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.

Los Angeles Residents Injured in Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

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.

Head-on Car Accident Kills Woman is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A bicyclist was injured in a San Diego car accident the morning of July 28, 2010, 10news reports. San Diego County Sheriff's officials said the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Imperial Beach Boulevard and Florence Street. The injured bicyclist was transported to an area hospital. The extent of the bicyclist's injuries is not known. An investigation is ongoing.

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My heart goes out to this injured victim and his or her family. I hope the bicyclist in this case did not suffer catastrophic injuries. I wish the victim the very best for a quick and full recovery.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 355 injuries as a result of bicycle accidents in San Diego. Countywide, seven people died and 959 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this bicycle versus car accident occurred. There are still several unanswered questions here. Where was the bicyclist riding at the time of the collision? Was he or she crossing the street or riding along the side of the roadway? Was the motorist impaired, distracted speeding or otherwise negligent at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the incident? I trust officials are looking at these and other issues in order to determine what occurred and why.

Fault and Liability

If the motorist is determined to have been at fault, then he or she could be held financially responsible for the injuries caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of compensation, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages.

Victims or their families would be well-advised to consult with 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. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

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

A car accident in Mendocino County resulted in serious injuries for 20-year-old Misty Duran the afternoon of July 18, 2010. The Willits News reports that the injury crash occurred when 21-year-old Kayla Grace Chesser lost control of her 2003 Honda Civic while traveling northbound on Highway 101. The car rolled over as it left the roadway. Duran sustained major injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Chesser suffered minor injuries, but was booked on suspicion of felony DUI in connection with this injury crash.

My heart goes out to Duran and her family for what they are going through at this time. I truly hope Duran will not suffer disabilities as a result of this accident. I pray that she recovers quickly and completely from her injuries.

Alcohol-Related Crashes

Sixteen deaths and 83 injuries were reported due to DUI collisions in Mendocino County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, countywide, 26 people died and 439 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

DUI Law in California

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." The same section also states that it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.

Claim for Compensation

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of injured victims to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who has a stellar track record of holding drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions. Injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families.

Would you get in a car with a driver whom you know has been drinking? Do you think it's a chance worth taking?

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.

Injury Car Accident Involves Suspected Drunk Driver is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A bus accident involving a Greyhound bus and two other vehicles has left six people dead and 34 injured, CNN reports. This catastrophic crash occurred early morning on July 22, 2010 in the northbound lanes of Highway 99. The driver of the bus, which was going from Los Angeles to Sacramento, struck an overturned SUV and another vehicle and eventually crashed into a tree off the roadway. Six died at the scene. Four were critically injured, while 30 sustained minor to moderate injuries. An investigation is underway.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who died in this crash. I also pray for the critically injured victims and the others, and hope they recover quickly and completely. The bus driver, a longtime Greyhound employee, was also one of those who died in the crash. Tragic!

Accident Statistics

Statistics provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) show that there were 39 fatalities and 1,395 injuries involving bus accidents in California, in 2008. In Fresno County as a whole, 127 people died and 3,233 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Accident Causes and Liability Issues

Based on news reports, it is not clear exactly how or why this crash happened. There are several questions here. Did alcohol or drugs play a part? Whose fault was this crash? Was the bus driver distracted or fatigued at the time of the collision? Did speed or recklessness play a part in this crash? The results of the official investigation will hopefully shed some light on what occurred here and why.

It would be in the best interests of victims or families of deceased victims to consult a reputed California personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of this major collision and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. Bus companies - whether they are public or private carriers – owe their passengers the "utmost duty of care," which means that they must ensure that their passengers are transported safely. If the bus driver was at fault, then, the bus company could be held liable for the wrongful deaths, injuries, damages and losses. If the driver of the other vehicle is determined to be at fault, then, he or she could be held liable for the wrongful deaths and the victims' injuries.

Do you feel safe riding in a bus? What are some of your major concerns about taking a bus – be it public transit or a private carrier?

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.

Six Killed, Dozens Injured in Greyhound Bus Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A DUI collision in Napa resulted in major injuries for 77-year-old Charles Heatherly the morning of July 14, 2010. The Napa Valley Register reports that the crash happened at the intersection of Solano Avenue and Luke Drive when 47-year-old James Fannin, who was traveling south on Solano, crossed over the to northbound lanes and crashed into Heatherly's vehicle. Heatherly, who was seriously injured, was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Police arrested Fannin on suspicion of drunk driving and driving under the influence of prescription drugs.

I hope Heatherly has not sustained catastrophic injuries as a result of this collision. I pray that he recovers quickly and completely from his injuries.

Car Accidents

There were three fatalities and 354 injuries involving car accidents in Napa, California, according to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics. Countywide, during the same year, 15 people died and 770 were injured as a result of car accidents.

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." The law states that it is illegal for motorists to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent. It is also against the law to drive under the influence of recreational or prescription drugs. In this particular case, if Fannin is determined to have been under the influence and at fault for this crash, he could not only face criminal DUI charges, but also be held financially responsible for the victim's injuries and losses.

Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, wage loss and other damages. A knowledgeable San Francisco personal injury lawyer will also advise injured victims about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What is your opinion about installing Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) in the vehicles of first-time DUI offenders?

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.

Napa DUI Collision Injures Man is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A hit-and-run collision in San Diego caused major injuries to a 65-year-old pedestrian the night of July 17, 2010. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the injury collision occurred near the intersection of Alvarado Road close to Alvarado Court. Police say that the female driver left the scene soon after the accident, but later returned. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and broken bones. Police determined that 57-year-old woman was under the influence of alcohol at the time and that she was the one who struck the pedestrian. Police arrested the driver on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run.

I hope the victim of this crash has not sustained catastrophic injuries. I pray that he recovers quickly and completely. He will be in my prayers.

Hit-and-Run Statistics

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. There were 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.

Laws and Liability Issues

It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher in California under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). It is also a serious crime to leave the scene of an accident. In this case, although the woman returned after initially fleeing, she could be charged with hit-and-run because the law requires all drivers to stop immediately and remain at the scene until authorities arrive in the event of an accident.
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."

Victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer who has an excellent track record holding drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the crash. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

In your opinion, should California start requiring Ignition Interlock Devices for first-time DUI offenders?

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.

Hit-and-Run Collision Causes Major Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A Victorville car accident resulted in injuries for two people the morning of July 15, 2010. The San Bernardino County Sun reports that the accident occurred on the Highway 395 in Victorville between a Hyundai Sonata and a Kia Sportage. The Hyundai went into opposing lanes of traffic crashing head-on into the Kia driven by a 31-year-old woman. Police are saying that the Hyundai's driver was fatigued at the time of the collision. He was uninjured. The other driver sustained injuries to her leg.

I wish the injured driver of the Kia the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Car Accidents

Countywide in San Bernardino, there were 263 fatalities and 8,504 injuries as a result of car accidents according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Victorville, 16 people died and 266 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Sleepy Driver and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it seems to me that the driver of the Hyundai did not get sufficient rest before he got on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2007, driver fatigue was a factor in at least 18 percent of all fatal accidents and accounted for about 7 percent of all traffic accidents.

A skilled San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, will stay abreast of the investigation and make sure that the victims' rights are protected. Injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy and other related expenses. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What are some tips you would offer fellow drivers to prevent such 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.

Fatigued Driver Possibly Caused San Bernardino Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A DUI collision in Santa Maria resulted in injuries for a police officer the night of July 13, 2010. The Santa Maria Times reports that 53-year-old Robert Thomas Kelly Jr. drove past a stop sign and struck Santa Maria Police Officer Jeff Lopez's patrol car at the intersection of Morrison Avenue and Pine Street. Lopez sustained head injuries, but he is expected to survive.

I hope Lopez has not sustained any catastrophic injuries. I pray that he recovers quickly and fully. Please keep this police officer in your prayers.

DUI Statistics

There were four fatalities and 62 injuries involving alcohol-related car accidents in Santa Maria in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics. In Santa Barbara County, 19 people died and 287 were injured as a result of DUI collisions during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

It is illegal under California law to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. In this particular case, officials say Kelly also ran a stop sign at the intersection.

California law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a stop sign and proceed with caution. According to California Vehicle Code section 21802 (a): "The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop as required by Section 22450. The driver shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have approached from another highway, or which are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety."

It would be in the best interests of injured victims in such cases to consult a reputed

California personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record financially pursuing drunk drivers. An experienced car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their own car insurance policy applies to an incident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver.

What are some of your concerns about other drivers when you are operating a vehicle or walking on the roadway?

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.

Police Officer Injured in DUI Collision is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A car accident in Los Angeles killed one and injured several others after a suspected drunk driver triggered a chain reaction crash in La Puente the night of July 13, 2010. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the deadly accident happened close to Stimson and Central avenues, when a driver traveling at a high rate of speed, lost control and initiated the collisions. The driver of the first vehicle struck was pronounced dead and three others in the car sustained moderate to serious injuries. An investigation is ongoing. But police suspect the involvement of alcohol or drugs in this crash.

My heartfelt condolences go out to everyone who knew and loved this victim. Please keep them in your prayers. I also hope the other injured victims recover quickly and completely.

DUI Collisions

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 11 injuries involving DUI collisions in La Puente. In Los Angeles County, 258 people died and 4,832 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes during the same year.

Drunk Driving Laws

Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a).A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges. California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, will be able to advise victims or their families about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable injury lawyer will also advise the family of a deceased victim about how their car insurance policy might apply to an incident involving an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured.

For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit MADD's website at www.madd.org.

What are some tips you would offer motorists to watch out for erratic drivers on the roadway? How can we be more proactive about preventing tragic collisions?

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.

Drunk Driving Suspected in Fatal Los Angeles Car Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News