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.

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Florence Wyatt, 81, was killed in a Riverside car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. According to a news report in The Desert Sun, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Sunrise Way at Sunny Dunes in Palm Springs, the night of January 14, 2012. Officials say Wyatt was crossing the road at the intersection when a Kia Soul hit her. Wyatt was transported to an area hospital where she died. The driver stopped at the scene of the crash and spoke with the authorities. It is unclear if the motorist will be cited for the fatal crash.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Florence Wyatt following this tragic pedestrian accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 21 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in the city of Palm Springs. During that same year, there were 39 fatalities and 370 injuries reported as a result of Riverside County pedestrian accidents.

Pedestrian Laws

Based on this news report, it is not clear if Wyatt was in a crosswalk, but it does appear that she was crossing the roadway at an intersection. 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

If it is determined that driver negligence was a contributing factor in this collision, the at-fault driver can be held liable for Wyatt’s wrongful death. In such cases, compensation may be available to the victim's family members for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost benefits, loss of inheritance, lost future wages, loss of companionship, and other related expenses. Victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

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Two Caltrans workers – identified as Thomas Rangel, 53, and Darryl Brown, 49 -- were injured in a Riverside car accident after a motorist struck their work trucks that were parked along the shoulder of Highway 62. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the major injury collision occurred the morning of January 11, 2012, near Painted Hills Road, when a Chevy S-10 pickup truck slammed into the back of one of two Caltrans trucks parked nose-to-nose along the shoulder. The workers were apparently repairing a malfunctioning snowplow that was attached to one of the trucks.

The driver of the Chevy pickup truck, 33-year-old Derrick Havercamp, was seriously injured as was Rangel, who was sitting in the driver's seat of one of the Caltrans trucks. Brown, who was standing next to Rangel's vehicle suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Both the Caltrans employees have since been released from the hospital. Havercamp's condition is not known. California Highway Patrol officials say alcohol, drugs or excessive speed were not factors in this collision.

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

Caltrans Worker Injuries and Fatalities

The last year has seen a significant spike in injuries and fatalities involving Caltrans workers. According to Caltrans, four of its workers have died in traffic-related incidents over the last year. Three of them were killed within 48 days, during May and June. Those deaths reversed a steady trend of reduced fatalities, which is partially attributed to the Slow for the Cone Zone public awareness campaign launched in 1999. A total of 178 Caltrans workers have died on the job since 1924. Since the increase in the number of fatalities in 2011, Caltrans has partnered with California Highway Patrol to provide enhanced speed and DUI enforcement in highway construction and maintenance zones across California.

Causes and Compensation Issues

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to why the driver, Havercamp, struck the vehicles that were parked along the shoulder for maintenance work. Did Havercamp get distracted? Was he inattentive? Was he reckless or negligent in any way? Was he cut off by another vehicle? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Since these workers were on the job at the time, they can seek workers compensation benefits for the injuries and damages suffered. California workers compensation will usually pay for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. In addition, the victims could also file a personal injury claim against the at-fault motorist seeking damages. An experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer will better inform victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

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Miguel Melchor, 21, was killed in a Riverside car accident which officials say, involved a drunk driver. According to a news article in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal DUI crash occurred at the intersection of Rancho California Road and Meadows Parkway in Temecula, the night of December 24 2011. Officials report the driver of a white Toyota Tacoma pickup was under the influence of alcohol when he drove through a red light and collided with a Toyota Tundra pickup. Melchor was pronounced dead at a nearby medical center and three others were hospitalized with injuries.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Miguel Melchor for their terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are also with the injured victims of this tragic car crash. I wish them all the best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Riverside County DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 17 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in the city of Temecula. During that same year, there were 87 fatalities and 986 injuries reported as a result of alcohol-related crashes, in Riverside County as a whole.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, the driver of the Toyota Tacoma was not only driving under the influence, but also ran a red light at the intersection before crashing into the other vehicle. 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."

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 under California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a).

Liability Issues

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk and negligent drivers. Family members can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, loss of companionship, and other related damages. 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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Christopher Barton Tatro, 40, of Corona, was killed in a Riverside car accident, which police report, involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a news article in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal hit-and-run accident occurred on the 91 Freeway, near Monroe Street, during the early morning hours of December 17, 2011.

Officials say Tatro was operating the controls of the hydraulic lift on a tow truck when a tan sedan, possibly a beige late-1990s Saturn, struck the left side of the tow truck. The driver of the vehicle did not stop, and was last seen exiting the freeway at Adams Street. Tatro suffered massive injuries to his legs and torso and succumbed to his injuries a couple of hours later. The authorities are searching for the car, which they believe sustained damage to its right side, including damage to the right mirror, wheels and headlight. Witnesses with information about the incident or the suspect may contact the California Highway Patrol Inland Division at 909-806-2400.

My deepest condolences go out the family, friends and coworkers of Christopher Barton Tatro following this tragic hit-and-run car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Riverside Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 28 fatalities and 1,408 injuries occurred due to car accidents in the city of Riverside. During that same year, countywide car accidents claimed 203 lives and injured 7,974 people.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

If the news account is accurate, the impact from this horrific crash sent the victim flying approximately 60 feet in the air. Instead of stopping to offer help to the critically injured victim, the driver of the tan sedan drove away leaving the victim on the roadway, exposed to further injury. Appalling! Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) motorists are required to stop immediately at the scene of a crash, wait until authorities arrive, exchange pertinent information with the other parties and most importantly, get help for the injured victims. In this case, the driver chose to do none of the above.

Holding Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable

If you have information about this driver or the vehicle, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and also become eligible for a $1,000 reward. I certainly hope authorities are soon able to apprehend this driver and bring him or her to justice.

The family of a hit-and-run accident victim would be well advised to contact a skilled Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. In cases where the hit-and-run driver is never identified or located, a knowledgeable attorney will be able to better advise the victim's family about how they can seek compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of their own auto insurance policy. In a work related accident, an experienced attorney can help a family pursue compensation through workers compensation death benefits.

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Lola J. Matson, 31, of Vista, was killed in a Riverside car accident after she lost control of her vehicle, which rolled over several times and ejected her. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal rollover accident occurred during the early morning hours of December 15, 2011. Police say Matson was driving a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer south on Winchester Road in Murrieta, near the French Valley Airport, when she suddenly turned left, went over the center median and hit the east curb line. The car rolled over several times and went down an embankment. Matson was ejected from the vehicle. She was transported to a local hospital where she died. An investigation is ongoing.

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

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 345 were injured as a result of Murrieta car accidents. In Riverside County as a whole, 203 people died and 7,974 were injured in car accidents, during the same year.

Possible Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to how or why this tragic crash occurred. The report does not state if the driver was fatigued or speeding at the time. Was there an auto defect or mechanical malfunction in the vehicle? Were other vehicles involved in the crash? For example, did another driver run Matson's car off the roadway? Did a dangerous roadway condition cause her to lose control? Was Matson ejected from her vehicle because of a defective seatbelt? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine precisely what occurred and why.

Liability Issues

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of victims' families to preserve the vehicle in its current condition, unaltered, so it can be thoroughly examined for product defects, malfunctions and other evidence. An experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer will be able to analyze all aspects of the incident, ensure that the family members' rights are protected, and that the negligent parties are held liable. 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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James Scott Rogers, 46, was killed in a Riverside County motorcycle accident after he lost control of his Harley-Davidson and crashed. According to a news report in The Desert Sun, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred on Thousand Palms Canyon Road in Desert Hot Springs, the afternoon of November 27, 2011. Officials say Rogers veered off the road and struck the dirt shoulder. Rogers, who was wearing a novelty helmet that did not meet federal safety standards, suffered fatal head injuries and died at the scene of the crash. It is not clear what caused him to lose control of the Harley-Davidson.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of James Scott Rogers following this tragic motorcycle accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Riverside Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were injured in Desert Hot Springs motorcycle accidents. During that same year, Riverside County motorcycle accidents claimed 31 lives and caused 500 injuries.

What Caused This Fatal Motorcycle Accident?

Based on this news report, officials have not determined what caused Rogers to lose control of his motorcycle. There are more questions here than there are answers. Did an auto defect or mechanical malfunction in the motorcycle cause or contribute to the accident? There have been a number of recent recalls on Harley-Davidsons including an October 2011 recall involving loss of brake defects. Did a dangerous roadway condition lead to the accident? Did another motorist or vehicle force the victim off the roadway? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

The victim's family would be well advised to preserve the damaged vehicle so it can be thoroughly examined by an expert for vehicle defects, malfunctions and other evidence. It would be in the best interests of victims' families to seek the counsel of an experienced Riverside 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 victims or their families.

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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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A 50-year-old Cypress woman was killed in a Riverside car accident after the Ford Explorer she was driving blew a tire and overturned in the center median. According to a CBS news report, the fatal rollover crash occurred on the 15 Freeway near Corona, the night of November 11, 2011. The woman was traveling at about 70 mph when the Explorer's right rear tire blew out. She lost control of the vehicle, which then rolled over. The woman was ejected from the SUV. Officials suspect she was not wearing her seatbelt. The woman's husband, who was a passenger in the front seat, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of this deceased rollover accident victim for their devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Rollover Accident Statistics

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2008, 58 percent of SUV occupants who were killed in crashes were in vehicles that rolled over. In comparison, 47 percent of deaths in pickups and 25 percent of deaths in cars were in
rollover accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that every year, 10,000 people are killed in rollover car accidents in the United States. That number accounts for nearly 25 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in the country.

Possible Vehicle Defects

Based on this news report, it appears that the Ford Explorer went out of control because the rear tire blew. It is unclear at this point if the tire blew because of a product defect or lack of proper maintenance. When tire failure occurs, it can be difficult even for an experienced driver to regain control of the vehicle. It can be even more challenging when the vehicle involved is designed poorly and has the propensity to roll over. Ford SUVs are notorious for their instability. These vehicles have a high center of gravity and a narrower track width, which makes them prone to tipping over.

Auto Products Liability Issues

In this case, officials say the driver was not wearing her seatbelt and was ejected. It would be in the best interests of the victim's family to preserve the vehicle unaltered so it can be examined for all possible defects, including seatbelt defects and design flaws. An experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto products liability cases against large auto makers will be able to better advise victims' families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

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One small dog was killed and two others were attacked in a dog bite incident in Lake Elsinore after two pit bulls went on a frightening rampage. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the incident occurred October 31, 2011. Police say the two loose pit bulls, which had a history of similar attacks, bit 48-year-old Anna McDonald's 4-year-old papillon, Sydney. McDonald said she was running with her dog when the pit bulls came out of nowhere and ripped Sydney right in front of her. McDonald told the newspaper: "They weren't dogs. These were some other kind of creature."

Horrific Dog Attack

Immediately after killing the small dog the pit bulls ran over to a nearby park where they attacked two other dogs – a small poodle and terrier. The poodle was almost disemboweled in the brutal attack, while the terrier escaped with puncture wounds. The pit bulls released the terrier only after the other dog's owner hit them with a shovel. Both the pit bulls have been captured by animal control officials, who say they intend to seek a judge's permission to euthanize these clearly dangerous dogs.

First of all, my heart goes out to the two Lake Elsinore residents who were traumatized by these horrific dog attacks. I truly hope the two dogs that were mauled recover from their injuries. As a fellow dog owner I sympathize with Anna McDonald.

History of Attacks

Based on this news report, the pit bulls previously lived with their owner right here in Orange County. It appears that they attacked someone in Orange County at which time the owner said he would take the dogs out of state to prevent them from being euthanized. Officials say the dogs may have been actually "hidden" in Riverside County, by their owner.

It is appalling to me that the dog owner would not only hide these dangerous dogs, but continue to let them run loose in neighborhoods and parks. This takes negligence to a whole new level. It shows a callous disregard for the safety of residents and neighbors. I certainly hope this dog owner faces criminal charges.

Holding Negligent Dog Owners Liable

Irresponsible and negligent dog owners can be held civilly liable under California law. California’s Civil Code Section 3342 states: "The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness."

Victims of dog attacks would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will ensure that their rights are protected and that the negligent dog owners are held accountable. Dog owners whose pets are injured or killed in attacks such as these can seek compensation for vet bills and emotional distress. Individuals who are themselves bitten can seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, cost of surgery, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

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