A suspected DUI collision resulted in moderate injuries for three people the afternoon of September 1, 2010. The Orange County Register reports that the accident happened on the 57 Freeway when three vehicles collided in the northbound carpool lane between Chapman and Nutwood avenues in Fullerton.

California Highway Patrol officials say Robert Rios, 33, who was driving a Chevy pickup truck, failed to brake for slowing traffic ahead and rear-ended a Honda triggering a chain-reaction crash involving two other vehicles. Rios' passenger as well as two occupants of the Honda, were injured. However, they are expected to survive. Rios was booked on suspicion of DUI.

It is indeed fortunate that there were no major injuries in this collision. I wish the victims the very best for a swift and complete recovery from their injuries. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Fullerton Accident Statistics

In Fullerton, there were four fatalities and 743 injuries involving car accidents in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). One fatality and 66 injuries were reported as a result of alcohol-related car accidents in Fullerton during the same year.

Laws and Compensation Issues

California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that Rios may have also been traveling at an unsafe speed given the traffic conditions at the time. He was very likely in violation of CaliforniaVehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) as well.

It would be in the best interests of DUI accident victims to seek the counsel of a reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer, who has the experience and successful track record it takes to hold drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions.

Do you believe DUI penalties currently in place are severe enough to deter potential drunk 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 Lawyers News." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Fullerton Car Accident Injures Three is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A DUI collision in San Jose resulted in major injuries for three people the morning of August 29, 2010. Bay City News reports that the major injury crash occurred on Highway 101 near Metcalf Road, when Eric Nun, the 18-year-old driver of a Mercedes, veered off the highway and crashed into the back of a Mitsubishi that was stopped on the shoulder. The driver of the Mitsubishi was helping the driver of a Toyota whose car had a flat tire, California Highway Patrol officials said.

The crash caused a 23-year-old woman's leg to get cut off. She was standing between the two parked vehicles at the time. The 23-year-old driver of the Toyota and the 29-year-old driver of the Mitsubishi suffered major head injuries. Nun was booked on suspicion of felony drunk driving.

I sympathize with all three victims of this horrific crash and their families. It appears that they may have suffered catastrophic injuries here. I pray that they recover quickly and completely from their serious injuries.

Car Accidents

There were 44 fatalities and 3,627 injuries involving car accidents in San Jose according to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Of those, 24 fatalities and 389 injuries were the result of alcohol-related crashes.

Laws and Liability Issues

California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states: "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."

DUI accident victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their own car insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Is underage drinking a serious problem in your community? For more information about the dangers of underage drinking, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving web site at www.madd.org.

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.

San Francisco Bay Area Car Accident Causes Major Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Seven people were injured in a bus accident in San Diego after the driver of a pickup swerved into opposing lanes of traffic and struck the bus. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the injury collision occurred on North Lake Wohlford Road near Valley Center Road the afternoon of August 28, 2010. California Highway Patrol officials believe that the driver of the pickup truck may have caused the collision because he was distracted by a cell phone. The bus driver and six passengers suffered back and neck injuries, but they are expected to survive. No arrests were made pending an official investigation.

It is indeed fortunate that no one suffered life-threatening injuries in this crash. I wish all the victims of this injury collision a speedy and full recovery.

Distracted Driving Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol officials, the number of citations issued for hand-held cell phones has increased in California – from 7,779 in July 2008 to 12,761 in July 2009. Since the hand-held law became effective, CHP officials have issued a total of 173,616 citations for violations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car accidents due to all forms of distracted driving caused 515,000 personal injuries and 5,870 fatalities in 2008, nationally.

Laws and Liability Issues

According to California Vehicle Code Section 23123 (a): "A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving."

Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What can be done to ensure that drivers do not text or use their handheld cell phones while driving? We would like to hear your suggestions on this important issue.

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.

Bus Accident in San Diego Causes Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A car accident in Santa Barbara resulted in the deaths of a couple and their 7-year-old son the morning of August 24, 2010. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the fatal crash occurred when the brakes on a gravel truck failed and caused it go out of control. The truck driven by Joaquin Garcia Morales, 51, then rammed into a few parked cars and the family's home. Morales was uninjured, but Jaciel, 7, and his father and mother, identified as Leon and Leona, died at the scene.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this family. They will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Truck Accident Statistics

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) truck accident statistics, there were 304 fatal truck accidents and 3,196 injury crashes involving a truck accidents, in California, in 2008. In Santa Barbara County as a whole 35 fatalities and 1,952 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Causes and Liability Issues

It is not clear from this report how or why the truck's brakes failed. There are several questions here that have not been answered. Was this accident caused by a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction? Was the truck maintained properly? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the crash? Were large trucks allowed on that roadway? Did the driver or the trucking firm overload the big-rig? I trust officials are looking at these and other factors here in order to determine who or what caused this terrible crash.

If the truck driver or the trucking company is determined to have been at fault, they could be held liable for the accident and the wrongful death of these three individuals. Victims' families in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed California personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of this incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Are there any steep roadways in your city that pose the danger of runaway trucks?

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 Truck Accident Caused by Brake Failure is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Two women, identified as 18-year-old Brittany Franklin and 43-year-old Suzanne Wallahan, 43, sustained injuries in a Lake County car accident after a head-on collision. The Lake County News reports that the injury accident occurred the morning of August 17, 2010.

Franklin was traveling northbound on Highway 29 in a 2008 Chevrolet car when the vehicle drifted off the roadway. The teen driver then attempted to re-enter the traffic lanes, but ended up going into opposing lanes where her vehicle collided with a Nissan truck driven by Wallahan. Both woman were transported to an area hospital with what appear to be serious injuries. Officials are looking into what caused Franklin to lose control of her vehicle.

I hope neither Franklin nor Wallahan sustained catastrophic injuries in this crash. I pray that they recover quickly and completely from their injuries.

Car Accidents

There were 14 fatalities and 293 injuries involving car accidents in Lake County in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, in the unincorporated areas of the county, 12 people died and 247 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Laws and Liability Issues

According to California Vehicle Code section 21651 (a) "whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful to drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section." I trust officials are looking into whether Franklin was impaired, distracted or otherwise negligent at the time.

In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

What defensive driving methods do you adopt in order to prevent car 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.

Lake County Car Accident Causes Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A car accident in Los Angeles on August 17, 2010 left seven people injured, CBS News reports. Los Angeles police officials say the injury collision involved two cars and occurred on Louise Avenue when one vehicle attempted to pass another. The impact of the collision pushed the cars into a home. No one was in the home, but seven people in the two cars were injured, three of them critically. None of the injuries is believed to be life-threatening.

I hope none of the victims sustained catastrophic injuries in this accident. I pray that all injured victims recover quickly and completely.

Car Accidents

There were 667 deaths and 52,229 personal injuries involving car accidents in Los Angeles County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Los Angeles, 268 people died and 25,588 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Laws and Liability Issues

California Vehicle Code section 21750 states: "The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle or a bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left at a safe distance without interfering with the safe operation of the overtaken vehicle or bicycle, subject to the limitations and exceptions hereinafter stated." Based on this news report, one of the drivers may have attempted to make an unsafe pass and caused the crash.

In such cases, the at-fault driver could be held liable for injuries, damages and losses caused to the victims. Injured victims in such cases could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced San Fernando Valley personal injury lawyer will be able to examine all facets of the incident and hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims and their families about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver.

What are some of the challenges faced by injured victims in the aftermath of a crash?

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.

Seven Injured in San Fernando Valley Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A car accident in Mariposa County resulted in three deaths and four injuries the afternoon of August 14, 2010. The Fresno Bee reports that the fatally injured victims of this crash were identified as Deana Smith, 39, Michael Smith, 43, both of Chowchilla, and Sharon Law, a 55-year-old woman from El Portal. The fatal accident occurred on Highway 140 near Colorado Road. A Ford Bronco driven by Marissa Fuqua, 18, crossed over a double yellow line while negotiating a curve on the highway and entered opposing lanes of traffic. The Bronco then slammed into an oncoming motorcycle and a Ford Escape. The Smiths, who were riding on the Harley, were killed as was Law, the driver of the Escape. Fuqua and three passengers in her vehicle sustained injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the families of the Smiths and Law for their tragic and devastating loss. They will be in my thoughts and prayers. I also pray that the injured victims recover swiftly and completely.

Accident Statistics

One fatality and 33 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in Mariposa County, according to the California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, countywide, four fatalities and 102 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Causes and Compensation Issues

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear what caused this fatal accident. There are still several unanswered questions. Was Fuqua under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time? Was she distracted, speeding or driving recklessly? Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the Bronco, which caused her to lose control and crash? I trust officials are in the process of determining how or why this crash occurred.

If Fuqua is determined to have been at fault in this case, she could be held criminally and civilly liable for the accident, injuries and fatalities. Families of injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed Fresno personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held responsible for their actions.

What are some of the biggest challenges faced by injured victims and their families in the aftermath of a crash?

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.

Three Killed in Mariposa County Car Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A teenager was injured in a bicycle accident the afternoon of August 9, 2010 after he was struck by a vehicle near Exeter High School. The Foothills Sun-Gazette reports that the collision happened close to the intersection of Rocky Hill Drive and Kaweah Avenue. The bicyclist was westbound on Rocky Hill while a Chrysler PT Cruiser was heading north on Kaweah. The teen was injured, but he is expected to survive. An investigation is ongoing.

It is indeed fortunate that this boy did not sustain catastrophic injuries in this car accident. I hope and pray that he will have a swift and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

One fatality and 11 injuries were reported involving car accidents in Exeter in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Tulare County as a whole, 65 people died and 1,724 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Laws and Liability Issues

California Vehicle Code section 21800(a) states: "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway." Based on this news report, it is not clear who was at fault for this collision. If the driver of the Chrysler was at fault, then he or she could be held financially responsible for the accident and injuries caused to the teen.

I'm certain this teen victim's family has many unanswered questions at the moment. They surely deserve to know who or what was responsible for this injury crash and if someone else's negligence played a part. If this accident was the result of a dangerous roadway condition, then, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable.

Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within six months of the accident or injury. The best California personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Do your children wear helmets when they ride their bikes at all times?

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.

Car Accident Injures Teen on Bicycle is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Wendy Rice, a cheer coach at Cal Baptist University in Riverside, and five others were killed in a car accident that occurred on Highway 395, close to Bishop. The Daily Breeze reports that the driver of a Ford SUV lost control as the vehicle went off the roadway and rolled over, initiating the August 9, 2010 accident. A van being driven by Rice was unable to stop in time and crashed into the overturned SUV, which then caught fire. Another car also struck the wreckage. Five of those fatally injured were in the SUV. Twelve Cal Baptist student athletes were injured in the fiery collision.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Wendy Rice and the other deceased victims. Rice was apparently a beloved coach and at one time also worked at Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach. I hope none of the student athletes was seriously injured and pray that they recover quickly and completely.

Car Accidents

There were nine fatalities and 137 injuries involving car accidents in Inyo County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Bishop there were no deaths, but 15 people sustained personal injuries as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Causes and Liability Issues

It is not clear from this news report who or what exactly caused this tragic crash. We do not know at this point whether the driver of the Ford SUV was at fault for the initial rollover. Was the driver impaired, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent? Or was the accident the result of an auto product defect or design defect in the Ford SUV. In such cases, it is always a good idea to preserve the vehicle in its current condition, intact, so it can be carefully examined for product defects, malfunctions, design defects and other evidence.

Victims of this accident or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of this incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable for their actions.

Do you worry for your children’s safety when they are transported in vans, for school functions, instead of larger school buses?

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.

Car Accident Proves Fatal for Six is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

An Orange County car accident resulted in injuries for five people the afternoon of August 9, 2010, The Orange County Register reports. The collision happened at the intersection of Newport Boulevard and Hospital Road in Newport Beach when a vehicle went off the roadway and then, into opposing lanes of traffic, where it struck another vehicle head-on. Five people were transported to area hospitals with what were believed to be "moderate injuries." An investigation is ongoing.

I sympathize with everyone who was injured in this crash. I hope no one suffered major injuries and pray that they recover quickly and completely.

Car Accidents

There were 152 deaths and 13,414 injuries involving car accidents in Orange County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, during the same year, six people died and 439 were injured as a result of Newport Beach car accidents.

Causes and Liability Issues

This news report does not clearly state why the driver of one of the vehicles operated erratically. I trust officials are looking into whether this driver was impaired, distracted, speeding, driving recklessly or if he or she suffered a medical condition. If the driver of the out-of-control vehicle is determined to have been at fault, then he or she could be held liable for the victims' injuries and losses. Victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

A skilled Newport Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What defensive driving tips would you give to other motorists, based on your own driving experience?

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.

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