Three people were injured in an Orange County car accident involving a trailer, which got disconnected from a truck and veered through traffic. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the truck accident occurred on the northbound 57 at Tonner Canyon in Brea, the morning of February 3, 2012. Officials say a trailer unhooked from a truck, crossed lanes of traffic and landed in the carpool lane. A Chevy pickup truck in the carpool lane managed to stop and avoid the trailer, as a white Nissan Sentra came to a stop behind the Chevy. A black Sentra then moved from the fast lane and crashed into the back of the white Sentra. The three injured victims were in the white Sentra. It is unclear if anyone will be cited for the crash.

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

Orange County Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 186 were injured in Brea car accidents. During that same year, there were 141 fatalities and 13,373 injuries reported as a result of Orange County car accidents.

Runaway Trailers

Based on this news report, the collisions occurred after a trailer came loose from a truck. There are several questions here. What caused the trailer to become unattached and how could have this accident been prevented? Was the truck driver or his or her employer (trucking or distribution company) responsible for the loose trailer? Runaway trailer accident can result in devastating injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there were 64,275 accidents resulting in 425 deaths and 16,482 injuries involving runaway trailers in the year 2005, the most current year for which these numbers are available.

Liability Issues

Victims of runaway trailer accidents would be well advised to discuss their legal rights and options with an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer. The at-fault party may be held liable for the victim’s medical bills, time away from work, and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.

Runaway Trailer Causes Orange County Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

One person was injured in an Orange County car accident involving three vehicles, the morning of January 31, 2012. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the collision occurred in the southbound lanes of the 57 Freeway at Lambert Road in Brea. Officials say a Mazda veered into a Ford truck, which then struck a BMW. The BMW hit the center divider. One person in the BMW was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. It is not clear what caused the driver of the Mazda to enter into the path of the Ford, or if the motorist will be cited for the collision.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this Orange County accident. I wish this victim the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Orange County Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 186 were injured in Brea car accidents. During that same year, 141 fatalities and 13,373 injuries occurred as a result of Orange County car accidents.

What Caused This Three-Car Collision?

Based on this news account, the driver of the Mazda caused the three-car collision by initially veering into the path of the truck. I trust investigators are looking into why the driver made the unsafe lane change. Was the driver of the Mazda exceeding the speed limit, driving distracted, or otherwise negligent at the time?

California Vehicle Code Section 21658 (a) states that whenever a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction the vehicle "shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety."

Liability Issues

Injured victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. Victims can seek compensation to cover expenses including medical expenses, loss of wages and benefits, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. 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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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

Jorene Ypanto Nicolas, 29, of San Diego has been arrested in connection with an Orange County car accident, which killed 23-year-old Deanna Mauer. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, prosecutors say Nicolas was distracted or inattentive at the time of the April 27, 2011 accident, which caused Mauer's death. Nicolas rammed Mauer's car from behind at 80 mph. Officials say they don't have evidence that Nicolas was using a cell phone when she caused the rear-end collision.

But they say it is clear that she was distracted because traffic on the northbound 405 Freeway near Edwards Street in Fountain Valley had stopped for several seconds. Nicolas did not even slow down or attempt to hit the brakes before slamming into Mauer's Hyundai sedan. Nicolas has been charged with one count of felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in connection with this Fountain Valley car accident. She faces up to six years in state prison if convicted.

Tragic Loss for Victim's Family

My heart goes out to Mauer's family. The woman was apparently a star softball player and four-year letter winner at Fountain Valley High School and played for Central Arizona College before transferring to San Jose State where she set a school record by striking out 15 batters in a single game. She was also chosen as one of 15 college players to compete in the World University games in Bangkok, Thailand. What a tragedy that a life with such rich potential was snuffed out in an instant because of a distracted driver!

Vehicular Manslaughter

Gross vehicular manslaughter is a felony offense. In this case, the incident does not involve an intoxicated driver. However, it does involve the exercise of gross negligence. Officials say there is no evidence that Nicolas was texting or talking on the phone. However, there are many other distractions that take drivers' attention off the roadway. Examples include eating, drinking, reading, grooming or applying makeup, looking at something outside, talking to someone else inside the vehicle, changing CDs, fiddling with temperature controls or looking at a map or GPS device. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines distracted driving as any act that takes the driver's hands off the wheel, eyes off the roadway or attention away from driving.

Protecting Victims' Rights

These are tragedies that can absolutely be avoided if drivers are focused on driving when they get in the car. Most of us may have the best of intentions. However, when we make poor choices as drivers, the consequences can be devastating for all concerned, as in this case. Victims of distracted driving accidents or their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Driver Faces Charges for Distracted Driving in Fatal Orange County Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Eric Ford, 21, was killed in a Buena Park car accident when a vehicle struck him as he crossed the street. According to a news release made available on the Orange County Coroner's web site, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Beach Boulevard near Crescent Avenue in Buena Park, the afternoon of January 21, 2012. It is not clear how the accident occurred or who was at fault. Ford succumbed to his injuries on January 23, 2012. The news account does not specify if the driver was responsible for the crash.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Eric Ford for their terrible loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Orange County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Buena Park pedestrian accidents claimed the life of one person and injured 29 people. During that same year, 41 fatalities and 864 injuries occurred due to pedestrian accidents in Orange County.

What Caused This Fatal Crash?

The release provides no information regarding how the collision occurred. It appears that Ford was crossing the roadway near an intersection, but it not clear if he was actually in a crosswalk at the time. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

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.” It 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.” Drivers involved in pedestrian accidents because they fail to exercise due care may be held liable for their actions.

Liability Issues

The family of a victim killed in a pedestrian accident would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the ongoing investigation and ensure that their legal rights are protected. If it is determined in this accident that Ford was killed because of driver negligence, the at-fault motorist can be held responsible for his wrongful death. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to victims or their families.

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A woman was hospitalized in an Orange County car accident after a car struck her as she crossed the street in a crosswalk. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the pedestrian accident occurred at Richman and Baker avenues in Fullerton the morning of January 13, 2012. Officials have not released information regarding how or why the collision occurred, but said that the woman was hit by a Honda Civic whose driver remained at the scene. The pedestrian was found lying in the crosswalk near Woodcrest Elementary School. The nature and extent of the pedestrian's injuries is not known. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the woman who has been injured in this Orange County car accident. I wish her the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Orange County Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 63 were injured in Fullerton pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 41 fatalities and 864 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents throughout Orange County.

Crosswalk Law

Based on this news report, the woman was lying in the crosswalk when emergency crews arrived at the scene of the crash. If she was legally crossing the road in the crosswalk, it will have to be determined why the driver failed to properly yield the right-of-way.

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 also 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."

Liability Issues

Victims of pedestrian accidents would be well advised to contact a skilled Orange County personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights are protected. If it is determined that the driver failed to yield the right of way to the victim, then, the driver may be held liable for the injuries and damages caused here.

Some of the commenters to the Register article also say that the intersection where this accident occurred has four-way stop and that drivers often run through it without stopping or slowing down for pedestrians. If it is determined that a dangerous roadway or intersection caused this accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within six months of the incident.

Pedestrian Injured in Orange County Crosswalk Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Evert Walker, 24, of Lake Forest, was killed in an Orange County car accident after he lost control of his vehicle and crashed. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car accident occurred early morning on January 14, 2012 on the 73 Toll Road in San Juan Capistrano. California Highway Patrol officials say Walker's Dodge Dakota veered to the left of the roadway, crashed into a guardrail and a raised concrete pole base, before catching fire. Officials are still looking into the cause of this fatal crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact CHP officials at 949-487-4000.

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

Orange County Car Accidents

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 154 were injured in San Juan Capistrano car accidents. In Orange County as a whole, 141 people died and 13,373 were injured due to car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to how or why this fiery collision occurred. Officials are not sure how fast Walker was driving at the time. There are several other unanswered questions here. Was there an auto defect or mechanical malfunction in Walker's vehicle at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which caused him to lose control? Were other vehicles involved? For instance, did another driver run Walker off the roadway? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

In such cases, it would be a good idea to preserve the vehicle in its current condition, unaltered, so an expert can thoroughly examine it for vehicle defects, mechanical failure and other evidence. In cases where negligence is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost future income and benefits. Victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets 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 accident victims or their families.

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A doughnut shop customer was severely injured in an Orange County car accident when a car crashed into the store. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the car crash occurred at the intersection of Western and Katella avenues in Stanton, the morning of January 10, 2012. Officials say Lori Wertz, 53, entered a parking lot, lost control of her vehicle and went through the front of the store. The male customer suffered a large cut to his forearm and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He is expected to survive. Officials are still looking into why Wertz lost control of the vehicle.

My thoughts and prayers are with victim of this Orange County accident. I wish him the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Orange County Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four people were killed and 126 were injured in Stanton car accidents. During that same year, there were 141 fatalities and 13,373 injuries reported as a result of Orange County car crashes.

What Caused This Injury Accident?

Based on this news report, an investigation is underway to determine why Wertz continued through the parking lot and into the shop. Was she exceeding the speed limit? Was she driving distracted? Did another motorist force her into the shop? Were her brakes defective? Did alcohol consumption or recklessness contribute to the incident? I trust investigators are looking into all possible causes of this crash.

Liability Issues

Victims of car accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. If it is determined that Wertz was responsible for this accident, she can be held liable for the injuries suffered by the victim as well as the property damage to the store. In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, financial compensation may be available to victims for the damages including medical bills, hospitalization, the cost of rehabilitation services, lost wages, and other related expenses.

Orange County Car Accident Causes Critical Injuries is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Two people, including the suspected drunk driver, were injured in a Laguna Beach car accident, which occurred early morning on January 6, 2012. According to a news report in the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot, the injury crash occurred in the 1500 block of Glenneyre Street. Police say 18-year-old Cameron Tyler Bigelow was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after crashing his vehicle into a home. Bigelow's passenger suffered a broken right leg, sprained neck and back, and severe trauma to his right eyeball. Bigelow had a laceration on the back of his head. Both were transported to an area hospital. Damages to the home were estimated at about $3,000.

It is indeed fortunate that none of the residents were injured in this crash. I wish the injured passenger the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

DUI Collisions

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 18 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in the city of Laguna Beach. In Orange County as a whole, 62 fatalities and 1,340 injuries were reported due to DUI collisions, during the same year.

California Drunk Driving Laws

Based on this news report, it appears that this incident involved an underage drunk driver. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) prohibits drivers 21 years and older from driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Drivers under the age of 21 face even greater restrictions regarding alcohol. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23136: "It is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years who has a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or greater, as measured by a preliminary alcohol screening test or other chemical test, to drive a vehicle."

Victims' Claim for Compensation

In this particular incident, the passenger can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for the injuries he has suffered. Compensation can be sought to cover medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers. 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.

Laguna Beach Car Accident Involves Suspected Drunk Driver is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A five-vehicle car accident in Anaheim, which sent seven people to area hospitals with injuries, was caused by a driver who made an unsafe lane change and rear-ended another vehicle, officials say. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury crash occurred the morning of January 4, 2012 on the 57 Freeway just north of Ball Road. California Highway Patrol officials say the chain-reaction crash happened when a Ford pickup truck moved from the number four to the number 5 lane and ended up rear-ending a GMC SUV. The impact pushed the GMC into the back of a Honda Accord, which veered to the left and swiped another Honda Accord, which was traveling in the number one lane. The investigation is still ongoing.

My heart goes out to the injured victims of this crash. I wish them all the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 23 fatalities and 1,970 injuries involving Anaheim car accidents. During the same year, 141 people were killed and 13,373 were injured as a result of Orange County car accidents.

Laws and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that one of the drivers may have made an unsafe lane change and rear-ended the SUV. California Vehicle Code Section 21658 (a) states that whenever a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction the vehicle "shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety."

I trust officials are also looking into why the driver of the Ford pickup truck struck the SUV. Was the driver distracted, speeding, inattentive or otherwise negligent at the time? If the driver of the Ford is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused in this crash. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization and even rehabilitative treatment such as physical therapy and chiropractic care. Victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

Officials: Anaheim Car Accident Caused by Unsafe Lane Change is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers