A man was killed in a Santa Ana car accident after a van struck him as he crossed the road. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on First Street in Santa Ana, the night of February 6, 2012. Officials say the man was walking outside of a crosswalk when the vehicle hit him. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The driver remained at the crash site and was not arrested. Officials say alcohol was not involved. They are still investigating the cause of this fatal pedestrian accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of the man who was killed in this car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Orange County Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), pedestrian accidents in the city of Santa Ana caused seven fatalities and injured 145 people. Throughout Orange County, 41 people were killed and 864 were injured in pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk or intersection at the time of the accident. 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.”

Liability Issues

The family of a deceased pedestrian accident victim would be well advised to speak with an experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and best interests. In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, the at-fault driver can be held liable for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future wages, loss of companionship, and other related damages. A skilled car accident attorney can also help 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 be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

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

Holly Barish-Sablich, 22, was killed in a Seal Beach car accident after being hit by an SUV while crossing the roadway. According to a news report in The Long Beach Press-Telegram, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on the Pacific Coast Highway north of Anderson Street in Seal Beach, the night of February 5, 2012. Officials say the victim was crossing the road outside of a crosswalk or controlled intersection when the vehicle struck her. She was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. It is not clear what caused the accident or if the driver will be cited for the collision.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Holly Barish-Sablich following this tragic car accident. 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), there were no fatalities, but six injuries reported as a result of Seal Beach pedestrian accidents. Countywide, there were 41 fatalities and 864 injuries reported due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Pedestrian Laws

Based on this news report, the victim was attempting to cross the road where there was no 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.” 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.”

Liability Issues

In this particular case, if the driver of the SUV is determined to have been at fault, then, he or she can be held liable for the victim’s wrongful death. An experienced Seal Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this accident. 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 personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

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

The California Department of Public Health has slapped a $100,000 fine on a care facility in Daly City for nursing home neglect. According to a news report in The Associated Press, Seton Medical Center is facing the most severe penalty allowed under state law in connection with the death of an 81-year-old woman. Officials say, a nurse at the facility left the cap on a breathing tube that was inserted into the woman’s trachea. The woman suffocated and died. State officials said the nursing home received the maximum penalty because it did not have a policy in place for properly inserting the device, which is known as a “T-piece.”

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family members of this elderly patient who died as a result of negligence. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Serious Deficiencies in Nursing Homes

More than 1.5 million people live in nursing homes nationwide. That number has only been increasing and is expected to go up in the coming years. According to the Government Accountability Office, about one-fifth of nursing homes in the nation were cited for serious deficiencies – those that jeopardized the life of the patient – in 2008. The GAO report cited poor quality of care such as worsening pressure sores or untreated weight loss in a high number of nursing homes. These deficiencies, the report stated, puts nursing home residents in “immediate jeopardy,” which means that they are at risk of death or serious injury.

Failure to Meet Standards

Nursing homes are required to meet federal standards as a condition of participating in Medicare and Medicaid, which cover more than two-thirds of their residents at a cost of more than $75 billion a year. In this particular case, the nursing home in Daly City seems to have committed a fatal error because they did not have a policy in place when it came to inserting a T-piece.

A number of incidents involving nursing home neglect or nursing home abuse occur due to understaffing in nursing homes. When care facilities hire fewer staff and keep untrained or unqualified personnel on staff, because they are cheaper, and overwork them, it creates an environment that is ripe for abuse and neglect. Such situations stem from nursing homes putting profits ahead of the people they are supposed to serve.

Compensation for Victims’ Families

A family that has lost a loved one as a result of nursing home neglect can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault facility. Victims’ families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has experience successfully handling similar cases and holding nursing homes accountable for their wrongdoing. The best nursing home abuse law firms always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to victims or their families.

Nursing Home Fined $100,000 for Resident’s Death is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

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.

Elderly Pedestrian Killed in Palm Springs Car 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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Anaheim wrongful death attorneys don’t have the best reputation; they are personal injury lawyers, and some people feel that it is a less than honorable profession. The attorneys at Bisnar and Chase work to contradict stereotypes placed on what they do on a daily basis, contributing their own time and money to help those who are less fortunate in the community. Not only do our attorneys participate, but our entire staff enjoys spending our time contributing to community fundraising events and group donations.

