Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

A 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.

Continue reading "Mother and Two Children Struck by Tow Truck Driver in Oxnard Crosswalk " »

An 11-year-old boy was seriously injured Friday morning when he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle, the Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred in the 700 block of Fairview Parkway, at about 10:40 a.m., according to Hemet Police. The boy was reportedly riding his bike when he was struck by the car and thrown onto the hood, before he became lodged underneath the vehicle and was dragged about 25 feet. Witnesses and a Hemet city work crew lifted the vehicle and got the boy out from under the car.

Cause of the Hemet Bicycle Accident

The Hemet Police department is investigating the incident. Based on the news reports, it is not clear how this accident occurred, and whether the driver of the car was at fault. Police will investigate all the factors leading up to the crash, including whether the driver was impaired, distracted, speeding, or otherwise could have prevented striking the young boy on the bike.

Bicycle Accidents and Children's Injury Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the car caused the crash, he or she may be liable for the injuries the boy sustained, including all medical expenses and pain and suffering. While this July 30th Hemet bicycle accident remains under investigation, the parents of the victim may benefit from speaking to a Riverside bicycle accident attorney about the accident, and the victim's possible rights to compensation in a personal injury claim. A lawyer who has successfully represented families of children hit by cars while riding a bike can advise the family of the unique legal issues of this accident and the family's best course of action to protect their rights.

Continue reading "11-Year-Old Bicyclist Struck and Dragged by Car in Hemet " »

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 " »

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 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.

Continue reading "Teen on Sidewalk Killed by Out-Of-Control Vehicle in Canyon Country " »

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.

Our 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.

Continue reading "11-Year-Old Boy Struck and Killed in Crosswalk in South Los Angeles " »

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

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

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

Cause of the Crash

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

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability

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

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

A 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.

Continue reading "Woman Killed, Six Children Injured Watching Fireworks Near Valencia Mall " »

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.

Continue reading "9-Year-Old Boy Struck by Car While Riding Scooter in Baldwin Park " »

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.

Continue reading "8-Year-Old Boy Struck and Killed by Pickup Truck in Cathedral City " »

An Upland man died Sunday afternoon and an 11-year-old boy, who was not related to him, suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reported. According to the CHP, the solo vehicle motorcycle accident occurred at 12:05 p.m. on the on the transition road between the southbound 57 Freeway (Orange Freeway) and the eastbound 10 Freeway.

The driver, Michael Smith 36, lost control of the 2007 Honda CBS 1000 motorcycle and was thrown from the bike. The 11-year-old passenger, Nathan Ryan of Upland, stayed onboard as the bike went from the west guardrail and across traffic lanes into the east guardrail.

Smith died at the scene and Ryan was taken to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center with serious injuries. Both the driver and passenger were wearing helmets. The transition road was closed for approximately three hours while officers investigated.

Continue reading "Upland Man Killed, 11-Year-Old Seriously Injured in San Dimas Motorcycle Crash " »

A crash Wednesday afternoon involving a Saturn sedan and a big-rig truck left a family of five from Los Osos with serious injuries, KEYT News reported. According to reports, the driver of a big rig truck hauling 14,000 pounds of citrus and vegetables had pulled over to inspect his vehicles braking system. The truck driver pulled onto the northbound shoulder of the highway.

The sedan collided with the rear-end of the trailer near Mussel Shoals Road at 1:50 p.m., and was wedged under the back of the big rig. According to the Daily Sound, the truck driver and a good Samaritan off duty firefighter helped pull three children, a 2-year-old boy a 4-year-old girl, and a 6-year-old girl out of the back of the vehicle. Their parents, identified by the Ventura County Star as Christopher and Vanessa Dunne of Los Osos, remained trapped in their vehicle for nearly an hour.

A CHP officer said that the fire department had to use "extreme extrication procedures" to remove the parents. A helicopter landed on the highway and took the father to the hospital. The others were taken to the hospital by ground ambulance. The driver of the truck was not hurt. Our hearts go out to the Dunne family and we hope they all make a full recovery from their serious injuries.

Cause of the Crash

The facts reported in the news do not explain what happened, and at this point, there are really more questions than answers. It is not clear if the semi-truck was partly on the roadway, and whether it was parked legally. Also at issue is whether the underride protection bar (also known as a rear-impact guard or DOT bumper) met Department of Transportation requirements. The laws that govern rear-impact protection on tractor-trailer trucks can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations §571.224 Standard No. 224. The purpose of this federal regulation is to "reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries occurring when light duty vehicles impact the rear of trailers and semitrailers with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,536 kg (approximately 10,000 pounds) or more."

Continue reading "Family of Five Injured When Car Collides with Parked Semi on Highway 101 " »

A 12-year-old Los Angeles girl and her 21-year-old cousin tragically died Sunday night when a suspected drunk driver ran a stop sign and struck the vehicle they were riding in, the San Bernardino Sun reported today.

The fatal intersection accident occurred at North Macy Street and Mesa at 8:25 p.m., the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner said in a press release. According to reports, the 12-year-old girl, Sandra Ceballos, was a passenger in the rear-middle seat of a silver 2004 Kia Optima travelling southbound on North Macy Street in Muscoy. Her cousin, Timothy Sigala Jr., the front seat passenger, was critically injured.

A 1998 Chevy pickup truck travelling eastbound on Mesa reportedly failed to stop at the stop-sign and broadsided the Kia. The collision forced the Kia into a wooden fence and the vehicle came to rest against a nearby palm tree.

San Bernardino Fire Department responders arrived at the scene approximately five minutes after the crash and found Ceballos dead at the scene. Timothy Sigala Jr. was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he was removed from life support Monday night. Ceballos' mother and 14-year-old brother were also badly injured in the accident.

Our sympathy and condolences out to the family of Sandra Ceballos and Timothy Sigala and everyone who knew and loved them. Please keep their family in your prayers. We hope the others hurt in this crash make a full recovery.

Cause of the Crash

Although the cause of the accident is still under investigation by the CHP, the San Bernardino Sun stated that the driver of the Chevy ran a stop sign. The Press-Enterprise reported Monday that the driver of the Chevy, Alexander Velasco, 21, of San Bernardino, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. If news reports are accurate, the driver of the Chevy truck caused this crash by making the decision to drink and drive. Crashes caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable.

DUI Laws in California

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law under California Vehicle Code (CVC) § 23152(1), which states "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." The driver, if he was determined to be under the influence of alcohol, will likely face charges of vehicular manslaughter for the death of the young girl killed in this crash. Under California Penal Code § 191.5 (a) Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

Continue reading "Two Killed, Two Injured in Muscoy Car Accident; Driver Arrested " »

The driver of a Jeep Wrangler was arrested early Friday morning after he plowed into a home in Downey, directly into the bedroom where a 6-year-old girl was sleeping, the Contra Costa Times reported. According to Downey Police, the suspected drunken driving crash was reported at Brookshire Avenue and Stewart and Gray Road about 1:45 a.m.

A man and his daughter living at the home were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The man's wife was staying at a nearby hospital, having just given birth to her second child the day before. The driver of the Jeep, who was not identified, tried to flee the crash on foot. However, neighbors who were awakened by the sound of the crash, chased and caught the man and held him until police arrived. A passenger in the Jeep was pinned and had to be extricated by firefighters.

Cause of the Crash and Liability Issues

Although the cause of this accident is still under investigation by Downey Police, if news reports are accurate, this Los Angeles crash is the fault of the suspected drunken driver. He will likely be liable for both the man and his daughter's injuries as a result of this crash, and also the damage to their home. While this incident is still under investigation, the family of the two injured victims would be well-advised to consult with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can explain their legal rights and any unique legal issues to this case, and help them obtain justice for their injuries, including compensation for their medical expenses, lost earnings, and emotional pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Father and Daughter Taken to Hospital after Car Plows into Downey Home " »

A two-year-old boy who drowned in his family's backyard Jacuzzi Saturday has been identified by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department as Anthony Mares. Authorities responded to a call on April 10th at a home on Romance Place in Temecula where the little boy had made his way into the backyard unsupervised and fell into the in-ground Jacuzzi. Officers began CPR but the child was not responsive. He was taken to Rancho Springs Medical Center in Murrieta where he died.

Sheriff's officials did not disclose until Wednesday, April 14th that a drowning had occurred. The cause of the accident is under investigation. Based upon reports in the Press Enterprise, it was not clear how long the child was in the water before he was discovered, but authorities believed it was only a matter of minutes.

Accidental Drowning and Near-Drowning Statistics

An estimated 300 toddlers die in accidental drownings every year, and several thousand children are treated for near-drowning injuries in hospital emergency rooms. As many as 20 percent of near-drowning survivors suffer permanent disability as a result of their injuries. According to statistics, most children who drown in swimming pools are missing less than five minutes.

Continue reading "Temecula Toddler Drowns in Hot Tub " »