California Personal Injury Attorneys

Teenage Bicyclist Injured In Crash

Joyce — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:42:21 +0000

Harley McDaniel, 17, sustained injuries in a car accident after her bicycle was hit by a vehicle the morning of August 25, 2010. According to a report in The Tehachapi News, Harley was riding her bike near the intersection of Highline Road and Water Canyon Road in Tehachapi, when she was struck by a car driven by Philip Waterstradt. Harley sustained injuries, but they are not believed to be life-threatening. Police say dark clothing worn by the teenager may have contributed to this collision. Officials do not believe alcohol or drugs were involved. An investigation is ongoing.

View Larger Map

My thoughts and prayers are with Harley McDaniel as she recovers from her injuries. It is indeed fortunate that Harley was not seriously injured in this crash. I wish her the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), no one was killed but two people were injured in Tehachapi bicycle accidents. In Kern County as a whole, three people died and 130 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Bicycle Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not clear what caused this car versus bicycle accident. There are still several questions here. Was Harley McDaniel riding her bike where she was supposed to? Was this an issue of visibility? The article states Harley was riding a gray-colored bike and was wearing dark clothing, which may have made it difficult for the driver to spot her on the roadway. There is also the question of whether a dangerous condition on the roadway may have caused or contributed to the accident. I trust officials are examining these and other factors in order to determine exactly what occurred here.

Liability Issues

If it is determined that the motorist is at fault for this injury bicycle accident, then, he could be held liable for the victim's personal injuries. In such cases, victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the crash and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable.

A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a hazardous roadway may have caused or contributed to this crash. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining this 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 180 days of the accident or injury.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for bicyclists in your city or neighborhood?

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.

Teenage Bicyclist Injured In Crash is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

$20,000 Reward Proposed in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case

Joyce — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:53:17 +0000

Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich is proposing a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a hit-and-run driver in connection with a fatal accident that killed Shih-Siang Ho. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Ho, a wheelchair-bound man was going from his sister-in-law's house to his own home when he was hit the afternoon of December 1, 2009 at the 6th Street underpass at Ramona Road.

Ho suffered fatal injuries. The hit-and-run driver remains at large. The reward is part of the effort to renew public interest in locating the suspect. The vehicle, investigators say, likely had minor to moderate damage in the front and passenger side as a result of the crash. However, no vehicle description is available. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Alhambra police Officer Brandon Cardella at 626-570-5119.

Hit-and-Run Statistics and Law

According to 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 a total of 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide. 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."

Making a Difference

Hit-and-run drivers make my blood boil. Not only is leaving the scene of an accident illegal, but it is also a refusal to take responsibility for one's own actions. In this particular pedestrian accident case, the driver struck a disabled man in a wheelchair and left him injured -- to die -- on the street. Despicable! Had this victim received timely help, he may have been alive today. This is why the law requires motorists to remain at the scene of an accident and most importantly, get help for the injured victim. It could be as simple as punching 911 on your cell phone.

The Newport Beach personal injury law firm of BISNAR | CHASE is committed to eradicating hit-and-run incidents by encouraging witnesses to call with information. We have a partnership with WeTip, a leading anonymous crime reporting service and law enforcement advocacy non-profit organization. We are also offering a $1,000 to tipsters whose information leads to the arrest and felony conviction of the hit-and-run suspect. Our hope and belief is that drivers will think twice about leaving the scene of an accident if they know that there will be a bounty on them if they do. For more information, please visit our web site at www.hitandrunreward.com.

Do you believe that you are more likely to call with a tip if you are promised anonymity?

$20,000 Reward Proposed in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Pedestrian Killed in Anaheim Car Accident

Joyce — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:37:35 +0000

A 23-year-old man was fatally injured in an Anaheim car accident after he was hit by a vehicle while changing a tire on the northbound shoulder of the 57 Freeway. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the victim had pulled over to the shoulder of the freeway to change the tire early morning on August 29, 2010. California Highway Patrol officials say that was when another vehicle entering the 57 from the 91 Express lanes struck the man. The victim died at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one fatality and 73 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Anaheim. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people died and 785 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in 2008.

What Caused This Accident?

Based on this news report, it appears the driver of the other vehicle struck the pedestrian who was on the shoulder of the roadway changing a tire. There are several questions here that must be answered. Why did this driver fail to see the pedestrian in time and avoid the collision? Was the driver of the other vehicle intoxicated? Was the driver distracted for some reason? Was he or she speeding or driving recklessly? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway which may have caused or contributed to this accident? I trust officials are looking at these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here and why.

Fault and Liability

If the other driver is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held not only criminally responsible, but also civilly liable for the victim's wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims could seek compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

Families of victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Anaheim personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. 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 precautions you would take if your car stalls on the freeway or if you get a flat tire?

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

Riverside Car Accident Proves Fatal

Joyce — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:31:23 +0000

A 40-year-old woman was killed and three others were injured in a Riverside car accident that involved three vehicles, the afternoon of August 22, 2010. According to a report in the Southwest Riverside News Network, the multi-car wreck occurred on Warren Road, between Stetson Avenue and Mustang Way, in Hemet.

A woman, who was in one of the vehicles, was trapped in her vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The male driver of the second vehicle had to be freed from his car by firefighters. That driver and his two passengers sustained injuries that required hospitalization. The occupants of the third vehicle involved in this Hemet car accident were uninjured.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the woman killed in this crash. My thoughts and prayers are also with the three people injured in this car accident. I wish them the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), seven people were killed and 416 were injured in Hemet car accidents. In Riverside County as a whole, 220 fatalities and 8,561 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Accident Causes

It is unclear from this report what caused this fatal car accident. I trust investigators are looking into whether any one of the drivers involved was under the influence, distracted, speeding, driving recklessly or otherwise negligent at the time. It is also unclear at this time where this collision occurred. Was it a rear-end crash, head-on collision, or, did it occur when one of the drivers made an illegal turn? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

Injured victims as well as families of deceased victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable for their actions. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. Families of deceased victims can seek damages by filing a wrongful death claim. 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 of the biggest challenges faced by injured victims and their families in the aftermath of a crash?

Riverside Car Accident Proves Fatal is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Woman Injured in San Diego Car Accident

Joyce — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:27:25 +0000

A 39-year-old Clairemont woman sustained major injuries in a San Diego car accident after her car was hit by a dump truck the morning of August 23, 2010. KGTV San Diego reports that the accident occurred when a dump truck ran a red light at the intersection of State Route 163 and Kearny Villa Road, near the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The woman’s sedan had entered the intersection on a green light when it was broadsided by the dump truck. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the woman injured in this car crash. I wish her a swift and complete recovery.

San Diego Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 246 fatalities and 13,527 personal injuries as a result of car accidents in San Diego County. In the city of San Diego, 81 people died and 6,123 were injured due to car accidents during the same year.

California Laws and Liability Issues

It is a serious traffic violation under California law to run a red light. California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown."

If it is determined that the dump truck driver ran a red light, then, the driver and his or her employer could be held liable for the accident and serious injuries caused. In such cases, injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Injured car accident victims would be well advised to consult with a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

Are you in support of having red light camera monitor intersections in your city?

Woman Injured in San Diego Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

San Francisco Bay Area Car Accident Causes Major Injuries

Toni — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:29:35 +0000

A San Jose car accident on Highway 880 the afternoon of August 22, 2010, caused major injuries to three people. According to a CBS News report, the injury crash occurred when a Nissan Xterra struck another disabled vehicle and pushed it into two pedestrians. California Highway Patrol officials say a disabled 1997 Honda Civic was parked in the center median of the roadway, along with a 1995 Honda Civic.

The drivers of the cars, both 19, were standing near the vehicles making arrangements for a tow truck when the Nissan SUV left the roadway and crashed into the 1997 Honda. The disabled Honda then struck the teens. The pedestrians as well as the driver of the Nissan, a 66-year-old man, were seriously injured and transported to area hospitals. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to these young victims who have apparently sustained major injuries. I pray for their quick and complete recovery.

Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 44 fatalities and 3,627 injuries involving car accidents in San Jose. Also in San Jose, pedestrian accidents claimed 16 lives and injured 297 people during the same year.

What Caused this Major Injury Crash?

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver of the Nissan Xterra, for some reason, let his vehicle drift on the shoulder and strike the stalled car, which injured the pedestrians. It is not clear why the driver of the Nissan lost control of his vehicle. Was he under the influence? Was he fatigued or asleep at the wheel? Was he distracted? Was he driving recklessly or negligent in some other way? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine exactly what occurred here.

Liability Issues

If the driver of the Nissan is determined to have been at fault in this case, he could be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. In such cases, injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise car accident victims about their legal rights and options.

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

San Francisco Bay Area Car Accident Causes Major Injuries is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Snowboard Film on the Rocks -- 2010

JJ Bisnar — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:55:04 +0000

Ever since I can remember, I have been on the slopes skiing. Some of my fondest memories consist of a cloudless sky, my sisters, and my parents flying at mach 4 down black diamonds, desperately trying to get down the mountain the fastest. As I prepare for the upcoming winter (can you tell I can't wait?), I came upon what is gearing up to be one of the biggest pre-season events, and I felt it would be selfish to keep it from you.

"Snowboard Film on the Rocks -- 2010" is being held on Friday, September 17th, at Red Rocks Amphitheatre just outside of Denver CO. What caught my eye, and inner child, is that this is the first lifestyle event of its kind. I've grown annoyed by some events that don't follow through on what they promise to be. I have a feeling that this could be something really special in the making.

The locals are buzzing and I'm getting excited with all the info that is being sent my way. There will be live performances, pro-snowboarder autograph signings, tons of product giveaways and three of the most anticipated snowboard films of the year. If you ride, or want to get to know the sport, you should at least check it out. I will post more information as I am updated.

Snowboard Film on the Rocks -- 2010 is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Vehicular Manslaughter Charges in Fatal San Bernardino Car Accident

Toni — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:27:45 +0000

Gross vehicular manslaughter charges have been filed in connection with a San Bernardino car accident on April 29, 2008, which killed limo driver, Frantz Jones. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, prosecutors are alleging that 30-year-old Marc Anthony Saavedra crashed his pickup truck into a limousine that was parked on the shoulder of the 15 Freeway near the Sierra Avenue off ramp. Jones was hospitalized in critical condition. Saavedra was convicted in March 2010 of felony drunk driving and hit-and-run. However, Jones succumbed to his injuries after Saavedra's sentencing, which had led to the new vehicular manslaughter charges.

I offer my deepest condolences to Jones' grieving family members and friends for their heartbreaking loss. Apparently, Jones passed away more than a year after he sustained these injuries. It is indeed tragic that he and his family had to suffer through this time, not to mention the medical expenses and financial struggles they must have faced in the aftermath of this DUI collision. Jones' family members will certainly be in my prayers.

DUI Laws

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 Saavedra 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."

Wrongful Death Claim

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seek compensation to cover medical costs, funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, emotional trauma and other related damages. Families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Do you believe drunk driving is a problem in your community? What solutions would you suggest to fight this problem?

Vehicular Manslaughter Charges in Fatal San Bernardino Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Suppliers of Salmonella-Tainted Eggs Had History of Violations, Report States

Joyce — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:11:03 +0000

The number of food poisoning cases relating to salmonella-tainted cases has risen to more than 1,000, according to an Associated Press news report. Two Iowa farms that have jointly recalled over half a billion eggs, for potential salmonella contamination, have connections to a supplier, who apparently has a history of health, safety, animal welfare and employment violations over the years. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the number of illnesses estimated as high as 1,300, is expected to grow even higher.

Supplier Austin DeCoster owns Wright County Egg, the original farm that recalled 380 million eggs on August 13, 2010 after they were linked to more than 1,000 reported cases of salmonella poisoning. Another of Austin DeCoster's companies, Quality Egg, supplies young chickens and feed to both Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms, the second farm that recalled another 170 million eggs a week later.

Health, Safety and Labor Violations

The list of fines and violations for the supplier DeCoster Egg Farms is long. In 1997, the company agreed to pay $2 million in fines to pay off citations relating to health and safety violations. Labor department officials likened the conditions there to a sweat shop. Hazard included unguarded machinery, electrical dangers, exposure to harmful bacteria and other unsanitary conditions. In 2000, the state of Iowa designated DeCoster as a "habitual violator" of environmental regulations.

The state imposed penalties on the supplier and prevented them from building new farms. In 2002, the company faced allegations of employment discrimination, sexual harassment and abuse, which they settled for $1.5 million. In 2007, there was an immigration raid at the farm, which led to the arrest of 51 workers. Most recently, in 2010, Maine Contract Farming, which took over from DeCoster, paid $25,000 in penalties and a $100,000 fine over allegations of animal cruelty.

Liability Issues in Food Poisoning Cases

Federal officials are still trying to establish a connection between DeCoster and the salmonella-tainted eggs. Meanwhile, the company is already facing two lawsuits relating to the egg recall. One lawsuit is from distributor Dutch Farms, which is alleging that the company used unauthorized cartons to package and sell eggs under its brand without its knowledge. Another is a personal injury lawsuit from a person who said they became ill after consuming eggs in a salad at a Wisconsin restaurant.

Based on this news report, it appears that the supplier of the tainted eggs has not only had a history of health and safety violations, but also a history of hiring undocumented workers, discrimination and poor treatment of workers and animals. I hope federal officials will conduct an in-depth investigation into these farms and the violations that occurred there. If it is determined that negligence or wrongdoing on the part of these companies caused the salmonella outbreak, then the companies involved can be held liable. Victims who suffered salmonella poisoning because of these contaminated eggs can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of diagnostic tests, hospitalization and other related damages. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Have you become sick recently as a result of eating eggs? We would like to hear from you.

Suppliers of Salmonella-Tainted Eggs Had History of Violations, Report States is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Hit-and-Run Collision Causes Major Injuries

Toni — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:26:23 +0000

A hit-and-run crash in San Bernardino County caused serious injuries for 22-year-old Robert Valle the morning of August 16, 2010. According to a news report in the Victorville Daily Press, the major injury collision occurred at the intersection of Nielson and Sheep Creek roads in Wrightwood. Kala White, 23, who was driving a Pontiac Grand Am attempted a left turn in front of an oncoming Chevy Tahoe. Six people in the Tahoe including Valle were injured in the collision. White fled the scene of the accident, but was later located and booked on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run.

My heart goes out to the injured victims of this horrific crash. I pray that they recover quickly and completely from their injuries.

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 a total of 247 deaths in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.

Laws and Liability Issues

Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. It is also against the law to leave the scene of a crash under California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a). In addition, it appears that White failed to yield right-of-way to an oncoming vehicle and may have made an unsafe left turn.

California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of injured victims to seek the counsel of a reputed San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable for their actions. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families.

Question: Should first-time DUI offenders be required under the law to install an Ignition Interlock Device in their vehicle?

Hit-and-Run Collision Causes Major Injuries is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers