At least seven people were injured in a Ventura car accident involving two vehicles. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, the injury accident occurred at the intersection of East Pleasant Valley Road and Fifth Street in Camarillo, the night of December 24, 2011. Officials have not released information regarding how the crash occurred. Three or four of the victims suffered critical injuries, while the others sustained moderate injuries. It is not clear if either driver will be cited for the collision.

My thoughts and prayers are with the many victims of this car accident. I wish them all the very best for a complete and quick recovery.

Ventura County Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), five people were killed and 328 were injured in Camarillo car accidents. During that same year, Ventura County car accidents claimed 57 lives and injured 3,421 people.

What Caused This Intersection Accident?

Based on this news report, the two cars collided at an intersection. Did this Christmas Eve accident involve alcohol? Was either driver distracted, inattentive or fatigued? Was one of the drivers exceeding the speed limit? Did one of the drivers fail to yield the right-of-way at the intersection? Did one of the drivers run a red light at the intersection?

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

Injured accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Ventura personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and protect their legal rights and best interests. Victims can seek compensation from the at-fault drivers in such cases to cover damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.

Crystal Morales, 17, a Newport Harbor High School student who was critically injured in a Newport Beach car accident involving a suspected drunk driver is still in a hospital in a medically induced coma. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the accident occurred at the intersection of Irvine Avenue and Margaret Drive, the afternoon of December 6, 2011, when a Chevy Tahoe, driven by 38-year-old Marie J. Lippincott of Costa Mesa, struck Crystal as she crossed the street in a crosswalk.

Morales suffered head trauma, internal bleeding, brain swelling, and other internal injuries. She is listed in critical condition. Lippincott, whose son attends Newport Harbor High School with Crystal, has been charged with driving under the influence and causing injury. According to court records, Lippincott pleaded guilty to theft, burglary and obtaining prescription drugs by fraud in 2005.

My thoughts and prayers are with Crystal Morales, her family members and her classmates following this tragic DUI collision. The report states that Crystal has suffered a traumatic brain injury and would be on assisted breathing for the next two weeks so she can recover from these critical injuries. Please keep this young victim and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Orange County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There were no fatalities, but 40 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Newport Beach, according to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, 41 people died and 864 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in Orange County as a whole in 2009.

Driving Under the Influence

The news account states that this section of Irvine Avenue has been a safety concern for school officials. School district officials say they have been working to improve crosswalk safety at that location. However, it is not clear if the city has taken any measures over the years to improve crosswalk safety there. It appears that the driver in this case was not only under the influence, but also failed to yield right of way to a pedestrian who was walking in a marked crosswalk.

Liability Issues

The at-fault motorist here can be held liable for the victim's injuries and other damages. In addition, an experienced Newport Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to look into whether a dangerous roadway contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable for the injuries and damages. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be filed within six months of the incident.

Amanda Amador, 19, was severely injured in a Los Angeles car accident after the car she was in crashed into a tree. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the major injury collision occurred during the early morning hours of November 11, 2011, near Rio Rancho Road and Phillips Ranch Road in Pomona. Amador was found trapped inside the 1995 Acura Integra and had to be extricated from the vehicle. She was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The collision is under investigation. Anyone with more information about the incident is asked to contact Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2081.

My heart goes out to Amanda Amador who has been seriously injured in this crash. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 15 fatalities and 733 injuries occurred as a result of Pomona car accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 554 people died and 50,817 were injured due to car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this collision occurred. There are several unanswered questions that remain here. Was Amador the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle? What was the cause of the accident? Was there an auto defect or mechanical malfunction in the Acura that may have led to this crash? Was speed or alcohol a factor? Did weather play a part? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this incident? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

If this accident was the result of a negligent driver, that driver can be held liable for the victim's injuries. If a vehicle defect caused the car accident, then, the auto maker can be held liable. A knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the incident.

Andrel Gaines, 19, a basketball player for Gavilan College, is on life support and is not expected to survive the grave injuries he suffered in a San Francisco area car accident. According to a news report in The Morgan Hill Times, the serious injury accident occurred on southbound 101 Freeway near Millbrae, during the early morning hours of November 6, 2011. Officials say 22-year-old Billy Heard, who was driving a black Cadillac carrying Gaines and other passengers, was under the influence of alcohol. Heard lost control of the vehicle as he attempted to avoid a tire on the roadway. The car spun out of control, hit the median and came to rest facing the wrong way, before being struck head-on by an oncoming car.

Gaines suffered life-threatening head injuries. Heard suffered serious injuries including multiple broken bones. Passenger Devontea Johnson sustained a compound fracture in his leg, while Denise Bravo, 18 and Razelyn Ambrocio, 21, suffered relatively minor injuries. Heard could face felony DUI charges.

My thoughts and prayers are with Andrel Gaines and his family. I also wish all of the injured victims here the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 41 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County. Countywide, alcohol-related crashes claimed 11 lives and caused 258 injuries, during that same year.

California DUI Law

Based on this news report, Heard was under the influence of alcohol when he lost control of his car. 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 officials are also looking for the person who dropped the tire on the roadway, which caused Heard to lose control of the Cadillac. Under California law, it is illegal to dump debris on the roadway.

Liability Issues

Victims of drunk drivers and their families would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

A 19-year-old woman sustained major injuries in a San Francisco pedestrian accident after she was struck by a Muni bus. According to a news report in the San Francisco Weekly, the major injury collision occurred the evening of November 3, 2011 at the intersection of 19th Avenue and Junipero Serra Boulevard. The victim was hit by an M-line bus and transported to a city hospital with life-threatening head injuries. A spokesman for the Muni said the bus driver has been placed on non-driving status and that a drug and alcohol test will be conducted, which are all standard procedures. Officials are still investigating the cause of this incident.

My thoughts and prayers go out to this pedestrian and her family for what they are going through at this time. I wish her the very best for a quick and full recovery.

San Francisco Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 21 fatalities and 699 injuries involving San Francisco pedestrian accidents. Also, during the same year, 39 people died and 3,405 were injured due to San Francisco car accidents.

What Caused This Collision?

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to what led to this terrible accident. There are several unanswered questions here. Was the woman walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk? Did the bus driver fail to yield the right of way to the pedestrian? Was the bus driver impaired, distracted, fatigued or otherwise negligent at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this incident? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Laws and Liability Issues

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."

In such cases, injured victims and their families would be well advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. If the Muni driver's negligence caused this accident, then the driver and his or her employer can be held liable for the victim's injuries. Car accident victims can seek compensation from the at-fault party for damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

A pedestrian was critically injured in a car accident involving a hit-and-run driver, the morning of October 31, 2011. According to a News 10 report, the hit-and-run crash occurred on Lander Avenue near B Street in Turlock. Officials say the victim was pushing a shopping cart across the street at the time of the collision. The pedestrian sustained life-threatening injuries in the accident. Officials are searching for the driver as well as the vehicle, which is reportedly a dark-colored 2002 or 2003 Ford Escape SUV with possible damage to the passenger side.

My heart goes out to the injured victim of this hit-and-run car accident. I wish the pedestrian the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep the victim 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 16 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Turlock. In Stanislaus County as a whole, eight people died and 167 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Based on this news report, the driver of the SUV struck the pedestrian who was crossing the roadway and left without even stopping to help. California Vehicle Code Section 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." Instead of offering assistance, the driver involved in this car accident chose to flee the scene leaving the critically injured victim in the roadway exposed to further danger. Despicable!

Holding Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable

If you have any information about this hit-and-run driver, please visit our web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and also become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward. This dedicated web site is a part of our effort to partner with the community and help law enforcement hold such hit-and-run drivers accountable.

Victims of hit-and-run car accidents or their families would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney will also be able to advise victims about how their own car insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault motorist is not located, or in the case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

A 22-year-old bicyclist was critically injured in a San Francisco car accident after he was struck by a taxi, whose driver, according to officials, ran a red light. According to a news report in the San Francisco Chronicle, the major injury collision occurred at the intersection of Cesar Chavez and Guerrero streets in the city's Mission District, early morning on October 30, 2011. Police say the bicyclist was crossing the intersection, when the 56-year-old driver of a Yellow Town Taxi that was eastbound on Cesar Chavez, ran a red light and hit the bicyclist. The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening head injuries. No citations have been issued pending an official investigation.

My heart goes out to this injured bicyclist. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

San Francisco Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 534 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in San Francisco. Also, during the same year, 39 fatalities and 3,405 injuries were reported due to San Francisco car accidents.

Violation of the Law

If the details of this news report are accurate, the driver of the taxicab failed stop at the red light. California Vehicle Code 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." Under California law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles. I trust officials are also looking into whether the driver in this case was under the influence, speeding, distracted, or negligent in some other way.

Fault and Liability

If it is determined that the taxi driver was at fault here, then, he and his employer could be held liable for the bicyclist's serious injuries. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation 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.

A person who was in a wheelchair suffered severe injuries in a San Francisco car accident after being hit by a pickup truck. According to a news report in the San Francisco Chronicle, the major injury collision occurred the morning of October 28, 2011 at the intersection of Harrison and Seventh streets. Officials say the person in the wheelchair was crossing in a marked crosswalk. As other cars waited for the motorized wheelchair to cross, the driver of a Toyota pickup truck pulled forward and struck the victim. The driver stayed at the scene. The victim was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the injured victim in this case. I wish this individual the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. This victim will be in my thoughts and prayers.

San Francisco Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 39 fatalities and 3,405 injuries involving San Francisco car accidents. Also, during the same year, 21 people died and 699 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in San Francisco.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on the news report, the driver of the pickup failed to yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian, in this case, the wheelchair-bound victim. Motorists are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.

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."

Fault and Liability

If the driver is determined to have been at fault here, then, he or she could be held liable for the victim's injuries. Injured victims or their families in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation and other related damages. They would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

A 42-year-old man was critically injured in a San Francisco area car accident after he was struck by a car while walking in a marked crosswalk. According to a news report in The Santa Cruz Sentinel, the major injury pedestrian accident occurred the night of October 18, 2011 at the intersection of Dakota and Soquel avenues in Santa Cruz. The man was walking in a crosswalk when he was hit by a 1998 Honda Civic traveling at a high rate of speed. The victim struck the vehicle's windshield. The motorist then stopped abruptly throwing the victim off the car and causing him to hit the ground several feet ahead. The driver fled in the Honda but abandoned it a few blocks away. The victim suffered severe head and other life-threatening injuries. Police are still looking for the hit-and-run driver.

My heart goes out to the victim of this horrific hit-and-run car accident. I wish him the very best for a complete recovery. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Santa Cruz Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 29 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Santa Cruz. In Santa Cruz County as a whole, four people died and 96 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Honda not only mowed down a pedestrian who was walking in a marked crosswalk, but also left him lying on the roadway without care or medical attention. What kind of a person throws an injured victim off of his vehicle and then drive away from the scene? Inhumane!

Leaving the scene of an injury crash is also a felony crime under California law. California Vehicle Code Section 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 Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable

I trust officials will soon be able to apprehend this victim and bring him or her to justice. If you have any information about this hit-and-run driver, please visit our web site at www.hitandrunreward.com where you can leave an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.

In hit-and-run cases, it is the victim who is left holding costly medical bills as well as facing other expenses relating to loss of wages and rehabilitation. Victims of hit-and-run crashes and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run case, or an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

A 17-year-old boy is still in a medically induced coma after he was severely injured in a San Francisco area car accident, the night of October 14, 2011. According to an ABC news report, the major injury collision occurred on Pear Tree Lane near Villa Lane in Napa. The boy's body was thrown onto the windshield of a parked SUV, officials say. The driver who struck him fled the scene of the crash. Officials say the victim suffered major head injuries. He is not believed to have been biking or skateboarding at the time. Police say the owner of the parked SUV was not involved. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to text their tip to Napa Valley Crime Stoppers at 274637.

I sympathize with this young man and his family members for what they are going through at this time. I pray that he overcomes these injuries and goes on to make a complete recovery. He and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Hit-and-Run Statistics

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these hit-and-run car accidents involved injuries. There were a total of 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.

Hit-and-Run Laws

Under California law, motorists are required to not only stop and remain at the scene of a crash until authorities arrive, but they are also required to exchange pertinent information with the other parties, and most importantly get medical aid for the injured victims. Getting medical assistance may be something as simple as calling 911. However, in this particular case, the driver left the injured teen lying on the roadway, bleeding. Appalling!

California Vehicle Code Section 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 Wrongdoers Accountable

I trust officials will quickly apprehend the hit-and-run driver and bring him or her to justice. If you have any information at all about the vehicle or the suspect, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run web site, www.hitandrunreward.com, to offer an anonymous tip and also become eligible for a $1,000 reward.

Injured victims or their families in such cases are not only left with the emotional stress of dealing with a loved one in the hospital, but also the medical expenses and rehabilitation costs associated with serious head injuries. Victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will inform them about how their own car insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault party is never identified, or where the motorist is uninsured or underinsured.