California Personal Injury Attorneys

One Injured in Orange County Hit-and-Run Car Accident

Toni — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 07:30:54 +0000

A man sustained injuries in an Anaheim car accident after his vehicle was hit by a suspected drunk driver the morning of March 10, 2010. The Orange County Register reports that a driver of a Toyota pickup truck initially struck a parked Toyota Camry in the 900 block of Gilbert Street and then, fled the scene.

As the suspect hit-and-run driver continued on Orange Avenue, he struck a Ford Focus, injuring its driver. The victim was transported to a local hospital. Officials said that his injuries were serious but not life-threatening. The driver of the pickup was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run. Based on eyewitness accounts, he may also have been driving under the influence. Officials say he could face additional charges.

My heart goes out to the injured victim. I hope he did not sustain catastrophic injuries in this crash. I pray for his quick and complete recovery.

Car Accidents

There were 21 fatalities and 2,018 injuries as a result of car accidents in Anaheim, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, car accidents claimed 152 lives and injured 13,414 in 2008.

Hit-and-Run Law

Hit-and-Run or leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "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."

If you are the victim of an accident caused by a negligent or intoxicated driver, please get in touch with a reputed Anaheim personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent reputation of holding negligent drivers financially responsible. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their own car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run collision or an accident that involves an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is 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 us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

One Injured in Orange County Hit-and-Run Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Worker Killed in Construction Site Trench Collapse in Los Angeles

Joyce — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:14:37 +0000

A worker suffered fatal injuries on the job the morning of March 10, 2010 after he fell head first into an excavated hole at a Hermosa Beach construction site, which then collapsed around him. The Daily Breeze reports that the contractor is likely to face several citations because they did not even have a permit to excavate that site. The worker was apparently standing on a plywood platform that was seated on the raised fork of a Caterpillar forklift, at a height of about 15 feet above the bottom of the hole. The worker had been using a hand-held tool to push down a steel pile when the vibration from the tool caused him to fall into the narrow hole.

The worker asphyxiated to death as a large amount soil located next to the excavated trench, fell on him, officials said. His body was buried in the dirt for nearly five hours before emergency personnel could free it. The soil around the area was still unstable and moving, so the operation took several hours. The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a stop work order and is investigating this tragic incident.

My heart goes out to the family of this worker for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies and prayers to this grieving family.

Trenching Accidents

Trench cave-ins are unfortunately common industrial accidents that cause death and catastrophic injuries. Over a five-year period, from 2001 to 2005, 26 Californians have been killed in trench collapse injuries and 207 injured in such incidents, according to CAL-OSHA’s Web site. In almost every instance of trench collapse, the cause was a failure to shore up the trench properly, the agency says.

Mandatory Safety Standards

State regulations are very specific when it comes to trenches or excavations at construction sites. Every time a worker enters an excavation 5 feet or deeper, companies need to obtain a permit for the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). The state agency requires employers to conduct daily inspections of the trench and safety systems. Employers must pay constant attention to the stability of the soil and take other preventive steps such as not parking heavy vehicles next to the trench, and paying attention to changing weather patterns. In this particular case, it doesn't seem as if the construction company or contractor followed any of the laws mandated by the state of California relating to trenches.

Claim for Compensation

The family of the deceased worker certainly needs an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer on their side to stay on top of the official investigation and protect their legal rights. In such cases, victims' families may be able to file what is known as a "third party claim," which is usually brought against a party other than the employer, such as a contractor or a sub-contractor. Such claims are usually worth a lot more than California workers compensation benefits, which injured workers or their families, are generally entitled to in these types of cases. The construction equipment used in this particular instance must also be preserved so it can be examined by an expert for product defects or malfunctions.

Worker Killed in Construction Site Trench Collapse in Los Angeles is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Long Beach Car Accident Injures Six

Toni — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:21:13 +0000

Six people were injured, two of them critically, in a Long Beach car accident the afternoon of March 10, 2010. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the accident occurred on the northbound 710 Freeway near the Pacific Coast Highway, when a Coca-Cola van caused a chain-reaction collision involving a Caltrans van, a Caltrans truck and an SUV. Two men were taken to an area hospital with critical injuries and four others were treated for what were described as minor to moderate injuries. Four of the injured victims were Caltrans employees, Long Beach fire officials said. An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the injured victims in this crash, especially the critically injured victims. I hope and pray that all the injured victims have a quick and complete recovery. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 27 fatalities and 25,588 injuries involving car accidents in Long Beach. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 deaths and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Coca-Cola truck may have initiated the multiple vehicle accident. The injured victims (other than the driver of the Coca-Cola truck) can seek compensation from the truck driver's employer to cover medical expenses, hospitalization costs, surgery expenses, physical therapy and other rehabilitation expenses. The injured Caltrans workers will also be eligible for California workers compensation benefits because they seem to have been injured while on the job.

An experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to analyze all aspects of this incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held responsible. Also, in such cases, where multiple victims and vehicles are involved, it is best for all concerned to refrain from talking to insurance adjusters and attorneys for other parties, prior to getting skilled legal representation for themselves. It would also be in your best interest, if you are an injured victim, to not sign any papers or enter into agreements without first talking to a knowledgeable injury lawyer who will fight for your legal rights and work to protect your interests.

Long Beach Car Accident Injures Six is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

San Francisco Car Accident Results in Fatality

Toni — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:29:31 +0000

California Highway Patrol officials believe that excessive speed may have caused a San Francisco car accident that killed one person the night of March 9, 2010. According to a Bay City News report, the driver of a 1998 Ford Mustang made a sudden lane change while traveling eastbound on Highway 80 in Emeryville. The Ford then struck another vehicle and came to rest facing oncoming traffic. This started a chain-reaction collision as a Nissan Frontier crashed head-on into the stopped Mustang, killing the driver of the Mustang. At least 12 cars were involved in this crash. It is not clear if others were also injured in this car accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased victim. Please keep them in your prayers. I also truly hope there were no other injured victims in this collision.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality, and 98 injuries involving car accidents in Emeryville, California. In Alameda County as a whole, 82 deaths and 6,935 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Car Accident Causes

This news report does not offer much information about whether there were other serious injuries here. The article states that the driver of the Mustang may have been traveling at a high rate of speed and may have made an unsafe lane change triggering this chain-reaction crash. If the driver of the Mustang caused the death of another driver or other injuries then the injured parties can file a claim against his estate and insurance. If an auto product defect or a mechanical problem was involved, then the auto maker or manufacturer of the defective product may also be held liable for any injuries or deaths caused.

Legal Issues

Any case that involves multiple vehicles or multiple victims can get complicated because of the number of different accounts that the accident investigators may get from those involved, as well as the inconsistent versions from eyewitnesses. Sometimes, the preliminary report can be inaccurate. It is always advisable to wait for the officials' final determination before deciding how to proceed in such cases.

If you are a victim of such a multi-vehicle accident, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the accident and make sure your legal rights are protected. Remember not to talk to insurance adjusters or attorneys for other parties. Do not sign documents or agree to a settlement without talking to your own injury lawyer.

San Francisco Car Accident Results in Fatality is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Man Seriously Injured in San Bernardino DUI Collision

Toni — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:13 +0000

David Matthews, 38, was critically injured in a San Bernardino car accident, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver on the morning of March 8, 2010. According to a news report in The San Bernardino Sun, 19-year-old Ryan Inglesby ran a stop sign on Highway 62 while driving a 2005 Chevy pickup truck north on Sunset Road, in Joshua Tree. He then, broadsided a 1999 Dodge Caravan that went out of control and crashed through a fence. Matthews, the driver of the Dodge, was transported to a regional hospital in critical condition. Both Inglesby and his passenger, 22-year-old Cody Hommel, sustained minor injuries. Inglesby was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence.

My heart goes out to David Matthews who has sustained critical injuries in this car crash. I hope and pray that he makes it through these injuries and wish him the very best for a quick recovery. Please keep this injured victim in your thoughts and prayers.

DUI Crashes

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 24 fatalities and 283 injuries involving DUI collisions in San Bernardino County's unincorporated areas. Also, in the entire county, alcohol-related car crashes killed 94 and injured 1,042 people during the same year.

California Laws

Based on this news report, Inglesby not only ran a stop sign but was also under the influence at the time of this major injury car crash. 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."

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."

Claim for Compensation

In such cases, where negligence or wrongdoing may have been involved, victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will make sure their legal rights are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to advise the Matthews family about how their car insurance policy will apply to an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

Man Seriously Injured in San Bernardino DUI Collision is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Pedestrians Injured in San Francisco Bay Area Car Accident

Joyce — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:57:44 +0000

Two pedestrians sustained injuries in a San Francisco car accident after they were hit by a car while walking down a road in San Martin. According to a news report in the Morgan Hill Times, the injury collision occurred the evening of March 4, 2010, when a Toyota Camry heading north on Harding Avenue struck two pedestrians and a dog. The woman sustained cuts and bruises while the man suffered broken bones, cuts and lacerations. Both were taken by a helicopter to nearby hospitals for treatment of their injuries. The dog was not seriously injured.

Driver Inattention May Have Caused Collision

The driver stopped at the scene. California Highway Patrol officials said alcohol or drugs were not a factor. Investigators have not yet determined what caused the accident, but say, based on preliminary investigation, it may have been "inattention" on the part of the driver of the Camry.

My heart goes out to these injured victims. I hope and pray that they recover quickly and completely from their injuries. Please keep these victims in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but five injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Morgan Hill. In Santa Clara County as a whole, 22 deaths and 466 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Fault and Liability

Based on this news report, officials believe that this accident may have been the fault of the Camry driver. It is not clear exactly how this driver was inattentive and whether he was distracted in some way when striking the pedestrians. The article also states that the road in that area is not well-lit. If there was a dangerous condition on this roadway, which caused or contributed to this accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. According to California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental agency must be properly filed within six months of the accident or injury.

In such cases, an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies to cases involving uninsured or underinsured motorists.

Pedestrians Injured in San Francisco Bay Area Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Girl Killed in Los Angeles Car Accident

Joyce — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:31:26 +0000

Police have identified a 13-year-old girl who died in a Los Angeles car accident that happened the morning of February 26, 2010, as Julia Siegler. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the teenager was trying to cross Sunset Boulevard to catch a school bus when she was clipped by a vehicle and then run over by another. Police say preliminary reports show that Julia was crossing against a red light. Both drivers remained at the scene. The girl was taken to a nearby hospital. She succumbed to her injuries.

My heart goes out to Julia Siegler's family for their tragic and untimely loss. Please keep her family in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 104 deaths and 2,716 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County as a whole, pedestrian accidents claimed 214 lives and injured 4,985 people during the same year.

Fault and Liability

If the details of this news report are accurate, it seems to me that Julia may have been in a hurry to get to the school bus and crossed the street against a red light. It goes without saying that this is illegal. Just as motorists have a responsibility to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, pedestrians have the responsibility under California law, to yield right-of-way to an oncoming vehicle. At the same time, it is also important in this case to make sure that there was no negligence or wrongdoing on the part of the motorists involved. I trust officials are eliminating those possibilities in the course of their investigation. If officials determine that one of the motorists caused the accident then he or she could be held liable.

Also, in this case, if I were Julia's family member, I would want to find out whether there was a dangerous roadway condition. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Governmental Code section 911.2, any such claim against a governmental agency must be filed within six months of the accident or injury. The best Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

Girl Killed in Los Angeles Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Pedestrian Sustains Injuries in San Francisco Accident

Toni — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:16:48 +0000

A man sustained severe injuries in a San Francisco pedestrian accident after he was run over by a Muni bus. ABC News reports that the injury accident happened the afternoon of February 23, 2010 on Stanyan Street, near Fulton Street. Officials said initially that the pedestrian tripped and fell down as he ran to catch the 33-Stanyan bus. The bus was apparently pulling away from the bus stop. The man suffered major leg injuries, officials said. His injuries have been described as life-threatening.

I hope and pray that this victim makes it through his serious injuries and has a complete recovery. It seems that this victim may have sustained catastrophic injuries. He will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

San Francisco Pedestrian Accidents

The city of San Francisco apparently leads the nation when it comes to pedestrian accident injuries and fatalities. According to a study conducted by a group called Transportation for America released a study, 27 percent of all traffic accident fatalities in the San Francisco region involved pedestrian accidents. In 2008 alone, 72 people died in pedestrian accidents in San Francisco. That number was up from 64 in 2007.

Who Was at Fault?

It is hard to tell whether this may have just been a tragic accident or the result of some type of negligence or wrongdoing. While it is entirely possible that this was the pedestrian's fault, there is also the possibility that this might have occurred because of a dangerous roadway condition. If that was the case, the city of governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable for this accident. If I were a family member of the victim, I'd certainly want to know if in fact, any negligence or oversight, either by the Muni driver or the city officials led to this major injury
bus accident.

In such cases, victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, prosthetics, rehabilitation, physical therapy and long-term care in case of any catastrophic injuries. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options. Please remember that any claim against a governmental entity in California must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Pedestrian Sustains Injuries in San Francisco Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Fatal Los Angeles DUI Car Collision

Joyce — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:57:27 +0000

The driver of a Ford Econoline van was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver, early morning on March 4, 2010. According to a news report in the Daily Breeze, police arrested 27-year-old Adriano Baek on suspicion of one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and two counts of DUI causing injury or death -- all felonies.

California Highway Patrol officials say Baek was driving south on the 405 Freeway near the Crenshaw Boulevard off-ramp, in Torrance, when he attempted to merge into the fast lane. While doing so, Baek rear-ended the Ford van at a high rate of speed. The van driver lost control, went across two lanes of traffic and hit another vehicle driving in the slow lane. The van finally went down a steep embankment and crashed. The driver died at the scene and has not yet been identified.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased driver for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to them.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 30 injuries involving DUI collisions in Torrance. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 258 people died and 4,832 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes, during that year.

Drunk Driving Laws

Driving under the influence is a serious crime in California. 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, as Baek does in this case. 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."

Claim for Compensation

The deceased victim's family would be well-advised to consult with a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who is also experienced in financially pursuing drunk drivers. A skilled car accident lawyer will make sure that the family's rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for their losses. A knowledgeable car accident attorney should advise the family about how their own car insurance policy will apply in an accident case that involves an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Fatal Los Angeles DUI Car Collision is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Products Liability Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Suzuki has a Trial Date

Joyce — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:08:06 +0000

A trial date has been set for the products liability wrongful death lawsuit brought against Suzuki Motors Corporation, Takata Seatbelts, Inc, and affiliate Suzuki auto parts manufacturers by the auto defect lawyers of BISNAR | CHASE.

The lawsuit claims that the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara manufactured and sold by the defendants had numerous auto defects that caused the death driver, Andrea Bardonner, after she was ejected from her vehicle and suffered catastrophic injuries.

Andrea was driving her 2003 Grand Vitara in July of 2006. She was headed east on Highway 16 in the Hamlet of Wildwood, Alberta, Canada. According to court records, Andrea's vehicle swerved and tumbled down a steep embankment, turning over many times and causing the roof to crush, the vehicle's pillars to give way, the seatbelt system to slacken and Andrea to be ejected from the car. She died on the scene and her daughters, Nichelle and Makayla, suffered severe, permanent permanent injuries.

John Bisnar of the Orange County Auto Products Liability Law Firm, BISNAR | CHASE comments, "We allege the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara Andrea was driving at the time of her death was plagued with a myriad of defects that ultimately caused her demise. These alleged and flagrant auto defects include, but are not limited to, a defective restraint system, a defective window system, insufficient strength and structural integrity to withstand roof crushing forces, and insufficient lateral and roll stability. We contend the defendants knew about these defects yet they did nothing to warn Andrea, or the general public, about these defects."

Auto Defects Were Known to Defendants

Numerous papers and reports have been published since 1970, some of which were written by Ford researcher, Roger P. Daniel and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), have recommended safer car parts and frameworks that can prevent the ejection of occupants of vehicles. Mr. Daniel's report discussed at length the substitution of then current frameworks with metal framework and laminated glass or ejection resistant glazing, as the improved design provides a considerably better restraint system.

The lawsuit alleges that, despite these studies, Suzuki and the defendants failed to improve their vehicle's design which led to the ejection and death of Mrs. Bardonner during the roll-over crash. Further, the lawsuit claims that the defendants were aware of the vehicle's deficiency in roll stability during upright cornering and handling and that the A and B pillars/windshield headers and roof rails were not structurally strong enough to withstand roof crush which could occur in minimal-impact accidents and lead to the injury of occupants.

The action also claims that defendants chose not to improve their vehicle's safety nor properly test the Grand Vitara's seatbelt performance during a rollover crash. The FMVSS 208 dolly rollover test, should it have been executed, could have the exposed seatbelt retractor defect the failed to lock and properly restrain Mrs. Bardonner during the fatal accident.

The action seeks economic damages for wrongful death, personal injuries, suffering, medical expenses, loss of earnings and earning capacity and loss of consortium on behalf of Andrea's family. Trial will be held in the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, case # 00109180.

You can find more information about this case at Trial Date Set for California Auto Defects Lawyers Products Liability Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Suzuki . Also, be sure to stay current with BISNAR | CHASE press releases .

Products Liability Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Suzuki has a Trial Date is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers