, the 41-year-old man, who has not been identified, was riding his bicycle eastbound in the westbound lanes of traffic when he was struck by a pickup truck heading westbound. The accident was reported aroun 10:50 p.m. on July 23, 2011, on Highway 111 near Atrium Way. The bicyclist died of his injuries at the scene of the crash. The cause of the fatal Riverside County bicycle accident remains under investigation. It was not immediately clear whether alcohol contributed to the crash.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Struck and Killed on Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage " »

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY - KION Central Coast News reported two Grover Beach teenagers suffered major injuries Sunday night after being struck by a pickup truck at the intersection of Grand Avenue and 7th Street. The July 24th Grover Beach pedestrian accident was reported around 9:00 p.m. According to police reports, the 17-year-old and 18-year-old girls, who were not identified, were in a crosswalk when they were struck. They were taken to the hospital with serious injuries, including multiple bone fractures. The 19-year-old man driving the pickup truck that hit the girls was not injured.

Cause of the July 24th Accident

Based on the limited details provided in news reports, it is not clear why the driver of the pickup truck did not yield to the teenagers crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. Grover Beach Police officers are investigating the cause of the pedestrian accident, and will determine whether the driver was responsible for this major injury accident.

Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability

Following a serious injury pedestrian accident such as this July 24th incident on Grand Avenue, the parents of the injured teens would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California pedestrian accident attorney. A lawyer who understands the unique legal issues of intersection accidents and collisions that occur in marked crosswalks can help the injured victims protect their legal rights to recover maximum compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. In the event that the driver was uninsured or underinsured, a lawyer can also evaluate the families' rights and options to possibly pursue an injury claim against their own insurance holder.

Continue reading "Grover Beach Teens Seriously Injured in Crosswalk Accident " »

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - An apparent road rage incident involving two motorists Tuesday night left a 62-year-old bicyclist dead, the Los Angeles Times reported. According to news reports, a 37-year-old man driving a Chevrolet Avalanche and a 23-year-old woman driving a Kia engaged in some sort of dispute while driving northbound on Figueroa Street at about 7:30 p.m. on July 19th. The two vehicles turned left on 8th Street. The driver of the Avalanche tried to pass the Kia on the right, and struck and killed the bicyclist, who was not identified. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the fatal crash.

Cause of the Fatal Bicycle Accident

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. However, if news reports are true, the bicyclist likely could have done nothing to avoid being struck by the driver of the Chevy Avalanche, who was reportedly honking and screaming at the driver of the other vehicle.

Road Rage Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Road rage is a major distraction that takes drivers' focus and attention off the road. Drivers who cause fatal accident while engaged in arguments or disputes may be liable for the consequences of their actions in a wrongful death claim. Folllowing an accident such as this one, the family member of the cyclist who needlessly lost his life would be well-advised to contact an experienced and knowledgeable Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer. A skilled attorney can help the victims' family protect their rights to hold accountable whoever was responsible for their loved one's needless death.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Fatally Struck in Apparent Road Rage Incident Involving Two Drivers " »

TULARE COUNTY - The Fresno Bee reported a 53-year-old Farmersville woman suffered major injuries Tuesday night in a collision at Road 132 and Avenue 336. According to the CHP, the victim, Silvia De Sanchez, was driving her Buick Century northbound on Road 132 when she was broadsided by an eastbound Jeep Cherokee that failed to yield to a stop sign at the intersection.

The driver of the Jeep, Joshua Labogin, 19, was not injured. A 49-year-old woman in the Buick, Teresa Mendoza, of Mesquite, NV, suffered minor injuries. The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident.

Accidents like this one can be avoided. Although the cause of this July 19th injury accident is still under investigation, if news accounts in the Fresno Bee are accurate, the driver of the Jeep is likely responsible for the accident for failing to yield to the stop sign. Accident victims who are hurt due to the negligence of another driver may be entitled to compensation in a personal injury claim for damages, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering and other damages.

While this Tulare County car accident is under investigation, the injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable California car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help the injured victims protect their legal rights and recover maximum compensation for their injuries in a personal injury claim.

