An elderly man who was killed in a car accident in Inglewood has been identified as 71-year-old Ruben Crummie. CBS News reports that the deadly collision happened on Crenshaw Boulevard near Hardy Street the night of February 2, 2012 when Crummie got out of his stalled truck to go across the street and get gas. He was hit by two vehicles. While the first driver stopped, the second vehicle drove away. Police are looking for that hit-and-run driver. Crummie died from his injuries.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Ruben Crummie for their terrible loss. Crummie was apparently helping a friend move a mattress when this hit-and-run car accident occurred. Tragic! Please keep Crummie’s family members in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were 179 deaths and 4,918 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles County in 2009, according to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Inglewood, one person died and three were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), motorists who are involved in an accident are required to stop immediately, remain at the scene and most importantly, help the injured victim. While the first driver stopped in this case, the second driver fled the scene leaving the critically injured Crummie lying on the roadway. Unconscionable!

I hope that officials will find this driver and prosecute him or her to the fullest extent of the law. If you have any information about this incident, please visit our web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.

It would be in the best interests of victims’ families to seek the counsel of a skilled Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will protect their legal rights. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Car Accident Proves Fatal for Man is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A car accident in Riverside involving a suspected drunk driver proved fatal for 55-year-old Louisa Valdovinos. The Press-Enterprise reports that the deadly DUI collision occurred near the intersection of Winchester Road and Scott Road near Menifee the morning of January 29, 2012. Authorities say Valdovinos' Toyota Corolla was struck head-on by Jason M. Richter, 30, of Oceanside. Valdovinos was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Richter could face drunk driving and gross vehicular manslaughter charges.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Louisa Valdovinos for their devastating loss. They will be in my prayers.

DUI Collisions in Riverside

There were 87 deaths and 986 injuries involving alcohol-related crashes in Riverside County, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Menifee, four people were killed and 18 were injured in DUI collisions during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that Richter was intoxicated at the time of the collision. 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." 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).

It would be in the best interests of victims' families in such cases to contact a skilled Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. In addition to facing criminal charges, drunk drivers can also be held financially liable for the injuries and damages they cause. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Menifee DUI Collision Proves Fatal is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A car accident in Santa Ana proved fatal for a U.S. Navy veteran identified as 55-year-old Jose Javier Diaz. CBS News reports that the fatal pedestrian accident happened in the 400 block of South Broadway Street the night of January 28, 2012. Diaz was struck by two vehicles – a northbound white pickup truck and a southbound green Ford Mustang with a black convertible top – both of which left the scene of the crash. Diaz suffered fatal injuries. Police are still looking for the hit-and-run vehicles and their drivers.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Jose Javier Diaz, the victim of this hit-and-run car accident. This grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were 41 fatalities and 864 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Orange County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Santa Ana, there were seven fatalities and 145 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in 2009.

Hit-and-Run

Police suspect that Diaz was walking in an area where there was no crosswalk. However, that does not excuse drivers from exercising due care and caution. Most importantly, California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) requires drivers to stop and remain at the scene of a crash. In this particular case, both the drivers fled the scene leaving this critically injured victim lying on the roadway. It is an appalling act, which shows a callous disregard for human life.

Protecting Victims' Rights

If you have any information about these drivers or vehicles, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and to become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.

It would be in the best interests of victims' families to seek the counsel of a skilled Santa Ana personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims' families about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the hit-and-run driver is not found, or, in a case where the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured.

U.S. Navy Veteran Killed in Orange County Hit-and-Run Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A car accident in San Bernardino involving a hit-and-run driver proved fatal for a Huntington Beach man identified as Victor Joseph Scallo. The Orange County Register reports that the fatal hit-and-run crash occurred the morning of January 22, 2012 near the intersection of San Bernardino Avenue and Commerce Street in Fontana. Scallo died at the scene, but the driver fled. Officials are still looking for the hit-and-run driver who is at large.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everybody who knew and loved Victor Joseph Scallo, the victim of this hit-and-run car accident. This grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were 39 deaths and 440 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Bernardino County, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Fontana, there were no fatalities, but 44 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

According to California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), drivers are required to stop at the scene of the crash and remain until authorities arrive. Drivers are also required to exchange pertinent information with the other parties involved in the collision and most importantly, offer help to injured victims. This could be as simple as calling 911. Yet, the driver in this case made a choice to leave the injured victim lying on the roadway without care or medical attention, exposed to further danger. Despicable!

If you have any information about this accident, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com. Our site allows witnesses to provide an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward. This site is part of our effort to partner with the community and hold these drivers accountable.

It would be in the best interests of victims' families to seek the counsel of a skilled San Bernardino personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Hit-and-Run Car Accident Proves Fatal for Orange County Man is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A 53-year-old woman who was fatally injured in a car accident in Garden Grove involving a suspected drunk driver has been identified by officials as Aida Gonzalez. The Orange County Register reports that the deadly crash happened on the 22 Freeway near Bolsa Chica Road in Garden Grove. Officials said 21-year-old Charline Vilchis struck a stopped Toyota Camry from behind. The Camry in turn struck a Jeep Liberty. Gonzalez, who was in the Camry, sustained fatal injuries in this crash. Vilchis was booked on suspicion of DUI.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Aida Gonzalez for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. They will be in my prayers.

Drunk Driving Collisions

There were 62 deaths and 1,340 injuries involving alcohol-related crashes in Orange County, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Garden Grove, nine people were killed and 60 were injured in DUI collisions, during the same year.

DUI Laws in California

If the details of this news report are accurate, officials say Vilchis lost control of her vehicle and caused the collision because she was under the influence. Under California law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 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." The same section also prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration 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).

