A young woman who was fatally injured in a car accident in Orange County the morning of September 18, 2011, has been identified by officials as Taylor Sams, 18. The Orange County Register reports that the fatal rollover accident happened on the 241 toll road near Portola Parkway in Lake Forest. CHP officials say Sams was a passenger in a 2000 Toyota Tacoma that was southbound on the toll road. The driver lost control of the pickup. He later told officials that they were driving from Los Angeles and that he had become tired. Sams was partially ejected from the pickup. Officials say both Sams and the driver were buckled up at the time of the crash.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Taylor Sams for their devastating loss. This grieving family will be in my prayers.

Car Accidents

There were 141 deaths and 13,373 injuries involving car accidents in Orange County in 2009, according to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). During the same year, there were two fatalities and 180 injuries reported due to Lake Forest car accidents.

Causes and Liability Issues

Officials are saying that the driver may have lost control of the truck because he was fatigued. Did the driver's negligence cause or contribute to the accident and resulting fatality? What is also cause for concern in this incident is why Sams was partially ejected from the truck when she was wearing here seatbelt. Did Sams suffer fatal injuries here because of a defective seatbelt?

In such cases, it would be highly advisable to preserve the vehicle in its crashed condition, unaltered, so experts can examine it for design flaws, product defects, and other evidence. A reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto product liability cases against large auto makers, will be able to stay abreast of the official investigation and help hold all negligent parties liable.

Lake Forest Car Accident Proves Fatal for Woman is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

An elderly woman who was fatally injured in a car accident in Riverside has been identified as Maria Gonzalez. City News Service reports that the fatal crash occurred the afternoon of August 7, 2011 on the 60 Freeway in Glen Avon. California Highway Patrol officials say the 2000 Ford SUV in which Gonzalez was a passenger lost its right rear tire tread and went out of control, crashing into a concrete wall. Gonzalez died at the scene while two other female passengers sustained injuries. The extent of their injuries is not known. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Maria Gonzalez. I also wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Car Accidents

There were 203 deaths and 7,974 injuries involving Riverside County car accidents in 2009, according to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the unincorporated areas of Riverside County, 79 people were killed and 2,249 were injured due to car accidents during the same year.

Possible Tire Defect

It appears from this news report that tire tread separation on one of the Ford SUV's tires caused the vehicle to go out of control and crash. It is not clear, however, if the tread separation occurred due to a tire defect or poor tire maintenance. The design of the Ford SUV and its inherent instability may have also caused or contributed to this tragic crash. When tire tread separation occurs in a poorly designed vehicle such as a Ford SUV, it is virtually impossible for a driver to regain control of the vehicle.

Claim for Compensation

If it is determined that a defective tire or defective vehicle design contributed to the injuries and fatality, the victims or the family of the deceased victim can seek compensation from the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product. In such cases victims or their families would be well-advised to preserve the vehicle and the tire unaltered so it can be examined by an expert for product or design defects. An experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer will advise victims or their families about their legal rights and options.

Elderly Woman Killed in Car Accident in Riverside County is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Two California residents, Shawna Geraldine Zamora, 27 and her daughter, 9-year-old Lillyana Zamora, were fatally injured in a Ford SUV rollover accident in South Carolina. According to a news report, Zamora was driving a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport on Interstate 85 in South Carolina when she lost control of the SUV, which rolled over. Both Zamora and her daughter were thrown off the vehicle as it overturned and both were killed. Three others, including two children, were also injured but the nature and extent of their injuries is not known.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Shawna Zamora and Lillyana. This grieving family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 10,000 people are killed in rollover car accidents in the United States. That number accounts for nearly 25 percent of all fatal car accidents in the country. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety estimates that more than half of SUV occupants who were killed in traffic collisions in 2008 were involved in rollover accidents.

Auto Product Liability Issues

It is not clear from this news report what caused Zamora to lose control of the Ford SUV. While it is possible that this may have been due to driver error, it is also important to note that Ford SUVs, especially the Explorer Sport model from the early 2000s, are notorious for their instability. In this particular case, Zamora and her daughter were ejected. If I were a member of the Zamora family, I would also want to find out if they were ejected due to defective seatbelts.

It would be in the best interests of victims' families in such cases to preserve the vehicle involved in its current state, unaltered, so it can be carefully examined by an expert for design flaws, product defects, malfunctions and other evidence. Families in such cases would also be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced auto products liability lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the family's rights are protected.

