Personal Injury Lawyers News

San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Injures Woman

Joseph — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:42:34 +0000

A woman was injured in a San Francisco pedestrian accident after she was hit by a city trash truck, CBS News reports. The injury accident happened the morning of March 9, 2010 when the woman was walking in a marked crosswalk on Presidio Avenue at Pine Street. The city garbage truck was turning on to Presidio Avenue from Pine Street when it struck the woman. The injured pedestrian was taken to an area hospital for treatment of her injuries. However, officials say the victim's injuries were not life-threatening. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

My heart goes out to this injured victim. I wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep her in your prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 16 fatalities and 790 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Francisco in 2008. Also, 35 deaths and 3,577 injuries were reported as a result of all car accidents in the city of San Francisco during the same year.

How Did this Accident Occur?

If the details of this news report are accurate, the woman was in a marked crosswalk and the driver of the garbage truck should have yielded right-of-way to the pedestrian in the crosswalk. 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."

If I were the victim or a member of her family, I would also question why the garbage truck driver did not see the pedestrian. Was he impaired, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time? I trust authorities are looking into these and other issues in order to determine exactly what happened here.

Claim for Compensation

If the garbage truck driver is determined to have been at fault for this accident, he and his employer, the city of San Francisco, could be held liable for the injuries caused to this woman. In California, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will stay on top of the investigation and help victims protect their rights during what can be a complex legal process.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Injures Woman is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Orange County Car Accident Injures Pedestrian

Colleen — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:23:30 +0000

Khuong Nguyen, 42, sustained injuries in an Orange County car accident after he was struck by an SUV in the parking lot of a hotel in Garden Grove. The Garden Grove Journal reports that the injury pedestrian accident occurred at the Ramada Inn Plaza parking lot the night of March 5, 2010. A Jeep Liberty driven by 58-year-old Dzung Truong struck Nguyen who was standing in the parking lot.

Truong told authorities that he attempted to stop but his brakes failed. The SUV struck Nguyen who was then pinned against a wall. Nguyen suffered serious leg injuries and was taken to an area hospital. Police don't believe Truong was impaired at the time. An investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made yet or citations issued.

My heart goes out to Nguyen, who has sustained serious injuries in this collision. I hope he has not suffered any catastrophic injuries and wish him the very best for a quick and full recovery. Please keep him in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four deaths and 49 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Garden Grove. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people died and 785 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

Car Accident Causes

If the details of this news report are accurate, investigators are still checking Truong's version of the incident. I trust they are carefully examining that SUV for evidence or brake failure or any other auto product defect that might have caused it to go out-of-control and strike Nguyen. If this collision was caused by a vehicle defect, then the auto maker can be held liable for Nguyen's injuries. However, if the accident is determined to have been Truong's fault, then, he could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries.

An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options. In such cases, victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, therapy and other related costs.

Orange County Car Accident Injures Pedestrian is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

San Diego Car Accident Kills Passenger

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:20:45 +0000

A 62-year-old man who was a passenger in a minivan was killed in a San Diego car accident after a speeding driver lost control, veered into oncoming traffic and crashed into the minivan. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the fatal car accident happened on Wildcat Canyon Road south of Muth Valley Road, the afternoon of March 7, 2010. The driver of a 2004 Ford pickup truck was speeding on a wet roadway when he lost control, swerved into opposing lanes of traffic and struck the Plymouth Voyager minivan head-on. Both the occupants of the pickup truck were unharmed. The driver of the minivan suffered moderate injuries, while her passenger died. California Highway Patrol officials say that the deceased man was not buckled up.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this deceased victim. Please keep this man in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

There were 81 fatalities and 6,123 injuries involving car accidents in San Diego in 2008, according to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, car accidents claimed 246 deaths and injured 13,527 people in 2008.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it seems to me that the driver of the pickup truck may have been traveling too fast given the slick roadway conditions. If officials determine that the driver of the pickup truck was at fault for this accident, then he could be held financially responsible for this accident and resulting injuries. I trust officials are also looking into whether the driver of the Ford was impaired, distracted or otherwise negligent in this case.

An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to stay on top of the official investigation and help determine who the negligent parties are in this case. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical/funeral expenses, lost wages, loss of love and companionship, and other related expenses.

San Diego Car Accident Kills Passenger is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Los Angeles Car Accident Causes Injuries and Fatalities

admin — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:16:28 +0000

Officials have identified 67-year-old Michael Harris as one of two people who sustained fatal injuries in a Los Angeles car accident that occurred the evening of March 3, 2010 on the northbound 605 Freeway in Cerritos. The Long Beach Press Telegram reports that the accident occurred when a Ford van with seven people that was northbound on the freeway, went out of control and almost struck a Mitsubishi Lancer.

Two Fatalities, Five Critically Injured

Both vehicles swerved in order to avoid a crash and struck the freeway divider. Five people were thrown from the car. Harris and the other person were fatally injured. California Highway Patrol officials said five others suffered critical injuries. The Mitsubishi's driver was also hospitalized, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased victims. I also wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and full recovery. These injured victims and their families will be in my prayers.

Car Accidents

According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were three fatalities and 393 injuries involving car accidents in Cerritos. Countywide, 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Car Accident Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this report, it is not clear exactly how or why the Ford van went out of control. It appears speed or an unsafe lane change may have contributed to it. Officials are saying, based on their preliminary investigation, that no one in the van was wearing a seatbelt. However, if I were a member of the victims' families, I would want to find out if that was actually the case or if any occupant had been ejected because of seatbelt defects or failure.

If the van driver is determined to have been at fault here, then he or she could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will stay on top of the investigation and help protect the victims' and their families' legal rights and best interests.

Los Angeles Car Accident Causes Injuries and Fatalities is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Driver Injured in Orange County Car Accident

Colleen — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:34:03 +0000

A driver was seriously injured in an Orange County car accident after he lost control of his vehicle and crashed on a Los Alamitos roadway. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury crash happened the morning of March 3, 2010 near the intersection of Orangewood Avenue and Los Alamitos Boulevard. The man was driving a Ford Ranger pickup truck when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a light pole near the street intersection. Although fire officials who responded to the crash said the victim did not suffer major injuries, the driver's mother who commented on the newspaper's web site stated that he was taken by ambulance to a trauma center.

My heart goes out to this injured accident victim and his family members. I hope his injuries were not major and that he has a quick and complete recovery.

Car Accidents

There were two fatalities and 72 injuries involving car accidents in Los Alamitos, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In 2008, countywide, car accidents claimed 152 lives and injured 13,414 people.

Accident Causes and Liability Issues

It's not quite clear from this news article why the driver lost control of the Ford Ranger. The news article does not say alcohol or drugs were involved or that the driver was speeding at the time. So there is the question of whether this accident was caused by a vehicle defect or a mechanical malfunction in the Ranger. Sometimes a dangerous condition on the roadway could also play a part in such accidents. We do not know if that was a factor here. If I were a member of his family, I'd also want to find out whether there were any other vehicles involved in this accident.

If this accident was caused by a vehicle defect, then the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product can be held liable. In such cases, it would be critical to preserve the vehicle in its current, crashed condition, unaltered, so it can be carefully examined by an expert for vehicle defects, malfunctions or other evidence. A reputed Orange County personal injury attorney who has successfully handled auto product liability cases will be able to advice injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

Driver Injured in Orange County Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

San Diego Car Accident Fatally Injures Driver

Joseph — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:03:50 +0000

An elderly driver killed in a San Diego car accident has been identified by officials as 87-year-old David Irving Epstein. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the fatal car accident occurred the morning of March 2, 2010 when Epstein lost control of his Toyota sedan and slammed into a stalled big rig stopped on the shoulder of Route 15. California Highway Patrol officials say they do not know why Epstein, who was going north on the freeway, went across traffic lanes and onto the Ocean View off-ramp before striking the big rig. The driver of the truck who was standing near the big rig was hit and sustained serious injuries. Epstein was pronounced dead at the scene.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved David Irving Epstein for their devastating loss. I offer my heartfelt condolences to them. I also hope that the injured truck driver has not suffered catastrophic injuries. I truly hope that he recovers completely and speedily from his injuries.

San Diego Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents claimed 81 lives and caused 6,123 injuries in the city of San Diego, according to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics. In San Diego County as a whole, 246 deaths and 13,527 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Causes and Liability Issues

In this particular case, it is not clear who or what caused this deadly car crash. It is, of course, possible Epstein suffered a medical condition while driving. We do not know yet, whether there was an auto product defect or some type of mechanical failure in the sedan. At least 8.5 million Toyota vehicles have been recalled over the last several months for sudden acceleration problems. This accident may also have been the result of a dangerous condition on the roadway.

If Epstein is found at fault for this crash, then the truck driver can file a claim against Epstein's estate and insurance company to seek compensation for his injuries. Epstein's family members should consider preserving his Toyota to have it examined by an expert for vehicle defects, malfunctions or other evidence. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to stay on top of the investigation and help victims and their families protect their legal rights and options.

San Diego Car Accident Fatally Injures Driver is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Fatal San Francisco DUI Collision

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:31:47 +0000

A San Francisco car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver led to the death of 23-year-old James Ortega, who was a passenger in the car that crashed early morning on February 28, 2010. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports that the driver of the 2006 Mazda, lost control of the vehicle on Frei Road and slammed into a tree. Another passenger, 24-year-old Chrystina Swan, was able to exit the car, but the two men had to be cut out from the mangled vehicle. Ortega died at the scene while Arrodondo was taken to a local hospital with injuries. Arrodondo was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

I sympathize with the family and friends of James Ortega, who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. I'm relieved that Swan did not sustain any major injuries in this crash. Ortega's grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Alcohol-Related Crashes

There were 17 deaths and 264 injuries as a result of DUI collisions in Sonoma County in 2008, according to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Sonoma County as a whole, there were a total of 36 fatalities and 1,988 injuries involving car accidents during the same year.

California DUI Laws

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." It is illegal in California to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a).

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

Victims in DUI collisions or their families would be well-advised to retain the services of a reputed San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record of financially pursuing drunk and negligent drivers. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim, seeking damages to cover funeral expenses, lost future earning, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

Fatal San Francisco DUI Collision is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Pedestrian Fatally Injured in Long Beach Car Accident

Colleen — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:14:57 +0000

A Long Beach car accident that occurred the night of February 24, 2010 proved fatal for a female pedestrian whom officials identified as 54-year-old Samira Chalala. The Press-Telegram reports that Chalala was hit by a pickup truck at the intersection of 27th Street and Pasadena Avenue when she was crossing in an unmarked crosswalk. The 1998 Nissan Frontier that hit her was going east on 27th Street. Chalala was taken to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police have not cited or arrested the truck driver pending an investigation.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Samira Chalala during their time of grief. They will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were six fatalities and 234 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Long Beach, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County as a whole, 214 deaths and 4,985 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

Pedestrian Laws

In this particular case, based on the news report, the pedestrian was walking across the street in an unmarked crosswalk. Motorists, under California law, are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians walking in marked or 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.”

Causes and Liability Issues

If I were a member of Chalala's family, I would want to know what caused this fatal pedestrian accident. Was the motorist impaired, speeding, distracted or driving negligently at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway or intersection? Was the pedestrian at fault? Was she crossing legally?

In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Pedestrian Fatally Injured in Long Beach Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

San Diego Hit-and-Run Car Accident Injures Pedestrian

Colleen — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:02:55 +0000

A 56-year-old woman was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident after she was struck by a driver at a Mount Hope intersection the night of February 25, 2010. 10News reports that the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Market and 42nd streets. Police said the 76-year-old male driver ran a red light when the accident occurred. The woman suffered injuries to her leg and face. The driver did not stop at the scene, but was arrested shortly afterward in Santee.

I sympathize with this injured pedestrian. I hope she recovers quickly and completely from her serious injuries. Please keep her in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents in San Diego

There were 23 fatalities and 533 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Diego, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 63 lives and injured 998 people in 2008.

Hit-and-Run Laws

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious 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."

The driver also ran a red light, which is a serious traffic violation. 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

In such cases, injury victims would be well-advised to contact a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer who will make sure they get fairly compensated for their injuries and losses. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies to an incident involving a hit-and-run driver or if the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

San Diego Hit-and-Run Car Accident Injures Pedestrian is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

DUI Collision in San Francisco Area Caused by Teen Driver

Colleen — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:55:47 +0000

Forty-year-old Gabriel Lanusse sustained injuries in a San Francisco car accident the night of February 20, 2010 after the minivan in which he and his family were traveling, was struck by a 17-year-old driver. According to a news report in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Lanusse was stopped at a traffic light on Lakeville Highway and Frates Road, in Petaluma, when the female driver lost control, crossing into opposing lanes and hit the minivan.

Lanusse sustained a broken arm. But his wife, Kristine, and two children were uninjured. The 17-year-old was under the influence of alcohol, police said. Officials said they found an empty tequila bottle in her car. She also sustained head injuries, but was arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving.

I sympathize with this family for the nightmarish experience they have been through. I'm relieved that the children and Lanusse's wife were not harmed in this horrific crash. This could definitely have been a lot worse. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Alcohol-Related Collisions

According to a study conducted by the 2006 California Healthy Kids Survey, teens in Sonoma County drink 10 percent more than the average California teenager. Of course, possession or consumption of alcohol for anyone below 21 years of age is illegal in California. Also, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were four traffic accident fatalities involving DUI collisions in Petaluma.

Liability Issues

Victims who are injured in such cases would be well-advised to get in touch with a reputed San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record of financially pursuing drunk and negligent drivers. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise families about how their car insurance policy applies to a case where the at-fault or negligent driver is uninsured or underinsured.

DUI Collision in San Francisco Area Caused by Teen Driver is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News