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

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

Car Accident Statistics

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

Possible Tire Defect

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

Auto Products Liability Issues

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

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

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

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

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

The Result of Roadway Debris?

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

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

Laws and Liability Issues

California law prohibits anyone from throwing or dumping matter on the highway. California Vehicle Code section 23112 (a) states: "No person shall throw or deposit, nor shall the registered owner or the driver, if such owner is not then present in the vehicle, aid or abet in the throwing or depositing upon any highway any bottle, can, garbage, glass, nail, offal, paper, wire, any substance likely to injure or damage traffic using the highway, or any noisome, nauseous, or offensive matter of any kind."

In such cases where deadly crashes are caused by roadway debris, the person or entities that were responsible for dropping the debris on the roadway can be held liable for the accidents and resulting injuries or deaths. Individuals who are injured in such car accidents would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled roadway debris cases. A skilled car accident lawyer should inform victims and their families how their car insurance policy will apply to such roadway accidents.

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

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

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

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

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

Car Accident Statistics

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

Causes and Liability Issues

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

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

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

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

Two LAPD police officers sustained injuries in a Los Angeles car accident as they were responding to a report of a possible gang-related shooting in Hollywood. According to an Associated Press news report, the officers were crossing an intersection the afternoon of June 29, 2010, when they were hit by another vehicle. Both sustained injuries, but are expected to survive. It is not clear if anyone in the other car that was hit by the police cruiser was injured.

My heart goes out to these injured police officers who were obviously caught between getting to the scene of a shooting and dealing with traffic. Our police officers put their lives on the line every day. It is indeed fortunate that these two officers did not sustain major injuries and no other bystanders were seriously injured. This is yet another incident, which reminds us about how dangerous the job of a police officer can be. We recently wrote a post about how the California Highway Patrol is reeling from the death of five officers who all died in the line of duty in just the last one month. Tragic!

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 268 fatalities and 25,588 personal injuries involving car accidents in Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Circumstances of the Accident

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why the street intersection collision between the cruiser and the other vehicle occurred. Who had the light at the intersection? Obviously the police car was responding to a shooting -- an emergency situation? Did the patrol car have its light and sirens on? Or did the other vehicle fail to yield to an emergency vehicle which had its lights and sirens on? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order determine exactly what occurred here and why.

Compensation Issues

Since the officers were on the job, they can receive workers compensation benefits from their employer to cover medical expenses and loss of wages. However, if this accident was the officers' fault, then the other injured party (if any) could file a personal injury claim against the LAPD seeking compensation. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. Experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will be able to advise injured victims in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Have you had any close calls with emergency vehicles? Please share your experiences with us.

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.

Brandon David Brown, 31, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident the morning of June 20, 2010 after the vehicle he was driving struck an SUV that was stopped in the northbound carpool lane of the 405 Freeway, near Culver City. According to a CBS News report, Brown died at the scene after driving his Toyota Tercel into the back of the SUV. California Highway Patrol officials say the SUV fled the scene without stopping to provide aid for the injured victim. Authorities are looking for the hit-and-run suspect and vehicle. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Brandon David Brown for their tragic 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 three fatalities and 267 injuries involving car accidents in Culver City. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Law

Leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is a serious criminal offense under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Drivers are required to remain at the scene of the crash, regardless of fault for the collision, exchange information with other parties and administer aid to the injured victim. In this particular case, there are still a number of questions. Why was the SUV stopped in the carpool lane? That motorist apparently drove away leaving Brown critically injured. I trust officials are looking into all possible factors for this horrific crash and will soon locate the hit-and-run suspect.

Claim for Compensation

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical and funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise families about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to tell families about how their car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash or in a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

What more should our legislators be doing to crack down on hit-and-run drivers?

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.

Gregg Haskell, 57, was killed in a motorcycle accident in the Modesto area after he lost control of his 2004 Harley-Davidson and crashed, the Modesto Bee reports. The fatal motorcycle crash occurred the evening of May 12, 2010 when Haskell was riding his motorcycle east on Orange Blossom Road near Horseshoe Road. California Highway Patrol officials said Haskell drifted off the road and into the dirt shoulder as he rode through a moderate curve. The motorcycle hit the curb and Haskell was ejected from his bike. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he died.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gregg Haskell for their profound loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.

Motorcycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two deaths and 55 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Modesto. In Stanislaus County, 10 people died and 137 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to what caused this tragic accident. The news report does not state that Haskell was traveling at a high rate of speed. Did alcohol play a part? Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in his Harley that caused this fatal crash? Was any other vehicle involved in this crash? Was there a dangerous or defective condition in the roadway, which may have caused this deadly accident? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine what exactly happened here.

Liability Issues

If this accident was caused by an auto product defect, the vehicle manufacturer or the maker of the defective product can be held liable for Haskell's wrongful death. Such claims, which are usually filed by immediate family members, seek compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

If a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to this crash, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a public entity must be filed within six months of the accident or injury. The best Modesto personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What steps do you take as a motorcycle rider to avoid dangerous situations or accidents?

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.

Dustin Hammons, 23, of Oregon, is being hailed as a hero for rescuing an elderly woman from the passenger seat of a burning vehicle after a car accident. According to a news report in The Daily Triplicate, a motor home crashed down an embankment on U.S. Highway 199 near Siskiyou Fork Road. The motor home occupied by an elderly couple had veered off the roadway, rolled down the embankment and struck a tree. The male driver, 78, was killed in the crash, but the woman, 77-year-old Pauline Taylor was still alive.

A Tough Rescue

Hammons was apparently on his way to visit Del Norte County's redwoods with his girlfriend when he noticed smoke coming out of a ditch. When he saw the crashed motor home, he heard the woman screaming from inside the vehicle. He borrowed a fire extinguisher from a truck driver who had stopped on the roadway.

When that didn't help extinguish the flames, Hammons broke through the back of the motor home and crawled inside. But the clutter from the crash prevented him from getting to the trapped victim. Then Hammons went over to the front window and saw Taylor whose hair and clothes were on fire. Hammons pulled Taylor out through the broken windshield as he used his bare hands to put out the flames. Taylor was transported to a hospital with third-degree burns and in serious condition.

Fatal Crash Also Caused Serious Injuries

My heart goes out to the elderly couple especially Pauline Taylor who has apparently sustained catastrophic injuries and has also lost her husband in the crash. The man of the moment, however, was Hammons, who showed remarkable courage, calm and presence of mind as he conducted the rescue as if he were trained to do it. The news report states California Highway Patrol officials plan on giving Hammons an award of commendation. I'm glad to hear that his heroism is being recognized.

Accident Causes and Liability Issues

In this particular case, an investigation is still ongoing as to how this crash occurred in the first place. Was there a vehicle defect in the motor home, which may have caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle? Did the driver suffer a medical condition? Were there other vehicles involved? Was the motor home run off the roadway by another vehicle? I trust officials are examining these and other issues in order to determine exactly what happened here.

If this crash was caused by a vehicle defect, then Taylor will have a claim against the manufacturer of the motor home for her husband's wrongful death as well as for the serious personal injuries she has suffered. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, hospitalization, surgery, treatment and long-term care costs.

Have you witnessed such heroic acts in your community? We would love to hear your stories.

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