Four people were injured in an Orange County car accident after an elderly driver lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a doughnut shop. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred at 3744 E. Chapman Ave. in Orange on January 30, 2012. Police say the woman, who is in her 90s, accidentally stepped on the gas pedal of her Cadillac Northstar instead of the brake and accelerated. The Cadillac crashed into the patio of the doughnut shop, DK's Donuts, and struck three men. The men and the elderly driver were transported to area hospitals with unknown injuries.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this car accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Orange County Car Accidents

According to the California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), six fatalities and 725 injuries occurred involving car accidents in Orange. Countywide, 141 people died and 13,373 were injured as a result of car accidents, during the same year.

Causes and Compensation Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that the elderly driver of the Cadillac inadvertently stepped on the gas instead of the brakes and accelerated into the store. There are several questions here. Was the driver capable of driving at her age? Did she have a valid driver's license? Was she distracted by something or inattentive at the time? Was she somehow disoriented? I trust officials are looking into these factors and also evaluating the woman's ability to drive a vehicle.

If this accident is determined to have been the elderly driver's fault, then, she can be held liable for the injuries and damages sustained. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages and benefits, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County 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 pedestrian accident victims and their families.

Elderly Driver Crashes into Orange County Doughnut Shop, Injures Three is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A police officer and three other people were sent to the hospital following a Riverside car accident involving three vehicles, the night of January 22, 2012. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the car crash occurred at the intersection of North Farrell Drive and East Vista Chino in Palm Springs. Officials have not released any information regarding how the collision occurred. The four injured victims of this Riverside crash sustained non-life-threatening injuries. It is not yet clear if any of the drivers will be cited or if the patrol car had its emergency lights on.

My thoughts and prayers are with the many injured victims of this Riverside car crash. I wish them all the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Riverside Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Palm Springs car accidents caused three fatalities and injured 303 people. During that same year, 120 fatalities and 7,343 injuries occurred involving Riverside County car accidents.

What Caused This Injury Accident?

Details of how or why this crash occurred are not stated in the news article. The incident happened at an intersection, which is regulated by traffic lights. Did one of the drivers run a red light here? Were any of the motorists speeding or driving distracted? Did one of the drivers make an unsafe turn at the intersection? Did one of the other drivers fail to yield the right of way to a patrol car that had its emergency lights on? I trust investigators are looking for the answers to these questions and others in order to determine precisely what happened here and why.

Liability Issues

Victims of multi-vehicle car accidents would be well advised to protect their legal rights and best interests by consulting with an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer. A knowledgeable accident attorney will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, the at-fault party can be held liable for damages including medical bills, lost wages, the costs associated with rehabilitation services, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Palm Springs Car Accident Leaves Four Injured is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Zoe Saldana, the actress from the movie "Avatar," stopped to help an elderly woman who was injured in a Culver City car accident. According to a news report in The Culver City Patch, the collision occurred at the intersection of Culver Boulevard and Overland Avenue, the morning of January 18, 2012. The 33-year-old actress who happened to be first on the scene, called 911 and stayed with the woman until paramedics arrived.

Culver City police officials say the incident involved two cars. One driver was traveling east on Culver while the other was traveling north on Overland. The collision apparently occurred as the result of one of the drivers making an unsafe left turn. It is not clear if anyone else of was injured. The woman was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this car accident. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I commend Zoe Saldana for being the Good Samaritan and stopping to help the elderly victim.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 258 were injured in Culver City car accidents. During that same year, Los Angeles County car accidents claimed 554 lives and injured 50,817 people.

Left Turn Law

Based on this news account, the car accident was caused by a left-turn violation. 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."

Liability Issues

In such cases, the at-fault driver can be held liable for injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Culver City personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

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Seven people were injured in a San Diego car accident involving multiple vehicles. According to a news report in U-T San Diego, the multi-vehicle collision occurred on the eastbound Interstate 8 in Alpine, the night of January 7, 2012. California Highway Patrol Officials say a wooden table fell off a pickup causing an SUV and a sedan to collide. Another two vehicles collided a minute later and one witness stated that a tire on one vehicle exploded as well. The injuries suffered by the seven victims appear to have been non-life-threatening. It is not clear if anyone will be cited for the pile-up. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the many injured victims of this San Diego accident. I wish them all the very best for a complete and quick recovery.

San Diego Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 76 people were killed and 2,268 were injured as a result of car accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Throughout San Diego County, there were 217 fatalities and 12,998 injuries reported as a result of car accidents, during that same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, this collision was caused by debris on the roadway. California law prohibits anyone from throwing or dumping debris 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." I trust investigators are considering all possible causes of this crash. Were any of the motorists speeding or driving distracted? Were any of the motorists following too closely?

