Recently in Pedestrian Accident Category

September 1, 2010

Mother and Two Children Struck by Tow Truck Driver in Oxnard Crosswalk

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

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

Cause of the Major Injury Crash

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

Pedestrian Knockdown Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

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

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August 31, 2010

Ontario Man Struck and Killed While Changing Tire on 57 Freeway

accident.jpgA 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.

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August 17, 2010

San Bernardino Man Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident

A 20-year-old San Bernardino man died early Sunday morning after he was struck by a truck while walking to his parked car, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The August 15th pedestrian accident occurred at around 3:13 a.m., in the 2100 block of N Sierra Way in San Bernardino. Police said Mario Antonio Flores Topete was struck by a a 2000 Chevy Pickup truck driven by Augustine Ramirez, of San Bernardino. Topete was taken to St. Bernardine Medical Center where he died. Ramirez reportedly fled the scene but was arrested a short time later on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter. He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact Detective Carlson at 909-384-5664 or Sgt. R. Lawhead at 909-384-5738.

Cause of the Fatal Accident

The San Bernardino Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident. The Press-Enterprise stated that Ramirez was reportedly under the influence of alcohol when the accident occurred.

Wrongful Death Liability

If this fatal accident was indeed caused by the suspected drunk driver, he may face criminal charges for the death of Mario Topete. Additionally, Ramirez may be held financially responsible for Topete's death in a California wrongful death claim. Damages awarded to the family of a victim of wrongful death may be substantial, and include compensation for final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings of the victim, and loss of love, care and companionship. In situations such as this one, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible who can help them understand and protect their legal rights.

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August 15, 2010

Eight Spectators Killed, Dozens Injured in Off-Road Accident at California 200 OHV Race

lucerne-valley-crash.jpegThe Associated Press reported that at least eight people died and twelve people were seriously injured Saturday night when a truck plowed into a crowd at the California 200, a race for off-highway vehicles north of Highway 247 in San Bernardino County. The crash happened at 7:51 p.m., about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles near the Lucerne Valley.

One of the off-road racers participating in the crash, Brett M. Sloppy, 28, of San Marcos, lost control of his white truck at a spot called the "rock pile", shortly after the race started. The driver was reportedly not hurt. Witnesses described the scene as "complete chaos" and said "bodies were everywhere."

Because of the remote location of the crash, it took rescue units a half hour to reach the location. Ten emergency aircraft responded and 12 people were flown to Southern California hospitals. Victims included four men from the San Diego area, Brian Wolfin, 27, of Escondido, Anthony Sanchez, 23, of Escondido, and Aaron Farkas, 25, also of Escondido, and Michael James Dickinson, 34 of Spring Valley, and a woman from Las Vegas, Danica Frantzich, 20. Other victims were identified as Andrew Therrin, 22, of Riverside, Zachary Freeman, 24, of Fillmore and Dustin Malson, 24, of Ventura. The name of the eighth victim was not immediately released.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the 200 mile race where the accident occurred was held at Soggy Dry Lake on federal desert land just east of the San Bernardino Mountains. The only way to reach the location of the accident is via a six-mile dirt road off of California State Route 247. Some off-duty police and firefighters who were spectators at the event helped the injured and placed blankets over the deceased.

Cause of the August 14th Accident

Based on the limited information provided in news reports, the cause of this horrific crash is not clear. The California Highway Patrol has begun their investigation to see if this crash was caused by driver error or a defect in one of the vehicles. It was not evident who was the owner of the truck. The San Jose Mercury News reported that the Bureau of Land Management issued a statement saying safety was the responsibility of the race organizer, Mojave Desert Racing, based in South El Monte.

Liability for Injuries and Deaths

Spectators attending the race were not protected by barriers. The promoters of races such as the California 200 may not employ the proper amount of manpower to keep spectators a safe distance away from racing vehicles. Instead, promoters rely on federal and state land managers who are responsible for patrolling the desert. Due to high temperatures in the desert areas where races are permitted, races are often held at night. Bystanders have been killed or injured at other off-road races, including the Baja 1000 and the Dakar Rally, according to a report in the New York Times.

In situations such as this one, victims and their families would be encouraged to contact a California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Because of unique liability issues of these type of event bystander accidents, victims and their families have only a limited amount of time to pursue compensation for their injuries or a loved one's wrongful death. If you would like to know more about your legal rights as an injured bystander or the family of someone who was killed in this crash, contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your potential case and rights to compensation from whoever is responsible for the accident.

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August 11, 2010

Man Crossing Street in Wheelchair Struck and Killed in Upland

grove-ave-eb.jpgA 60-year-old Rancho Cucamonga man died Monday night when he was struck by a car while crossing the street, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reported. The fatal accident occurred at 8:24 p.m. Monday, August 9th, on Grove Avenue, south of Bowen Street in Upland. According to news reports, the victim, Louis Chambers, was not in a crosswalk when he attempted crossing Grove Avenue. He was subsequently struck by a southbound Toyota Corolla. Chambers was rushed to San Antonio Community Hospital, where he died less than 30 minutes after the accident. The driver of the Corolla, David Martinez, 22, of Upland, reportedly saw Chambers prior to the collision and attempted to stop, but was unable to. The front of his Toyota Corolla struck Chambers and ejected him from his wheelchair.

Cause of the Upland Pedestrian Accident

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Based on the information provided in news reports, it is not clear whether the driver of the Corolla was at fault. Even though he was not cited or arrested at the scene, he still may be determined responsible pending the investigation. If the driver of the Corolla was speeding, or otherwise driving negligently so that he should have seen Chambers, he may be found responsible.

Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

Wheelchair-bound pedestrians are unfortunately somewhat common victims of fatal accidents. 75% of pedestrian-vehicle accidents occur at non-intersections. While crossing the street outside of a crosswalk increases a pedestrian's risk of being struck, an accident still may be the fault of the driver. In situations such as this one, while an accident is still under investigation, the family members of the victims are well-advised to contact a San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyer about the family's rights in a wrongful death claim. If the driver is determined to be responsible, he may be liable for the victim's final medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, future anticipated income, and loss of love, care, and companionship. A lawyer who has successfully represented victims of wheelchair pedestrian accidents can advise the victim's family of their legal rights and best course of action going forward.

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August 9, 2010

Twentynine Palms Woman Struck and Killed on Highway 62

hwy-62-encelia-eb.jpgThe San Bernardino Sun reported a 48-year-old Twentynine Palms woman died Sunday evening when she was struck by a car on Highway 62. According to news reports, the victim, Sandra Dawn Cox, was struck by a 2005 Chrysler 300 driven by Lacey Barker, 19, also of Twentynine Palms. The fatal pedestrian accident was reported on Highway 62, at Encelia Avenue, at 7:14 p.m.

Cause of the Fatal Pedestrian Accident

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner, the cause of the accident remains under investigation. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear exactly what happened, and if the driver of the Chrysler was in fact responsible for the accident Law enforcement will surely look at speed, possible driver or pedestrian impairment, and other factors in determining the cause of the August 8th car vs. pedestrian accident and who was responsible.

Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the Chrysler is responsible for this accident, she may be held liable for Cox's death in a wrongful death claim. Without more information, it is impossible to tell if this is the case. While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, the family members of Sandra Cox may benefit from speaking to a San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyer about this crash and the family's possible rights in a wrongful death claim. A knowledgeable lawyer who has successfully represented victims of fatal highway pedestrian accidents can explain the family's legal rights and options, and best course of action going forward.

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August 4, 2010

Glendora Man Struck and Killed While Crossing Street

A 79-year-old Glendora man tragically died Tuesday afternoon, about 6 hours after he was struck by a Toyota Corolla while out on a morning walk, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported yesterday. According to news reports, the victim, Theodore McElligatt, was crossing the street at about 7:30 a.m. at the intersection of Bennett Avenue and Vista Bonita Avenue when he was hit by the Toyota. He suffered severe injuries and was flown to USC Medical Center where he reportedly died of his injuries at about 1:30 p.m.

Our condolences go out to Theodore McElligatt for their loss. Please keep his family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Cause of the Glendora Pedestrian Accident

The cause of the fatal Glendora pedestrian accident remains under investigation. Based on the limited details provided in news reports, it is unclear why the woman driving the Toyota did not stop her vehicle before striking McElligatt. Was she distracted, speeding, or did something malfunction in her vehicle? At this point, there are more questions than answers as to why this accident occurred. Although the driver was not cited or arrested at the scene, she could still be found responsible pending the outcome of the investigation.

Possible Wrongful Death Liability

If the driver of the vehicle is determined to have caused this accident, she may be liable for the wrongful death of McElligatt. While this accident remains under investigation, the family of the victim may benefit from talking to a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer about their possible rights to compensation in a wrongful death claim. A skilled lawyer who has successfully represented victims of fatal pedestrian accidents can help the family understand the unique legal issues of this accident and advise them of their best course of action to hold the at-fault party accountable for their devastating loss.

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August 2, 2010

Pedestrian Hit by Teen Driver Near San Clemente High School

pedestrian-crossing-sign-eb.jpgA 61-year-old man was taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo Sunday night after he was hit by a car driven by a 16-year-old near San Clemente High School, the Orange County Register reported. The accident occurred in the 700 block of Avenida Pico, at around 9 p.m. The teen driver was not cited, and police did not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash. The injured man suffered a broken leg and a head injury in the August 1st San Clemente pedestrian accident.

Pedestrian Accidents & Personal Injury Liability

The cause of the incident remains under investigation. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear what happened or who was responsible. Authorities will look at the location of the accident, the speed of the vehicle, and whether there was any way the driver could have prevented in the accident. If the driver is determined to be at fault, he or she may be liable for the injuries sustained by the victim. In situations such as this one, while an accident investigation is ongoing, the family members of the injured victim would be well-advised to consult with a California pedestrian injury lawyer about the accident and the victim's possible rights to compensation for his injuries in a personal injury claim.

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July 22, 2010

Upland Man Struck and Killed Crossing Street

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

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

Cause of the Upland Pedestrian Accident

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

Wrongful Death Pedestrian Accidents

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

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July 20, 2010

Teen on Sidewalk Killed by Out-Of-Control Vehicle in Canyon Country

soledad-canyon-eb.jpgA teenage boy walking on a sidewalk was tragically killed Sunday morning when an out-of-control Chevy Suburban went up onto the sidewalk and struck him, the Santa Clarita Signal reported. The fatal pedestrian accident happened at about 10:25 a.m. on Sunday, on Soledad Canyon Road near Galixy Avenue. The 15-year-old boy walking on the sidewalk, Eric Michael Gilhooley, died at the scene of the crash.

The driver of the Chevy Suburban that struck Gilhooley, a 47-year-old Canyon Country man, suffered only "scratches," the Signal reported. He was not arrested and authorities said it did not appear that alcohol was a factor in the crash. Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact Detective Jeff Maag of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Santa Clarita Valley Station at (661)255-1121.

Cause of the Fatal Pedestrian Accident

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Traffic Office is investigating the accident, and why the driver of the Chevy Suburban went off the road and onto the sidewalk. Based upon the limited information, it is not clear if this accident was the result of negligent or reckless driving, a dangerous road condition, or even a possible malfunction in the Suburban. However, as a pedestrian off the road and on a sidewalk, the teen was clearly the victim of this accident.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death

While this accident remains under investigation by law enforcement, the family members of the victim of this crash would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer who has represented family members in fatal sidewalk pedestrian accidents. A lawyer skilled in the complex legal issues of these type of accidents can help the victim's family understand and protect their legal rights to make sure whoever is responsible for this pedestrian accident is held liable. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim can include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, future anticipated lifetime earnings of the victim, and loss of love, care, and companionship.

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July 16, 2010

11-Year-Old Boy Struck and Killed in Crosswalk in South Los Angeles

An 11-year-old boy tragically died Thursday afternoon after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in South LA, CBS 2 reported. The July 15th accident occurred at 76th Street and Hoover Street at about 2:30 p.m. The victim was identified by the Los Angeles Police Department as Natanael Garcia. According to news reports, the woman who was driving the SUV that struck Garcia stopped momentarily, got out and checked Garcia, and then sped away northbound on Hoover Street.

Hoover-76th-eb.jpgOur deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Natanael, whose innocent young life was taken in this heartbreaking tragedy. ABC 7 News reported that Natanael was the the youngest of seven children, and that the accident occurred as he was crossing the street to meet his mother, who witnessed her son be struck by the SUV.

In this situation, the driver absolutely had a responsibility to stay at the scene until law enforcement arrived. Because she stopped briefly and got out of her vehicle, it is clear that she knew she had hit someone, and that the victim was gravely injured. It is shocking that an adult woman would leave a child suffering in an attempt to avoid law enforcement. For Natanael's family's sake, we hope the driver is located or turns herself in to police immediately. There is simply no excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident like this one.

Update: A 23-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with this accident (see LA Times report).

Public Asked To Help Locate Suspect

The suspect was described as a Latino woman driving black or dark blue SUV with tan trim and stock wheels. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact South Traffic Division Detectives at (323) 290-6063. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS. Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Accidents Involving Children and Wrongful Death Liability

The loss of a child is something that no parent should ever have to experience or witness. When young children die due to the negligent, reckless, or careless actions of another, families may hold the at-fault party responsible in a civil claim for wrongful death. Although no amount of financial compensation can ever ease the pain of a family member taken too soon, a claim can serve to meet the financial burdens of a loss, as well as hold the at-fault party accountable for her actions. In situations such as this one, family members would be well-advised to contact a Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer about the pedestrian accident, and the liability issues involved. In the event that the driver is not located, an attorney may be able to help the family recover compensation for their loss from their own insurance company, if they had one.

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July 5, 2010

Pedestrian Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver on Highway 395 in Victorville

hre-bvic.jpgA 34-year-old Pinion Hills man died early July 4th after he was struck by a vehicle on the west side of Highway 395 in Victorville, the San Bernardino County Coroner reported. The victim was identified as Michael Wayne Hartley. According to news reports, the driver of the vehicle that struck Hartley fled the scene of the accident, which occurred north of Dos Palmos Road, at 1:27 a.m. The cause of the accident is under investigation and Victorville Police are actively searching for the driver of the vehicle involved in this fatal hit-and-run accident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Deputy James Snow of the Victorville Police Department at 760-241-2911.

Our condolences go out to the family of Michael Hartley and everyone who knew him and loved him. For his family's sake, we hope that the driver of the vehicle involved in this incident will turn himself in or be located by law enforcement. Regardless of who was at fault or how an accident occurs, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death to another is against the law. The penalties for a fatal hit-and-run accident vary whether the driver was driving negligently or grossly negligently, and whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drivers with previous DUI convictions may face more serious charges.

Hit-and-Run Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

Along with criminal charges, if the driver is located, he or she may also be liable for the victim's death in a civil claim for wrongful death. Damages for a wrongful death claim may include monetary compensation for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care and companionship, as well as other expenses related to the accident. While this San Bernardino hit-and-run fatality remains under investigation, the family of the victims would be well-advised to speak to a San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyer. Even if the driver is not located, an attorney may possibly be able to help the victim's family obtain compensation for their loss from the victim's own insurance policy, if he had one.

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July 5, 2010

Woman Killed, Six Children Injured Watching Fireworks Near Valencia Mall

valencia4thjlyeb.jpgA 43-year-old woman watching fireworks with her children and nieces was killed when a car plowed into her family Sunday night, KTLA News reported. The accident occurred outside the Westfield Valencia Town Center Mall, just before 10 p.m., on Valencia Boulevard at Mall Entrance Drive. According to news reports, a two-car collision involving a sedan and an SUV at the intersection sent one of the vehicles onto a curb, where it struck Matilde Garnica Juarez, 43, of Newhall, died at the scene. Her two children and four nieces were also hurt. One of her children suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Children's Hospital. The other victims with non-life-threatening were taken by ambulance to Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital.

It is absolutely heartbreaking that a family outing to enjoy a fireworks show ended in such tragedy. Our condolences go out to the family of Matilda Gamica and everyone who knew and loved her. We hope that her children and nieces make a full recovery. Please keep this entire family in your prayers, as this accident has surely changed their lives forever.

Cause of the Fatal Accident

As pedestrian on a sidewalk, Matilde Garnica Juarez and the children she was with were innocent victims of tragedy. The cause of the Valencia pedestrian accident remains under investigation, and it was not immediately known if alcohol was a factor in the collision. SHERIFF'S DETECTIVES URGE ANYONE WHO WITNESSED THE CRASH TO CONTACT DETECTIVE JEFF MAAG THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY SHERIFF'S STATION AT (661) 255-1121.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

The family members of all of the victims of this pedestrian accident would be well-advised to talk to a Los Angeles personal injury attorney as soon as possible, who can help them understand and protect their legal rights, and obtain compensation for their injuries and the wrongful death of their loved one. In cases such as this one, injured victims are advised to contact an attorney soon after an accident, while evidence and witness recollections are still fresh. Compensation for a personal injury claim may include damages for medical expenses, loss of earnings, emotional pain and suffering, and other accident related expenses. Wrongful death damages can include money for loss of love, care and support, anticipated future earnings and benefits, and funeral and burial expenses.

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June 22, 2010

9-Year-Old Boy Struck by Car While Riding Scooter in Baldwin Park

A nine-year-old boy suffered serious injuries Monday afternoon after he was struck by a car driven by an unlicensed driver, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported. According to news reports, the victim, Robert Garcia Umanzor, was riding his scooter across the street when he was struck by a Toyota Corolla on Maine Avenue, just north of Rexwood Avenue, at about 4:15 p.m. Monday. Umanzor suffered head trauma and a leg injury, police reported. The driver of the older model Toyota Corolla, who was not licensed, was cited and released. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Children's Injury Liability Considerations

The incident took place in a residential area where the speed limit was 25 mph. According to news reports, police have not yet determined if the driver of the Corolla was speeding. While the investigation is pending, the family members of the little boy would be well-advised to talk to a Los Angeles personal injury attorney about this accident, and whether the driver of the Toyota Corolla is liable and financially responsible for the boy's injuries. Compensation awarded in a personal injury claim can include monetary damages for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and more. A personal injury attorney who has successfully represented families of children struck by vehicles can help the family understand and protect their legal rights.

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June 16, 2010

8-Year-Old Boy Struck and Killed by Pickup Truck in Cathedral City

An 8-year-old Cathedral City boy tragically died Tuesday night at Desert Regional Medical Center, shortly after he was struck by a passing pickup truck, the Desert Sun reported. The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Department identified the boy as Mario Salinas Jr. According to news reports, the boy was struck at 7:14 p.m. in the 68000 block of Durango Road, west of Avenida Maravilla. The boy apparently ran out into the street and was struck by the westbound truck. The dog that the boy was walking was also killed.

The loss of a young child is something no parent should ever have to go face. Our sympathy goes out to the parents and all the family members of this little boy, and everyone who knew and loved him. Please keep his family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Cause of the Accident

Police are still investigating the accident and are still trying to locate witnesses. Anyone that may have seen the incident occur is urged to telephone the Cathedral City Police Department Traffic Bureau at (760)770-0306. According to KPSP News, police were still investigating whether excessive speed played a role in the crash.

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