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.

The driver of the Muni bus that ran over and killed Emily Dunn in a horrific pedestrian accident at a Castro intersection will face criminal charges. According to a news report in The Bay Citizen, the fatal accident occurred August 11, 2011 at the intersection of Hartford and 18th streets. Police said the 23-year-old Dunn had almost finished crossing Hartford Street when a Muni bus turning from 18th Street hit and crushed her under its wheels. The driver, Wallace Loggins, has been charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. He could face up to one year in county jail if convicted.

Prosecutors Going after Drivers

Safety advocates say these criminal charges come at a time when the District Attorney is aggressively pursuing pedestrian accident cases. Pedestrian safety advocates see the charges against the Muni driver as a bold step on the part of the DA because it is basically one city agency prosecuting another city agency. Last year, the DA charged a bicyclist who struck and killed a 68-year-old pedestrian. Charges are also expected to be filed against a motorist who hit and killed a pedestrian and against a UC San Francisco shuttle driver who fatally struck a pedestrian. The fatal accident involving Dunn prompted Muni officials to consider requiring buses to follow set routes while in service.

My heart goes out to the family members and friends of Emily Dunn, who have suffered an irreparable loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Muni Accident Statistics

According to a news report in The San Francisco Examiner, of the 2,110 Muni drivers on the transit agency's roster in 2010, 348 – more than 16 percent – were in at least one "preventable" collision during the year. What this means is that the agency's safety inspectors determined that the driver was at fault. In 2010, there were 1,399 collisions, 379 of which were ruled preventable. Four drivers racked up three such at-fault accident in 2010 and 23 had two. Eight drivers were actually involved in five to seven collisions last year although most of those accidents were ruled not their fault.

Victims' Claim for Compensation

Injured victims of Muni accidents or families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled similar cases. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to pedestrian accident victims or their families.

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.

January 23, 2012--Newark, CA--an innocent man lost his life Monday during a high-speed chase of three burglary suspects with extensive criminal histories.  Authorities verified that a Fremont man, whose name has not been released, was driving a Honda sedan on Cherry Street and Mowry Avenue.  He was struck by the airborne vehicle of three men running from the police in connection with a burglary charge.  The victim was killed instantly in an impact that was heard for several blocks.

Police maintain that they were not chasing the vehicle with the three suspects at the time of the accident, but had called off the pursuit due to the dangerous nature of the chase.  Police had earlier attempted to make a traffic stop in relation to a 911 call received about a burglary.  When the officer attempted to stop the suspects' vehicle, the driver eluded the officer, driving at a high rate of speed.  Witnesses estimated the car was traveling up to 80 miles per hour as it left the scene.  Although police initially pursued the car, the pursuit was called off due to the dangerous nature of the chase.  The suspects' vehicle struck the victim's car about a mile and a half from the point where police allegedly stopped pursuit.

The suspects were taken into custody shortly after the accident.

My prayers and condolences go out to the victim's family at this time.

Accident Statistics

Due to the dangerous nature of police chases, many local police departments have declined to pursue criminals, arguing that innocent bystanders may be hurt.  Various sources estimate that one-third of all people killed during high-speed police chases had nothing to do with the crime or the pursuit, but are simply "in the wrong place at the wrong time."

What Happened in This Accident

It appears, from early reports, that the victim in this case was not in violation of any traffic laws, and was not in any way negligent.  Further investigation will be necessary to reconstruct the exact events of the accident, but the initial assessment seems to be that the victim was not to blame for what happened in any way.  Instead, the victim was truly a victim, simply being randomly hit by someone who was, at the time, allegedly breaking the law.

Liability Issues

The liability in this issue may be very complex, and will take the skills of an expert personal injury attorney to untangle.  The problem is that, while it seems clear that the perpetrators are liable for the accident, the fact that the police were chasing them at one point could also add another facet of liability to the injuries sustained by the victim.

If the police indeed gave chase, and then called off the chase, it would seem that liability would rest only with the perpetrators.  However, if the perpetrators had no way of knowing the chase was off, which is likely, a good personal injury attorney could argue that the police share in the liability issue for beginning the chase.

On the other hand, the police were apparently trying to make a felony arrest, and could be presumed to have acted in the scope of their duties by attempting to stop the suspects' vehicle and then calling off the chase when it was apparent the suspects were endangering other drivers.

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.

Adelina Gonzalez, 45, was killed in a Riverside car accident after a vehicle struck her. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the night of January 16, 2012 near the intersection of Mission Boulevard and Pedley Road in the Glen Avon section of Jurupa Valley. Officials say Gonzalez was crossing the roadway when she was struck by a vehicle. The details of the incident have not yet been released.

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

Riverside County Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were nine fatalities and 54 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Also, countywide, 39 people died and 370 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, it appears that Gonzalez was struck when she was attempting to cross the roadway. However, it is not clear if she was in a crosswalk at the time of the collision. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

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." The same 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

In this particular case, I trust officials are looking into whether the driver was speeding, distracted, inattentive, impaired or otherwise negligent. If driver negligence was a factor in this crash, the driver can be held civilly liable for the victim's wrongful death. Families of deceased car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. If a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the incident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Victor Arenas, 20, was killed in a Ventura car accident, which officials say involved a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, the fatal car crash occurred along the 101 Highway near the Faria Beach campground in Ventura, the morning of January 15, 2012. Officials say 20-year-old Abram Pineda of Santa Paula may have been under the influence of alcohol when he lost control of the vehicle, in which Arenas was a passenger, and crashed into an RV.

Arenas died at the scene of the crash. Pineda and Anthony Daniel Saenz, 20, suffered minor injuries. Passengers in the motor home, 72-year old Peggy Booth, 66-year old James Booth, and Clara Glanville, 56, also sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Pineda was arrested after attempting to flee the scene on foot.

I offer my deepest condolences to the friends and family of Victor Arenas following this tragic DUI collision. My thoughts and prayers are also with the injured victims of this terrible accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Ventura DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), nine people were killed and 80 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. Also, countywide, 57 deaths and 3,421 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2009.

Violations of the Law

Based on the news report, officials believe that alcohol was a contributing factor in this fatal crash. 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."

Additionally, the driver attempted to leave the scene of the crash on foot. His passenger was killed and several others were injured, and he tried to flee without even offering assistance? 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."

Liability Issues

In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, families of deceased accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Ventura personal injury lawyer, who has had a successful track record holding drunk drivers financially responsible. In such cases the victim's family can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship.

A 55-year-old San Jose man was killed in a San Francisco area car accident when the vehicle in which he was traveling went out of control and crashed, the night of January 7, 2012. According to a report in The San Jose Mercury News, the fatal DUI collision occurred along the northbound Interstate 680 in Fremont. Officials say a Dodge Caravan driven by Salvador Espino, 55, was traveling up to 90 miles per hour when it veered through traffic, through the center median, went off the roadway and crashed into two trees. The right side of the minivan was sheared off and the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Espino faces several charges including DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Alameda County DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), alcohol-related crashes in Fremont claimed the lives of three people and injured 64. During that same year, there were 24 fatalities and 535 injuries reported due to Alameda County DUI collisions.

California DUI Laws

Based on this news report, Espino was speeding while under the influence of alcohol. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges.

California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

Liability Issues

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver seeking compensation to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. Victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers. 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.

Ray Rogers, 67, was killed in a Modesto car accident, which police say, involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a News 10 report, the fatal hit-and-run accident occurred at the intersection of Sutter Avenue and Rouse Avenue in Modesto, the morning of January 6, 2012. Officials say Rogers was crossing the road on his bicycle when a white pickup truck struck him. He succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. Officials are asking for the public's help to find this hit-and-run driver. An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 209-652-2260 or send a text message anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 274637 and type "TIP704" with the message.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Ray Rogers following this tragic hit-and-run car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Modesto bicycle accidents claimed the life of one person and injured 73. Throughout Stanislaus County, there was one fatality and 134 injuries reported due to bicycle accidents during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Based on this news report, the driver of the white pickup hit the bicyclist and then drove away without calling the authorities or stopping to offer help. Appalling! Leaving the scene of an accident when someone has been hurt is not only inhumane and irresponsible, but it is also illegal.

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

Officials are searching for the driver and the white pickup 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 also become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.

The family of a deceased hit-and-run victim would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Modesto 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 be able to 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 crash where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.