A 12-year-old girl was severely injured in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say was caused by a hit-and-run driver, the afternoon of January 27, 2012. According to a report in The Pasadena Star-News, the collision occurred at the intersection of Huntington Avenue and Canyon Boulevard in Monrovia, when the young victim was walking with some other children. A 1995 Infiniti J30 struck the girl and left the scene. The pedestrian was hospitalized in critical condition, but is said to be improving. Police arrested 23-year-old Emma Tapia-Gonzalez a few hours after the incident. She has been charged with felony hit-and-run and driving without a valid license. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the critically injured victim of this hit-and-run car accident. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this girl and her family 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 14 injuries reported as a result of Monrovia pedestrian accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 179 people died and 4,918 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of the Crash

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver hit the young girl and then fled the scene without even stopping to help the child. What kind of a person strikes and injures a child and leaves him or her lying on the roadway without care or medical attention? Appalling! Not only is leaving the scene of an injury accident an inhumane and irresponsible act, but it is also illegal.

California Vehicle Code Section 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."

Fault and Liability

I'm relieved to hear that this driver, who was also apparently driving without a license, was apprehended. In such cases, injured victims and their families can claim compensation from the at-fault driver for damages such as medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. A knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will better advise victims and their families about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

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A motorcyclist was severely injured in aLos Angeles car accident that may have involved a rear-end collision. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the motorcycle accident occurred on Harbor Boulevard near Dublin Way in Rowland Heights, the morning of January 25, 2012. Officials say the motorcycle may have rear-ended a vehicle. The victim suffered serious injuries including a broken leg. It is unclear how the collision occurred or if anyone will be cited for the crash.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this Los Angeles motorcycle accident. I wish the motorcyclist the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), nine people were killed and 448 were injured due to motorcycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Countywide, 83 fatalities and 2,719 injuries occurred involving motorcycle accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Rear-End Collision?

Based on this news report, the motorcyclist was injured as he collided with the rear of another vehicle. It will have to be determined why the accident happened and if negligence was a contributing factor in the crash. In most rear-end accidents, the motorist who strikes the vehicle ahead of him or her is found at-fault. I trust investigators are looking into all possible causes of the collision. Did the driver here fail to yield the right of way to the motorcyclist? Was the car's driver traveling below the speed limit, make an unsafe lane change, or slow down suddenly?

Liability Issues

If the car's driver is determined to have been at fault here, then, he or she can be held liable for the victim's injuries. Motorcycle accident victims would be well advised to speak with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected, and that the negligent parties are held liable. In such cases, a victim can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

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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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A motorcyclist was injured in a Los Angeles car accident after his Suzuki collided with a white Mercedes-Benz that was making a left turn, the evening of January 6, 2012. According to a news report in The Beverly Hills Patch, the motorcycle accident occurred on North Santa Monica Boulevard at Crescent Drive in Beverly Hills. Officials say the driver of the Mercedes was making a left turn when the two vehicles collided. The motorcyclist was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. It is not clear if the car driver will be cited for the crash.

My thoughts and prayers remain with the man injured in this Beverly Hills car accident. I wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 18 injuries reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in Beverly Hills. During that same year, there were 83 fatalities and 2,719 injuries reported as a result of Los Angeles County motorcycle accidents.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, the car's driver was turning left at the time of the collision. California law requires motorists turning left to yield the right-of-way to oncoming vehicles. 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

If the driver is determined to have been at fault here, he or she can be held liable for the motorcyclist's injuries. Injured victims of motorcycle accidents would be well advised to discuss their legal rights and options with a skilled Los Angeles 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.

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Mauricio Valdez, 19, who was severely injured in an El Monte motorcycle accident has undergone surgery since and is now going through a tough recovery, according to our sources. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported earlier that the collision between Valdez's motorcycle and another vehicle occurred the afternoon of December 20, 2011, near the intersection of Penn Mar Avenue and Ramona Boulevard.

Officials say Valdez was westbound on Ramona when the other vehicle exited a driveway and drove into his path. The victim was thrown off his motorcycle and sustained major injuries. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, as well as a broken hand, jaw, hip, and leg, our sources said. He underwent surgery on his arm, leg, and hip on December 29, 2011, and is in stable condition after the procedure.

Horrific Accident

My thoughts and best wishes go out to this young victim and his family and friends, who are praying for him to get through these harrowing times. Valdez has apparently suffered critical head injuries. However, it is a huge relief to hear that he is in stable condition after his surgery. It may be a long recovery for Mauricio Valdez.

Valdez, a longtime El Monte resident, had attended Teacher Prep Academy, before graduating in 2010 from Mountain View High School. He is currently a biology major at Cal State Los Angeles. What a terrible event in the life of this young man, who was on the threshold of a bright future! I truly hope he will be able to return to the life he had prior to this injury accident.

Protecting Victims' Rights

Based on an earlier news account, it appears that Valdez did have the right-of-way, but was struck by a motorist who exited a private driveway without properly yielding the right-of-way to Valdez. It is not clear if El Monte police officials have completed their investigation or if the driver in this case has been cited or charged.

Victims and their families in such cases incur significant medical expenses. When a victim is brain-injured, his or her family may have to make significant adjustments to their schedules and lives, such as taking time off work, in order to care for their loved one. In addition, families are faced with expenses associated with rehabilitation costs. I sincerely wish Valdez and his family the very best, and pray that this young man fully recovers from his injuries.

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Two police officers were injured in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say, involved a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Daily Breeze, the DUI collision occurred on Vermont Avenue in Gardena, the night of December 14, 2011. The police officers were sitting in a patrol car that had its emergency lights flashing when a minivan rear-ended them. The two officers sustained non-life threatening injuries. A third officer who was standing near the car was able to avoid injury by leaping out of the way. Authorities quickly apprehended the driver, Jovan Lamar Pryor, 33, after he attempted to flee the scene of the crash.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this Los Angeles DUI collision. I wish them the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Los Angeles DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 24 injuries reported as a result of alcohol-related crashes in Gardena. During that same year, 204 fatalities and 4,672 injuries occurred as a result of Los Angeles County DUI collisions.

Drunk Driving Laws

Based on this news report, Pryor was not only driving under the influence of alcohol, but he also attempted to flee the crash, leaving the injured police officers at the scene. Appalling! 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."

Also, California Vehicle Code Section 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."

Liability Issues

Victims of drunk driving accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of holding drunk drivers financially responsible for the injuries and damages they cause. In this case, since the officers were on the job, they can claim workers compensation benefits through their employer, in addition to seeking compensation from the at-fault driver. Victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. 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.

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Charles Cervantes, 66, of Highland Park, was killed in a Pasadena car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road. According to a news report in the Pasadena Sun, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the morning of December 7, 2011 near the intersection of Avenue 64 and Nithsdale Road. The driver of the vehicle was not injured. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Charles Cervantes who was killed in this tragic accident. According to his family members, Cervantes frequently walked in the La Loma and San Rafael areas. Please keep his grieving family members in your thoughts and prayers.

Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 93 injuries reported as a result of Pasadena pedestrian accidents. Los Angeles County pedestrian accidents claimed 179 lives and injured 4,918 people, during that same year.

California Pedestrian Laws

Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly how or why this fatal accident occurred. 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 of the vehicle code also states: "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.”

Liability Issues

In such cases, if the driver of the vehicle is determined to have been at fault, then he or she could be held liable for the resulting injuries, damages and losses. The family of a deceased pedestrian accident victim would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims or their families.

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Sean Patrick Flynn, 49, was killed in a motorcycle accident in Malibu after his cycle hit a large truck, the morning of December 5, 2011. According to a City News Service report, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred on Pacific Coast Highway at Rambla Vista. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials say that Flynn attempted to pass a fully loaded dump truck. As he did so, Flynn hit the truck's side and was then run over by its rear wheels. He died at the scene. Officials are still investigating the cause of this fatal crash.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Sean Patrick Flynn for their devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 19 injuries happened involving motorcycle accidents in Malibu. Also, in Los Angeles County as a whole, 83 people died and 2,719 were injured due to motorcycle accidents in 2009. During the same year, 554 people were killed and 50,817 were injured as a result of Los Angeles County car accidents.

Possible Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to how or why this fatal motorcycle versus truck accident occurred. There are several questions here. Who was at fault? Was the motorcyclist speeding or splitting lanes? Did he try to make an unsafe pass? Was the truck driver at fault? Did the truck driver make an unsafe lane change at the time? I trust officials are also looking into whether intoxication, distracted driving, inattention or some other form of negligence played a part in this fatal motorcycle accident.

Fault and Liability

If the truck driver is determined to have been at fault, the driver as well as his or her employer can be held liable for the incident. In cases where negligence is involved, families of deceased accident victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, and loss of companionship. Victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.

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Jason M. Sinroll, 39, of Manhattan Beach, was killed in a Hawthorne car accident after his motorcycle was hit by a vehicle that was making a left turn. According to a news report in the Daily Breeze, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred the evening of November 30, 2011 at the intersection of Rosecrans and Inglewood avenues. Police say Sinroll was riding his Harley-Davidson west on Rosecrans when an eastbound Lexus that was turning north onto Inglewood struck him. Sinroll was ejected from his motorcycle and thrown onto the roadway. The Lexus after striking the motorcycle veered into a Toyota 4Runner that was stopped at the intersection for a red light. Thankfully, that driver was uninjured. Anyone who saw the accident is asked to contact detectives at 310-349-2711.

My heart goes out to the family members and friends of Jason Sinroll for their tragic and devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Fatalities

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), motorcycle accident deaths in the United States dropped by 16 percent in 2009 to 4,465. This broke a chain of 11 consecutive years of increases that more than doubled motorcycle accident fatalities from 2,116 in 1997 to 5,312 in 2008. California is one of the states that has a high number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities because of the year-round good weather and the popularity of motorcycles among all age groups.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Lexus may have made an unsafe left turn in front of the motorcyclist. 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."

Fault and Liability

If the driver of the Lexus is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held liable for Sinroll's wrongful death. Victims' families would be well advised in such cases to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident attorney will be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

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Berish Landau, 88, a prominent Jewish activist was killed in a Los Angeles car accident and Rabbi Shmeul Jacobs was critically injured after both men were struck while crossing the street. According to an NBC news report, the pedestrian accident occurred as Landau and Jacobs were crossing North La Brea Avenue, near Beverly Boulevard, early morning on November 22, 2011. The driver who hit them stopped, called 911 and cooperated with authorities. Officials are investigating the cause of this tragic accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Berish Landau for their heartbreaking loss. Both, Landau and Rabbi Jacobs, are apparently well know in Larchmont's orthodox Jewish community. My thoughts and prayers are with Jacobs. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 82 fatalities and 2,630 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 179 lives and caused 4,918 injuries, during the same year.

Pedestrians' Rights

Based on this news report, it is not clear if the men were crossing the street in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. 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, then, he or she can be held liable for Landau's wrongful death and Jacobs' major injuries. Injured victims can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault motorist seeking compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims' families can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise injured victims or their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

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