An officer and the prisoner he was transporting were injured in a San Diego car accident after his patrol car was rear-ended. According to a news report in The U-T San Diego, the car crash occurred on East H Street near Paseo Del Rey in Chula Vista, the night of February 1, 2012. Officials say the patrol car was struck by another vehicle that was travelling approximately 40 to 50 miles per hour. The condition of the officer and prisoner were not made available. It is not clear what caused the collision or if the other motorist will be cited.

My thoughts and prayers are with the two injured victims of this San Diego accident. I wish them both a complete recovery from their injuries.

San Diego Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 10 people were killed and 695 were injured in Chula Vista car accidents. Throughout San Diego County, 217 fatalities and 12,998 injuries occurred involving car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Collision?

Based on this news account, it is unclear as to what led to the rear-end collision. There are a many questions that have not been answered yet. Was the driver, who hit the patrol car, speeding or under the influence of alcohol? Was the motorist driving distracted or recklessly? Was the other driver following the patrol car too closely, or negligent in some other manner?

Rear-end accidents are often caused by drivers following too close behind another vehicle or by distracted drivers. California Vehicle Code Section 21703 states: "The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway." California Vehicle Code Section 21704 also states that the driver "shall keep the vehicle he is driving at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear of any other motor vehicle subject to such speed restriction which is preceding it."

Liability Issues

Victims of rear-end accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. If it is determined that a car driver’s negligence was a contributing factor, the at-fault motorist can be held liable for the victim’s medical bills, time away from work, physical pain, mental anguish, cost of rehabilitation services, and other related losses. A skilled car accident attorney can also help a victim file for workers compensation benefits if the accident occurred while he or she was on the job at the time of the crash.

Anthony Andrade, 33, and Vincente Santos, 25, were killed in a Solano County car accident involving a drunk driver. According to an article in The Report, the fatal DUI collision occurred on the Interstate 80 in Fairfield, the morning of January 29, 2012. Officials say Michelle Henry, 42, was under the influence when she rear-ended a Ford Explorer with her Buick Lucerne. The impact caused Andrade, the driver of the Explorer, to lose control and the SUV to overturn on the roadway. As Andrade and his front-seat passenger, Floyd Williams, Jr., were attempting to free Santos from the back seat, a 2005 Toyota Corolla driven by 35-year-old Michael Soto of Sacramento struck the Explorer.

Andrade and Santos were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, but it is unclear if Santos suffered fatal injuries in the first or second collision. Williams and Soto suffered minor injuries. Henry faces felony DUI causing injury charges and Soto could face vehicular manslaughter charges depending upon the outcome of the investigation.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Anthony Andrade and Vincente Santos for their terrible loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Solano County DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 41 were injured in Fairfield DUI collisions. During that same year, there were 13 fatalities and 169 injuries reported as a result of alcohol-related crashes in Solano County.

What Caused this Tragic Accident?

Based on this news report, Henry was under the influence at the time of the collision. 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."

I trust investigators are also trying to determine why Soto was unable to avoid the wrecked car. Was he drunk, speeding, distracted or driving carelessly? If his negligence contributed to the fatal accident, then, he may be held liable for the fatal injuries suffered as well. In addition to facing criminal charges, negligent drivers in such cases can be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages they cause.

Liability Issues

The family of a deceased car accident victim would be well advised to speak with an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to victims or their families. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

Noah Ferrer, 11, and three brothers, aged 35, 37 and 39, were killed in a San Bernardino County car accident, the night of January 29, 2012. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the fatal car accident occurred at the intersection of Base Line Road and Cherry Avenue in Fontana. Officials say a Chevy Suburban ran through a red light before shearing off the back of a 1998 Honda, striking a Toyota and an utility pole. Noah, who was a passenger in the Honda, suffered fatal injuries and died later in surgery. Of the occupants in the SUV, the three brothers died from their injuries. Officials are looking into what caused this tragic accident.

My deepest condolences go out to the family members and friends of Noah Ferrer and the three brothers killed in this tragic car accident. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

San Bernardino Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), nine people were killed and 498 were injured as a result of Fontana car accidents. During that same year, there were 223 fatalities and 7,870 injuries reported as a result of San Bernardino County car accidents.

What Caused this Fatal Crash?

Based on this news report, it is not clear if the SUV was exceeding the speed limit or if the driver was under the influence or driving distracted. Officials have said that the SUV went through a red light.

California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown."

Liability Issues

The family of a victim killed in a car accident has it in their best interests to speak with an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer who will help protect their legal rights and best interests. If it is determined that negligence was a contributing factor in the crash, a skilled car accident attorney can help the family file a wrongful death claim and pursue compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future wages, and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to accident victims or their families.

Mary Jo Reid, 45, sustained severe injuries in a Fresno car accident involving three vehicles. According to a news report in The Fresno Bee, the car crash occurred at the intersection of Mountain View and Academy avenues near Kingsburg, the morning of January 27, 2012. Officials say Reid was traveling east, when a westbound vehicle driven by Alexandra Alves, 18, and stopped to make a turn, was rear-ended by a car driven by Adriana Gonzales, 25. Alves' car was then forced into a head-on collision with Reid's vehicle. She suffered major injuries while Gonzales and Alves sustained relatively minor injuries. It is not clear what caused Gonzales to crash into the back of Alves' vehicle or if she will be cited for the crash.

My thoughts and prayers are with Mary Jo Reid, Adriana Gonzales and Alexandra Alves following this Fresno accident. I wish them all the very best for a complete and quick recovery.

Fresno Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 76 people were killed and 1,301 were injured in car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Fresno County. Countywide, 103 fatalities and 3,179 injuries occurred as a result of car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Car Accident?

Based on this news report, the head-on collision resulted from a vehicle being rear-ended. There are several questions here. What led to Gonzales' car to strike the back of the other car? Was Gonzales speeding, distracted, inattentive, or otherwise negligent? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine precisely what caused this collision.

Liability Issues

If Gonzales is determined to have been at fault, she can be held liable for the injuries caused to the other victims. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the victims' legal rights and best interests are protected. Those injured in a car accident involving multiple vehicles and multiple victims would be well advised to not accept a quick settlement from an insurance company, but instead to first discuss their case with a knowledgeable injury lawyer.

An Irvine car accident lawyer is an absolute necessity if you want to recover all the damages to which you are entitled from your car accident.  But how do you choose the right Irvine car accident attorney?  With so many attorneys around, many of them advertising for your business, it can be a bit confusing to choose the one which will work best with you.  However, there are some basic rules to choosing an attorney which do not change, no matter what the situation.  Here are some tips for finding the right Irvine car accident attorney to handle your case.

1) Listen to what others tell you. One of the best ways to find out how an attorney works with clients is to talk to those who have used that particular lawyer.  Former clients tend to give unbiased reviews; if a former client is angry with an attorney, there is usually a reason.  On the other hand, a client who tells you that the attorney was approachable, easy to talk to, and worked hard to get her a fair settlement is probably not just trying to drum up business for her former lawyer.  Talk to people you trust who you know have used a personal injury lawyer in the past and ask for honest recommendations.

2) Talk to the attorney during a free consultation.  Any attorney who tries to charge you for a consultation should not be used.  Any reputable Irvine car accident attorney will always talk to you about your case for free.  During this conversation, ask the attorney questions you have about the process of collecting your damages, and also listen for how the attorney responds to you.  If he or she is too busy to talk or brushes you off, you might want to talk to another attorney.  On the other hand, if both of you seem to see "eye-to-eye," you probably have the start of a good working relationship.

3) Be realistic and fair.  You might think your case is worth far more, or far less, than your attorney.  No good attorney will deliberately inflate settlement figures, but no good attorney will go for the fast and quick settlement if there is a good possibility of a higher recovery, either.  You should listen to your attorney; if he or she says to wait, there is a reason for it.  If he or she says it is time to settle, it probably is.

4) Understand how your attorney will be paid.  Some people sign a fee agreement without understanding what it says.  This is the most important document in the whole process of hiring a personal injury attorney, so be sure you understand what it says, and ask questions if you do not.  Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency basis, meaning they are paid with a portion of the proceeds of your settlement.  However, be sure you understand all the implications of a retainer, of fees charged against your settlement, and other issues.

Franchesca Bredwick, 40, of Yucca Valley, was injured in a San Bernardino car accident involving a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The Desert Trail, the hit-and-run accident occurred on Indian Trail east of Morongo Road in Twentynine Palms the afternoon of January 17, 2012. Officials say Valentin Gonzalez, 18, was driving a black 2005 Nissan Altima when a red mid-1990s Honda or Toyota type four-door sedan veered into his lane of traffic. Gonzalez swerved to the right and his vehicle overturned on the dirt shoulder. Bredwick suffered a broken wrist in the crash. The driver and his 2-year-old sister were not injured. Officials are asking for help to find the hit-and-run driver. Anyone with information is asked to contact CHP at 760-366-3707.

My thoughts and prayers are with Franchesca Bredwick following this hit-and-run car accident. I wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery and I’m relieved to hear Gonzalez and his young sister were not injured.

San Bernardino Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 52 were injured as a result of car accidents in the city of Twentynine Palms. Throughout San Bernardino County, there were 223 fatalities and 7,870 injuries reported due to car accidents during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Based on this news report, the driver of the red car ran the victims' vehicle off the roadway forcing it to overturn. This driver did not even stop to make sure that the occupants of the other vehicle, including a 2-year-old child, were all right. Appalling! Not only is leaving the scene of a car accident an inhumane and irresponsible act, but it is also illegal.

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."

Holding Drivers Accountable

Officials are searching for the driver and the red sedan involved in this crash. If you have any information about this accident, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com. Our site allows witnesses to provide an anonymous tip and to become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.

Victims of hit-and-run accidents would be well advised to contact a skilled San Bernardino personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident attorney will better inform families in such cases about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the suspect is not found, or, in a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

A 40-year-old pedestrian was killed in a Victorville car accident when a 1998 Chevy sedan struck him, during the early morning hours of January 23, 2012. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the pedestrian accident occurred along Palmdale Road near Monte Vista Road in Victorville. There is no mention in the report if the 31-year-old Phelan man who was driving the Chevy will be cited for the crash. Officials are still investigating the cause of this fatal collision.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the victim of this tragic San Bernardino car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 18 injuries as a result of pedestrian accidents in the city of Victorville. During that same year, 39 people were killed and 440 were injured in San Bernardino pedestrian accidents.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news account, it is not clear precisely where the pedestrian was walking at the time of the collision. Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles when they are in the roadway at a location that does not have a crosswalk. That does not, however, excuse drivers from exercising due care to avoid a collision.

California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." This section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Liability Issues

The family of a deceased victim would be well advised to speak with an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. If it is determined that the driver failed to exercise due care in this incident, then, compensation may be available for the losses suffered by the victim’s family's. The best personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to accident victims or their families.

Thomas Foakes, 30, of Petaluma, suffered major injuries in a San Francisco area car accident after a car hit him while he was crossing the street. According to an ABC news report, the injury collision occurred the evening of January 20, 2012 at the intersection of South McDowell Boulevard and McNeil Avenue near the Washington Square Shopping Center in Petaluma. Police say a Buick sedan driven by 17-year-old Todd Schwenn, struck Foakes who was walking west in a crosswalk.

Schwenn's car struck the pedestrian who then hit the hood and the windshield before going over the top of the car and landing on the roadway about 75 feet north of the crosswalk. Foakes has been hospitalized in serious but stable condition. Officials say Schwenn received his driver's license just two weeks prior to this crash. They do not believe alcohol was a factor in this incident.

My heart goes out to Thomas Foakes who has been seriously injured in this car accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 20 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Petaluma. In Sonoma County as a whole, eight people were killed and 125 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, it appears that the pedestrian was walking in a marked crosswalk then the young driver hit him. California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

Liability Issues

It is not clear what led to this crash. Was the teen driver distracted, inattentive or speeding at the time? If it is determined that the driver was at fault, then, he could be held liable for the pedestrian's injuries and damages. A knowledgeable San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to this incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury claim against a California governmental entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

Melissa Ortiz, 36, was killed in a Ventura car accident involving a collision between a car and a dump truck. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, the fatal crash occurred on Foothill Road near Santa Paula, the afternoon of January 18, 2012. Officials say Ortiz may have lost control of her car before it veered into oncoming traffic and entered the path of the dump truck. The driver of the truck, Ronald Gray, 49, attempted to avoid the collision but could not do so. Ortiz was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash and Gray sustained minor injuries to his head.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends Melissa Ortiz following this tragic accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Ventura County Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 23 people were killed and 537 were injured as a result of car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. During that same year, there were 57 fatalities and 3,421 injuries reported as a result of car accidents countywide.

What Caused This Fatal Crash?

Based on this news report, officials say Ortiz lost control of her vehicle and veered into oncoming traffic. It is unclear how or why Ortiz lost control of her car. Did she suffer from some type of medical condition? Was there an auto defect or mechanical malfunction in the vehicle that caused it to veer out of control? Did a dangerous roadway led to this fatal injury incident? Were other vehicles involved in this collision? Was Ortiz's vehicle forced out of its traffic lane by another vehicle or driver? I trust these are some of the issues investigators are looking at in order to determine how or why this collision occurred.

Liability Issues

In such cases, victims' families would be well advised to preserve the vehicle intact so it can be examined by an expert for defects, malfunctions and other evidence. Victims' families would also be well advised to contact an experienced Ventura personal injury lawyer who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.

January 18, 2012--Montclair, CA--a semi truck crashed into at least two other vehicles on Interstate 10 in Montclair on January 17 at just after 11:00 p.m., resulting in a fiery explosion, which resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to at least two people.

Authorities said that a Mercedes sedan struck the semi truck, sending it swerving into another lane to strike a Nissan sedan.  The truck hit the center divider and spilled diesel fuel into the oncoming lanes of traffic, and caught fire.

Fortunately, a passerby was able to rescue the driver of the truck, who was airlifted to a local hospital along with the driver of one of the cars.  Both are said to be in stable condition and will make a recovery from their injuries.

I am glad that both victims were quickly rescued and could be treated for their injuries, and that this California truck accident involved no loss of life.  I want to offer my prayers for the victim's full recovery, as well.

Accident Statistics

While drivers of large trucks may be careful and defensive drivers, trucks over 10,000 pounds still account for a disproportionate number of deaths on our highways.  In fact, semi trucks account for up to 13 percent of all fatal traffic accidents, or over 2.6 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency.

There can be several reasons for these figures.  First, semis and other trucks are inordinately large when compared to passenger cars, so they can simply cause more damage during an accident.  Further, semi trucks have different sightlines than cars, so "blind spots" can become a real problem for car drivers who are not aware that they may be placing themselves in danger by traveling too closely to these big rigs.

What Happened in This Accident

The authorities have stated that they believe that the Mercedes struck the semi, causing it to veer into another lane and strike the Nissan.  While the accident is still under investigation, if the authorities are correct in their assessment of the accident, then assigning liability for this accident may be more complicated than in some cases.

Liability Issues

Liability and "fault" are not the same thing.  The car may have been "at fault" in striking the truck, or the truck may have been "at fault" in swerving; these are not really the issues at stake with liability.  Instead, liability hinges on whether the person caused the damages and if he or she can be held responsible for them.

In this case, a good San Bernardino car accident attorney should carefully examine the facts of the accident.  It is very possible that one or more persons may have liability issues In this accident, and could be held responsible for damages.