Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

SAN BERNARDINO - According to multiple new reports, a 17-year-old San Bernardino girl was struck by a motorcycle at about 7:20 p.m. Tuesday. Witnesses at the scene told police that the motorcycle was traveling 65-70 mph in a 35 mph zone when it hit the teenage girl as she rode across on her skateboard near the 31st and E Street intersection. Following the accident, the motorcyclist did not stop and was last scene going north on E Street. The girl was taken via ambulance to a Loma Linda Medical Center with severe head injuries.

Cause of the Motorcycle vs. Pedestrian Accident

Based on the information obtained through news reports, it is evident speed and negligence are contributing factors in this March 13th San Bernardino incident. However, it is not clear why the motorcyclist did not stop after this horrible collision. Regardless of his or her reason, there is absolutely no excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident. 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."

San Bernardino Hit-and-Run Accident Liability

Following a catastrophic accident such as this one, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact an attorney knowledgeable and experienced in hit-and-run San Bernardino pedestrian accidents. A San Bernardino personal injury lawyer at Estey Bomberger, can advise the victim and family of their legal rights, assist authorities in locating the motorcyclist involved, and determine the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation the victim is entitled to.

Continue reading "Girl on Skateboard Critically Injured in San Bernardino Hit-and-Run Accident" »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY - A 56-year-old woman was struck by a car in San Bernardino at about 2:25 p.m. Tuesday. According to The San Bernardino County Sun, the woman was hit by a motorist while she was crossing in the 2200 block of North Del Rosa Avenue. The female pedestrian, whose name was not released, was then transported to Loma Linda Hospital with major head trauma and is listed in stable condition.

Liability for San Bernardino Pedestrian Accidents

Injuries stemming from a pedestrian accident can be severe and even fatal, regardless of the speed the vehicle was traveling or the age of the victim. Pedestrians hit by an automobile, truck, or motorcycle, can include back, head, and neck injuries, broken bones, paralysis, and spinal cord injuries.

Therefore, as the investigation of this February 28th accident remains ongoing, the victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a skilled San Bernardino personal injury lawyer. An knowledgeable attorney can ensure the vicitm's legal rights are protected and decide the best course of action in recovering compensation for her injuries including, medical care expenses, lost wages due to time away from work, and any other related damages in this horrible pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Struck by Car in San Bernardino" »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY - A 42-year-old woman was killed and two other were injured after they were involved in a head-on collision on Highway 18 in San Bernardino. The accident occurred at 5:47 p.m. Friday when the woman, Holly Foor of Crestline, was traveling north on Highway 18 in her 2005 Honda Civic and was struck head-on by a Ford Explorer.

According to The Press-Enterprise, the 1997 Explorer was traveling on the southbound side of the highway when it crossed the double yellow line and into the northbound lanes. A tour bus carrying 20 passengers was also sideswiped in the accident, but no one on board was reported to be injured. However, following the crash, Foor was taken to St. Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino where she later died due to her injuries. The driver and the other occupant in the SUV were taken to area hospitals for further treatment.

Wrongful Death Liability for San Bernardino Car Accidents

The investigation of the January 27th accident remains ongoing by the San Bernardino Police Department to determine what happened and who is responsible. However, if authorities conclude that the driver is solely at fault for this horrific collision, family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a San Bernardino accident lawyer immediately regarding their legal rights in a wrongful death claim. An experienced attorney who has handled many cases involving fatal car collisions, can advise the family of their rights to hold the other party financially liable for the loss of their loved one, and ensure they obtain the maximum compensation they are entitled to.

Continue reading "One Killed, Two Injured on Highway 18 Head-On Crash in San Bernardino" »

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.

Continue reading "Man Injured in San Bernardino Bicycle Accident" »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY -- A 60-year-old woman was hit by a car at about 6:01 p.m. Monday in San Bernardino, The Press-Enterprise reported. The accident happened when the woman, whose name was not released, was struck by a vehicle while she was crossing at the intersection of East Lynwood Drive and North Mountain Avenue.

Following the collision,the woman was taken to Loma Linda Medical Center where she later died from her injuries at about 7:15 p.m., and it was reported that the driver of the vehicle is cooperating with the San Bernardino police.

UPDATE: The Press-Enterprise reported on Wednesday that the woman who was tragically killed in this pedestrian accident was identified as Karen Lee Henthorn of San Bernardino.

San Bernardino Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

The accident on December 26th remains under investigation by the San Bernardino Police Department. However based on the information provided by news reports, it is not clear what caused this horrific accident. Authorities investigating the incident indicated alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the collision, but is it certain they will look at other factors that may have caused the accident, including speed, distracted driving, negligent or reckless actions of driver, vehicle malfunctions, and road conditions.

Therefore, while the investigation of the accident is ongoing, the family of the victim would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from a skilled San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer. An attorney experienced in pedestrian accidents can ensure the family's legal rights are protected, and decide the best course of action in obtaining compensation for the loss of their loved one, including funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Woman Struck and Killed by Car in San Bernardino" »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY -- According to the San Bernardino County Sun, two men were killed in a collision Sunday morning. The two men were traveling northbound on Interstate 15 near Cleghorn Road in a Ford Explorer when for unknown reasons their vehicle slammed into the center divider. The collision led the vehicle to stop on the far right lane of the freeway, just a quarter mile north of Highway 138. Moments later, a GMC Sierra rear-ended the Explorer, sending both vehicles over the side of the freeway. The impact of the collision caused the Sierra and Explorer to burst into flames. Firefighters at the scene, extinguished the fires and found the bodies of the two men inside the Explorer. Both men were reported to have died at the scene and their identities have not been released until they have been accurately identified and their next of kin is notified.