Lost a family member in a California car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal rollover car accident. Call 800-816-4779. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE California wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

Rollover Accident in South Carolina Proves Fatal for California Residents is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Two students, who were part of a Fresno high school basketball team, identified as Ben Ross and Davante McPeters, sustained major injuries in a van rollover accident the morning of December 2, 2010. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the injury car accident happened on the Highway 152 near Carlucci when the high school's assistant coach, Michael McDonald, who was driving the van, fell asleep at the wheel. The van went out of control, rolled over and crashed into a pole. Ross and McPeters sustained the most severe injuries while four others sustained relatively minor injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the injured high school students and their families for what they are going through at this time. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Rollover Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are approximately 10,000 fatalities involving rollover accidents in the United States each year. That accounts for nearly 25 percent of all deadly traffic accidents. Rollover accidents have the potential to cause devastating injuries including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries, which can lead to a lifetime of disability.

Causes and Liability Issues

It appears that this van accident was caused by a drowsy driver, the assistant coach. It is not clear whether he made the decision to get behind the wheel without getting sufficient rest. In this case, the students and their respective families could have a personal injury claim against the school district. The high school and by extension, the school district, had a duty to safely transport their students to and from the game. Since one of the high school's employees caused this accident while on-the-job, both, he and the school can be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused.

Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, surgery and even the cost of continued treatment and care. An experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

Seriously injured in a Fresno car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Fresno County car accident. Call 800-816-4779. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Fresno personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.

Have you ever driven fatigued or got behind the wheel when you could barely keep your eyes open?

The law firm that sponsors this blog has agreed to provide a free, confidential consultation to any of our readers who were injured in this or a similar accident. The offer applies to the family of the accident victims as well.

At the time this article was posted, none of the parties mentioned in this article were represented by any of our sponsoring law firms. The source of our information is cited in the article. No independent investigation was conducted unless specifically mentioned in the article. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein; get a comprehensive consultation with a reputable law firm.

Van Rollover Accident in Fresno Causes Major Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A rollover accident involving a 15-passenger van resulted in four fatalities the evening of October 3, 2010. Associated Press identifies the fatally injured victims, all members of a church group, as Apostle Ronmyka D. Williams, the 35-year-old pastor, 20-year-old Jennifer Walton, 19-year-old Cameron Freeman and 13-year-old Jasmin Shelly. Officials say that the fatal crash occurred when a 1987 Dodge Ram Wagon van driven by 29-year-old Kenasha Seldon blew a rear tire and spun out of control on U.S. 27 close to Blakely. The 15-passenger van rolled over several times. All the occupants were ejected. Although the van could hold only 15 people, there were a total of 19 people in that van.

My heart goes out to every family that lost a loved one in this tragic crash. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. I also hope none of the 15 injured passengers have sustained major injuries and pray for their speedy and complete recovery.

Dangerous and Defective Vans

Based on this news report, it appears that the van went out of control immediately after the tire blowout. It is hard to understand why church groups and other organizations continue to use these 15-passenger vans, which are known to be dangerous and defective. This is the second 15-passenger van accident in less than a month. Last month, six people died and eight others were injured in an identical crash where a 1997 Ford Econoline van's rear tire blew out. The Ford van rolled over and ejected seven people.

Liability Issues

As auto product liability lawyers who have successfully represented injured victims and their families in 15-passenger van accidents, we know that these vans are extremely dangerous. These vans use stadium-style seating where passengers in the back are sitting slightly higher than those in front. This causes a shift in the center of gravity of the vehicle, causing them to be unsteady and roll over if the driver tries to regain control after a tire blowout, as in this case.

It is illegal for school districts in the United States to use 15-passenger vans for transport. But they are still widely used by churches, senior centers and even childcare centers to transport small groups. Victims of 15-passenger van accidents would be well-advised to contact a reputed auto products liability lawyer, who has successfully handled 15-passenger van rollover cases on behalf of injured victims and their families. The best auto product defect law firms will always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families.

Lost a family member in a 15-passenger van accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal California rollover accident. Call 1-800-816-4779. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE California wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

Does your church group or senior center use these 15-passenger vans? What are your concerns about this vehicle after reading this article?

The law firm that sponsors this blog has agreed to provide a free, confidential consultation to any of our readers who were injured in this or a similar accident. The offer applies to the family of the accident victims as well. Call 866-456-5235 for assistance.

At the time this article was posted, none of the parties mentioned in this article were represented by any of our sponsoring law firms. The source of our information is cited in the article. No independent investigation was conducted unless specifically mentioned in the article. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein; get a comprehensive consultation with a reputable law firm.

Georgia 15-Passenger Van Crash Proves Fatal is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

An SUV rollover accident the night of August 30, 2010 resulted in the death of an elderly passenger. The San Bernardino County Sun reports that the fatal crash occurred on the 40 Freeway near Kelbaker Road in the city of Ludlow. California Highway Patrol officials believe that the driver of the SUV lost control of the vehicle after the tread separated on one of the rear tires. The SUV rolled over multiple times. One passenger died while five others were hospitalized with injuries.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of this deceased victim for their devastating loss. I also pray for the speedy and complete recovery of the injured victims.

Rollover Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that rollover crashes are responsible for at least 10,000 fatalities each year in the United States. That number accounts for about 25 percent of all traffic accident fatalities in the United States. Each year, there are about 40,000 fatal car accidents, in the United States.

Tire Failure and Auto Product Liability

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that this accident occurred because of the tread separation in one of the SUV's rear tires. The tire tread separation apparently caused the SUV to roll over and very likely led to the elderly passenger's fatal injuries. I would be interested to find out if this accident was caused by a defective tire. If that was the case, the tire manufacturer could be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. I would also be interested to find out whether inherent design defects in the SUV caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle when the tire failed.

Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who has successfully represented injured car accident victims in auto product liability cases. It would also be in their best interests to preserve the tire, if possible, and also the vehicle in its damaged condition so an expert can thoroughly examine it for product defects, malfunctions or design flaws.

Do you believe that SUVs are inherently dangerous? We would like to hear your comments and opinions.

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.

Fatal Rollover Crash Possibly Caused by Defective Tire is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A 4-year-old boy who was killed in a Ventura car accident has been identified as Bernardino Rincon. The car accident was apparently caused by an elderly driver the morning of November 30, 2009, according to a news report in the Ventura County Star. The fatal car accident occurred on Santa Rosa Road when 84-year-old Richard Levens struck two other cars stopped at a light and then hit the Rincon family's minivan. The van left the roadway, struck a tree and rolled over on an embankment. Bernardino was ejected from the vehicle and pinned under the van. He was pronounced dead soon after the accident in an area hospital.

The Rincon family has no doubt suffered a devastating blow with this untimely loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this little boy. Bernardino's grieving family members will be in my prayers.

Was the Child Buckled in?

Based on this news report, it is not clear whether Bernardino was secured in a car seat or not. California Highway Patrol officials say the boy was not strapped in a car seat at the time of the accident. His sister says she buckled him up right before they started driving. But, some family members also suspect that the boy may have unbuckled himself later, sometime before the crash.

Defective Product Issues

In this case, it is absolutely important to look into whether Bernardino was not secured in the car seat or whether he was buckled and then ejected at the time of the crash because of a product defect -- namely a defect in the car seat or as a result of seatbelt defects. In any car accident where a product defect is suspected, it is important to preserve the product -- in this case the minivan and the car seat -- so it can be carefully checked by an expert for product defects, malfunction or other evidence. I would also be curious to find out how or why the senior driver, who apparently set off this chain reaction crash, lost control of his vehicle.

Victims in such cases would be well-advised to consult with a reputed California personal injury lawyer, who has had consistent success with product liability cases and a stellar track record holding negligent drivers accountable. The best personal injury law firms will offer a free consultation to injured victims and their families.

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.

4-year-old Killed in Ventura Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Omead Afshar, 23, and Melissa Lynch, 24, suffered serious injuries in a Ventura car accident. The Ventura County Star reports that the major injury car accident occurred on November 21, 2009 after Afshar, who was driving, lost control of the car and crashed into the median on Westlake Boulevard. Afshar and Lynch were trapped in the car and sustained major injuries. Both were taken to a local hospital after being rescued from the vehicle by emergency personnel.

I sympathize with Afshar and Lynch, whose families must be going through an extremely hard time right now. I hope and pray that they make a quick and complete recovery from their major injuries. These injured victims will certainly be in my prayers.