At Bisnar and Chase we are treated well and enjoy a high standard of living. Bisnar and Chase partners, John Bisnar and Brian Chase, have instilled a passion for community outreach in all of us and we work together to share our blessings with those who are less fortunate.

Bisnar and Chase Giving Spotlight

In 1978, John Bisnar started Bisnar and Associates, later joining with Brian Chase to form Bisnar and Chase. Since then, they have assisted more than 6,000 clients with their accident claims recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for catastrophically injured victims. They believe that there good fortune deserves to be shared, and we are more than happy to participate in their tremendous acts of generosity. The following are a list of events that Bisnar and Chase either hosts or participates in, in many cases being awarded the distinction of top contributor.

• Turkey Giveaway for OC Residents
• Orange County Adopt A Family
• Local M.A.D.D. Events
• Student Video Sponsorships
• Loree Glenn’s AIDS Bicycle Fundraisers
• Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

Wrongful Death Attorneys in Anaheim

Hopefully, you will never need to contact us. If you do, our wrongful death lawyers in Anaheim offer a free professional consultation with no obligation. We also provide a No Win No Fee guarantee ensuring that if your case is not won, you do not have to pay us a dime.

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A 17-year-old boy was killed in a San Diego car accident after being struck by a car as he crossed the street. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred in the 1200 block of Jamacha Road near Kendrick Way in El Cajon the evening of December 21, 2011. Officials say the teenager was crossing the road while carrying a skateboard when a Nissan Sentra hit him. The victim died at the scene. The 20-year-old driver remained at the crash site. It is unclear if the motorist will be charged in the fatal collision. El Cajon police say the skateboarder is the third pedestrian killed in the area just in the last few months.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family members and friends of this car accident victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

San Diego Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 52 were injured in pedestrian accidents in the city of El Cajon. During that same year, there were 57 fatalities and 937 injuries reported due to San Diego County pedestrian accidents.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news account, it appears that the pedestrian was struck when he was crossing the street near the intersection. However, officials are still looking into whether he was in a crosswalk, or if he had the right of way. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians walking 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 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 the driver is determined to have been at fault here, he or she can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. In such cases, victims' families would be well advised to contact a skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, victims' families can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses and funeral costs.

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

Two Orange County nursing homes are facing fines over allegations of nursing home neglect in connection with the deaths of two patients. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Newport Beach was fined $100,000 after a patient fell while left unattended to use the bathroom. Emeritus Nursing Home in Yorba Linda was fined $90,000 after an unsupervised patient choked on a piece of meat. In both cases, the California Department of Public Health officials said, the patients received "inadequate care." Both facilities received the most serious citations allowed under state law.

Outrageous Cases of Nursing Home Neglect

In these two incidents, the level of patient neglect seems absolutely egregious. At Newport Nursing, the female patient was admitted in August after undergoing hip surgery. She needed assistance from nursing home staff to use the toilet. A nursing home assistant apparently left the woman alone on the toilet. She was later found by another employee facedown in the bathroom without a pulse. According to a coroner's report, the woman died due to spine fracture after the fall.

At Emeritus, a female patient who was supposed to be served chopped meat because she had trouble swallowing, was given a ham sandwich. Officials say a nursing home assistant forgot to give the woman her dentures when lunch was served. A large piece of meat was removed from her airway. She died six days later from cardiac and respiratory arrest due to choking.

Holding Wrongdoers Accountable

In both cases, it appears that the nursing home staff neglected their patients. Was it because these facilities were understaffed? A number of nursing homes that put profits over people tend to keep staffing levels at a minimum, and hire cheap, untrained labor so they can keep costs low and profits high. This, no doubt, affects the level and quality of care patients receive at nursing homes. Such a corporate policy creates an environment ripe for nursing home abuse and neglect.

In such cases where negligence is a factor, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault nursing home. Such claims seek compensation for funeral costs, emotional distress, and other related damages. More than money, these lawsuits are an additional way to penalize negligent operators who believe they can get away with such appalling acts of neglect and abuse. Victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who has handled similar cases, and will be able to give them more information about pursuing their legal rights.

Orange County Nursing Homes Fined in Patient Deaths is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

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.

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

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.

Jewish Activist Killed, Rabbi Injured in Los Angeles Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers