Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

A tow truck driver was arrested Tuesday afternoon after striking a mom and her two young children in a marked crosswalk in Oxnard. The accident occurred at the intersection of Vineyard Boulevard and Simon Way. According to police, the tow truck driver was turning left from westbound Simon Way to southbound Vineyard Avenue on a green light. The young mother, Alma Lopez, 19, was pushing her stroller across Vineyard on a green light in a marked crosswalk. Lopez was struck by the tow truck, driven by Mehran Khamseh, 45, of Santa Barbara, and thrown to the ground, and the stroller was pinned under the flatbed truck and dragged more than a quarter of a mile. The accident occurred at about 12:07 p.m. Tuesday.

Lopez suffered moderate injuries and her two children, a 3-year-old girl and a 1-year-old boy, suffered critical injuries. They were treated at Ventura County Medical Center. Khamseh was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs. According to the Ventura County Star, Khamseh was held in jail without bail on suspicion of DUI, parole hold and immigration hold. Court records showed several prior traffic infractions. Khamseh was also convicted in 2008 of making terrorist threats and petty theft with a prior, both felonies.

Cause of the Major Injury Crash

The Oxnard Police Department is still continuing their investigation. Anyone with information about this major injury collision is asked to contact Officer Maria Pena of the Oxnard PD at 805-385-7750. However, if news reports are accurate, this crash was almost certainly caused by the driver of the tow truck.

Pedestrian Knockdown Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

This accident has unique legal issues because it involved a tow truck (as opposed to a passenger vehicle). If Khamseh was driving a company-owned tow truck, the towing company may be liable for the injuries of the three victims, including medical expenses, future medical care costs, lost earnings related to the victims' injuries, and pain and suffering. In situations where gross negligence or drug or alcohol use are involved, punitive damages may also be available. While this crash remains under investigation, the family members of the three victims would be well-advised to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A skilled and knowledgeable lawyer who has represented victims of pedestrian accidents involving commercial vehicles can help the victims' family protect their legal rights to ensure they receive nothing less than the maximum compensation they are entitled to.

Continue reading "Mother and Two Children Struck by Tow Truck Driver in Oxnard Crosswalk " »

The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner reported that Benjamin Anthony Romero, 35, of Lucerne Valley, tragically died Monday night in a motorcycle accident on Highway 18. The Lucerne Valley crash occurred in the eastbound lanes of the highway, near Cody Road, at 8:25 p.m. on July 26, 2010.

According to news reports, Romero collided with the side of a 2004 Dodge pickup truck that was in front of him, when it made a right turn. The impact forced him off the bike. He was then struck by a westbound 2005 Ford pickup truck.

Cause of the Highway 18 Motorcycle Crash

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the accident. Based on the limited information provided in news reports of this incident, it is impossible to tell who was responsible for the crash. The CHP will surely look at factors such as the speed of the motorcycle, and both pickup trucks, as well as possible impairment of any other drivers, and whether or not the Dodge made a safe turning maneuver.

Continue reading "Lucerne Valley Man Killed in Highway 18 Motorcycle Crash " »

A 58-year-old Upland man died Tuesday after he was struck by a Toyota Camry while crossing the street, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner reported. The man, Frank Raymond Clark, was crossing Euclid Avenue at Ninth Street, when he fell of the curb and in front of a 1995 Toyota Camry stopped at a red light. According to news reports in the Press Enterprise, the woman driving the Camry did not see Clark fall in the street, and began to conduct a right turn, and ran him over. The July 20th accident occurred at 6:16 p.m. Clark was taken to San Antonio Community Hospital where he died of his injuries shortly before 7 p.m.

Our condolences go to the family of Frank Clark and everyone who knew and loved him for their unexpected loss in this devastating accident. Please keep his loved ones in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Cause of the Upland Pedestrian Accident

The Upland Police Department is the agency investigating this San Bernardino County fatal pedestrian accident. However, if news reports of this incident are accurate, it appears that the driver of the Camry, who was making a right turn on a red light, caused this crash by failing to see Clark. Police are looking into why he fell back into the street after he had made his way across the intersection.

Wrongful Death Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are vulnerable at busy intersections, when drivers are not always looking for pedestrians. When a driver fails to see a pedestrian when he or she reasonably should have, the driver may be liable for a pedestrian's wrongful death. In situations such as this one, while Police are still investigating an accident, family members of a victim of an accident would be well advised to seek a consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer about the family's rights and options in a wrongful death claim. A skilled lawyer who has represented families of pedestrians killed at intersections can help the family understand and protect their legal rights following an accident.

Continue reading "Upland Man Struck and Killed Crossing Street " »

One woman died Thursday morning following a violent three-car crash in Anaheim, the OC Register reported. The July 15th Orange County accident, which occurred at 8:35 a.m., involved a green Nissan sedan, a blue Chevrolet pickup truck, and a black Honda Civic. According to news reports, the green Nissan sedan driven by Isabel Tizapan, 46, was headed north on Blue Gum Street, while at the same time the blue pickup truck was headed east on Miraloma Avenue. Both vehicles collided as they entered the intersection. The collision forced the wreckage into the black Honda Civic, which was stopped on Mira Loma Avenue.

Isabel Tizapan died of her injuries at the scene of the crash, and a male passenger in her vehicle suffered possibly life-threatening injuries. The driver of the pickup truck suffered minor injuries, and the female driver of the Civic did not suffer serious injuries. Both the driver of the Civic and the driver of the pickup truck were interviewed by Anaheim Police.

Cause of the Car Accident

Police are investigating the cause of the crash. It is not clear based on the news reports which vehicle had the right of way, or if there was a malfunction with one of the traffic light signals at the intersection. It is likely that either the driver of the pickup truck or the driver of the sedan ran a red light. Any witnesses that have not already spoken to investigators are asked to contact the Anaheim Police Department at (714) 765-1861.

Wrongful Death Liability Considerations

Based on the news reports, it is not clear who is responsible for this very tragic intersection accident. It appears this collision is probably caused by a one of the vehicle's failing to yield to the right of way of another. Investigators are still working to determine exactly what happened. When a driver dies in a car accident, family members may benefit from speaking to an experienced California wrongful death lawyer who can help the family understand who is responsible for an accident, and explain the family members' legal rights. If the driver of the Nissan is determined to have not caused this crash, her family may be entitled to financial compensation for her wrongful death from whoever is determined to be responsible for the accident.

Continue reading "Driver Killed, Passenger Critically Injured in Three Car Crash in Anaheim " »

Six people were taken to area hospitals after a major three-car accident Monday morning in Pasadena, the Pasadena Star-News reported. The July 5th crash occurred at the intersection of Orange Grove Boulevard and East Sierra Madre Boulevard, at about 11:45 a.m. At least three vehicles were involved in the collision. Although only limited details were available, the collision was reportedly caused by a driver of one of the vehicles running a red light. A 34-year-old woman in one of the vehicles and an 78-year-old man who was a passenger in her car both suffered serious injuries. Three of the passengers in another vehicle had to be extricated by Pasadena firefighters. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Update: Los Angeles County Coroner's officials said July 6th that the 78-year-old man injured in this crash died as a result of his injuries. He was identified as Herbert Velasco, of Pasadena.

Intersection Accidents

About one-third of all auto accident take place at intersections. Most Los Angeles intersection accidents are caused by distracted or negligent drivers, but others are caused by poor intersection design and malfunctioning traffic lights. In any accident involving serious injury at an intersection, victims are well-advised to talk to an attorney about their accident, and protecting and preserving their legal rights in a personal injury claim. A skilled Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help victims obtain maximum compensation for their injuries and medical expenses, lost earnings and wages, emotional pain and suffering, and other expenses related to an accident.

Continue reading "Six People Injured in Pasadena Intersection Accident " »

A 76-year-old Upland man died Tuesday, less than two hours after a three-vehicle crash that ended a short police pursuit, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reported. The fatal June 29th crash occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m. near 16th Street/Baseline Road. According to news reports, on Sunday, an Upland resident reported two cars stolen from his garage. On Tuesday, a Claremont police officer spotted a silver BMW sedan without a license plate near Padua Avenue and Baseline Road. According to the Daily Bulletin, the Claremont officer had no knowledge of the burglary two days earlier.

The driver of the BMW, Brett Joseph Fagan, 25, of Corona, sped off, and the Claremont Police officer pursued. Just seconds later, in the area of Baseline Road/ W 16th Street (State Highway 30) and N Benson Avenue, the stolen vehicle broadsided a Dodge Dakota pickup truck driven by William Blanchard, 76, of Upland. Blanchard was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center where he died at 11:18 a.m.

Fagan, who according to the Claremont Police Department has an extensive criminal history, fled the scene on foot and was arrested a short time later on suspicion of murder, vehicular manslaughter, felony evading causing a death and a parole violation. He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga with no bail.

Cause of the Crash

If news reports are accurate, Brett Fagan, the driver of the stolen vehicle, caused the fatal collision. Claremont Police reported that the BMW entered the intersection of Baseline Road against a solid red light and struck vehicles lawfully in the intersection.

Police Pursuit Accidents

According to the NHTSA, about 400 innocent bystanders die each year in police pursuit collisions, and several thousand more are injured. Southern California has the highest police pursuit rates in the country. Earlier this month, a 6-year-old girl tragically died when she was struck by a car fleeing a Los Angeles Police Department squad car on a residential street (see LA Times article).

Continue reading "Police Pursuit Ends in Death of Elderly Upland Man " »

A 45-year-old Ontario motorcyclist tragically died Sunday after being struck by a Ford Ranger pickup truck making a left turn, the San Bernardino Press Enterprise reported. The accident occurred at 11:25 a.m. on Turner Avenue in Ontario, at the intersection of Silver Saddle Street. According to news reports, Enrique Jose Salas, 45, of Ontario, was riding his Honda motorcycle southbound on Turner. A 2002 Ford Ranger pickup truck travelling from Silver Saddle onto northbound Turner struck Salas. He was taken by ambulance to Chino Valley Medical Center where he died shortly after 12:00 p.m. The Ontario Police Department is investigating the June 13th motorcycle accident.

Ontario Motorcycle Accident Prevention

Ironically and sadly, this Ontario motorcycle accident happened on the same day that the Ontario Police Department was conducting a special traffic enforcement detail aimed at motorcycle safety and motorists that put motorcycle riders in danger (see San Bernardino Sun article). Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to the Ontario PD, Between October 2007 and October 2009 there were two motorcyclists killed in Ontario.

Wrongful Death Liability Considerations

While this Ontario motorcycle accident remains under investigation, the family of Enrique Salas would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible about this incident. If news reports are accurate and the driver of the pickup truck is found responsible for this accident, the family of the victim may be entitled to financial compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim to cover final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care and companionship. A skilled attorney can help the victims protect their rights and advise them of their best course of action going forward, should they wish to pursue a claim.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Struck and Killed June 13th in Ontario " »

A 12-year-old Los Angeles girl and her 21-year-old cousin tragically died Sunday night when a suspected drunk driver ran a stop sign and struck the vehicle they were riding in, the San Bernardino Sun reported today.

The fatal intersection accident occurred at North Macy Street and Mesa at 8:25 p.m., the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner said in a press release. According to reports, the 12-year-old girl, Sandra Ceballos, was a passenger in the rear-middle seat of a silver 2004 Kia Optima travelling southbound on North Macy Street in Muscoy. Her cousin, Timothy Sigala Jr., the front seat passenger, was critically injured.

A 1998 Chevy pickup truck travelling eastbound on Mesa reportedly failed to stop at the stop-sign and broadsided the Kia. The collision forced the Kia into a wooden fence and the vehicle came to rest against a nearby palm tree.

San Bernardino Fire Department responders arrived at the scene approximately five minutes after the crash and found Ceballos dead at the scene. Timothy Sigala Jr. was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he was removed from life support Monday night. Ceballos' mother and 14-year-old brother were also badly injured in the accident.

Our sympathy and condolences out to the family of Sandra Ceballos and Timothy Sigala and everyone who knew and loved them. Please keep their family in your prayers. We hope the others hurt in this crash make a full recovery.

Cause of the Crash

Although the cause of the accident is still under investigation by the CHP, the San Bernardino Sun stated that the driver of the Chevy ran a stop sign. The Press-Enterprise reported Monday that the driver of the Chevy, Alexander Velasco, 21, of San Bernardino, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. If news reports are accurate, the driver of the Chevy truck caused this crash by making the decision to drink and drive. Crashes caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable.

DUI Laws in California

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law under California Vehicle Code (CVC) § 23152(1), which states "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." The driver, if he was determined to be under the influence of alcohol, will likely face charges of vehicular manslaughter for the death of the young girl killed in this crash. Under California Penal Code § 191.5 (a) Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

Continue reading "Two Killed, Two Injured in Muscoy Car Accident; Driver Arrested " »

A 64-year-old resident of Twentynine Palms was tragically struck and killed by a Ford Aerostar van on Highway 62 (29 Palms Highway) on Friday night, the Contra Costa Times reported today. The accident occurred at the intersection of California State Route 62 and Alpine Avenue around 11 p.m. on April 30th. The bicyclist, identified by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner as William Brummet, was taken by ambulance to Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree where he died shortly after midnight.

The cause of the fatal bicycle accident is under investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Major Accident Investigation Team. Anyone with additional information regarding the crash is asked to call the Sheriff's Department at 760-366-4175.

Cause of the Crash and Wrongful Death Liability

The cause of the accident is under investigation, and at this point it is still not clear what exactly happened. However, if news reports are accurate, it appears that the driver of the van struck the cyclist, causing the collision. While the accident remains under investigation, the family of William Brummet may benefit from talking to a San Bernardino County wrongful death attorney about the liability issues involved and the family's rights to compensation in a possible wrongful death claim.

If the driver is found to be negligent and caused this crash, the family may be entitled to compensation for their loss, including funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, and loss of companionship. An attorney skilled in the legal issues of bicycle accidents can monitor the official investigation and explain the family's legal rights, options and obligations, and also advise the family of their best course of action to protect their rights.

Continue reading "Twentynine Palms Bicyclist Struck and Killed on Highway 62 " »

A 15-year-old Rialto teenager was tragically killed Wednesday afternoon after he was hit by a pickup truck on Grove Avenue in Ontario, authorities reported. The April 21st accident occurred at 2:16 p.m., north of 5th Street. The San Bernardino County Coroner identified the victim as Jesus Valencia of Rialto. According to reports in the San Bernardino Sun, the teenager was attempting to cross the street from the west side to the east side. He made it across southbound lanes, and the car in the fast lane saw him and stopped. The 21-year-old driver in the second northbound lane did not see the boy and struck him.

Valencia was taken to San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, where he died. The driver was not arrested and the cause of the San Bernardino County pedestrian accident is under investigation. Anyone with information about the accident may contact traffic investigators at (909)395-2800.

A Dangerous Intersection?

The San Bernardino Sun reported that between 2006 and 2008, the intersection of Grove Avenue and Fifth Street has been the location of three separate traffic accidents involving fatalities. It is not clear if there were any accidents in 2009. In response to the prior accidents, "medians" consisting of several orange reflective sticks were installed to separate northbound lanes and southbound lanes.

Pedestrian Accident and Wrongful Death Liability

Based on the news reports of this crash, it is not clear who was at fault. Even though the teen was not in a crosswalk, if the driver of the pickup truck was speeding or otherwise should have seen the boy, he may be held liable for this accident. The family of Jesus Valencia would be well-advised to speak to a San Bernardino wrongful death attorney about this pedestrian accident as soon as possible.

An attorney can also look at the reports of the other fatal traffic accidents at this same location and determine if this accident could have been prevented, based on information learned or safety improvement recommendations made after the prior accidents at this same location. Depending on the circumstances, the family may be entitled to monetary compensation for the loss of their loved one in a wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "15-Year-Old Rialto Boy Killed by Pickup Truck in Ontario " »

A 36-year-old Rialto woman died Monday night after a crash at a Fontana intersection, authorities reported. The fatal February 22 San Bernardino County accident occurred at Foothill Boulevard and Laurel Avenue at about 5:50 p.m. According to reports in the Fontana Herald, Yesenia Lopez was driving south on Laurel Avenue in a silver 2002 Honda Accord when she was broadsided in the intersection of Foothill Boulevard by a white 2009 Kia Spectra travelling westbound. Lopez was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center where she died of her injuries. The male driver of the Kia was not injured.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Yesenia Lopez and everyone who knew and loved her. Please keep her family and close friends in your prayers.

It is not known if the driver of the Kia ran a red light, if there was a traffic light malfunction, or what happened to cause this incident. The Fontana Police Department is the agency investigating the crash. While this collision remains under investigation, the family of Yesenia Lopez may benefit from speaking with an experienced San Bernardino wrongful death attorney. If the other driver caused the accident or some other dangerous roadway condition, such as a malfunctioning traffic light caused this accident, the family may be entitled to damages from their loved one's wrongful death.

Continue reading "Rialto Woman Killed In Fontana Intersection Accident " »

A 22-year-old Costa Mesa man was arrested early Sunday morning following a fatal intersection accident around 2:30 a.m. in Orange County. Gustavo Adrian Vega was driving a white 2008 Toyota Tundra southbound on S. Flower Street, when he ran a red light at Sunflower Avenue and Sakioka Drive, colliding with a 2008 Toyota Corolla driven by Hao A. Nguyen. The Tundra struck the passenger side of the Corolla and killed 20-year-old Cara A. Lee, from Santa Ana. Authorities reported Vega had gotten into a previous collision in Santa Ana and was fleeing the scene of that crash when the fatal accident occurred. The driver of the Corolla, Hao Nguyen, was also arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The February 14th accident is the first DUI-related fatality in Costa Mesa this year. Vega, who suffered only minor scrapes, was arrested on suspicion of murder, felony hit and run, driving under the influence, and possession of a controlled substance. He is being held in lieu of $1.05 million bail.

Please keep the family of Cara Lee in your prayers. Our thoughts go out to everyone who knew and loved her. What a devastating loss.

This fatal Orange County accident is a heartbreaking reminder of the potentially fatal consequences of drinking and driving. When car accidents are caused by the reckless, thoughtless actions of another, family members of the deceased victims may seek compensation in a wrongful death claim to cover funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship and pain and suffering. An experienced California wrongful death attorney can help victims protect their rights and recover the compensation they are rightfully entitled to.

More than two million people are injured each year in car accidents in the United States. In the state of California, there are more accidents, injuries, and fatalities in Los Angeles County than any other county in the state. If you have been injured in a Los Angeles auto accident, you likely have more than a few questions about what to do next, and how to recover fair compensation for your injuries. The videos below provide answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about auto accidents and personal injury claims, including "What is the number one mistake people make after an auto accident?".

The Los Angeles auto accident attorneys at Estey & Bomberger exclusively practice personal injury law, and have handled personal injury claims for virtually every type of Los Angeles car accident, including fender bender accidents, SUV rollovers, side-impact crashes, head-on collisions, back-up accidents, intersection accidents, and accidents involving drunk drivers, unsafe lane changes, delivery trucks, tour buses, and large trucks.

If you have been injured in a Los Angeles car accident and would like to discuss your legal rights with an experienced attorney, call Estey & Bomberger at (213)785-6828. All consultations are free, and all cases are handled on a no recovery, no fee contingency basis.

A 21-year-old Pasadena man was taken to a hospital with serious injuries Thursday afternoon after his motorcycle collided with a 2008 Honda sedan. According to police, the accident happened at 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Linda Rosa Avenue.

Police believe the motorcyclist was riding westbound on Foothill Boulevard, when he collided with the Honda. The driver of the Honda, a 46, year-old Pasadena man, was attempting to turn left from southbound Linda Rosa Avenue onto Foothill Boulevard. The motorcyclist was able to down the bike in the street, but was unable to avoid the collision. The Pasadena Star-News reported the motorcyclist suffered serious injuries, including a broken hip and broken legs, but is expected to survive.

Please keep this injured man in your prayers. We hope he makes a complete and speedy recovery from his very serious injuries.

The driver of the Honda was not arrested or cited at the scene, but police are investigating the incident. If the news reports of the this accident are correct, and the motorcyclist was not speeding, the driver of the Honda is likely at fault for pulling in front of the path of the bike. The man injured and his family would be well-advised to speak with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer who will hold the responsible party accountable for the accident and ultimately help the victim obtain the compensation he is entitled to for his injuries. Even if the driver is not cited for the collision, he still may be held accountable in a civil claim.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Injured in Accident on Foothill Boulevard in Pasadena " »

Three people were taken to area hospitals after a chain reaction crash on Newport Boulevard Tuesday afternoon in Costa Mesa. The February 9th crash was reported at 12:02 p.m. at Newport Boulevard and 19th Street. Five ambulances responded to the scene of the accident. Airbags deployed in at least one of the vehicles. All lanes of southbound Newport Boulevard were closed while authorities investigated and the scene was cleaned up.

Based on reports of the crash in the OC Register, the cause of the crash was not immediately clear. One of the vehicles, an Acura, may have been speeding. In the course of their investigation, Costa Mesa police will reconstruct the accident and determine who was at fault. We hope everyone involved in this Orange County pileup accident makes a full and speedy recovery.

The insurance aftermath of a multi-vehicle accident can be complicated. If you were injured in this accident, or any other multi-vehicle crash, it is important to choose an attorney who will protect your rights and ensure you are fully and fairly compensated. It is possible that more than one party is responsible for your injuries and damage to your vehicle. Contact an attorney experienced in handling multi-car accidents for a free consultation and review of your potential case.

Continue reading "Several Injured in Eight-Vehicle Crash in Costa Mesa " »