Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

The City of Indio has seen consistent population growth over the years. Since the previous census, the number of Indio residents swelled 54.8% to 76,036 at the time of the 2010 Census. Thousands of visitors flock to Indio for annual music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach, as well as enjoy the camping grounds available near by. And like any other large city, Indio is the site of hundreds of motor vehicle accidents, causing serious injury and fatality. In 2009, there were 5 fatal accidents and 176 injury accidents on Indio's roadways. Some of the locations of fatal accidents include:

• State Route 111
• Jackson Street
• Pacific Street
• Interstate 10.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious car accident as result of someone else's careless actions, you may be entitled to compensation. Please consult our Indio traffic accident attorneys to ensure your rights are fully protected.

Truck Accidents in Indio

Riverside County has one of the highest numbers of truck accidents in California. Because the Interstate 10 bisects the County, thousands of trucks crossing the State or country pass through Riverside and Indio. As the fourth longest highway in the United States, Interstate 10 is a major route for transportation. The high number of commercial trucks means a greater chance for a serious truck accident to occur. A trailer truck can outweigh a passenger vehicle by over 76,000 pounds. A collision with a large vehicle can result in catastrophic injuries for the occupants of the smaller car. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Fatigued driving
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• DUI/DWI
• Unsafe lane changes and turns
• Sudden stops.

Recovering Compensation

Not all accidents require assistance from a personal injury lawyer; smaller claims can be settled without professional intervention. However, when damages are large and injuries serious, a professional Indio accident attorney may be a necessary component to recovering your rightful compensation. At Estey Bomberger, our trusted trial lawyers will not relent until our clients have received the total compensation for all of the damages incurred by the accident, including:

• Medical fees
• Lost wages
• Physical/occupational therapy expenses
• Reduced earning capacity
• Future medical fees and expenses related to the accident.

Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers

With over 70 combined years of serving serious accident victims, our attorneys have accumulated the skills and experience necessary to face the challenges of a wide variety of different types of personal injury claims. Some of the types of claims we handle involve:

• Brain injury accident
• Spinal cord injury accident
• Defective product accident
• Motorcycle accident
• Truck accident
• Paralysis/nerve damage accident
• Wrongful death accident.

No Fees Unless We Win

We accept all of our cases on a contingency fee agreement, meaning our clients will not be charged for any legal service we provide unless or until we successfully recover compensation for them. Protect your claim to a total compensation by entrusting your case to a professional Indio personal injury lawyer. If you or a loved one has been harmed in an accident where another negligent party was at fault, please contact us today and schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Indio accident lawyers; all inquiries are free and confidential.

KERN COUNTY - The Taft Midway Driller reported the driver of a Honda Accord suffered major injuries Monday afternoon in a head-on collision with a Fed-Ex tractor-trailer on Highway 46. The accident was reported just west of Brown Material Road at 2:45 p.m. According to news reports, one person inside the vehicle was trapped and "heavy extrication" was necessary. An air ambulance from Bakersfield was dispatched to the accident scene. Further details about the cause of the crash and who was responsible were not immediately available.

Highway 46 "Blood Alley" Accidents

Because we have represented a number of victims of Highway 46 accidents, the atterns at Estey Bomberger know large trucks are a major hazard in Kern County. The highway that this September 19th accident occurred on is particularly dangerous, and over the years there have been hundreds of crashes, including many resulting in fatalities. Last year, three people died in a horrendous head-on collision on Highway 46 near Brown Material Road on April 5, 2010. If you have been seriously injured in a Highway 46 accident, contact the Kern County truck accident lawyers at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation.

Continue reading "One Person Seriously Injured in Head-On Collision With Big-Rig on Highway 46" »

ONTARIO - A 23-year-old paramedic was killed in an ambulance crash early Sunday morning on Interstate 10, the Press-Enterprise reported. According to news accounts, 23-year-old Doug Odgers was a front passenger and paramedic in an ambulance travelling westbound on I-10 when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle struck a freeway sign pole east of the Fourth Street onramp. Paramedics responded and transported Odgers to San Antonio Community Hospital where he died of his injuries just after 9 a.m. No patients were being transported at the time of the accident, which occurred at 6:10 a.m. on May 8, 2011.

Cause of the May 8th Ontario Ambulance Accident

The Press-Enterprise reported that a preliminary investigation by the CHP did not reveal the cause of the San Bernardino County accident. The ambulance, a 2007 Ford, was driven by 25-year-old Grelli Ugarte of Carmarillo. Carmarillo suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Hopefully, the CHP investigation will reveal exactly what happened and why.

Ambulance Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Based on the limited information in news accounts, it appears that, as a passenger, Odgers could have done little to prevent this accident from occurring. If it is determined that the driver of the ambulance caused the crash, or if the accident was caused by a defect in the ambulance or due to deferred maintenance, the owner / operator of the medical transport company may be liable for the wrongful death of the paramedic. After a fatal accident such as this one, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer who is familiar with the unique legal issues of medical transport accidents. An attorney can advise the family of their best course of action to protect their legal rights following this accident, and help them fully hold accountable whoever is responsible for their loved one's death.

Continue reading "Paramedic Killed in Ambulance Crash on Interstate 10 " »

GRANADA HILLS - A crash early Thursday morning on the eastbound 118 (Ronald Reagan) Freeway left one person seriously injured, the Los Angeles Times reported. The accident happened just after 5 a.m. west of Woodley Avenue, and involved a truck and a car. All eastbound lanes of the freeway were shut down for about 45 minutes. Further details of the accident were not available; the cause of the April 7th 118 Freeway crash remains under investigation. Based on the limited information provide in news accounts, it was not clear why the accident occurred.

Car Accident Injury Liability Issues

When accidents are the result of negligent, careless or reckless driving, injured victims may be entitled to recover compensation for their injuries in a personal injury claim. Damages available may include medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. Following a major injury accident such as this collision in Granada Hills, the injured victim's family would be well-advised to seek an experienced and reputable Los Angeles car accident lawyer. A skilled attorney can help the injured victim protect his or her rights and ensure that maximum compensation is ultimately obtained.

Continue reading "One Person Seriously Injured in 118 Freeway Crash " »

SANTA FE SPRINGS - A 59-year-old Garden Grove man died Friday when his motorcycle collided with a tractor trailer, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported. The fatal crash occurred on Bloomfield Avenue, between Clark Street and Telegraph Road. Both the motorcycle and the tractor trailer were travelling northbound in the second lane, when the tractor trailer slowed to turn into a driveway. The motorcyclist tried to avoid the collision, but collided with the back of the truck. The motorcyclist was taken to Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, where he died. The Whittier Police Department is investigating the January 21st Los Angeles motorcycle accident.

Continue reading "Garden Grove Man Killed in Santa Fe Springs Motorcycle Accident " »

MANHATTAN BEACH - A 39-year-old Redondo Beach man suffered major injuries Wednesday afternoon when he was thrown from his motorcycle and run over by a flatbed truck in Manhattan Beach, the Contra Costa Times reported. The accident happened at the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Valley Drive. The motorcyclist, who was not identified, was riding southbound on Sepulveda Boulevard when a flatbed truck driven by John Garcia of North Hollywood pulled in front of him. The motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and the rear wheels of the truck rolled over him, crushing his pelvis. Garcia was not injured in the crash. The motorcyclist was taken to UCLA Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

Based upon the news reports, it appears that the driver of the flatbed truck may be responsible for causing this accident, if he failed to yield to the right-of-way of the motorcyclist. If the driver of the truck caused this accident, he may be liable for the very serious injuries sustained by the motorcyclist. If the truck was company-owned, the owner of the truck and other parties may also be liable. After a major injury accident such as this one, it would be advisable for the victims to consider speaking with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer, who can help the injured man protect his legal rights to compensation for his injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Manhattan Beach Crash " »

MORENO VALLEY - A patient in an ambulance died Wednesday following a horrendous Riverside County car vs. ambulance crash that left five people injured, including two American Medical Response paramedics and two Cal Fire firefighters. The accident was reported shortly before 10:45 p.m., at the intersection of Ironwood Avenue and Pigeon Pass Road in Moreno Valley. The victim, a 47-year-old Moreno Valley woman, died at the scene of the crash. Along with the four responders, the driver of the car was also injured. The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner identified the ambulance patient victim as Ann B. Layton.

