Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

A 22-year-old Diamond Bar woman tragically was killed Sunday night in a likely alcohol-related crash in Anaheim, the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner reported. The accident occurred on the southbound 57 Freeway (Orange Freeway), near the 91 Freeway (Riverside Freeway), at about 11:15 p.m. on Sunday, August 22, 2010. The victim, Mai Hayakawa, 22, was a passenger in a 2003 Toyota Celica driven by Michael Keating, 24, of Fullerton.

Keating, who was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, was attempting to merge onto westbound 91. He reportedly sped up to pass a big-rig on the shoulder, and lost control of his vehicle. The Celica veered down an embankment and struck a palm tree. Hawakawa died at the scene of the crash. Keating and a 22-year-old woman in the backseat of the vehicle suffered minor injuries and were taken to UCI Medical Center.

Cause of the Crash

The cause of the fatal 57 Freeway crash remains under investigation by the CHP. However, if news reports are accurate, this fatal solo-vehicle Orange County crash was caused by the suspected drunk driver of the vehicle. Under the California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), "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."

DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If Michael Keating is determined to have caused the accident, he may face criminal charges for driving under the influence of alcohol and the death he is suspected to have caused. In addition to criminal charges, he may also be held liable and financially responsible for Hayakawa's death in a California wrongful death claim. While this fatal 57 Freeway accident remains under investigation, the family members of Mai Hayakawa may benefit from talking to a Southern California drunk driving injury lawyer about this accident and the family's legal rights and options. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include compensation for final medical expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings of the decedent, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "Diamond Bar Woman Killed in Suspected DUI Crash in Anaheim " »

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 hurt in a SUV rollover accident Tuesday afternoon in Barstow, the Desert Dispatch reported. The solo-vehicle accident, which involved a Jeep Grand Cherokee, occurred near the intersection of CA State Route 58 and Interstate 15. According to the CHP, the tread separated on one of the rear tires on the Jeep, causing the driver of the vehicle to lose control and veer off the freeway. Two of the occupants in the vehicle suffered major injuries and were airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center; two others with less serious injuries were taken by ambulance to Barstow Hospital. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the San Bernardino SUV rollover accident.

Tire Blowouts and SUV Rollovers on I-15

On March 21st of this year, a San Bernardino woman who was a passenger in a 1995 Jeep died in a solo-vehicle rollover accident on Interstate 15 in San Bernardino caused by a tire blowout. This July 3rd Jeep rollover accident, and the one earlier this year in March, are both examples of the serious consequences of tire blowouts at highway speeds. There have been a number of other serious injury and fatal vehicle rollovers on I-15 this year involving pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Tire blowouts have a number of causes, including underinflation, overinflation, overloading, negligent maintenance, road debris, negligent installation and structural defects.

Potential Personal Injury Liability

In any accident where a defect in a vehicle is a potential contributing factor to a collision, the vehicle must be preserved for inspection and testing. The vehicle itself is valuable evidence that can establish what happened in an accident. In situations such as this one, the family members of the injured victims would be well-advised to contact a California SUV rollover accident lawyer about this accident and whether a defect in the tire caused this accident. If the accident was caused by a tire defect, the injured victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries from the manufacturer of the tire or the vehicle. A lawyer who has successfully represented victims of SUV rollovers can help the injured victims protect their rights and recover the maximum compensation they may be entitled to for their injuries.

Continue reading "Major Injuries in Jeep Grand Cherokee Rollover Near Barstow " »

A violent head-on crash Friday afternoon in eastern Los Angeles County tragically left one person dead and eight others injured, the Southwest Riverside News Network reported. The accident occurred on Valyermo Road east of 157th Street East at about 2:57 p.m. Friday. According to reports by the CHP, a 1987 Honda According was travelling west on Valyermo Road, while at the same time, a 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage was travelling eastbound.

The driver of the Honda, Jonathan Maze, 19, of Palmdale, apparently failed to make the curve, and drifted into eastbound lanes where the Honda collided head-on with the Mitsubishi Mirage. The impact caused the Honda Accord to overturn.

One of the passengers, a 25-year-old Palmdale man, died of his injuries at the scene of the crash. The driver of the Honda suffered major injuries and was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital. Two children in the vehicle, an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy, were taken to Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. The five occupants of the Mitsubishi, all from Littlerock, were taken to Antelope Valley area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Cause of the Valyermo Road Crash

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Based on the news reports, it appears that the driver of the westbound Honda Accord likely caused this crash, by failing to negotiate the turn. According to the CHP, speed was a factor in the collision.