Car Accidents in Ventura County

According to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, California car accidents claimed 26 lives and injured 663 people in unincorporated areas of Ventura County. In Ventura County as a whole, 71 deaths and 3,993 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

It is not clear how or why this tragic car accident occurred. There are more questions her than answers at this point. The news article does not mention whether Afshar was intoxicated or distracted at the time of the accident. We do not know whether he fell asleep at the wheel. There are other questions that arise at this point. Was this accident caused by a vehicle defect or vehicle malfunction? What type of vehicle was he driving? Was the accident caused by a dangerous condition on the roadway or any debris that was on the roadway? Was Afshar pushed off the roadway by another vehicle?

Determining Liability in Car Accident Cases

If Afshar's accident and injuries were caused as a result of an auto product defect, the auto maker of the manufacturer of the defective product could be held liable. If another negligent driver caused this car accident, then that driver could be held responsible for this accident and resulting injuries.

Whatever the cause of the car accident, an experienced California personal injury attorney will be able to analyze all facts of the incident and determine whether there was any negligence or wrongdoing here. The best personal injury law firms will always offer free consultations to injured victims and their families.

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.

Fatal Ventura Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Five vehicles were involved in an Orange County car accident, which officials say, was caused by tire tread from a large truck, that was dropped on the roadway. The Orange County Register reports that the multi-vehicle crash happened on the 57 northbound near Imperial Highway in Brea, California, the morning of November 17, 2009. California Highway Patrol officials said no serious injuries were reported in this crash. The car accident involved a Mercedes Benz driven by 18-year-old Francisco Linares, a Nissan Altima, an Acura, Ford Explorer SUV and a Ford F-250 pickup truck.

I'm relieved to see that this Brea car accident did not result in any life-threatening injuries despite the number of vehicles and people who were involved. Such accidents have the potential for serious injuries or even fatalities.

Orange County Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 260 injuries occurred in Brea, California as a result of car accident cases in 2007. Countywide, car accidents claimed 178 lives and caused 14,185 injuries during the same year.

If the details in the news report are accurate, this car accident was caused by the tire tread that was dropped on the freeway by a big rig. Roadway debris in California has caused 155 fatalities just in the last two years, according to the California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

Law Prohibits Dumping Debris on Highways

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."

Had this Orange County car accident resulted in serious injuries or fatality, the driver of the big rig and his employer, the trucking company, could have been held liable. Victims in roadway debris accidents would be well-advised to contact a reputed Orange County personal injury attorneys who has handled such cases and can advise victims and their families about how their car insurance policy will apply to such a case. If the responsible party is never identified or found, victims in roadway debris accident cases may be compensated through the uninsured motorist provision of his or her car insurance policy.

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.

Orange County Car Accident Caused by Tire Tread on Roadway is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A boy who died in a November 11, 2009 San Francisco car accident has been identified by authorities as 7-year-old Mark Thomas. The rollover crash happened after a Ford Explorer SUV blew its left rear tire. The driver, Mark's 22-year-old sister Jewel Mims, lost control of the SUV, which veered off the roadway and overturned landing on its side. Mark, who was in the cargo area of the SUV, was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected, California Highway Patrol officials said. He died of major head trauma. Others in the SUV sustained injuries as well, but they were not life-threatening.

My heart goes out to the family of little Mark Thomas for their horrible loss. It's indeed fortunate that no one else was badly injured especially Mark's brother who was also in the cargo area where there were no seatbelts. This family will be in my prayers.

Rollover Crashes Can be Devastating

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are about 10,000 fatal rollover accidents each year in the United States, which account for 25 percent of all traffic accident fatalities in the country. SUVs are particularly more prone to these violent crashes because they have a high center of gravity and lower track width, which makes them more susceptible to tip over and flip even at normal speeds. The Ford Explorer, specifically, is well-known for vehicle defects both in terms of design and manufacturing, which have caused numerous fatal and major injury accidents nationwide.

Liability Issues Involving Auto Products

In this particular case, the SUV's tire blew, causing a young driver to lose control of the vehicle. Even experienced drivers have trouble controlling the Explorer in such situations because of its propensity for instability. I would be curious about whether a defective tire caused this tragic accident. If that was the case, the tire manufacturer could be held liable as well. Mark Thomas may have been alive today had he been safely restrained. This is another grim reminder for all of us to make sure that all passengers, especially our little ones, are buckled up. Seatbelts do save lives.

In such cases, victims and their families would be well-advised to consult a reputed San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record representing injured clients against large auto makers such as Ford and General Motors. It would also be in their best interest to preserve the vehicle in its current condition, unaltered, so it can be examined thoroughly for any evidence or malfunctions or auto product defects.

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.

Fatal San Francisco Car Accident Caused by Tire Blowout is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News