Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY -- A 60-year-old man suffered serious injures after he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle in the city of San Bernardino, The Press-Enterprise reports. The collision occurred before 5:30 a.m. Monday, when the bicyclist was hit by car while he was attempting to cross Waterman Avenue at 3rd Street.

After the collision, the bicyclist, whose name was not available, was taken to Loma Linda Hospital via ambulance for further treatment. The driver involved in this terrible accident - 28-year-old Benito Bustos-Gonzalez of Fontana - was reported to be driving without a license. Police did not specify whether he was arrested or cited.

UPDATE: According to The Press-Enterprise, the bicyclist involved in this horrific collision was identified as Bernard F. Culverson of San Bernardino. And at about 3:41 a.m. Tuesday, January 11th, Culverson was reported to have died due to his injuries.

Injury Liability for San Bernardino Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur anywhere on the road, but often happen at intersections. Bicyclists who are struck by vehicles can sustain severe injuries, which include head and brain injuries, fractures, lacerations, and/or other life-changing injuries.

Therefore, in an incident such as this one, the victim or the victim's family would be well-advised to speak to a San Bernardino personal injury lawyer. An attorney who has handled a vast number of bicycle accidents including cases that involved a driver operating a vehicle without a license, can advise the victim of his legal rights, and decide the best course action to recover compensation for his injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this January 9th bicycle collision.

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LOS ANGELES COUNTY -- A male bicyclist in the city of Pomona was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on Wednesday. The fatal incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Towne Avenue and 6th Street when the driver was traveling north on Towne and hit the bicyclist crossing at 6th. Witnesses at the scene told police that the green SUV dragged the bicyclist for a half a block down the road.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the vehicle involved in this collision may be a Dodge or Chrysler SUV. Pomona police Sgt. Iain Miller indicated the vehicle sustained moderate to major front-end-damage and was last seen traveling eastbound on Mission Boulevard. Anyone with information regarding this devastating incident or the driver should contact the Pomona Police Department.

UPDATE: The CBS Los Angeles News reported on Friday that the driver who fled the scene of the accident has turned himself in. The Chino man surrendered to authorities following the terrible accident on Wednesday that killed 44-year-old bicyclist Gabriel Perez.

Cause of the Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident in Pomona

The accident on December 28th remains under investigation by the Pomona police. However, based on the information obtained through the Los Angeles Times, it is unclear why the driver of the vehicle fled the scene. Therefore, police officials investigating this tragic accident will monitor the situation and determine what exactly happened and why.

Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

While the investigation of the accident remains ongoing, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney at Estey Bomberger. An attorney who has the experience in hit-and-run accidents can advise the family of their legal rights, and help them recover compensation in a wrongful death claim for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship. In the event the driver cannot be located, an attorney can help obtain compensation through the victim's insurance, if he has one.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Killed in Pomona Hit-and-Run Accident" »

ORANGE COUNTY - A 47-year-old bicyclist was struck by a hit-and-run driver on Tuesday in Lake Forest, KTLA News reported. The bicyclist, Randy Isaacs, was hit by a white minivan at about 10 p.m. at the intersection of Ridge Route Drive and Serrano Road. The driver of the minivan fled the scene of the accident, and Isaacs was taken to a hospital where he later died due to his injuries.

Cause of the Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident in Lake Forest

Based on the information provided by news reports, it is unclear what caused the driver to hit the bicyclist. However, there is no excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident before the proper authorities arrive. Under the California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a): "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Police officials are currently searching for a white van with possible front-end damage. And anyone with information regarding the driver or this fatal incident is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff's Department at (866)847-6273.

Hit-and-Run Accident Wrongful Death Liability

After a fatal bicycle accident such as this one on December 13th, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to consult with a California wrongful death lawyer. A compassionate attorney who has handled hit-and-run accidents, can advise the family of their legal rights and help police in efforts locate the driver. In the event where the driver cannot be located, a skilled attorney can also help the family obtain the maximum compensation from the victim's insurance policy for funeral and burial expenses, future and anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship, or other damages in this heartbreaking and devastating bicycle accident.

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ORANGE COUNTY -- According to the Orange County Register, a 35-year-old man was fatally struck by an Orange County Transportation Authority bus in Laguna Hills. This horrific accident happened just at 5 p.m. Saturday on Paseo de Valencia and Alicia Parkway.

Orange County Sheriff's Lt. Roland Chacon stated that the bus driver was traveling south on Paseo de Valencia and then turned right to head west on Alicia Parkway. As the driver made right turn he struck the bicyclist that was on the westbound crosswalk of Alicia. Following the crash, the bicyclist, Romeo Jimenez-Zavaleta, of Laguna Hills, was transported to Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center, where he later died due to his injuries.

Cause of the Bicycle Accident in Laguna Hills

The accident on November 12th remains under investigation by the Orange County Sheriff's Department. However, based on the information provided by the Orange County Register, it is unclear why the driver of the bus struck the bicyclist. Therefore, police officials investigating this devastating collision will look at a variety of factors such as distracted driving, vehicle malfunctions, road conditions, negligent or reckless actions by the driver, and who had the right of way.

Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Accidents such as this one, where it is not clear who is at fault, can have unique and complex legal issues. Therefore, family members of the victim would be well-advised to seek an experienced California bicycle accident attorney. A skilled lawyer who is an avid cyclist and has represented numerous victims in major and fatal bicycle accidents can help the victim's family through their unexpected and devastating loss.

If it is officially determined by authorities that the driver of the bus is responsible for the incident, the driver can be held financially liable for the death of the victim. Therefore, attorneys at the law firm of Estey Bomberger can advise the family of their legal rights and decide the best course of action in recovering the maximum compensation in a wrongful death claim that can include final medical care expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost earnings, and loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Tragically Struck and Killed by Bus in Laguna Hills" »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY -- A 44-year-old man was critically hurt after being struck by a car in Chino, The Press-Enterprise reported. The man, Francisco Donato, of Pomona, was riding his bicycle at 6 a.m. Thursday along the 13300 block of East End Avenue when he was hit by a 2001 GMC Yukon. According to Chino police, the driver, Gerardo Mendez, 18, of Pomona, was attempting to pass another vehicle before severely hitting the bicyclist. Following the incident, Donato sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton where he was listed in critical condition.

Cause of the Chino Bicycle Accident

The accident on October 27th remains under investigation by the Chino Police Department. However, based on the information provided by The Press-Enterprise and the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, it is not evident if the driver's attempted lane change was unsafe and prompted the collision. Therefore, it is impossible to determine if the driver is fully responsible for the incident. Police officials investing the accident will account for all possible factors that may have contributed to the crash, such as distracted driving, the speed of the vehicle at the time of accident, negligent or reckless actions of the driver, and road conditions.

Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

Following a cycling accident such as this one, the victim or the victim's family would be well-advised to speak with a knowledgeable and experienced San Bernardino bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney who is an avid cyclist and understands the challenges cyclists face both on the roads and in the aftermath of an accident, can help the victim protect his legal rights to hold the driver and any other responsible parties financially liable for the damages that resulted following the collision. If the victim or his family decides to pursue a personal injury claim, the attorney can also help the cyclist recover the maximum compensation he would be entitled to for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this Chino bicycle accident.

Continue reading "Man Critically Injured in Chino Bicycle Accident" »

ORANGE COUNTY -- A woman was tragically killed while biking home from work in Anaheim at about 12:30 a.m. Thursday, Orange County Register reports. According to Anaheim Police Sgt. Bob Dunn, the collision occurred Ball Road, when a white Ford SUV struck the bicyclist from behind. After the collision, the woman, who was also an employee at Disneyland, was pronounced dead at a local trauma center.

Cause of the Bicycle Accident in Anaheim

The October 13th fatal bicycle accident remains under investigation by the Anaheim Police Department. However, based on the information that was provided by the Orange County Register and Los Angeles Times, it is unclear why the driver struck the bicyclist. Therefore, authorities investigating the collision will certainly look at numerous factors that include and are not limited to, the speed of the vehicle at the time of the accident, distracted driving through the use of a cell phone, eating, or even changing the radio station, and other negligent or reckless actions of the driver.

Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Collisions involving automobiles and bicycles can result in catastrophic injuries and death to the parties involved. Therefore, while the investigation of the accident is ongoing, family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable and experienced California bicycle accident lawyer. If police come to a conclusion that the driver is officially responsible for the collision, the family of the victim can take action in a wrongful death claim and possibly receive the maximum compensation for funeral/burial costs, future anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this devastating bicycle accident.

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SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY -- A 27-year-old Pomona man was killed while bicycling Saturday morning, The Press-Enterprise reports. The tragic accident occurred at 9:46 a.m., when cyclist Omar Gomez, was riding along Carbon Canyon Road in Chino Hills and then was struck by a 1995 Acura, driven by a 23-year-old male. According to sheriff's spokeswoman Karen Hunt, the driver of the Acura looked away from the road momentarily then hit Gomez. Following the collision, Gomez was originally pronounced dead at the scene, but a coroner's spokesman indicated he was taken to Chino Valley Medical Center, where later died at about 10:30 a.m.

Cause of the Chino Hills Bicycle Accident

The bicycle accident remains under investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. However, based on the information provided The Press-Enterprise, it appears the driver may be at fault due to not paying full attention to the roadway. Therefore, it is evident the bicyclist had no way to prevent or avoid this horrifying collision.

Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Following a fatal cycling accident such as this October 8th bicycle accident in Chino Hills, the family members of the cyclist would be well-advised to speak to an experienced and knowledgeable San Bernardino bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney who is also an avid cyclist understands the challenges cyclists face both on the roads, and in the aftermath of an accident. Therefore, while the accident remains under investigation, the attorney can advise the family of their legal rights to hold the responsible parties financially liable for the devastating damages that resulted following the bicycle accident. Compensation in a wrongful death claim can include and are not limited to funeral/burial costs, lost earnings, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Cyclist Tragically Killed by Car in Chino Hills" »

RIVERSIDE COUNTY -- A cyclist in Moreno Valley was killed by a pickup truck Sunday morning, The Press-Enterprise reports. The bicyclist, Vernon Slade, 74, of Moreno Valley, was riding along the 13100 block of Heacock Street at about 3:27 a.m. when he was hit by a Dodge Ram pickup traveling north on Heacock. Following this devastating collision, Slade was taken to Riverside County Regional Medical Center where he later died due to his injuries.

Cause of the Moreno Valley Bicycle Accident

Based on the limited information provided by The Press-Enterprise, it is not clear was caused the driver of the pickup to hit the bicyclist. Therefore, authorities investigating this October 2nd bicycle accident will certainly look at a variety of factors, which include and are not limited to, distracted driving, vehicle malfunctions, and road conditions.

Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If police officials investigating this bicycle accident determine that the driver is responsible for the crash, the family of the victim would be well-advised to consult with a Riverside wrongful death attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer who specializes in bicycle accidents, can ensure the families' legal rights are protected, and decided the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of love, care, and companionship, and other damages relating to this tragic bicycle accident.

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SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY -- A boy was injured in a Highland hit-and-run collision while riding his bicycle, ABC 7 News reports. Emergency officials responded to the 5500 block of North Victoria Avenue at about 2:26 p.m. Monday. The boy, whose identity was not released, sustained head injuries and was transported to Loma Linda University Hospital for further treatment. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department described the vehicle that fled the scene as a black 1980s pick-up truck.

Cause of the Hit-And-Run Bicycle Accident in Highland

The hit-and-run bicycle accident on September 26th remains under investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. However, based on the limited information provided by the ABC 7 News, it is unclear what caused this horrible accident. But, regardless of how this collision occurred, there is no excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a): "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Hit-And-Run Bicycle Accident Injury Liability

Hit-and-run accidents involving automobiles and bicycles can result in catastrophic injuries or death to anyone involved. Therefore, while the investigation is ongoing to locate the driver who may be responsible for the accident, the victim or the victim's family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer. A skilled attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents can help the family in efforts to locate the driver, and advise the family of their legal rights to recover the maximum compensation the victim is entitled to for medical care expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this terrible hit-and-run bicycle accident.

Continue reading "Highland Hit-And-Run Accident Injures Boy on Bicycle" »

COMPTON - The CHP is searching for the driver of a black BMW that allegedly struck and killed a 50-year-old bicyclist Tuesday night, the Daily Breeze reported. According to news reports, the cyclist, who was not identified, was crossing the intersection of Avalon Boulevard and Redondo Beach Boulevard at about 9:10 p.m. when he was "run down" by the driver of the BMW. Because of conflicting reports by witnesses, the CHP was not able to immediately determine whether the driver of the BMW or the bicyclist had the green light. The cyclist was riding northbound on Avalon Boulevard, and the BMW driver was headed west on Redondo Beach Boulevard when the collision occurred. The driver of the BMW continuing travelling westbound and has not been located.

Hit-and-Run Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Regardless of whether the bicyclist or the BMW driver had the green light, the driver of the BMW should have remained at the scene of the accident. For the sake of the victim's family, we hope that the driver is either located or comes forward very soon. Once located, in addition to criminal charges for fleeing the scene of the accident, the driver may also be held civilly responsible for the wrongful death of the bicyclist. While this August 23rd fatal bicycle accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a Los Angeles personal injury attorney who can help the family protect their legal rights to hold the driver and any other responsible parties accountable for the sudden and unexpected loss of their loved one.

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ORANGE COUNTY - The Irvine Police Department has issued a Press Release regarding the tragic fatal traffic collision that killed 42-year-old San Bernardino County Sheriff's Detective Duane Parkinson Wednesday afternoon in Irvine. The fatal August 10th Orange County bicycle accident involved a Mercedes-Benz SUV and Parkinson, who was riding a bicycle. Both parties were travelling northbound on Shady Canyon Drive, south of Quail Hill Parkway, when the collision occurred. According to police, "The cause of this collision has yet to be determined. Traffic investigators are asking for any persons who may have witnessed the collision to contact Sergeant Dennis Maisano at (949) 724-7023."

Bicycle accident investigations can be complicated and difficult, and sometimes, questions are left unanswered. While the investigation into the accident is ongoing, the family members of the victim may benefit in speaking with an experienced California bicycle accident attorney. An attorney who is a veteran cyclist and who has represented dozens of victims of major injury and fatal bicycle accidents can help the victim's family protect their legal rights following their devastating and unexpected loss. After any fatal accident, it is advisable to consult with a qualified lawyer as soon as possible, so that important evidence and witness recollections can be preserved.

If it is ultimately determined that the driver of the Mercedes caused this collision, she may be cited or criminally charged. Additionally, if she was at fault, she may be financially liable for the death of the Parkinson in a civil claim for wrongful death. Damages obtained in a wrongful death claim may include final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings and benefits the decedent would have contributed to his family over the course of his lifetime, and loss of love, affection, guidance and companionship.

Continue reading "Investigation Ongoing in Fatal Irvine Bicycle Accident That Killed San Bernardino County Sheriff's Detective " »

ORANGE COUNTY -- An off-duty San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department detective was killed in a bicycle accident on an Irvine roadway, OC Register reports. Irvine resident Det. Duane Parkison, 42, was cycling northbound on Shady Canyon just south of Quail Hill Road at about 1 p.m. Wednesday when he was struck by a Mercedes-Benz SUV. Irvine Police reported two other bicyclists were seen administering CPR to Parkison before he was transported to a local hospital and later died due to his injuries. The driver of the SUV, a 35-year-old woman and her infant child were uninjured in this tragic accident.

According to the Contra Costa Times, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is grieving one of its best. Parkison, a 15-year sheriff's veteran who worked as a detective in a Rancho Cucamonga station, is survived by his wife and three children.

Cause of the Bicycle Accident in Irvine

The bicycle accident occurring on August 10th remains under investigation by the Irvine Police Department. However, based on the limited information provided by the OC Register, Los Angeles Times, and Costa Contra Times, it is unclear who is at fault for the accident. Hopefully, law enforcement officials can come to a conclusion of what happened and why.

Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Accidents such as this one, where it is not clear who is at fault, can have unique and complex issues. Therefore, the family members of the victim are well-advised to seek a California wrongful death attorney. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney can review the accident, and if necessary, arrange for an independent investigator to reconstruct the collision to determine exactly what happened and who was responsible. A skilled attorney can also advise the family their legal rights in a wrongful death claim against any parties at fault, and their best course of action to recover maximum compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to the devastating bicycle accident.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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