Continue reading "Farmersville Woman Hurt in Crash Near Ivanhoe " »

ALHAMBRA - The Alhambra Source reported that Bo Feng, 17 of San Gabriel, a 2011 graduate of Gabrielino High with plans to attend San Diego State University, tragically died Monday night after being struck by a car Friday at the intersection of New Avenue and Shorb Street. Feng was transported to USC Medical Center with criticial injuries and later died. Although the incident was initially reported as a hit-and-run, the Alhambra Source reported the 73-year-old driver that struck Feng identified herself and is reportedly cooperating with investigators. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact investigators at 626-308-2835.

Cause of the Fatal Pedestrian Accident

Based on the conflicted and limited information provided in news accounts, it is unclear what exactly happened. It is not clear if Feng was in a crosswalk when she was struck, and how fast the vehicle was travelling when the collision occurred. Pedestrian safety is a serious issue in Alhambra; a 2009 study by the California Office of Traffic Safety found that Alhambra ranked 16th on the list of 104 cities that reported pedestrian accidents.

Negligence and Wrongful Death Liability

Fatal pedestrian collisions are often called "accidents" - but many are really preventable tragedies. If the driver of the vehicle that struck Feng is determined to be responsible for causing this accident, she may be liable for the victim's wrongful death. Following a fatal accident such as this July 15th Alhambra pedestrian accident, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney. If the negligence of the driver (or another third party) was a factor in this accident, the family may pursue a wrongful death claim to hold accountable whoever was responsible for their loss. Damages obtained in a wrongful death action may include final medical care costs, anticipated future lifetime earnings, and loss of love, affection and companionship.

Continue reading "Alhambra: 17-Year-Old Dies Following Pedestrian Accident " »

ALHAMBRA - The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported Valerie Viamonte, 27, of Inglewood was tragically killed Sunday night after she was thrown from a motorcycle on the 10 Freeway. The accident was reported at 6:48 p.m. Sunday, July 17, 2011 on the westbound 10 (San Bernardino). According to reports in the Daily Breeze, Viamonte was riding a Yamaha YZFR-6 operated by a 29-year-old Paramount man. The driver lost control of the bike and struck a raised median, throwing Viamonte onto the No. 3. Lane, where she was struck by a 2011 Lexus GS350 driven by a 29-year- old Arcadia man. Viamonte died at the scene of the crash. The motorcycle operator suffered only minor injuries.

What Caused this Accident?

Based on the limited information provided in news accounts, the cause of the accident is not 100% clear. Although it was reported that the driver of the motorcycle was speeding, it is unclear what Viamonte's fate would have been had she not been struck by the Lexus. It is also unclear how fast the Lexus was travelling when the secondary collision occurred. The CHP will look to answer these questions in others in determining why this accident occurred, and who was at fault.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

The CHP is investigating this Interstate 10 Alhambra motorcycle accident and will determine whether the motorcycle operator, the driver of the Lexus, or both in part, were responsible for this accident. While the investigation is ongoing, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney. A skilled lawyer who understands the unique legal issues of multi-vehicle accidents involving motorcycles can advise the victim's family of their legal rights and options should they consider pursuing a wrongful death claim against whoever was responsible for their loved one's death.

Continue reading "Inglewood Woman Killed in Alhambra Motorcycle Accident " »

LOS ANGELES - The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported Aaron Scott Ham, 27, and Fernando Cortez, 24, both died at the scene of a solo vehicle accident Saturday morning in Hacienda Heights. The accident was reported at 8:45 a.m. on Turnbull Canyon Road, just west of Skyline Drive. According to a CHP statement, Ham was driving westbound at an unknown speed when for unknown reasons, his vehicle went off the side of the road and came to rest about 300 feet down an embankment. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call the CHP Santa Fe Springs office at (562)858-0503. The cause of the July 16th double fatal accident remains under investigation.

Continue reading "Two Men Killed in Hacienda Heights Crash " »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY - A 50-year-old woman and an 11-year-old girl were both tragically killed Sunday night in an SUV rollover crash in Mountain Pass on Interstate 15, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The July 17th accident was reported at 10:18 p.m. on northbound I-15, north of Yates Well Road, west of Nipton, CA and south of Primm, NV. Paramedics found a silver 1999 Isuzu Rodeo had overturned into a ditch. The Sun reported two people died at the scene and the driver and two other passengers were taken to University Hospital in Las Vegas. The fast lane of I-15 was closed for five hours while CHP officers conducted an investigation.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner identified the victims as Patricia Vargas, 50, of Las Vegas, and Maria Lopez, 11, of Mexico. According to the press release, both victims were not wearing seat belts and were ejected from the vehicle when it overturned after the tread on one of the vehicle's tires separated, causing the driver to lose control.