Cause of the San Bernardino Car Accident on Interstate 15

The accident on September 11th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information provided by the San Bernardino County Sun and The Press-Enterprise, it is unclear to determine what caused the driver of the Ford Explorer to crash into the center divider. It is also not evident why the driver of the GMC Sierra was unable to prevent his/her vehicle from colliding with the Explorer. Therefore, it is impossible to determine who is at fault for this tragic accident. Hopefully, police officials can come to a conclusion as to what and why this accident occurred and who is officially responsible.

San Bernardino Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Following a catastrophic accident such as this one, family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact a skilled San Bernardino wrongful death attorney who can help them determine the parties responsible. A knowledgeable attorney who has the experience in these types of automobile accidents, can advise the family of their legal rights and best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for funeral/burial expenses, loss of love, care, affection and companionship, and other damages relating to this horrific car accident.

Continue reading "Two Men Killed in San Bernardino Car Accident on Interstate 15" »

A 55-year-old San Bernardino man was tragically killed Friday night when he was struck by a vehicle in San Bernardino, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The victim was identified by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner as Richard Salazar-Borrego. According to news reports, Salazar-Borrego was walking south on Western Avenue in traffic lanes around 9:23 p.m. when he was struck by a 2004 Jeep travelling westbound on 9th Street. Salazar-Borrego was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he died of his injuries. The cause of the fatal October 8th San Bernardino pedestrian accident is under investigation by police.

Cause of the Accident

Based on the very limited information provided by the Press-Enterprise and the San Bernardino Sun, it is unclear exactly what happened. Police will surely look at factors such as the speed of the Jeep, the location of the pedestrian, and possible impairment of either the pedestrian or the driver of the Jeep in determining exactly what happened and why. Hopefully, the investigation will provide answers to the many questions this accident raises.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If authorities determine that the driver of the Jeep caused this accident, the driver may be liable for the death of the pedestrian. In situations such as this accident, where the cause of a fatal accident is unclear, the family members of the victim may benefit from talking to a knowledgeable San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer about the accident and who may be responsible. If negligence or wrongdoing were a factor in the crash, an attorney may be able to help the family obtain compensation for their loss, including damages for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and benefits of the victim, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "San Bernardino Man Killed October 8th in Pedestrian Accident " »

A 48-year-od woman struck by a vehicle March 13th in San Bernardino has died, authorities have reported. The victim, Jenny Rita Moya, was crossing the street at the intersection of Mount Vernon Avenue and Eighth Street at about 7:30 p.m. when she was struck by a 1993 Nissan Quest. The Daily Bulletin reported Moya remained hospitalized since the accident last month and died Wednesday, April 8th.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Jenny Moya and everyone who knew and loved her. Please keep her family in your prayers during this surely difficult time.

Who Was At Fault?

The driver of the vehicle that struck her, a 29-year-old Rancho Cucamonga man, has not been arrested, but the cause of the accident is still under investigation. Anyone with information about the incident may call Sgt. Brett Birnbaum at 909-388-4919. Based upon the reports of this accident, it is not clear how the accident occurred, and whether the driver of the Nissan Quest was speeding, under the influence of alcohol, or otherwise driving negligently.

Liability and Wrongful Death Issues

While this San Bernardino pedestrian accident is under investigation, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak with a San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer. Even if the driver is not cited or charged for the accident, the family may still pursue justice in a civil claim for wrongful death. An attorney can monitor the investigation, and help the family hold whoever was responsible for this woman's death accountable to the maximum extent. Compensation in a wrongful death claim can include damages for final medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, and loss of love and companionship.

Continue reading "San Bernardino Woman Dies of Injuries Following March 13 Pedestrian Accident " »

Police are looking for the driver of an older model Chrysler following a hit and run collision Friday evening in San Bernardino. Thomas Joseph Meeks, 19, died at the scene of the crash; his 15-year-old stepbrother suffered life-threatening head injuries and was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition, the San Bernardino Sun reported Saturday. The hit and run bicycle accident occurred around 7 p.m. Friday, February 19th on 40th Street, between Johnson Street and Acre Lane in San Bernardino. The vehicle, an older model Chrysler or Pontiac, was travelling east on 40th Street about 40 mph when he struck the two boys, throwing them off the bicycle about 60 to 80 feet. One of the boys was sitting on the bicycle handlebars.

Police Sgt. Rich Lawhead told the San Bernardino Sun that investigators have "really have very little to go on." Anyone who witnessed this accident or has information about the accident is asked to call Sgt. Rich Lawhead at 909-384-5738 or 909-384-5735.

Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death is against the law in California. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, "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." Regardless of who was at fault, by the nature of being a party to this collision, the driver had a legal responsibility to stop. We hope that the driver is located or makes the decision to turn himself or herself in to authorities. Our sympathy goes out to the family of both victims, and we sincerely hope the injured boy is able to recover from his very serious injuries.

Continue reading "One Killed, One Critical After San Bernardino Hit and Run Bicycle Accident " »