Continue reading "One Person Killed, Eight Injured in Head-On Collision near Valyermo " »

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 " »

A 23-year-old San Bernardino man died early Saturday morning in a SUV rollover crash on the 215 Freeway, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reported. The accident occurred in the northbound lanes of the Freeway, south of Ninth Street, at 3:11 a.m. According to news reports, Gustavo Osegueram was a passenger in a black 1997 Honda Passport that struck a concrete construction barrier and flipped over a wall. Osegueram died at the scene of the crash. It was not clear if the driver was injured, or if there were any other passengers in the vehicle.

Our condolences go out to the family of Gustavo Osegueram and everyone who knew and loved this young man. Please keep his family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Cause of the 215 Freeway Accident

Based on the limited information provided in news reports of this July 24th accident, the cause of the crash is unclear. At this point, there are more questions than answers as to what happened. The California Highway Patrol is investigating whether this crash was caused by the driver of the Honda Passport (such as falling asleep under the wheel, driving under the influence of alchol, or speeding), a mechanical malfunction in the sport utility vehicle (such as a tire blowout or steering failure), or a dangerous road condition on the highway.

Passenger Fatalities and Wrongful Death Liability

Accidents involving sport-utility-vehicle rollovers and passenger deaths have unique legal issues. Investigators must look at both the cause of the crash, and the way the passenger died. Was the passenger's death caused by the design of the vehicle, or the accident itself? In situations such as this one, where a passenger is the victim of an SUV rollover accident, the victim's family would be well-advised to contact a California wrongful death attorney to discuss the facts of the accident, who was responsible, and who may be liable for the victim's funeral and burial expenses, future lost earnings and benefits, and the family's loss of love, care, and companionship.

Continue reading "23-Year-Old San Bernardino Man Killed in 215 Freeway Crash " »

A 26-year-old Rancho Cucamonga woman who was a passenger in a Porsche died early Saturday morning in a suspected DUI crash in Santa Clarita, the Santa Clarita Valley Signal reported. The solo accident occurred on northbound Bouquet Canyon Road, just north of Texas Canyon Road, shortly after 2 a.m.

The driver of the 2001 Porsche, 24-year-old Michael Hemperly Jr. of Palmdale, lost control of his vehicle at an unknown speed and for unknown reasons. The passenger side of the vehicle struck a tree, and the passenger, 26-year-old Marissa Hodges of Rancho Cucamonga, who was reportedly not restrained, died at the scene of the crash.

Hemperly, who was wearing a seatbelt, suffered only minor injuries and was taken to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence causing great bodily injury and booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at about 5 a.m., where he was held on $130,000 bail.

Cause of the Bouquet Canyon Road Accident

The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident and are investigating the speed of the vehicle and all possible contributing factors. However, if news reports are accurate, drunk driving caused this fatal accident. Under the California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), "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."

Continue reading "Rancho Cucamonga Woman Killed in Suspected DUI 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 " »

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 " »

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 " »

Three people suffered major injuries Wednesday morning in a head-on collision in Anaheim, police reported. The June 30th accident occurred on Tustin Avenue, near Miraloma Avenue in Anaheim, at 11:10 a.m. According to news reports in the OC Register, a 28-year-old man was driving a blue Honda Civic at a high rate of speed northbound on Tustin Avenue, when he veered into southbound traffic. The Honda collided head-on with a Toyota 4Runner driven by a 70-year-old man. Airbags deployed in both vehicles. The driver of the 4Runner and his wife were taken to a nearby hospital, along with the driver of the Honda. A tricolor beagle in the backseat of the 4Runner appeared to be unhurt.

Cause of the Orange County Crash

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. However, police believe the driver of the Honda Civic caused the accident by veering into southbound traffic. Police are investigating whether the driver of the Honda Civic may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Personal Injury Liability Considerations

While this Anaheim car accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims hurt in this crash would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California car accident lawyer about this accident and the personal injury liability issues involved. A skilled attorney can help the victims understand and protect their rights, to ensure they receive maximum, full and fair compensation for their serious injuries from the party or parties responsible for causing this accident.

Continue reading "Three People Seriously Injured in Anaheim Car 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 " »