Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

ORANGE COUNTY - A 17-year-old boy was killed while he was pushing his family's disabled vehicle in Anaheim, KTLA News reported. The tragic accident happened around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, when a Honda pickup truck, who witnesses say was speeding, slammed into the car from behind in the 8700 block of Cerritos Avenue.

Immediately before the collision, an adult male was able to jump of the way, but the teen, Daniela Barbosa, could not. Barbosa was then pinned between the two vehicles and his leg was so severely injured, it had to be amputated at the scene.

The man, a woman steering the inoperable vehicle, and Barbosa was taken to Harbor Medical Center. Barbosa later died due to his injuries. The other victims' names have not been released, and it was not reported if an arrest was made or a citation given.

Cause of the April 24th Anaheim Accident

Based the information provided by news reports, it is unclear what prompted the fatal crash. However, if police officials do confirm that the accident was due to excessive speeding, the driver of the pickup truck may be held civilly and financially liable for the death of the victim.

Wrongful Death Accident Liability

Following a tragic and devastating accident such as this one, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a compassionate Orange County personal injury lawyer regarding their legal rights in a wrongful death claim. An experienced attorney who has handled accidents like this one, can ensure the family's rights are protected and that they fully and fairly recover compensation for the loss of their family member, including funeral and burial expenses, loss of love, care, support, and companionship.

Continue reading "Teenager Struck and Killed While Pushing Disabled Car in Anaheim" »

ORANGE COUNTY -- A woman was critically injured this morning in a possible hit-and-run accident in Anaheim. The Orange County Register reported that just before 6 a.m. Monday, police received a call from a passerby regarding a woman lying on the eastbound side of Stanton Avenue north of Beach Boulevard.

Upon the arrival of local law enforcement, the woman described to be a transient and between 45 to 50 years of age, sustained traumatic injuries, which are consistent with having been hit by a vehicle. The female pedestrian was then transported to UCI Medical Center in Orange for treatment.

Anyone with information about this April 2nd incident should contact to Anaheim police at 714-765-1900.

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident Liability

If this incident is determined a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, the victim or family members of the victim would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from an knowledgeable Orange County personal injury lawyer at Estey and Bomberger. An attorney experienced in hit-and-run collisions involving automobiles and pedestrians, can assist in locating the driver involved in the collision by hiring a skilled independent investigator, help the victim in protecting her legal rights, and ensure she recovers the compensation she is entitled for medical care expenses, life-altering injuries, and any physical and emotional pain she sustained in this pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Woman Injured in Possible Anaheim Hit-and-Run Pedestrian 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.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Struck and Killed by Car in Anaheim" »

ORANGE COUNTY -- Two pedestrians were killed Saturday morning after being hit by a car in Anaheim, OC Register reports. The pedestrians, a man and woman, were struck by a Cheverolet Astro van at about 4:10 a.m. in the 1600 block of South Harbor Boulevard. A boy, under the age of 18, told police officers he was the driver of the van. According to Sgt. Bob Dunn of the Anaheim Police Department, several others are believed to be present in the van at the time of the collision, however, those occupants fled before police arrived. Following the accident, the two pedestrians were reported to have died at the scene and police are determining whether alcohol was involved. The identities of the individuals involved in this horrible collision were not immediately available.

Cause of the October 1st Anaheim Pedestrian Accident

The fatal pedestrian accident is currently being investigated by the Anaheim Police Department. However, based on the information provided by the OC Register, Los Angeles Times, and KTLA News, it appears the driver may be at fault for the collision due to the speculation that alcohol might be involved. Therefore, it is evident the pedestrians had no way to prevent or avoid the devastating collision.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In situations such as this one, if alcohol was a factor in the accident, the underage drunk driver and the people who supplied the alcohol to the underage drunk driver can be held criminally and financially liable for the death of the victims. Therefore, if police officials determine that the driver is officially responsible for the collision, family members of the victims would be well-advised to consult with a skilled California pedestrian accident lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney who has handled wrongful death claims, can help protect the legal rights of the family and determine the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for funeral and burial costs, future anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship.

Continue reading "Two Pedestrians Fatally Struck by Car in Anaheim" »

ORANGE COUNTY -- The Orange County Register reported Anaheim witnesses seeing a female driver traveling west on Ball Road "at a high rate of speed" when suddenly she crossed the center divider into oncoming traffic. The result led to her Lincoln automobile slamming head-on with a Mazda before overturning. The man driving the Mazda was airlifted to Western Medical Center with significant injuries. His wife suffered a broken arm and their two children received mild injuries. Anaheim Police Sgt. Bob Dunn reported the driver of the Lincoln, whose name is yet to be released, died at the scene of the accident.

Anaheim police stated a third moving vehicle and two parked cars were also involved in the Friday night collision. However, no injures were reported from these vehicles. On Saturday, Dunn announced the man airlifted to the hospital is expected to survive from his injuries.

Cause of the West Ball Road Head-On Collision

Authorities are still investigating the accident occurring on August 5th. And based on the limited information provided by MSNBC and the Orange County Register, it remains unclear as to why the driver of the Lincoln veered into oncoming traffic. However, it is evident the driver and passengers of the Mazda could not prevent and avoid this dreadful collision.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

While this accident remains under investigation, if authorities do come to a conclusion that the driver of the Lincoln is at fault, injured victims or their families would be well-advised to seek an experienced Anaheim car accident lawyer. A skilled and knowledgeable Orange County personal injury attorney can review the accident, and help the victims understand and protect their legal rights to recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this devastating head-on collision.

Continue reading "Man Injured in Head-On Collision on West Ball Road" »

ANAHEIM -- A 26-year-old Diamond Bar man and a 24-year-old Long Beach woman were killed in a wrong-way collision early Wednesday morning on the 91 Freeway in Anaheim, the LA Times and multiple other news outlets reported. According to news accounts, 21-year-old Anthony Louis Fragoso, 21, of South Gate, was driving west in the eastbound 91 carpool lane at about 12:50 a.m.

As Fragoso approached the off-ramp at Harbor Boulevard, he collided head on with at 2006 Toyota Scion. The driver of the Scion, Alan Reyes, 26, was ejected onto the freeway.

Both Reyes and his passenger, Vanessa Cease, 24, of Long Beach, died at the scene of the crash.

Fragoso suffered major injuries in the collision and was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange. He was arrested at the hospital charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. All lanes of the freeway were closed for about three hours while the California Highway Patrol Investigated.

Our condolences go out to the families of the two young victims, and everyone who knew them and loved them. Please keep their families in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Cause of the Orange County Accident

The CHP is investigating why Fragoso was driving the wrong direction. At this point, it has not been confirmed whether Fragoso was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Regardless, he was driving on the freeway in the wrong direction, and this act of negligence took the lives of two people. Fragoso may face further charges for driving under the influence if blood tests come back positive for drugs or alcohol.

Wrong-Way Driving Wrongful Death Liability

This accident is tragic and heartbreaking. While some head-on collisions are caused by driver inattentiveness or unsafe passing maneuvers, wrong-way head-on collisions such as this one are very often due to intoxicated or impaired driving. After fatal wrong-way collisions such as this one, the family members of the victims may benefit from speaking with a California wrongful death lawyer. In addition to criminal charges for grossly negligent driving, the driver may also be financially liable for the wrongful deaths of the victims, including funeral and burial expenses, lost anticipated lifetime earnings, and loss of love, care affection and companionship. In some cases, where the at-fault driver shows deliberate disregard for the safety of others, punitive damages may be available.

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A 23-year-old Oceanside man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early Monday morning after an accident sent five other people, including a 5-year-old child, to the hospital. According to the OC Register, the suspected alcohol-related accident occurred on northbound Interstate 5, south of the 91 freeway, around 12:26 a.m., according to the CHP. The suspected drunken driver, Sabah Mikha, was driving a 2004 Mazda that struck a 1993 Ford Explorer and caused it to overturn. The five occupants of the Explorer, Maria Garcia-Salas, 24, the driver, and passengers Elizabeth Garcia, 22, Rosa Garcia, 5, Jesus Garcia, 20, and Evelyn Aguilar, 19 suffered injuries ranging from minor to moderate.

Cause of the Interstate 5 Accident

The cause of the Orange County Interstate 5 crash remains under investigation by the CHP. However, if news reports are accurate, this unfortunate accident was likely caused by drinking and driving. Accidents caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable.

Drunk Driving Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

If the suspected drunk driver is determined to having driving under the influence of alcohol, he may face criminal charges for driving under the influence and causing an accident resulting in injury. Additionally, he may be held liable for the injuries sustained by the five occupants of the Ford Explorer in a personal injury claim. In situations such as this September 27th Anaheim car accident, the family members of the injured victims would be well-advised to consult with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer. An attorney who has successfully represented hundreds of injured victims of alcohol-related accidents can advise the family of their best course of action to hold the driver financially accountable for their injuries and recover the maximum financial compensation they may be entitled to.

Continue reading "Five Injured in Anaheim Crash on Interstate 5; Oceanside Man Arrested On Suspicion of DUI " »

A 24-year-old Ontario man died early Sunday morning after he was struck by a car while changing a tire, the OC Register reported. The victim, Frank Nguyen, was standing outside his 2001 Acura Integra on the shoulder of the freeway at about 2:50 a.m. on the 57 Freeway near the 91 Freeway in Anaheim when his vehicle was struck by a 2010 Ford Expedition driven by Pedro Resendiz, 28, of Fullerton. According to the CHP, the Ford Expedition struck the Integra, which then struck Nguyen, who died at the scene of the accident. A 26-year-old woman with Nguyen was not hurt. Resendiz and three passengers in the Expedition were not injured.

Cause of the 57 Freeway Accident

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the fatal accident. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear why the driver of the Expedition was unable to avoid colliding with Nguyen's vehicle. The CHP will undoubtedly investigate whether the driver was impaired, distracted, or if something else caused him to lose control of the vehicle. At this point, there are more questions than answers as to what happened.

Potential Wrongful Death Liability

Recently there have been a number of tragic accidents involving a broken down vehicle on a freeway and an out-of-control vehicle striking it. Three people died in a crash on Highway 78 in San Diego County earlier this month in a similar accident where a vehicle had stopped because one of the occupants felt ill. These "freeway bystander" pedestrian accidents have unique legal issues. In situations such as this one, the family members of the victim may benefit from talking to an experienced and knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer about the family's potential rights to compensation in a wrongful death claim. An attorney who has represented victims of fatal accidents on freeway shoulders can help the victim's family protect their legal rights and advise them of their best course of action handling communications with the insurance companies following this tragic accident.

Continue reading "Ontario Man Struck and Killed While Changing Tire on 57 Freeway" »

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 DUI accident 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 " »

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 " »

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 " »