Interstate 15 Rollover Accidents

Interstate 15 in San Bernardino County has been the location of dozens of serious injury or fatal vehicle rollover accidents over the years. Just last month, two Nevada woman were killed in an Interstate 15 rollover accident near Baker. In May, a 37-year-old Los Angeles man died in a SUV rollover crash in the Cajon Pass. In November 2010, a 61-year-old Las Vegas woman died in a vehicle rollover on I-15 near Zzyzx Road. In July 2010, an Oro Grande man died in a Ford Explorer rollover crash on northbound I-15 in the Cajon pass. And in March 2010, a Rancho Cucamonga couple was killed in a Ford Explorer rollover on southbound I-15. These accidents are just a few of the accidents that happen on a weekly basis on I-15 throughout the county of San Bernardino.

Vehicle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Every car accident has unique causes and resulting liability issues. Depending on the exact circumstances of how an accident occurs, if negligence was a cause or factor, victims and their families may be entitled to compensation in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Following a fatal rollover accident where the cause is unclear, victims' families would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable California SUV rollover accident attorney. A skilled lawyer can review the accident report, and if appropriate, arrange to have the vehicle and/or accident location inspected for dangerous conditions, flaws or defects. Many SUV rollover accidents are the result of manufacturing or design defects in the vehicles themselves, in which case the manufacturer of the vehicle may be liable victims' deaths resulting from a fatal accident.

Continue reading "Woman and Child Killed in Interstate 15 Crash Near Nevada State Line " »

DESERT HOT SPRINGS - The Desert Sun reported that a 5-year-old boy who was gravely injured after being hit by a car Thursday night was taken off life support this weekend. The boy, who was not immediately identified by the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner, was crossing Palm Drive between Camino Campesino and Camino Aventura at about 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2011 . The boy was reportedly not wearing a helmet when he attempted to cross (east to west) ahead of his father and other friends and family, and was subsequently struck by a vehicle. The driver of the car stopped and cooperated with police. According to the Desert Sun, the driver was not suspected of speeding or driving under the influence. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact Desert Hot Springs Police at (760)329-2904.

The loss of a child is heartbreaking and devastating. Please keep this little boy's family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Without more information, it is impossible to tell what happened here. This accident raises a number of questions, most importantly, could the driver have prevented this collision? While the investigation by police is ongoing, the family members of the young victim may benefit from speaking with an experienced California wrongful death lawyer.

Accidents like this one often have very complex issues. If the negligence of the driver - or a dangerous road condition caused or contributed to this devastating accident, the victim's family may choose to pursue a claim against the negligent party. An attorney who specializes in accidents involving children can advise the victim's family of their legal rights and best course of action following the accident.

Continue reading "5-Year-Old Boy Dies Following Desert Hot Springs Accident " »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY - A 26-year-old Hesperia man tragically died Monday afternoon in a three-vehicle collision on Highway 18 (Palmdale Road) in Phelan, the Press-Enterprise and multiple other news outlets reported. According to reports by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner, the victim, Daniel Crihfield, was travelling eastbound on State Route 18 in a 1991 Ford Ranger. He attempted to pass a Toyota Tacoma Pickup truck that was ahead of him stopped to make a left turn on Mescalero Road.

The Ford struck the rear of the Toyota, and the impact caused the Ford to rotate and come to rest in the westbound lanes of Highway 18. The disabled Ford was then struck by a GMC Trailblazer travelling at an estimated 55 mph. Crihfield was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and a 9-year-old girl in the Chevy Trailblazer suffered minor to moderate injuries and were taken to Desert Regional Medical Center.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

The cause of the accident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. According to the Victorville Daily Press, alcohol was not believed to be a contributing factor. Based on the limited information provided in news accounts, the exact cause of the accident is not clear and it is impossible to speculate who is at fault. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims of this accident would be well-advised to contact an experienced and knowledgeable San Bernardino car accident lawyer. An attorney who understands the complex legal issues of multi-vehicle car accidents can advise the victims and their families of their legal rights to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim against whoever is determined to be responsible.

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GLEN AVON - Two children very tragically died Monday when a Mitsubishi Montero SUV loaded with eight passengers overturned on eastbound Highway 60, the Press-Enterprise reported. The vehicle was travelling from the Los Angeles area heading to a Fourth of July outing at Lake Perris when the vehicle overturned after an apparent tire blowout near Pyrite Street. According to news accounts, the vehicle overturned at about 9:45 a.m. Two children, ages 6 and 14, died at the scene of the crash. The six surviving passengers were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to major. The CHP reported that only three passengers, including an infant in a child carrier, were properly seat belted. No one in the rear seat appeared to be wearing a seat belt.

Cause of the Highway 60 Accident

The CHP stated that the Montero SUV would be inspected and witnesses would be interviewed as part of their investigation. Officers at the scene ruled out alcohol to be a factor in the crash. It was reported that it appeared the driver slammed on the brakes and turned sharply after the tire blew out. It is unclear what caused the tire to blow out.

Tire Blowout Personal Injury Liability Issues

Tire blowouts can have a number of causes, including deferred maintenance, underinflation, cargo overloading, and tire manufacturing defects. If the tire blowout is determined to be caused by a defective tire, the injured victims and their family members of the deceased victims may consider filing a product liability personal injury or wrongful death claim against the tire manufacturer. Because claims against tire or vehicle manufacturers are complex and difficult, it is important for injured victims to work with an experienced and knowledgeable California personal injury attorney. A lawyer who has represented numerous victims of SUV rollover accidents resulting from tire blowouts can advise victims and their families of their legal rights and best course of action following an accident should they wish to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Two Children Killed, Six People Injured in Highway 60 Rollover Accident In Glen Avon " »

GRANADA HILLS - A 30-year-old Northridge man was tragically killed in a crash Saturday morning on Chatsworth Street, the Los Angeles Times reported. The accident occurred near Zelzah Avenue at 9:45 a.m. The motorcyclist, Michael Roberts, who was wearing a helmet, was riding a Ducati motorcycle eastbound on Chatsworth Street when a Toyota Camry pulled out in front of him mid-block. Roberts was ejected from his bike and subsequently rushed to Northridge Hospital Medical Center, where he died about two hours after the crash. The driver, Helen Heanue, 80, was also taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. Valley Traffic Detectives are investigating the cause of the July 2nd crash.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability Issues

If investigators determine the driver failed to yield to the right of way of Roberts' motorcycle, the driver may be responsible for the motorcyclist's death. Following any fatal motorcycle accident, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking with an experienced and knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer. An attorney who understands the unique legal issues of car vs. motorcycle accidents can advise the victim's family of the legal rights and options should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim. Damages obtained in a wrongful death claim may include funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and benefits the decedent would have earned over a lifetime, and loss of love, care, affection guidance and companionship.

Continue reading "Northridge Man Killed in Granada Hills Motorcycle Crash " »

SANTA ANA- A 60-year-old woman from Santa Ana was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in the 2700 block of 17th Street around 9:30pm on June 28th. She died early the next morning from her injuries after being transported to the UCI Medical Center.

Maria Ramirez was jaywalking when a 2005 Nissan Altima struck her about 50 feet east of the 17th Street intersection with Nancy Lane. The driver remained at the scene and was described as "cooperative."

Cause of the Accident
Santa Ana police are still investigating but say that, "there is no evidence of intoxication on the part of the driver or the pedestrian."

Pedestrian Accident Liability
News accounts are unclear on whether the driver could have avoided the pedestrian. If negligence of the driver was a factor in this collision, the victim's family may be entitled to compensation in a personal injury claim. Likewise, if the pedestrian is found to be at fault for not crossing in a designated area, then the driver may choose to seek recourse for any damage or injuries that occurred. A skilled Orange County personal injury lawyer can review the police report and advise on legal rights and options, and best course of action following this accident.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Pedestrian Killed by Vehicle" »