One person was killed and two others, all from Los Angeles, were injured in a Fresno car accident after their van crashed on the Interstate 5, the morning of July 27, 2010. According to a news report in The Fresno Bee, the accident, which happened near Coalinga, injured the driver, Jimmy Sanpakit, 68, of Arleta, and another passenger, Kuangrudee Kla-harn, 71, of Van Nuys. Their van was northbound on the freeway, close to Highway 145, when a tread separated from one of the tires. The driver lost control of the vehicle. A 68-year-old male passenger from North Hollywood sustained fatal injuries in this crash. His identity has not yet been released. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased car accident victim. I also sincerely hope that the two other victims were not seriously injured. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these injured victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 15 injuries involving car accidents in Coalinga. In Fresno County as a whole, 127 people died and 3,323 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Possible Tire Defect

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the van lost control because of an auto product defect, specifically tire failure. Tire defects, whether in passenger cars, motorcycles or other vehicles, can definitely lead to serious injury accidents. When tire tread separation occurs in a van, SUV or light truck, it can have devastating consequences because these are vehicles that are prone to rollovers. Whether the defect is related to tire pressure or tire tread separation, when a vehicle's tire fails, the driver has very little control over his or her vehicle. Even an experienced driver will not be able to control his or her car if the tire tread separation occurs suddenly – especially if it happens at freeway speeds.

Auto Products Liability Issues

If a tire tread separation is proved to be the result of a manufacturing or design defect, then, the family of the deceased victim and the injured victims will have a claim against the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective tire. In such cases, it would be a good idea to preserve the vehicle in its current condition, unaltered, so an expert can thoroughly analyze it for any evidence of defects or malfunctions. An experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise victims and their families about how to pursue their legal rights.

Have you ever experienced tire tread separation? How did you react to the situation?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Tonia Marie Evans, 44, was killed in a July 21, 2010 car accident on Highway 101 after another vehicle collided head-on with hers. According to a report in The Willits News, Evans was driving a 1995 Toyota 4Runner south on the highway when a 2001 Subaru driven by 37-year-old Saskia Martin swerved into the southbound lanes into the path of the 4Runner. California Highway Patrol officials said the head-on collision caused the Toyota SUV to roll over. Martin and Tonia Evans' husband, 52-year-old Allen Evans, sustained minor injuries. However, Tonia Evans died at the scene.

Martin told officials that she was in the slow lane of Highway 101 behind a big rig, when she attempted to pass it. Just as she did so, she spotted an abandoned bicycle in her lane and braked. Martin said it was then that she lost control of the Subaru and entered opposing lanes of traffic. CHP officers took the bicycle off freeway lanes. An investigation is ongoing.

The Result of Roadway Debris?

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tonia Marie Evans for their tragic, heartbreaking and untimely loss. This grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Based on this news report, it appears that this tragic accident may have occurred as a result of someone dropping the bicycle in traffic lanes. The California State Department of Transportation estimates that 140,000 cubic yards of debris is dumped on California's roadways each year. In California, roadway debris has caused 155 traffic accident deaths and numerous catastrophic injuries between 2006 and 2008.

Laws and Liability Issues

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."

In such cases where deadly crashes are caused by roadway debris, the person or entities that were responsible for dropping the debris on the roadway can be held liable for the accidents and resulting injuries or deaths. Individuals who are injured in such car accidents would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California 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.

Have you ever had a close call on the roadway as a result of debris?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

A bicyclist was injured in a San Diego car accident the morning of July 28, 2010, 10news reports. San Diego County Sheriff's officials said the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Imperial Beach Boulevard and Florence Street. The injured bicyclist was transported to an area hospital. The extent of the bicyclist's injuries is not known. An investigation is ongoing.

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My heart goes out to this injured victim and his or her family. I hope the bicyclist in this case did not suffer catastrophic injuries. I wish the victim the very best for a quick and full recovery.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 355 injuries as a result of bicycle accidents in San Diego. Countywide, seven people died and 959 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this bicycle versus car accident occurred. There are still several unanswered questions here. Where was the bicyclist riding at the time of the collision? Was he or she crossing the street or riding along the side of the roadway? Was the motorist impaired, distracted speeding or otherwise negligent at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the incident? I trust officials are looking at these and other issues in order to determine what occurred and why.

Fault and Liability

If the motorist is determined to have been at fault, then he or she could be held financially responsible for the injuries caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of compensation, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages.

Victims or their families would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

A motorcycle officer was injured in a Los Angeles car accident after she was rear-ended by an SUV, the morning of July 27, 2010. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the accident occurred in Long Beach at the intersection of Second Street and Marina Drive. The officer was riding east on Second Street, when a green Ford Explorer struck her from behind. The officer sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The Explorer left the scene. Police are looking for the hit-and-run suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact Long Beach police officials at 562-435-6711.

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I'm relieved to hear that this police officer survived this crash and has not sustained critical injuries. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. She will be in my thoughts and prayers. I also trust that this hit-and-run driver will be apprehended and brought to justice.

Motorcycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 100 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Long Beach. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 114 people died and 2,934 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Law

Based on this news report, it appears that the area where this injury collision occurred was a construction zone with heavy traffic. Police say the driver of the Explorer attempted to go down the right lane to avoid traffic when he or she rear-ended the motorcycle.

Whatever the cause of the collision was, it was against the law for this driver to have fled after a crash. California law requires motorists to stop and remain at the scene of a crash, exchange information and administer aid to injured victims at the scene. They are required to do this, irrespective of whose fault the accident was. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "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."

Victim's Claim for Compensation

In this particular case, the officer appears to have been on duty. So she could be entitled to worker's compensation benefits from her employer. In addition, injured victims in such cases can also seek third-party compensation from the negligent driver, when located. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will advise victims in such cases about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also explain how the victim's auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

In your opinion, what is the main reason a driver would leave the scene of an accident?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Yazmin Rodriguez, 18, was killed and two others were injured in an Escondido car accident the night of July 23, 2010. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, Escondido police officials said the fatal car accident occurred when Rodriguez attempted to make a left turn at the intersection of Escondido Boulevard and Centre City Parkway.

Rodriguez, who was driving a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage, pulled out in front of a 1994 Nissan pickup truck. Rodriguez died at the scene of the collision and her 16-year-old passenger sustained major injuries. The driver of the Nissan pickup truck also sustained injuries, but they were not life-threatening. Police do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors in this crash.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Yazmin Rodriguez for their tragic, untimely and devastating loss. This grieving family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 10 deaths and 732 injuries involving car accidents in Escondido. In San Diego County as a whole, 246 people died and 13,527 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on the San Diego Medical Examiner's report, it appears that Rodriguez was attempting to cross over to the southbound lanes of South Centre City Parkway from a connector on Escondido Boulevard, close to Brotherton Road. That's when she drove into the path of a black Nissan Frontier pickup truck traveling north on South Centre City Parkway. In this particular case, driver inexperience may have played a part. It is also important to find out, in these types of accidents, if a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the collision.

If this accident is determined to be Rodriguez's fault, then, the injured pickup truck driver can file a claim against Rodriguez's estate or her insurance. If a dangerous roadway was a factor, then, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a California governmental entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways or intersections for motorists in your city?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Two teenage girls were injured in an Orange County car accident after the car they were in crashed on the 55 Freeway in Tustin. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the major injury collision occurred early morning on July 20, 2010 on the 17th Street on-ramp to the southbound 55 Freeway. California Highway Patrol officials say the girls were in a 2005 Nissan Altima. The driver of that vehicle, a minor, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. An investigation is ongoing.

It appears, based on this report, that these two teen girls sustained major, possibly, catastrophic injuries. This incident is yet another reminder for all of us, particularly young people, that it is never a good idea to get in a car with a driver who is possibly under the influence. I pray for the quick and complete recovery of these two seriously injured victims.

DUI Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 49 injuries involving DUI collisions in Tustin. In Orange County as a whole, 62 people died and 1,492 were injured as a result of alcohol-related car accidents during the same year.

Drunk Driving Law
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "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." Consumption of alcohol is illegal for those under the age of 21. When an underage driver operates under the influence of alcohol, the legal consequences can be severe.
Claim for Compensation
In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation and even long-term care in cases where catastrophic injuries are involved. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to inform victims about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

In your opinion, what are some effective ways to prevent underage drinking and driving?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Victor Martinez, 19, was killed in a Sacramento car accident after he lost control of his car on Highway 99 and crashed. The Sacramento Bee reports that the fatal car crash occurred the afternoon of July 16, 2010. Martinez was driving a white Toyota Corolla north on Highway 99 near the central Galt exit when the car went off the road and up a steep embankment. The vehicle then hit a bridge abutment and rolled over on to its roof. Martinez was transported to an area hospital where he died shortly afterward. His three passengers were also hospitalized with injuries. However, the extent of their injuries is not known at this point.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Victor Martinez for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 28 fatalities and 3,566 injuries involving car accidents in Sacramento. Countywide, 84 people died and 7,874 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Fatal Crash?

This news report does not clearly state how or why Martinez lost control of the Toyota Corolla he was driving. Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the Corolla, which caused him to lose control? Was this accident the result of driver error or negligence? Officials have not said whether alcohol or drugs were factors in this fatal crash. I trust the results of an in-depth investigation will shed some light on what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

If this accident was the result of an auto product defect, then the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective auto product could be held liable for the wrongful death and injuries. If the driver, Martinez, is determined to have been at fault, the injured victims could seek compensation from Martinez's estate or insurance. In such cases, it is a good idea to preserve the vehicle in its current, crashed condition -- unaltered -- so it can be examined carefully by an expert for vehicle defects, malfunctions and other evidence.

Victims or their families would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What are some of the auto product recalls that most concern you as a driver and consumer?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Natanael Garcia, 11, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a vehicle at a local intersection. According to a CBS News report, police are looking for a female driver who they say struck the boy at the intersection of 76th and Hoover streets in South Los Angeles and then fled the scene the afternoon of July 15, 2010.

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Witnesses apparently saw the driver, described only as a Latino woman in an SUV, get out of the car, check on the boy and then drive away. One witness attempted to follow the woman, but lost her. Police are optimistic that they will apprehend the suspect because they have a good description, surveillance tape of the car and a partial license plate. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the South Traffic Division Detectives at 323-290-6063.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Natanael Garcia for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 104 fatalities and 2,716 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles. 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.

Hit-and-Run Law and Liability Issues

I trust this hit-and-run driver will soon be apprehended and brought to justice. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "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."

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of victims' families to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims could 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.

What are some ways by which hit-and-run collisions could be diminished or eradicated? We would like to hear your ideas and opinions.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Ryan David Sears, 26, was killed in a San Francisco car accident early morning on July 6, 2010. According to a news report in the Contra Costa Times, the fatal pedestrian collision occurred in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 near Somersville Road in Antioch. California Highway Patrol officials say the driver of the vehicle, a 51-year-old man, struck Sears with his pickup truck. Authorities say initial investigations show that Sears walked into traffic lanes from the shoulder and that he may have consumed alcohol before he died. However, an investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact 1-800-TELL-CHP or 925-646-4980.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Ryan David Sears for their tragic and devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 22 injuries reported due to pedestrian accidents in Antioch. In Contra Costa County as a whole, 13 people died and 241 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Causes and Liability Issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the pedestrian, Ryan David Sears, may have walked into traffic lanes of the roadway. However, CHP officials are still looking for eyewitnesses who may have more information about exactly how this collision occurred. Right now, it is possible the initial account is based on the motorist's information. In such cases, eyewitness statements can become crucial and change the course of the investigation. It is also important here to determine if there were any obstructions that caused the victim to enter the roadway.

It would be in the best interests of Sears' family to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway condition may have caused or contributed to this fatal crash. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for pedestrians in your city or neighborhood?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

The family of 49-year-old Joe Vega, who was killed in a wrong-way car accident caused by a Verizon truck driver, has received a $7 million settlement from the utilities company. According to a news report in the Santa Barbara News-Press, Verizon truck driver, Mark William Selander, was having an acute diabetic reaction on September 23, 2009, when he drove on Highway 101 in Santa Barbara. Selander headed in the wrong direction for eight miles before slamming into Vega's minivan. Selander escaped with minor injuries, but Vega was killed.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Vega's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Verizon. The case was moving forward when a settlement was reached. Under the settlement, Vega's widow will receive $4 million and their two daughters each get $1 million and their two grandchildren will each receive $500,000.

Car accidents can have devastating consequences on injured victims and their families. This case is an example of how the death of a beloved family member can cause not only emotional trauma, but also financial strain. In this particular case, Selander was on the job for Verizon when he suffered a diabetic shock while on the road. I trust some of the issues examined in this case were whether Verizon knew about Selander's health condition and if the company allowed him to drive despite that knowledge.

Compensation Issues in Accident Cases

In any car accident case, there are a number of aspects to be examined. If a driver is determined to have been negligent, then he or she could individually be held liable for the crash. However, if he or she is on the job at the time of the crash, then his or her employer could also be held liable.

It takes an experienced California personal injury lawyer to analyze all facets of a case and determine the different sources of compensation available to injured victims or their families. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims can seek compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. Wrongful death lawsuits are however not just about money and compensation. In many cases, wrongful death lawsuits serve as a penalty for governmental entities or large corporations whose negligence led to unnecessary injury or death.

In your opinion, what are the most serious consequences faced by injured victims and their families in the aftermath of a car accident?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.