Compensation for Victims' Families

It would be in the best interests of victims' families in such cases to seek the counsel of a skilled Garden Grove personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Orange County DUI Collision Proves Fatal for Woman is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A car accident in Los Angeles involving a suspected drunk driver proved fatal for 26-year-old comedian Angelo Bowers, early morning on January 3, 2012. KTLA News reports that the deadly collision happened at the intersection of Vine and Yucca streets in Hollywood, when a Toyota Matrix struck the Jeep Wrangler in which Bowers was a passenger. Officials determined that the 21-year-old driver of the Toyota was under the influence and caused a hit-and-run collision in Hollywood just five minutes prior to the fatal crash. Bowers died from his injuries a few hours after the crash, while the driver of the Jeep, Josh Adam Meyers, suffered severe injuries. The driver of the Toyota faces felony DUI and murder charges.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to Bowers' family, friends and fellow comedians following this tragic crash. I also pray that Meyers recovers swiftly and fully from his serious injuries.

DUI Statistics

There were 204 deaths and 4,672 injuries involving DUI collisions in Los Angeles County in 2009, according to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Los Angeles, 83 people were killed and 2,218 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes in 2009.

Laws and Liability Issues

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent and above is illegal under that section. Also, this driver fled the scene of an earlier accident, which is against the law.

Drunk drivers, in addition to facing criminal charges, can be held civilly liable for the damages and losses they cause. In such cases, injured victims and families of deceased victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for damages. Victims and their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable.

Los Angeles DUI Crash Claims the Life of Young Comedian is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A car accident in San Bernardino proved fatal for a 60-year-old pedestrian identified as Karen Lee Henthorn. The San Bernardino County Sun reports that the fatal pedestrian accident happened when Henthorn was walking in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of East Lynwood Drive and North Mountain Avenue the evening of December 26, 2011. Henthorn was crossing the street when a 1994 Honda sedan struck her. She succumbed to her injuries after being taken to an area hospital. Officials are looking into the cause of this fatal crash.

My deepest sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Karen Lee Henthorn for their terrible loss. They will be in my prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were 39 fatalities and 440 injuries involving San Bernardino County pedestrian accidents in 2009, according to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of San Bernardino, there were three fatalities and 94 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in 2009.

Laws and Liability Issues

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." California law requires that motorists yield the right of way to pedestrians walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

If the driver of the Honda is determined to have been at fault in this case, he or she can be held liable for Henthorn's wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of companionship and other related damages. Victims' families would be well advised to contact a skilled San Bernardino personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

San Bernardino Car Accident Proves Fatal for Woman is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

Linda Dingman, 52, of Yucca Valley, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the evening of December 21, 2011 near the intersection of Highway 247 and Encelia Drive, just southwest of Yucca Valley Airport. A Chevy Yukon, driven by 33-year-old Carla McChristian, struck Dingman. Officials say Dingman was wearing dark clothing. They are still investigating the cause of the crash.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Linda Dingman for their devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

San Bernardino County Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and two were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in Yucca Valley. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 39 fatalities and 440 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to how or why this fatal car versus pedestrian collision occurred. I trust officials are looking into whether the driver was under the influence, speeding, distracted, inattentive or otherwise negligent at the time. It is also now known if the pedestrian was walking in a crosswalk at the time.

California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Fault and Liability

If the driver is determined to have been at fault, she can be held liable for Dingman's wrongful death. In cases where negligence is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault motorist seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. Families would be well advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

Pedestrian Killed in San Bernardino Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A car accident in Orange County the night of December 13, 201, which officials say involved a hit-and-run driver, resulted in fatal injuries for a 47-year-old bicyclist. The Orange County Register reports that the fatal crash happened at Serrano Road and Ridge Route in Lake Forest when a white van struck the bicycle and then drove away. The bicyclist succumbed to severe head injuries. Police are looking for the suspect vehicle and its driver. An investigation is ongoing.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to this victim's loved ones. They will be in my prayers during this time of grief and loss.

Hit-and-Run Statistics and the Law

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 car accidents statewide.

According to California Vehicle Code 20001 (a): "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."

Holding Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable

I certainly hope that officials are able to apprehend this driver and bring him or her to justice. If you have information about this driver or the vehicle, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and also become eligible for a $1,000 reward.

It would be in the best interests of victims' families to retain the services of a skilled Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this incident. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Orange County Hit-and-Run Crash Proves Fatal for Bicyclist is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News

A car accident in San Diego involving a suspected drunk driver proved fatal for two people, identified as Celia Torres, 73, and her grandson, David Gonzalez, 16. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the fatal crash happened the night of December 9, 2011 on State Route 125 near Fletcher Hills. Officials say Torres' Nissan Pathfinder was rear-ended by another vehicle driven by 39-year-old Justin Foulds. Officials say he was under the influence at the time. He is facing DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges in connection with this deadly collision.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved these victims. My heart goes out to Andrea Torres, mother of David Gonzalez and daughter of Celia Torres. What a terrible loss for this family! Please keep them in your prayers.

Drunk Driving Statistics

There were 103 fatalities and 1,754 injuries involving alcohol-related crashes in San Diego County, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of San Diego, DUI collisions claimed 27 lives and injured 748 people, during the same year.

DUI and Vehicular Manslaughter

It appears from this report that Foulds was on his way back from an office Christmas party when this collision occurred. It is illegal under California law to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 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." 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).

Protecting Victims' Rights

If Foulds is determined to have been at fault here, in addition to facing criminal charges, he could also be held civilly liable for the victims' wrongful death. It would be in the best interests of victims' families to seek the counsel of a skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

San Diego DUI Collision Leaves Two Dead is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyers News