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.

Riverside Hit-and-Run Accident Proves Fatal for Tow Truck Driver is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A 58-year-old worker was fatally injured on the job after an aerial boom he was operating fell off a flatbed truck at a construction lot in Palm City. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the fatal accident occurred the morning of December 6, 2011 on Hollister Street near Palm Avenue in Palm City. Officials say the worker was driving the piece of heavy equipment off a flatbed truck when one of the wheels came off the side of the truck. The man, who was in the basket part of the equipment, which is used to hoist construction workers into the air, hit his head after he was hurled to the ground. The man died at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of this deceased construction worker. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Construction Accident Statistics

According to Cal-OSHA's fatality statistics, 56 people died in construction-related accidents in California in 2009. Of those 11 people died in transportation-related accidents, 30 died as a result of falls and four were fatally injured as a result of contact with objects and equipment.

What Caused This Fatal Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not clear what caused one of the wheels to come off. That event apparently led to the victim's fatal injuries. There are several questions here. Was this accident the result of a defective product? Did the malfunction occur because the equipment was not maintained properly? Was the worker trained to perform the task at hand? Was he given appropriate safety training? Was he being supervised at the time? I trust officials are asking these and other questions in order to determine what occurred here and why.

Compensation for Workers' Families

In such cases, deceased workers' families can receive workers compensation benefits from the employer. In this particular case, if a defective product led to the accident, then, the family can file a wrongful death claim or third-party claim against the manufacturer of the defective product. Similar third party claims can also be filed against a general contractor, sub-contractor, property owner, or other parties (other than the employer) whose negligence may have caused or contributed to the incident. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will better advise victims' families about their legal rights and options.

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

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.

Man Killed in Malibu Motorcycle Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A truck driver was injured in a Costa Mesa car accident, which officials say involved a man who was driving under the influence, the morning of November 16, 2011. According to a news article in the Daily Pilot, the truck accident occurred in the southbound lanes of Newport Boulevard at Del Mar Avenue. A Toyota 4Runner SUV driven by 29-year-old Michael Conzelman of Santa Ana hit the Coca-Cola delivery truck. The truck driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Police report Conzelman was under the influence of an unknown substance, was hallucinating, and was confrontational with officers. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

I'm relieved to hear that the truck driver was not seriously injured. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 84 injuries involving DUI collisions in the city of Costa Mesa. In Orange County as a whole, 62 people died and 1,340 were injured due to alcohol-related crashes, during the same year.

California DUI Law

Based on this news report, the driver, Conzelman, was under the influence of a controlled substance. 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."

Victims' Claim for Compensation

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is a factor, injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, physical therapy, and pain and suffering. In this case, the truck driver may also be able to seek workers compensation benefits because he was on the job at the time of the collision.
Car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Costa Mesa personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of holding negligent drivers financially responsible for their actions. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also advise victims about how their own car insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. 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

Costa Mesa DUI Collision Causes Injuries is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

After putting profits over people for decades, the truck industry has shown little regard for human life while encouraging unsafe driving practices, which have led to terrible statistics. Every 16 minutes, someone is injured or killed in a truck accident in the United States.

Last month, a jury ordered YRC incorporated to pay a driver 12.2 Million dollars after he was hit by wheel off the rear of the tractor-trailer in 2008. The victim endured severe spinal injuries and traumatic brain injury. The driver hit his head on the roof of his car despite wearing a seat belt. His personality, memory, concentration, and ability to pay attention have all been dramatically affected by the truck accident.

YRC admitted responsibility for their negligence, which caused this horrible California truck accident, but say the driver is lying about his brain injury and argued his neck injury was unrelated to the accident. The jury took the side of the plaintiff in this case and the trucking industry lost this case.

This may be a huge victory that will pressure truck companies to better take care of truck maintenance and product defects. For too many years trucking companies have provided their drivers with sub-par equipment in order to save costs. These defective or poorly maintained brakes, tires, and other truck parts have caused thousands of injuries and accidents over the years. Every year over 5,000 truck accidents result in fatalities, and the driver and passengers of the smaller cars are usually the ones that end up killed due to the huge mass and size of commercial trucks.

Truck accidents are on the rise and this is due not only to product defects but to the pressure of unrealistic deadlines trucking companies place on their employees which pressure them to lose sleep and drive for illegal and extended amounts of hours in order to reach their destination on time. Placing too much or too large of a load on their trailers is also a way trucking companies try to save money but which cause even further truck accidents along California.

Contact a California truck accident attorney today if you have been involved in a truck accident around Orange County, Los Angeles, or anywhere else in California.

Huge Truck Accident Verdict may help increase truck safety in California is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A Victorville car accident involving several vehicles resulted in injuries for at least seven people, the afternoon of November 7, 2011. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the chain-reaction crash occurred on the southbound 15 Freeway, when Cherie Hallack, 55, who was driving a Caltrans truck tried to enter traffic from the right shoulder and entered into the path of a big rig. The large truck driven by 57-year-old Vazgen Vartani swerved to avoid hitting the Caltrans truck and sideswiped a Honda Civic driven by 56-year-old Fadel G. Noumeh.

Chain Reaction Crash

The out-of-control big rig hit a Cal Fire van carrying seven inmate firefighters and their captain, before striking another unoccupied Caltrans pickup on the right shoulder. The cab of the truck then went off the freeway and into the parking lot of an Ashley Furniture store. It hit a Chevy Suburban parked in the lot and crashed through the store's front doors, before coming to stop. The inmate crew members in the van and their captain sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

It is indeed fortunate that no one was seriously injured or killed in this crash. I wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 16 people were killed and 261 were injured in Victorville car accidents. During that same year, 223 fatalities and 7,870 injuries occurred due to San Bernardino County car accidents.

Causes and Compensation Issues

Based on this news report, the chain-reaction collision was triggered by the driver of the Caltrans truck who attempted to enter traffic lanes from the freeway shoulder. It appears that she did so without properly looking for traffic. Her actions caused the big rig driver to lose control of his vehicle, officials say.

If it is determined that the driver of the Caltrans truck was at fault, she and her employer can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise injured victims about their legal rights and options. It would be in the best interests of those injured in multi-vehicle accidents to not talk to insurance adjusters or attorneys for other parties until they have talked to their own lawyer. Also, any injury claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Seven Injured in Victorville Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Two people were injured, one of them seriously, in a Los Angeles car accident after a semi-truck barreled out of control and crashed into the backyard of a home. According to a news report in The Long Beach Press-Telegram, the injury crash occurred the evening of October 1, 2011 in the 11700 block of Centralia Street near Pioneer Boulevard. Officials say the truck that was pulling an empty trailer was traveling at a high rate of speed on Centralia when it lost control and crashed through cement wall lining the home's backyard. Two people who were in the yard at the time were injured. One of the victims is said to have suffered serious injuries, but is expected to survive. Officials are investigating the cause of this accident.

My heart goes out to the injured victims of this truck accident. I wish them both the very best for a quick and complete recovery. They will certainly be in my prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were nine fatalities and 693 injuries involving car accidents in Lakewood. During the same year, Los Angeles County car accidents claimed 554 lives and injured 50,817 people.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, the driver of the semi-trailer may have lost control because he or she was traveling at a high and unsafe rate of speed. California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."

In addition, there is the issue of whether the truck had mechanical problems such as a brake failure. If that was the case the question arises as to whether the truck's brakes failed because of poor vehicle maintenance. I trust officials are also determining whether intoxication, distracted driving or recklessness may have caused or contributed to this crash.

Fault and Liability

If the truck driver is determined to have been at fault, both the driver and his or her employer could be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise car accident victims about their legal rights and options.

Lakewood Truck Accident Causes Serious Injuries is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Kathleen Blair, 41, of San Pedro was killed in a Long Beach car accident after the motorcycle on which she was a passenger, was struck by a vehicle. According to a City News Service report, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred in the southbound lanes of the 710 Freeway at Willow Street, the afternoon of September 26, 2011. Blair was a passenger on a 2004 Harley Davidson driven by 46-year-old Darrin E. Metzger. Officials say Metzger was riding the motorcycle at a high rate of speed and making unsafe lane changes. The collision apparently occurred as Metzger straddled the number one and two lanes in an attempt to pass a Nissan Murano and a big rig. The motorcycle struck the Murano. Both Metzger and Blair were ejected on impact. Blair was run over by the big rig. An investigation is ongoing.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Kathleen Blair following this tragic truck accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), six people were killed and 83 were injured in Long Beach motorcycle accidents. During that same year, there were 83 fatalities and 2,719 injuries reported as a result of Los Angeles County motorcycle accidents.

What Caused This Fatal Motorcycle Accident?

Based on this news report, Metzger was operating the motorcycle in a dangerous and reckless manner. Investigators say excessive speed was a factor in this fatal crash. California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property." Police are also saying that the accident may have occurred as Metzger was making a dangerous pass.

Liability Issues

If Metzger is determined to have been at fault here, he could be held liable for Blair's wrongful death. In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death against the at-fault party seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims' families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Long Beach

Many drivers feel that motorycylists are much more difficult to see. Do you think the automobile drivers are 100% at fault or that motorcylists should have to wear more visible clothing? Drivers are 100% at fault Motorycyclists should wear bright colors Other (write in the comment box) Current Results

Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Proves Fatal for Passenger is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

An estimated 5,000 are fatally injured in truck accidents nation-wide each year. With a population of close to 400,000, Anaheim has its fair share. With Disneyland, the Angel’s Stadium, and the Duck’s Pond in Anaheim, the amount of trucks needed to transport fuel and goods have become overly concentrated in this popular Orange County city. Unfortunately for an otherwise thriving town, the rate of truck collisions is unusually high compared with similar areas and could be prevented with safer trucking practices and laws.

Just recently on July 17th, 2011, a male passenger died off the 5 freeway in Anaheim due to a truck collision and the driver sustained serious injuries. Truck accident law in Anaheim is complex depending on California law, and various factors. The family of the victim may obtain wrongful death damages and see if any of the parties was negligent or engaging in unsafe driving such as being intoxication or overworked fatigue.

Shockingly, many truck companies overwork their drivers which causes extreme sleepiness at the wheel. Truck drivers are often pressured by their employer to complete their tasks by any means necessary. This sadly results in shortcuts that amount to negligence. Drivers are responsible to follow regulations involving time on the road, number of breaks, and weight of the load they carry. Under the law, a trucking company can be held liable for the negligence of its drivers in Anaheim, California. In a disturbing study, one in four truckers admitted to have fallen asleep at the wheel in the past month alone. Stricter regulations on the truck industry can prevent devastating accidents like the one above.

If you have been a victim of a truck accident in or around Anaheim, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. Anyone involved in a truck collision should consider hiring an Anaheim truck accident lawyer to represent them in their claim against the trucking company.

Car Accident Attorneys in Anaheim

Driving around Anaheim is more difficult than one might expect. Do you feel Anaheim, California is safe for drivers? Yes No Depends on which part of the city you are driving in. Current Results

Truck Accidents Run Rampant in Anaheim California is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A woman sustained major injuries in a Long Beach car accident after her vehicle was struck by a semi-trailer. According to a news report in The Press-Telegram, the major injury collision occurred the night of August 24, 2011 near the 405 Freeway transition to the southbound 710 Freeway. California Highway Patrol officials say that the truck that was transitioning from the 405 to the 710 overturned on to the top of a Honda car. The woman, who was the driver of the Honda, suffered major injuries while the truck driver escaped with minor injuries. Officials are still trying to determine the cause of this accident. The driver of the Honda was extricated from her vehicle and transported to an area hospital. An investigation is ongoing.

I sympathize with the woman who has suffered severe injuries in this truck accident. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 28 fatalities and 1,629 injuries reported as a result of Long Beach car accidents. During that same year, 554 people died and 50,817 were injured as a result of Los Angeles County car accidents.

What Caused This Crash?

It is unclear from this report as to how or why this major injury car versus truck collision occurred. There are many unanswered questions here. Did the truck driver make an unsafe lane change at the freeway transition? Did alcohol, drugs, speed or distracted driving play a part in this crash? Was the truck driver fatigued at the time of the crash? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed this crash? Was the truck improperly loaded or overloaded? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what occurred and why.

Liability Issues

If the truck driver is determined to have been at fault, then, the driver as well as his or her employer can be held liable for the victim's injuries and damages. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims would also be well-advised to contact an experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

Long Beach Car Accident Causes Serious Injuries is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers