Personal Injury Attorney News » Personal Injury

Major Injury Car Collision Involves Drunk Driver

Sandy — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:48:36 +0000

A DUI collision in the Sierra City area seriously injured three members of a local family, identified by officials as Heather Laboie, 42, Donna Howard, 66, and Laboie's 6-year-old daughter. The Sierra Sun reports that the injury collision occurred on Highway 89 on July 21, 2010, when a suspected drunk driver crashed his pickup truck into the victims' 2002 Acura. The three victims were taken to area medical centers as was 34-year-old Matthew Dubois, the driver of the other vehicle, who was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI.

I sympathize with the Laboie family for what they are going through at this time. I hope they did not sustain catastrophic injuries and pray that they recover fully and quickly. Please keep these injured victims in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accidents

There were 17 fatalities and 627 injuries reported in the unincorporated areas of Placer County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, countywide, during the same year, 22 people died and 1,418 were injured as a result of car accidents.

Laws and Liability Issues
It is illegal under California law to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: "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."
Drunk drivers who are found guilty of those charges can be held criminally and civilly liable for their actions. If Dubois is determined to have been under the influence, then he could not only face criminal charges, but also be held financially responsible for the serious injuries caused to the victims. It would be in the best interest of injured victims to seek the help and guidance of a knowledgeable California personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit MADD web site at www.madd.org.

What can California legislators do to curb the problem of drunk driving on our roadways?

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.

Los Angeles Residents Injured in Car Accident

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:47:07 +0000

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?

Head-on Car Accident Kills Woman

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:25:49 +0000

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?

San Diego Car Accident Injures Bicyclist

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:54:04 +0000

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.

LAPD Officer Injured in Hit-and-Run Collision

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:16:55 +0000

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?

Santa Ana Car Accident Causes Injuries

Sam — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:32:29 +0000

A woman was injured in a Santa Ana car accident after she rear-ended her SUV into a work truck on the 5 Freeway the morning of July 26, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the dark grey Chevy Trailblazer struck a white Isuzu stake bed truck briefly lifting the truck onto the roof of the SUV. The female driver of the SUV was transported to a local hospital with apparent neck injuries. It is not clear whether the driver of the work truck sustained any injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I wish the injured victims in this crash the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I hope there were no major injuries.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 15 deaths and 1,365 injuries involving car accidents in Santa Ana. In Orange County as a whole, 152 people died and 13,414 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report it is not quite clear why the driver of the Chevy Trailblazer SUV rear-ended the work truck. Was she under the influence? Was she distracted by something? Was she going too fast given the traffic conditions? Was she negligent in any other way at the time of the collision? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to pinpoint the cause of this accident.

If the driver of the SUV is determined to have been at fault in this collision, she could be held liable for the accident and injuries, if any, caused to the driver of the stake bed truck. Injured victims in such cases could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and physical therapy.

It would be in the best interests of injured victims to seek the counsel of an experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the accident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to an accident involving an at-fault motorist who is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What are some of the safe driving practices you adopt while driving on the freeway?

San Diego Car Accident Proves Fatal for Teenager

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:46:39 +0000

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?

DUI Collision in San Bernardino Injures Three

Sandy — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 23:03:56 +0000

Three people were injured in a San Bernardino car accident after a suspected drunk driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed the morning of July 18, 2010. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the injury collision occurred near the intersection of 3rd Street and Palm Avenue in Highland.

The driver, 19-year-old Gilberto Paredes, drove through the intersection at a high rate of speed and hit the south curb. He then continued into a private yard and struck a tree. The Honda Accord rolled over and landed on its roof. One of Parades' passengers were trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated. Parades and the other two men were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries. They are all said to be in stable condition. Speed and alcohol were factors in this collision, officials said.

I hope none of these injured victims sustained major injuries. I wish them the best for a quick and full recovery from their injuries.

DUI Statistics

Two fatalities and 13 injuries were reported in Highland in 2008 as a result of DUI collisions, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In San Bernardino County, during the same year, 94 people died and 1,052 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes.

Drunk Driving Laws
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." Under the same section, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.
Claim for Compensation
Passengers who have been injured as a result of a negligent, drunk or reckless driver can claim compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance for injuries, damages and losses suffered in the accident. They can claim compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages.
Victims in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that the negligent parties are held liable for their actions. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Would you travel as a passenger in a vehicle whose driver was intoxicated? We would like to hear your comments and opinions on this important issue.

Two Injured in Orange County DUI Car Collision

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:58:34 +0000

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?

Teen Driver Killed in Sacramento Car Accident

Sandy — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:58:17 +0000

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?