This accident raises a number of questions, as the news reports in the Press-Enterprise provide only limited details of what happened. It is not clear if the ambulance had sirens activated, or how fast the vehicles were going when they collided. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

Medical Transport Provider Wrongful Death Liability

Medical transport companies are considered "common carriers" - because they advertise their services to the general public and accept payment for their transportation services. Under the California Civil Code, "a carrier of persons for reward must use the utmost care and diligence for their safe carriage, must provide everything necessary for that purpose, and must exercise to that end a reasonable degree of skill."

Regardless of whether this accident was the fault of the ambulance driver, or the driver of the other vehicle, the family members of the victim may have legal rights to compensation for the loss of their loved one in this horrific crash.

After an accident such as this one, the family members of the victims may benefit from speaking to a lawyer who has represented victims of medical transport accidents and their families. Common carrier accidents have very unique legal issues, and it is important to understand the victim's family's legal rights and options. It is always advisable to talk to a Riverside personal injury lawyer before providing a statement to an insurance adjustor or accepting any insurance settlement offer. The family may be entitled to financial compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care, and companionship.

Continue reading "Patient Killed in Moreno Valley Car vs. Ambulance Crash " »

A 72-year-old Arkansas woman was tragically killed in a head-on collision in eastern San Bernardino County late Sunday morning, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The accident occurred just west of the California / Arizona state line in Vidal Junction area, on Sunday, December 12, 2010, at 11:23 a.m. The victim, Phyllis Clemons, of Marvell, Arkansas, was a front seat passenger in a 2006 Toyota Prius travelling southbound on US 95 near mile marker 17. The Prius was struck by a 1992 Isuzu SUV travelling northbound that was passing a semi tractor-trailer big rig truck. Clemons died at the scene of the crash. It is not clear if anyone else was injured.

Cause of the US 95 Accident

The CHP is investigating the cause of the crash. However, based on the news reports, it appears that this accident may be caused by the driver of the Isuzu making an unsafe passing maneuver. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21751: "On a two-lane highway, no vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

Head-on Collision Wrongful Death Liability

If the driver of the Isuzu is determined to have caused this fatal crash, he or she may be liable for the wrongful death of Phyllis Clemons. Additionally, the driver could be cited or arrested pending the investigation. In situations such as this December 12th fatal head-on collision, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable California wrongful death attorney who has represented numerous families of victims of fatal head-on collisions on state highways. A lawyer can advise the family of their legal rights and options to hold the driver - and any other negligent parties - financially accountable for funeral and burial expenses and loss of love, care, affection of companionship.

Continue reading "Arkansas Woman Killed in Highway 95 Head-On Collision " »

The Long Beach Press-Telegram reported a man was tragically killed Tuesday in an accident in Long Beach involving a big-rig tractor. The crash occurred on the westbound side of the Gerald Desmond Bridge at 3:05 p.m. The man who died - who was not identified - was a passenger in a Ford Expedition SUV that may have been fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run crash when the fatal collision occurred. The victim of the hit-and-run crash described a vehicle that matched the Ford Expedition, although it was unclear where the collision took place. The SUV reportedly clipped a semi-trailer truck near the end of the bridge, struck a guardrail, and flipped multiple, ejected the passenger, who died. The female driver of the SUV was taken to a local hospital, where she was listed in critical but stable condition.

Cause of the Fatal Accident

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. News reports in the Long Beach Press-Telegram and Contra Costa Times provided only limited details as to what happened. Police will undoubtedly look at factors such as vehicle speed, possible driver impairment, and other factors in determining why this crash occurred and who was ultimately responsible.

Passenger Wrongful Death Liability

After accidents such as this one, the family of a car accident victim may be wondering who may be held accountable for their loss. If negligence was a factor in this collision, the family of the victim may be entitled to financial compensation for their loss, including funeral and burial expenses, anticipated lifetime earnings the victim would have earned, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship of family members. While the cause of this accident remains under investigation by police, it would be advisable for the family members of the passenger victim of this crash to consult with an experienced California wrongful death lawyer, who can advise of theim of their legal rights and options, and best course of action following this accident.

Continue reading "Passenger Killed in Long Beach Car Accident on Gerald Desmond Bridge" »

A 51-year-old Santa Maria man was killed in an accident caused by a suspected distracted driver Monday morning on Highway 154, KSBY News reported. The accident happened shortly before 10:30 a.m. at Highway 154 and Edison Road. According to news sources, the victim, identified by the Santa Barbara County Coroner's Office as John Schrader, was driving a 2004 Honda that was stopped at a stop sign when he was rear-ended by a Ford truck going approximately 55 miles per hour. Schrader died at the scene. The 47-year-old driver of the Ford, Greg Edward Baum of Templeton, who was not injured, was reportedly distracted by something he had dropped in his vehicle. He voluntarily submitted to a blood test, but according to the CHP, he did not test positive for drugs or alcohol. He was not arrested, but could be facing vehicular manslaughter charges, pending the investigation.

Our condolences and sympathies go out to the family and friends of this man, whose life was taken tragically in a completely preventable accident. Please keep the family of John Schrader, and everyone who knew him and loved him in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Distracted Driving Accident Statistics

According to Distraction.gov, the official US government website for distracted driving, in 2009, distracted driving killed nearly 5,500 people and injured a half a million more. To learn more about the stories behind the statistics, see the Faces of Distracted Driving on Distraction.gov.

Distracted Driving and Wrongful Death Liability

Distracted driving is negligent driving. Drivers who take their hands, eyes, and mind off the road must be held accountable for the accidents they cause and the lives that end as a result. In situations such as this one, where another driver is suspected of driving distracted and causing a fatal accident, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and qualified California wrongful death lawyer. A skilled attorney can review the facts of the incident and advise the family of their best course of action to hold the at-fault driver and any other parties responsible for their loss fully accountable.

Continue reading "Santa Maria Man Killed in Highway 154 Rear-End Crash " »

A motorcyclist died Tuesday night in a collision with a UPS delivery truck, the Victorville Daily Press reported. The motorcycle vs. truck accident occurred on Nisquali Road near Hesperia Road, at about 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16th. According to news reports, the victim, Jose Canales, 21, of Victorville, was travelling westbound on Nisquali Road, while at the same time a UPS delivery truck was making a left turn onto eastbound Nisquali Road. Canales attempted to pass a vehicle in front of him and collided with the delivery truck. Canales suffered major injuries and was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he died about three hours after the accident.

Cause of the November 16th Victorville Accident

The San Bernardino Sheriff's Department is the agency investigating the incident. Based on the news reports, it is unclear whether this accident was caused by the motorcyclist making an unsafe passing maneuver, or if the accident was caused by the UPS truck driver making an unsafe turn. Authorities will certainly look at the speed of both vehicles, possible driver impairment, the condition of the road at the location of the accident, prior accidents at the same location, and other factors in determining exactly what happened and who was responsible. Anyone who witnessed the accident or has information about the wreck may call Deputy James Snow at 760-241-2911.

Motorcycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the UPS truck caused or contributed to the accident, the driver and any other negligent parties may be liable for the wrongful death of the motorcyclist, Jose Canales. Accidents such as this one involving delivery trucks have complex and unique legal issues. In situations such as this one, it would be advisable for the victim's family to speak to a knowledgeable truck accident wrongful death lawyer - one who has handled a number of claims against UPS - about the accident and the potential liability issues involved. A skilled attorney can review the accident report and advise the family of their best course of action to protect their rights following this accident.

Continue reading "Victorville Man Killed in Motorcycle Collision With UPS Truck " »

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 " »

Three people were injured, including one critically, Friday morning in a crash on Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles, Mercury News reported. The crash, which occurred in the northbound lanes of the freeway in the Valencia area at about 11:17 a.m., involved a small car being involved between two trucks. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear how this crash occurred or who was at fault. The California Highway Patrol is investigating.

This accident is just another example of the severe damage a tractor-trailer can cause. Semi-trucks can weigh up to 40 times more than a small passenger vehicle, and are responsible for several hundred fatal accidents and more than 3,000 injury accidents each year in California alone. We hope the three injured parties involved in this crash make a full and quick recovery from their serious injuries sustained in this July 30th truck accident.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident?

In accidents involving only passenger vehicles, most of the time fault and liability is attributed to one of the drivers. However, in trucking accidents, there are often multiple parties that may be liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer of the truck or truck parts, the company or individuals responsible for maintaining the truck, the shipping company, and others. It is always a good idea to contact an attorney soon after any accident; however, in truck accidents, it is especially important. The trucking company will fight liability and do everything to limit the amount of compensation a victim ultimately receives, including presenting evidence to suggest an injured party is responsible for a crash.

Truck Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

The injured victims of this accident would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles truck accident attorney as soon as possible who can review the accident report and advise of their legal rights and options to pursue compensation in a personal injury claim. Accidents involving big-rigs and semi-trucks have very unique legal issues due to the federal laws governing the trucking industry. A skilled truck accident lawyer can advise the victims of their best course of action following this crash to ensure they receive the maximum, full and fair compensation for their injuries.

Continue reading "Three People Injured in Big Rig Crash on Interstate 5 in Valencia " »

A 43-year-old Santa Ana man tragically died Thursday morning after his bicycle collided with a Chevy stake bed truck in Corona Del Mar, the Daily Pilot reported. The fatal July 15th Orange County bicycle accident occurred on Spyglass Hill Road, at about 7:47 a.m., at Harbor Ridge Road. The Orange County Sheriff's Department identified the victim as Michael Nine, 43, of Santa Ana. Nine was rushed to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, where he died at about 8:40 a.m.

It is very sad to hear of this accident. Please keep Michael Nine's family and close friends in your prayers during this surely very difficult time. Cyclists in the community are understandably upset about this crash, as this accident occurred almost a year to the date of a fatal crash on Ridge Park Road that led to the establishment of a city task force on cycling safety.

Cause of the Fatal Bicycle Accident

The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Police said it was not evident if the truck struck the bicyclist or the bicyclist collided with the truck. However, the Corona Del Mar Today reported that a gardening truck pulled in front of Mike Nine, causing him to swerve and crash. Anyone with information about this accident is asked to contact Newport Police investigator Todd Bush at (949) 644-3746.

Bicycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

Understanding the causes of bicycle accidents and the liability concerns that arise from them requires unique perspective. While this crash is under investigation, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney. While many personal injury attorneys claim to handle bicycle accidents, an attorney who is also a cyclist may be a huge benefit in this situation. A skilled lawyer who specializes in cycling accident injury and wrongful death claims and understands the dynamics of sharing the road with negligent motorists can help the family protect their legal rights and hold whoever is responsible for this fatal accident fully accountable for the wrongful death that occurred as a result of it.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Cyclist Killed in Newport Beach Crash " »

A tow truck driver was seriously injured early Saturday morning after a car crashed into him and pinned him against his rig on the 101 Freeway, just north of Melrose Avenue, ABC 7 News reported. The July 3rd accident occurred at about 2:15 a.m. At least one other person was also injured in the accident and taken to a local hospital.

Cause of the 101 Freeway Accident

The CHP is investigating the cause of the 101 Freeway tow truck accident. Further details about what happened were not available; it was not known if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Tow Truck Driver Personal Injury Liability

Every year, a number of tow truck drivers suffer serious injuries or death when they are struck by other vehicles on the job. The family of the tow truck driver seriously hurt in this collision, and any other victims of this accident would be well-advised to speak to a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer about this accident, and the unique legal issues involved since this accident occurred on the job. An experienced attorney can help the victims protect their rights and obtain maximum compensation for their injuries, lost earnings, and pain and suffering, along with any other accident-related expenses.

Continue reading "Tow Truck Driver Struck by Car, Seriously Injured On 101 Freeway " »