Personal Injury Attorney News

Pedestrian Fatally Injured in Los Angeles Car Accident

Sam — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:40:23 +0000

A 19-year-old man sustained fatal injuries in a Los Angeles car accident after a vehicle struck him at a Hacienda Heights intersection. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the March 7, 2010 fatal pedestrian accident happened at the intersection of Gale Avenue and Angelcrest Drive. California Highway Patrol officials said the man was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. Authorities have said that the teen pedestrian may have been jaywalking at the time of the collision. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young man for their tragic, untimely and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. Please keep them in your prayers.

Los Angeles Car Accidents

There were 35 fatalities and 295 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, according to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics. Countywide, 214 deaths and 4,985 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

What Caused This Accident?

This news article does not clearly state where the pedestrian was walking at the time of the collision. If he was in a crosswalk, marked or unmarked, the motorist should have yielded right-of-way to the pedestrian, under California Vehicle Code section 21950. However, the vehicle code states that pedestrians also have a responsibility to use the road safely and walk only in designated areas. Jaywalking is illegal as is running across a roadway or failing yield right-of-way to an oncoming vehicle.

Liability Issues

An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options. If the driver of the vehicle was determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable in this case. If there was a dangerous condition on this roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable as well. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury under California Government Code section 911.2.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

Bakersfield Car Accident Proves Fatal for Two

Sandy — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:19:42 +0000

Robert Junyor, 36, and his girlfriend Brentina Dawn French, 43, were fatally injured in a Bakersfield car accident after the SUV they were in was struck by another vehicle. The Bakersfield Californian reports that this fatal car accident occurred the night of March 6, 2010 after the Isuzu Rodeo in which Junyor and French were passengers, was broadsided by a Chrysler PT Cruiser at the intersection of Lerdo Highway and Zerker Road.

Crash Causes Injuries and Fatalities

The SUV then plunged into a canal. Junyor and French died at the scene after being trapped in the SUV. Brian Jones, the driver of the Isuzu, sustained moderate injuries. Two occupants of the PT Cruiser - the driver, 22-year-old Anthony Snelson, and his passenger, Felicia Cardiel, 20, who suffered major leg injuries, were both taken to a local hospital. Another passenger, 21-year-old Anthony Barnhart, suffered minor injuries. Police say drugs or alcohol were not involved in this crash. They are however, looking into whether one of the drivers failed to yield right-of-way at the intersection.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Robert Junyor and Dawn French for their tragic loss. I also wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. These injured victims and their families will be in my prayers.

Fault and Liability Issues

This news account does not provide information on what exactly caused the fatal car accident. It appears one of the two drivers failed to yield right-of-way and I trust officials are determining which one of them was at fault. Initial reports said Snelson ran a stop sign at the intersection. However, officials later changed that account and said that he did stop. If Snelson was at fault, he could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries and fatalities. If Jones was at fault, then he could be held responsible.

Victims and their families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the crash and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. If there was a dangerous condition on that roadway, which caused or contributed to this accident, then the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Any claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Pedestrian Fatally Injured in San Diego Car Accident

Sandy — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:17:37 +0000

An 18-year-old man who was fatally injured in a San Diego car accident in Carlsbad, the night of March 5, 2010, has been identified as Steven Anthony Kelley. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the fatal pedestrian accident occurred when Kelley was crossing the northbound lanes of El Camino Real south of Camino Vida Roble. Kelley was struck by two vehicles. The driver of the second vehicle stopped at the scene. The other driver who hit Kelley drove off, but contacted police a day later saying that she had not realized she struck someone. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Steven Anthony Kelley for their devastating loss. They will be in my prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were three fatalities and 25 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Carlsbad, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 63 fatalities and 998 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

Hit-and-Run Law

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. According to 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." Officials are apparently determining whether this is a hit-and-run accident and if the driver who initially hit Kelley should face criminal charges.

Wrongful Death Claim

There are several questions as far as this case is concerned. Was the woman being truthful in her statement that she left the scene because she thought she had hit an object? Was the woman impaired, distracted or otherwise negligent at the time? If I were a member of Kelley's family, I would be talking to an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record holding negligent drivers accountable. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

Woman Seriously Injured in Long Beach Train Accident

Sandy — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:09:26 +0000

A woman was critically injured in a Long Beach pedestrian accident the morning of March 3, 2010 after she was struck by a Metro Blue Line train. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the woman, who was in her 40s, was hit by a southbound train on Long Beach Boulevard as it was approaching First Street. The woman sustained head injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Long Beach fire officials said the woman was unconscious and was pinned under the train when paramedics arrived at the scene. It took rescue workers about 10 minutes to free her. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

My heart goes out to this train accident victim. I hope and pray that her injuries were not major and hope that she has a speedy and complete recovery. She will be in my prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 234 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Long Beach. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 214 people died and 4,985 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not clear who or what caused this pedestrian versus train accident. There are still several questions here. Where was the woman walking at the time of the collision? Were there any warning signs at the crossing? Was the crossing arm, the bells and lights working at the crossing? Was this accident the woman's fault? Did she attempt to cross the tracks when the arm was down or did she try to run across the tracks? I trust officials are looking into exactly how this accident happened and why.

If there was a dangerous condition at the tracks such as lack of proper signage or non-functioning, mal-functioning lights or crossing arms, the railroad can be held liable for the accident or injuries. If this accident was the train operator's fault, the transit authority can be held responsible. In such cases, victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of compensation, rehabilitation and even cost of long-term care. An experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to advise accident victims about their legal rights and options, and help protect their best interests.

Debris on Freeway Causes San Diego Car Accident

Sam — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:26:25 +0000

A dresser in traffic lanes caused a San Diego car accident in which one driver sustained injuries. According to a news report in the North County Times, the crash occurred the night of March 1, 2010, when a big rig's driver suddenly slowed down after he spotted the piece of furniture in the lanes of the 15 Freeway, in Escondido. However, a 17-year-old female driver of a Toyota that was following the large truck could not stop in time to avoid a collision. California Highway Patrol officials said the teen driver was transported to a hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. The hood of the Toyota was jammed under the rear of the big rig. Eyewitnesses said the dresser had fallen out of a burgundy colored pickup earlier, but that driver did not stop or notify officials.

It is indeed fortunate that no one was seriously injured in this car accident. The injuries to this young driver could have been a lot worse. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

San Diego Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, 10 fatalities and 732 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Escondido. In San Diego County as a whole, 246 deaths and 13,527 injuries occurred due to car accidents in 2008.

Law Relating to Debris on Roadways

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver who dropped the dresser in the traffic lanes was at fault for causing this accident. California law prohibits anyone from throwing or dumping matter on the highway. California Vehicle Code section 23112 (a) states: "No person shall throw or deposit, nor shall the registered owner or the driver, if such owner is not then present in the vehicle, aid or abet in the throwing or depositing upon any highway any bottle, can, garbage, glass, nail, offal, paper, wire, any substance likely to injure or damage traffic using the highway, or any noisome, nauseous, or offensive matter of any kind."

Claim for Compensation

In cases where car accidents are caused by debris on the freeway, the person (or in many cases, firms/companies) that were responsible for dropping the debris on the roadway can be held liable for the accidents and resulting injuries. Individuals who are injured in such car accidents would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled roadway debris cases. A skilled car accident lawyer should inform victims and their families how their car insurance policy will apply to such roadway accidents.

Woman Injured in Orange County Car Accident

Sandy — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:02:11 +0000

A female driver sustained injuries in an Orange County car accident after the vehicle which she was driving collided with a trash truck at a Garden Grove intersection the morning of March 2, 2010. The Orange County Register reports that this accident happened when a Nissan Altima crashed into a Disposal Service truck at the intersection of Haster Street and Lampson Avenue. The woman who was driving the Altima was taken to an area hospital with injuries, but the extent of her injuries is not known. A 1-year-old child in the Nissan was thankfully not injured.

My heart goes out to the woman and the child who were involved in this accident. I hope and pray that the injured victim makes a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep her in your prayers.

Car Accidents

There were 12 fatalities and 717 injuries involving car accidents in Garden Grove, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 152 people died and 13,414 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Car Accident Causes

In this particular case, it is not clear what caused the street intersection accident. There are several questions here. Did one of the drivers fail to yield right-of-way at the intersection? Did one of the drivers run a red light? Was there a dangerous condition on this roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this accident? I trust the results of the official investigation will provide answers that will help the injured victim and her family.

If the driver of the garbage truck is determined to have been at fault, then he and his employer, the disposal company could be held liable for the woman's injuries. If an accident is caused due to a dangerous intersection, then, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Any such claim against a governmental agency in California must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injuries. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options and help them obtain fair compensation for their injuries, damages and losses.

Toddler Killed in Ventura Car Accident

Sam — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:04:41 +0000

Officials identified a 2-year-old boy who was killed in a Ventura car accident as Guadalupe Garcia. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, 31-year-old Luis Contreras was driving west on Rosewood Avenue the morning of February 28, 2010, when he struck the toddler who was in the roadway. Police said Contreras stopped at the scene and drove the child and his mother to the hospital. Guadalupe was pronounced dead at the local hospital. He had suffered blunt force head injuries, officials said. Ventura police say alcohol or drugs do not appear to have been a factor in this crash. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family of little Guadalupe Garcia for their terrible loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this child. Please keep them in your prayers at this time of grief.

Ventura Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were two deaths and 47 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Ventura. Countywide, eight fatalities and 224 injuries occurred due to pedestrian accidents in 2008. Also, in Ventura County as a whole, 63 deaths and 3,785 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents.

Accident Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, there are more questions than answers. How did the child get out on the roadway? Who was watching him at the time? At what point did Contreras see the child? Was he speeding or distracted at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway or an obstruction that prevented Contreras from seeing the child? I trust investigators are looking at these and other factors in order to determine exactly what caused this heartbreaking tragedy.

In such cases, if victims' families believe the accident was caused by negligence, they would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and determine whether there was any negligence or wrongdoing involved. If there is any negligence found in such cases, families of the deceased victim may be able file a wrongful death claim. Such claims usually seek compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of love and companionship, lost future earnings and other related damages.

This incident is yet another reminder for all parents and caregivers to be very careful with their young children at all times. All it takes is a door left ajar or a moment's distraction on the part of the supervising adult – whether it's a parent, grandparent or a babysitter.

Los Angeles Car Accident Kills 13-year-old Pedestrian

admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:12:41 +0000

Julia Siegler, a 13-year-old Brentwood girl, died in a Los Angeles car accident after she was hit by at least two vehicles while attempting to cross Sunset Boulevard, on the way to catching her school bus. Los Angeles police officials said that the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the morning of February 26, 2010. Officials say preliminary reports show that Julia was crossing the street on a red light and was grazed by the side-view mirror of one car, which knocked her off balance. A second vehicle then ran her over. Both drivers stopped at the scene. Julia was transported to a local hospital where she died from her injuries.

What a horrible loss for young Julia Siegler's family! My heart goes out to her parents, friends and the children on the school bus who witnessed this terrible accident. I offer my deepest condolences to Julia's family and friends. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Deaths and Injuries

There were 104 deaths and 2,716 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics. Countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 214 lives and injured 4,985 people in 2008.

How Did this Fatal Accident Occur?

Based on this news report, the girl was in a hurry to get to the school bus and crossed the street when the light was red. This is of course against the law. Pedestrians have the responsibility to cross the road safely and yield right-of-way to oncoming vehicles. However, the news report states that the scene of the crash was chaotic, as can be imagined. I trust officials are still interviewing witnesses and trying to determine exactly what happened and how it happened. If further investigation determines that one of the motorists was at fault for Julia's fatal injuries, then he or she can be held liable.

The Element of Negligence

If I were Julia's parent or the parent of any child attending that school or catching that school bus, I would look into how safe it is for those children everyday to take that bus. Does it stop at a dangerous location where children have to risk their lives daily to catch it? We don't know. But that's something that might be well worth looking into. In such cases, it might be in victims' best interests to seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will make sure that all aspects of the incident are analyzed and the negligent parties, if any, are held accountable.

Police in Orange County Break Up Street Racers

Sam — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:59:46 +0000

Street racing has been responsible for numerous car accidents in Orange County that have resulted in serious personal injuries or death. Orange County Sheriff's Department officials issued at least 25 citations the night of February 25, 2010 in Laguna Hills for aiding and abetting a street race. Officials broke up a meeting near the intersection of Cabot Road and Oso Parkway between dozens of drivers who were apparently waiting to race, The Orange County Register reports. In addition to the 25 drivers, an additional eight were cited for illegal modifications to their exhaust. There were about 50 vehicles gathered in a nearby parking lot.

I commend these police officials who were able to gather information about this "street-racing event" and actually getting there in time to break it up and prevent what could have been a deadly incident. In effect, they saved several if not more drivers and/or spectators from suffering catastrophic injuries or death.

Law against Street Racing
Racing on a public roadway is against California law. California Vehicle Code section 23109 (a) states: "A person shall not engage in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway. As used in this section, a motor vehicle speed contest includes a motor vehicle race against another vehicle, a clock, or other timing device. For purposes of this section, an event in which the time to cover a prescribed route of more than 20 miles is measured, but where the vehicle does not exceed the speed limits, is not a speed contest."
Street Racing Statistics
California law enforcement agencies have only now started to crack down on street racers. In 2001, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that police listed street racing as a factor in 135 fatal crashes. The total was up from 72 street-racing-related fatalities reported in 2000. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, more than 800 citations for illegal street racing were issued in 2001.

It's about time law enforcement agencies start taking a proactive approach to curbing this serious problem, which has the potential to cause serious personal injuries and significant damage. What the Orange County Sheriff's Department did here is the kind of approach we need other agencies to start taking. We need strong enforcement. Law enforcement officials need to send out a strong message that street racing will not be tolerated in our communities.

Imprisoned Man's Case to be Reviewed in Light of Toyota Vehicle Defects

Sandy — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:48:09 +0000

We have seen and heard about a number of tragic and heart-rending stories involving Toyota auto product defects. Nationwide, many are beginning to make the connection between a car accident involving a Toyota vehicle and the various product defects that are coming to light involving those vehicles. In Minnesota, Koua Fong Lee, has been serving an eight-year-prison sentence after a jury found him guilty of vehicular homicide. Three people died in that crash when Lee rammed his 1996 Toyota Camry into an Oldsmobile that was stopped at a light.

An Associated Press report states that now prosecutors are revisiting this case because Lee may have been right all along in his claim that he did everything he could to stop that car, but failed. Investigators are looking into whether the Camry was one of the vehicles with a sticky gas pedal that may have become jammed at the time and caused Lee's car to accelerate at 80 to 90 mph just before the fatal crash. So far, Toyota has recalled more than 8.5 million vehicles, a majority of them, for unintended acceleration.

Victims' Families Want Case Reviewed

In this case, the three deceased victims' families, who spoke at Lee's sentencing, are also asking for a review and saying that they plan on suing Toyota for the wrongful death of their loved ones. Lee's is evidently one of numerous car accidents cases where unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles caused catastrophic accidents.

Innocent Drivers?

There have been many cases where drivers claimed over and over again that they didn't cause the accident, but the car did. But no one believed them. One has to wonder how many more of these cases there are where innocent individuals were sent to prison for crimes they did not commit. People such as Lee certainly have a case against Toyota as well. The defective autos not only ruined the lives of the families of victims who died, but also destroyed Lee's life and devastated his family.