Liability Issues

Victims of multiple vehicle collisions would be well advised to protect their rights and best interests by contacting an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer. Car accidents involving multiple drivers, vehicles and victims often result in inadequate settlements and denied claims. Investigations in these cases can become complex. A skilled car accident attorney will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the at-fault driver is held accountable and the injured victim receives fair compensation for the damages he or she has suffered.

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an auto defect recall for 2011 and 2012 model year Ford F-Series pickup trucks, which apparently have defective automatic transmission interlocks. NHTSA officials say the faulty transmission interlocks can be found in about 16,091 pickup trucks. Drivers can shift the trucks from "park" into rear without stepping on the brakes increasing the risk of car accidents or even injury to nearby pedestrians.

These auto defects are also in violation of federal safety standards. The recall affects the 2011 model year Ford F-150 pickup trucks and 2012 model year Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, and heavy duty F-550 trucks, all manufactured last September. Ford will start notifying owners to bring their recalled trucks to dealerships. The affected brake shift interlock switches will be inspected and replaced at no cost to consumers.

Responsibility of Auto Makers

Based on this news report, it is not clear if there were any car accidents, injuries or fatalities reported as a result of these serious safety issues. When the transmission, shift lever, or braking proves defective in a vehicle, the consequences can be devastating. As the report points out, these defects can cause not only car accidents, but also pedestrian accidents and injuries.

Auto defects can occur during the design process, the manufacturing of the vehicle, or during assembly. Regardless of when or how the defect occurs, it is the automaker's responsibility to issue a prompt recall and ensure consumer safety. Automakers can be held liable for the injuries and damages their defective vehicles cause to drivers, passengers and others.

Contacting an Auto Defect Lawyer

After a car accident, it would be in the victims' best interests to preserve the vehicle in its current condition, unaltered, so it can be thoroughly examined for defects, malfunctions, and other evidence. Those injured as a result of a defective auto would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto products liability cases against large automakers. The best auto product defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an auto defect recall for certain Nissan 2010 and 2011 model year sedans because of vehicle defects that could potentially cause the vehicles to stall or crash. According to Consumer Reports, about 33,800 cars are involved in this recall. NHTSA reports state that these vehicles may have faulty battery terminals that cause an unexpected engine stall while the cars are in motion. Also, the defect may prevent an engine restart, increasing the risk of a car accident.

Engine Stalling Issues

The problem affects 2010-2011 Nissan Sentra vehicles equipped with MR20 engines manufactured in May 2010 and from July to October 2010. Officials say the defect occurred during the manufacturing process when a zinc coating was applied to the battery terminal posts too thickly. This thick coating could result in a voltage drop that may make it difficult to start the car or could even damage the vehicle's engine control module. When the recall begins in January, owners can bring in their vehicles to local dealerships where the battery terminals will be replaced at no cost to consumers.

It is not clear from this report if there were any car accidents or injuries reported as a result of this particular vehicle defect. Auto defects can occur due to errors made during the design process, manufacturing, or assembly. Vehicle stalling can definitely be a serious problem. If a car suddenly stalls on the freeway, it exposes drivers and passengers to tremendous dangers, including getting hit by other vehicles, which may not be able to slow down or stop in time to avoid the stranded auto. Such stalling can cause serious problems especially during nighttime when visibility can be limited.

Auto Products Liability Claims

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of an auto engine stalling, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto products liability cases against large automakers. In such cases involving auto defects, injured victims can seek compensation from the automaker for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. The family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for medical and funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, emotional anguish, and other damages. Victims or their families would also be well advised to preserve the vehicle intact after an accident so it can be thoroughly examined by an expert for any evidence of defects, malfunctions, or design flaws.

Nissan Sentra Vehicles Recalled for Stall and Crash Risk is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Ford Motor Company and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have issued an auto defect recall for 2010-2011 model year Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans because of defective wheel studs. According to Consumer Reports, the vehicles involved in this recall may have defective wheel studs that can break and cause the wheels to separate from the cars, increasing the likelihood of a car crash. This problem could involve as many as 128,615 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan cars that are equipped with 17-inch steel wheels.

The affected vehicles were manufactured in April 2009 and from December 2009 to November 2010. Ford will start notifying owners this month. Owners are asked to bring in their vehicles to local dealers who will replace all of the cars' lug nuts, inspect and if necessary, replace the rear disc brakes, also at no charge to consumers.

Vehicle Recall Statistics

According to the New York Times, the auto industry recalled about 20.3 million vehicles in 2010. It was the fourth-largest number of vehicles recalled since NHTSA began keeping track in 1966. The highest point was in 2004 when 30.8 million vehicles were recalled. In contrast, about 16.6 million vehicles were recalled 2009. The 2010 numbers were significantly affected by Toyota recalls involving sudden or unintended acceleration issues.

Auto Product Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not clear how these wheel stud defects occurred. We do not know if it happened during the manufacturing or assembly process. Regardless of how it happened, these are dangerous defects that could result in serious injury or even fatal car accidents.

Victims of car accidents caused by defective autos would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled similar cases against large automakers. In such cases, the vehicles are the most important pieces of evidence. It is crucial that the victims or their families preserve the vehicles intact, so they can be thoroughly examined for product defects, malfunctions and other evidence.

Ford and Mercury Vehicles Recalled for Defective Wheel Studs is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an auto defect recall involving approximately 7,365 Nissan Rogue vehicles due to power steering issues. According to a report in Consumer News, the vehicle recall involves Rogue crossover vehicles manufactured from August 2010 to October 2010. The report states that the electric power steering circuit board was installed improperly. This manufacturing defect puts an additional strain on the circuit board, and could result in a sudden loss of power steering, if the board breaks.

Drivers who experience a loss of power steering could lose control of their vehicle. Owners of these potentially dangerous vehicles should receive instructions about the recall this month from Nissan. Drivers are encouraged to visit their local dealerships to have a new EPS control unit installed at no charge.

Steering Defects Can Lead to Car Accidents

Steering defects in vehicles can certainly lead to car accidents that can result in life-changing injuries, disabilities, and even death. I'm glad NHTSA has stepped in and issued a recall of these defective vehicles. As drivers, we count on a working power steering feature to help us effectively handle turns and control the car. Numerous people are killed and seriously injured in California and the rest of the country because of defective auto parts such as poorly manufactured power steering, defective tires, and faulty brakes. In any of these cases, the injured victim or their family would be well advised to preserve the damaged vehicle for a thorough inspection by an expert.

Auto Products Liability Issues

If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of a defectively manufactured or designed auto product, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled auto products liability cases against large automakers. In cases involving defective products, the manufacturer of the defective automobile or the faulty product can be held liable.

It is important to remember that less than 1 percent of personal injury law firms have the expertise and the resources to pursue auto defect cases. Not only are auto product defect cases expensive to pursue, but also auto makers, who are represented by high-powered legal defense teams, fight with every means to protect their reputation and their profits. The best auto product defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Nissan Rogue Recalled for Steering Issues is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Domingo Nava, 61, was killed in a Fontana car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street, the afternoon of December 3, 2011. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred near the intersection of Sierra Avenue and Reed Street in Fontana. Officials say Nava was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officials are still looking into whether Nava was in a crosswalk at the time of the collision. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Domingo Nava for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 44 injuries reported involving Fontana pedestrian accidents. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 39 people died and 440 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Crosswalk Laws

Based on this news report, it is not entirely clear if Nava was walking in a crosswalk at the time of the accident. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

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." The same section states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

Also, according to this vehicle code: "This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk."

Fault and Liability

If the driver of the vehicle is determined to have been at fault here, he or she can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. A knowledgeable San Bernardino personal injury lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous intersection or road condition caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the incident.

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

Mike McCoy, 42, and Patrick Ryan, 22, were killed in a Riverside car accident after their vehicles collided head-on, the morning of November 27, 2011. According to a report in The Southwest Riverside News Network, the fatal accident occurred on Winchester Road near 9th Street in Winchester. California Highway Patrol officials say Ryan, who was driving a Toyota Scion south on State Route 79 swerved into the opposing lane of traffic and hit a Toyota Camry driven by McCoy. Both Ryan and McCoy were pronounced dead at the scene of a crash. A female passenger in the Camry was taken to an area hospital with severe injuries.

Officials apparently received reports from several witnesses in the area about the Scion's driver, later identified as Ryan, swerving in and out of lanes, speeding and driving erratically just before the fatal collision. Officials are looking into whether drugs or alcohol were contributing factors. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Mike McCoy and Patrick Ryan for their terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are also with the injured woman. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Riverside Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 79 people were killed and 2,249 were injured in car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 203 lives and caused 7,974 injuries, during the same year.

Head-On Collisions

Based on this news report, the driver of the Scion crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the Camry. California Vehicle Code Section 21651 (a): "Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful…to drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section." As mentioned in this report, officials are looking into what caused Ryan to drive erratically and cause this deadly crash.

Liability Issues

If Ryan is determined to have been at fault in this case, McCoy's family and the injured victim can claim compensation from Ryan's estate and his liability insurance. Families of deceased car accident victims can claim compensation to cover damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost future income. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims or their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will be able to better advise them about their legal rights and options.

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