Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

The Los Angeles Times reported today that six people were killed in a horrific crash on Highway 395 Monday night, about five miles south of Bishop in Inyo County. The August 9th accident, which involved a southbound SUV and a northbound Ford Econoline van, happened just after 8 p.m. The driver of the SUV lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons, and drifted off the shoulder, across the center median, and into the van carrying athletes from California Baptist University in Riverside. The SUV burst into flames following the collision.

The SUV was believed to be carrying athletes on a cross-country running team from the San Diego area. The injured victims included Derek Randal Thomas, 19, of Encinitas, who was flown to West Hills Hospital in Reno, Nevada with major injuries. Drew Constantine Delis, 22, of Encinitas, who also suffered major injuries, was transported to San Joaquin Community Hospital in Bakersfield.

The LA Times reported that eleven student athletes from Cal Baptist were taken to area hospitals with minor to serious injuries: David Solis, 19, of Corona; Alyssa Neimeyer, 19, of Temecula; Brenda Perez, 20, of Riverside; Alicia Catanese, 21, of Corona; Kayla M. Beaudoin, 19, of Corona; Jennifer McGuire, 17, of Stevenson Ranch; Miguel Angel Gonzalez, 18, of Hacienda Heights; Marissa Benson, 18, of Gresham, Ore; Jonathan Hernandez, 18, of Moreno Valley; Jonathan Monteon, 18, of Chino; and Hanna Ingulsrud, 19, of Ontario.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

The cause of the August 9th crash remains under investigation. Based on the information provided in initial news reports, it is not clear who was responsible for this accident.

Highway accidents have unique and complex legal issues. In situations such as this one, while the accident is still being investigated by the California Highway Patrol, the injured victims and their families would be well-advised to contact a California personal injury lawyer. An attorney who has represented passenger victims of Highway 395 crashes can help the victims protect their legal rights following a mass casualty accident such as this one. Whether this accident was caused by a negligent driver, or a defect in one of the vehicles, an experienced highway accident lawyer will be able to help the victims protect their rights and ultimately recover the compensation they are entitled to for their injuries, or the wrongful death of a loved one.

Continue reading "Multiple Fatalities and Major Injuries Reported in Highway 395 Crash Near Bishop " »

Four people were injured in a chain-reaction accident on eastbound Interstate 10 Monday afternoon, the Desert Sun reported. The crash occurred at 2:40 p.m., west of Haugen-Lehmann Way in the Whitewater area. Accordinto to California Highway Patrol reports, five vehicles were involved in the crash. One of the vehicles, a truck, overturned, and at least one person had to be freed from a vehicle by firefighters. Four people were taken by ambulance to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. No one died in the accident.

Cause of the Interstate 10 Crash

The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident. According to news reports, the incident began when a driver cut off another driver, who honked his horn. The driver of the car that cut off the driver swerved back and collided with the other vehicle. Based on these reports, road rage, defined as violent behavior exhibited by drivers in traffic, may have played a role in the crash. Honking, flashing lights, rude gestures, or intentionally causing a collision are all manifestations of road rage, which is a serious public safety concern. Drivers who exhibit road rage may have their license suspected under California Vehicle Code Section 13210 and held liable for the injuries they cause.

Highway Pileups and Personal Injury Liability

Multi-vehicle accidents on freeways can be complex insurance matters. While this Interstate 10 Whitewater accident remains under investigation, the injured victims of this accident would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California auto accident attorney familiar with the unique legal issues of multi-vehicle crashes on interstate highways. A skilled lawyer can help the victims protect their rights and recover the maximum financial compensation they are entitled for their injuries, including their medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering. In any accident resulting in injury, it is always advisable to speak to a personal injury attorney before discussing an accident with an insurance adjustor.

Continue reading "Four People Injured in Chain Reaction Crash on Interstate 10 " »

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 " »

Two women died Saturday in a violent head-on collision on Interstate 10 near Blythe, the Desert Sun reported. The July 17th accident occurred at about 9:40 a.m. on westbound I-10, approximately three miles east of Corn Springs Road. According to news reports, Kimiko Kamita, 79, of Scottsdale Arizona, was driving her 2005 Toyota Avalon eastbound on Interstate 10, when for unknown reasons, her vehicle crossed the median into westbound traffic, where it collided head-on with a pickup truck.

Kimiko Kamita was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center, where she died shortly before 11:30 a.m. The driver of the 2006 Ford pickup truck, Eduardo Del Toro, 61, of Queen Creek, Arizona, suffered only minor injuries. A passenger in the vehicle, Ofelia Tallon, 83, of Queen Creek, was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where she died around 1:30 p.m.. A 53-year-old woman in the Ford pickup truck suffered major injuries and was also taken to Desert Regional Medical Center. The CHP reported all of the parties involved in the Riverside County crash were wearing their seatbelts.

Cause of the Crash

If news reports are accurate, it appears that this accident was the result of the driver of the Avalon losing control of her vehicle and ending up going in the wrong direction on Interstate 10. The CHP is looking into why this occurred, and whether the accident was caused by the driver herself, or a defect or malfunction in her vehicle, or even possibly a dangerous condition on the highway that caused her to lose control of the car.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear who caused this accident, although it is evident that the driver of the pickup truck was not responsible. While the crash remains under investigation, the family of the victims in the Ford truck would be well-advised to talk to a California personal injury lawyer about the unique legal issues (including possible auto defect issues) of this Interstate 10 accident and protecting their rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. If the accident was the result of a malfunction in the Toyota, the manufacturer could be responsible and liable for the injuries and deaths of all involved parties.

Continue reading "Two Killed, Two Injured in Interstate 10 Head-On Collision" »

A 46-year-old Landers man tragically died in a head-on collision in Twentynine Palms Monday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department reported in a press release. The July 19th accident occurred at about 1:15 p.m. on Bagdad Highway between Double D Ranch Road and Amboy Road. According to news reports, Arthur Vanhofwegen, 77, was driving a northbound Dodge Caravan on Baghad Highway, while at the same time Michael Ray Amdahl, 46, of Landers, was driving a 1997 Nissan Sentra southbound. The two vehicles collided head-on.

Emergency responders transported Amdahl to the Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital in Twentynine Palms, where he died shortly before 3 p.m. Vanhofwegen and a 10-year-old girl in his vehicle were both taken to Desert Regional Medical Center.

Cause of the Head-on Collision

Based on the news reports, it is not clear what exactly happened in this undoubtedly horrific crash. Did Amdahl drift into the path of the Dodge Caravan, or did Vanhofwegen drift into the path of the Nissan Sentra? The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is investigating the incident. Most head-on collision crashes are identified as either "lane-departure" crashes, where a driver either drifts across traffic or makes an unsafe passing maneuver, or "wrong-way" crashes, where a driver is simply driving on the wrong side of the road (often due to alcohol or drugs). In this case, because there was no center line dividing the road, it is difficult to tell what exactly happened.

Possible Wrongful Death Liability

If it happens that the driver of the Dodge Caravan is determined to have caused this car crash, he may be financially liable for the wrongful death of Michael Ray Amdahl. While this fatal July 19th San Bernardino County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino wrongful death attorney about this crash, and the unique legal issues involved. A lawyer can help the victim's family understand and protect their legal rights, and advise them of their best course of action to handle communications with the insurance companies going forward.

Continue reading "Landers Man Killed in Head-on Collision in Twentynine Palms " »

A high-speed head-on collision early Friday morning left two people dead and one person critically injured, the Los Angeles Times reported. According to Mercury News, authorities were investigating whether one of the drivers deliberately caused the crash by driving the wrong-way (eastbound in the westbound lanes) at high speeds on Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1). The collision, which involved a Saturn and a Ford Mustang, occurred near Zuma View Place at 12:42 a.m.

Authorities believe the Saturn sedan was travelling the wrong way, going eastbound in the westbound lanes, at speeds of more than 80 mph. Two women in another vehicle that was not involved in the collision said that moments before the crash, the Saturn had made a sudden U-turn and apparently deliberately drove toward their vehicle. They were able to avoid crashing into the Saturn, but it collided with the Mustang moments later.

Both vehicles burst into flames upon impact, and both the driver of the Saturn and the driver of the Ford Mustang were killed. A 24-year-old passenger in the Mustang suffered serious injuries, including a broken leg, a broken arm, and a head injury. The two occupants of the Mustang were reportedly naval officers from the Port Hueneme base.

Cause of the Fatal PCH Crash

If news reports are accurate, the driver of the Mustang caused this fatal head-on collision, and authorities are looking at whether the driver of the Saturn was trying to commit suicide. However, the cause of the crash still remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. A CHP spokesman said the driver of the Saturn, whose name was not released, was believed to be from Minnesota. According to Mercury News, friends of the driver of the Saturn reportedly told the agency that the young man had a drinking problem and that his brother had died recently. This Los Angeles County accident is devastating on many levels, not just because two people died, but because the accident could have been so easily prevented.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability

Numerous unique legal issues arise when a driver that causes a crash is also killed in a collision. While this crash remains under investigation, the family members of the two occupants of the Mustang would be well-advised to talk to an experienced Los Angeles accident attorney as soon as possible, who can help them protect their rights following this tragic head-on collision. A skilled attorney can advise the families of how to handle communications with the insurance companies to ensure they receive the maximum financial compensation resulting from this accident and the wrongful death and serious personal injuries it caused.

Continue reading "Two People Killed, One Critically Injured in Head-On Crash on PCH in Malibu " »

Authorities are investigating exactly what happened in a violent head-on car crash Tuesday night in the City of Industry. The accident occurred at about 7 p.m. on an overpass on Valley Boulevard near Stimson Avenue. According to Los Angeles County Sheriff's investigators, a Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicle was weaving in and out of traffic before it struck an oncoming Ford Taurus head-on.

The man driving the Ford Taurus was killed. His wife and two children suffered critical injuries. CBS 2 reported that at least four people were airlifted from the crash, and that the blame was placed on the 25-year-old man driving the SUV, a Jeep Cherokee. The SUV reportedly crossed the median at about 65 mph. Witnesses speculated that the teen driver of the SUV may have been drunk. It was originally reported that a child had died in the accident, but sheriff's officials said that the initial reports were not correct.

The driver of the Jeep, Omar Vivar, 25, of La Puente, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, causing death and bodily injury.

Cause of the Crash

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is investigating exactly what happened. However, based on the information provided in news reports, it appears that the driver of the Jeep Cherokee caused this crash by departing his traffic lane and striking the Ford head-on.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability

When negligence or other wrongdoing (i.e. drunk driving) are factors in a head-on collision, the at-fault party may be held responsible for an accident in a civil claim. If the driver of the Jeep is determined to have caused this crash, as appears to be the case based on news reports, he may be liable for the wrongful death of the driver and the serious injuries of the passengers. While this July 13rh crash remains under investigation, the family members of the victims may benefit from contacting a Los Angeles auto accident attorney as soon as possible who can help them protect their legal rights and hold the at-fault driver accountable for his actions.

Continue reading "One Person Killed, Family Injured in Head-On Collision in City of Industry " »

A 22-year-old Carpinteria woman died early Sunday morning after an early morning crash caused by a suspected drunk driver, the Ventura County Star reported. The victim, Elizabeth Gonzalez, was one of two passengers in a vehicle driven by Alma Ruiz, 29, of Santa Barbara. Around 2 a.m., Ruiz was driving eastbound on Bates Ranch Road, near Highway 101 and Rincon Beach Park, when she apparently lost control of her vehicle on a curve and struck a power pole. The pole was sheared off at its base and fell into the road. The car directly behind Ruiz's car also crashed into the wreckage. Ruiz and the other passenger in her vehicle, Yahaira Martinez, 21, of Carpentaria, both suffered moderate injuries. Gonzalez died of her injuries at the scene of the accident.

The cause of the July 4th Bates Ranch Road accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, if news reports are accurate, this accident was caused by the suspected drunk driver, Alma Ruiz, who was arrested following the crash. It is always heartbreaking when anyone dies or is seriously hurt in a collision caused by a drunk driver. Drunk driving is an epidemic that is 100% preventable.

Driver Liability for Passenger Wrongful Death

When a driver causes an accident that results in injury or death to passengers, that driver may be liable for the passengers' serious injuries or wrongful death. In situations such as this one, the family members of the victims are well-advised to contact a California wrongful death attorney about the accident, and the possibility of holding the suspected drunk driver accountable the accident she caused in a personal injury or wrongful death action. Damages obtained in a wrongful death claim may include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings and wages, and loss of love, care, and companionship. Personal injury claim damages may include compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering. In some cases involving drunk drivers, punitive damages may also be available.

Continue reading "Suspected Drunk Driver Arrested after Passenger Dies in Ventura County Crash " »

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 " »

The Southwest Riverside News Network reported two compact cars collided Sunday on Gilman Springs Road, seriously injuring four people. According to California Highway Patrol dispatchers, the accident occurred on Gilman Springs Road (CA State Route 79) at Sublette Road in the San Gorgino Pass, at 2:12 p.m.

Witnesses told investigators that one of the vehicles drifted out of its lane onto oncoming traffic and struck the other vehicle head on. One person suffered severe injuries; the other three suffered moderate injuries. The CHP kept Gilman Springs Road closed until nearly 4 p.m., while the cause of the collision was investigated.

Head-On Crash Personal Injury Liability

Head-on collisions cause very serious injuries, and can be the result of unsafe passing, or lane departures, where one motorist drifts into oncoming traffic for one reason or another. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why this July 4th Riverside County crash occurred, or who was at fault. While the accident remains under investigation, the victims of this accident would be well-advised to talk to an experienced Riverside personal injury attorney about this head-on crash and the liability issues involved. A skilled attorney can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights, and advise them of their legal options and responsibilities to pursue maximum financial compensation in a personal injury claim.

Continue reading "Four People Injured July 4 in Head-On Collision North of San Jacinto " »

A tow truck driver was seriously injured early Saturday morning after a car crashed into him and pinned him against his rig on the 101 Freeway, just north of Melrose Avenue, ABC 7 News reported. The July 3rd accident occurred at about 2:15 a.m. At least one other person was also injured in the accident and taken to a local hospital.

Cause of the 101 Freeway Accident

The CHP is investigating the cause of the 101 Freeway tow truck accident. Further details about what happened were not available; it was not known if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Tow Truck Driver Personal Injury Liability

Every year, a number of tow truck drivers suffer serious injuries or death when they are struck by other vehicles on the job. The family of the tow truck driver seriously hurt in this collision, and any other victims of this accident would be well-advised to speak to a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer about this accident, and the unique legal issues involved since this accident occurred on the job. An experienced attorney can help the victims protect their rights and obtain maximum compensation for their injuries, lost earnings, and pain and suffering, along with any other accident-related expenses.

Continue reading "Tow Truck Driver Struck by Car, Seriously Injured On 101 Freeway " »

The victim of a fatal crash on Highway 46 Friday evening has been identified as Aaron Salgado, 26, of Shandon, the San Luis Obispo Tribune reported Tuesday. Salgado had stopped in the eastbound lane of Highway 46 (Green Valley Road) to pull into his driveway when his 1987 Honda Civic was rear-ended by a 1998 Toyota Avalon driven by Justin Sharp, 22, of Grover Beach. The collision occurred around 6 p.m. Friday. The impact of the crash pushed Salgado's Honda into westbound lanes, where it was struck by a 2006 Dodge Ram pickup truck pulling a trailer.

Salgado died at the scene of the crash. Sharp suffered moderate injuries. The driver of the Dodge truck, a 33-year-old Tulare Man, and four passenger in his vehicle suffered minor injuries.

The CHP reported that the driver of the Avalon, Justin Sharp, 22, of Grover Beach, was travelling at an unsafe speed when he rear-ended Salgado's vehicle. Sharp will be charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, Channel 12 News reported. The cause of the fatal May 28th Paso Robles crash remains under investigation.

Continue reading "Shandon Man Killed in Highway 46 Crash; Speeding Driver Arrested " »

Police say illegal street racing is likely to blame for a fatal head-on collision on Highway 18 Saturday afternoon in San Bernardino County. An accident involving a Dodge Neon, a Nissan Sentra, and a Honda Pilot killed a 57-year-old passenger in the Sentra, the San Bernardino Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred around 11:40 a.m. on Saturday, May 28th, about 1.5 miles north of Lower Watermann Canyon Road. The victim, Christian Hansen Gunn, was a passenger in a silver 2002 Nissan that had been travelling northbound on Highway 18.

The Nissan was struck by a red 2005 Dodge Neon that had been travelling southbound on Highway 18. A Honda Pilot, headed northbound, struck the wreckage. Gunn died at the scene of the crash. The driver of the Nissan and two occupants in the dodge were taken by ambulance to Loma Linda University Medical Center. No one inside the Honda Pilot was reportedly injured.

Street Racing Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

Estey Bomberger has represented a number of victims of illegal street racing accidents. These crashes are 100% preventable and caused by the reckless actions of thrill-seekers who have no regard for others on the road. Although the crash is still under investigation, if the facts reported in the news are accurate, the driver of the Dodge Neon is responsible for this accident, and the wrongful death and serious injuries it caused. While this May 29th accident remains under investigation, the family of Christian Hansen Gunn and the driver of the Sentra would be well-advised to contact a California auto accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help the victims protect their rights and hold the at-fault driver and any other responsible parties accountable for this horrific accident.

Continue reading "Covina Man Killed in Head-on Crash on Highway 18 " »

Three people were hospitalized last week after a truck went off the road and plowed into an AMPM gas station in Fontana, the Herald News reported. The horrific accident was reported on Tuesday, May 4th, at 10:36 a.m., at the Arco gas station located at the corner of Sierra Avenue and Baseline Avenue.

According to reports by ABC 7 News, a white Chevrolet pickup truck jumped a curb, plowed over a security pole and gas pump and struck a man pumping gas into his Toyota Tacoma. The man was pinned between his truck, the gas pump and the security pole. His leg was completely severed at his knee. The force of the collision uprooted a second pump station, which fell onto a gray Toyota Corolla. A female occupant inside the Corolla was also injured.

The Fontana Police department is investigating the cause of the crash. It is not clear whether the driver of the Chevy was impaired by drugs or alcohol, or if he suffered a medical emergency such as a stroke or a seizure, or if something malfunctioned mechanically in his truck.

Personal Injury Liability Issues

The cause of this crash is still under investigation. However, based on the news reports, it is clear that the driver of the white pickup truck caused this crash by losing control of his vehicle, although why he lost control is still not known. In this situation, the families of the two victims injured in this accident would be well-advised to contact a Riverside personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

This was a very serious incident and there are numerous legal issues involved, as this incident occurred at a gas station. An experienced and skilled personal injury attorney can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights, and obtain full and fair compensation from their serious injuries sustained in this accident. Both victims may be entitled to substantial compensation for their injuries including their medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering as a result of the accident.

Continue reading "Gas Station Customer's Leg Severed After Truck Plows Into Gas Station " »

Four people were injured Thursday afternoon in Valencia after a Sheriff's vehicle rear-ended a Jeep, authorities reported. The accident occurred around 3:15 p.m. on McBean Parkway, just north of Creekside Road in Los Angeles County.

The four people injured in the crash included the sheriff's deputy and three occupants in the Jeep, a grandmother and her 16-year-old and 11-year-old grandchildren.

The three occupants of the Jeep were taken to a local hospital by ambulance. According to the sheriff's department, the accident was the first on-duty collision in the eight years since the sheriff's deputy had been on the force. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Personal Injury Liability Issues

Although the cause of the crash remains under investigation, if the news reports are accurate, it appears that the driver of the patrol car is likely at fault. In most, but not all, cases, if a vehicle rear-ends someone, the driver that hits the car in front of him or her is at fault. If the driver of the patrol car is determined to have caused this crash, she, along with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, may be liable for the injuries of the grandmother and her grandchildren, including all medical expenses, any lost earnings, and pain and suffering. While the cause of the crash is under investigation, the family of the injured victims would be well-advised to consult with a Los Angeles auto accident attorney about their legal rights and best course of action in a personal injury claim.

Continue reading "Four Injured in Valencia Crash Involving Sheriff's Patrol Car " »