California Injury Lawyer Blog

A motorcyclist was injured Thursday morning in a crash on the northbound 405 Freeway, near the Seal Beach Boulevard Exit, the Orange County Register reported. The July 29th accident was reported at 6:42 a.m. According to news reports, officers were told that a vehicle may have struck the motorcycle, forcing him to collide with another vehicle and knocking him off the bike. Further details about exactly what happened were not available.

Motorcycle Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

Statistically per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash and 9 times more likely to be injured. Motorcylists face serious risks sharing the road with other vehicles. Especially on freeways and highways, negligent drivers may not see a motorcyclist before it is too late to avoid a collision. In any situation involving where a motorcyclist is seriously injured in a collision with another vehicle, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact an experienced California motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible following an accident. A skilled Orange County personal injury lawyer can help the victim understand his legal rights to compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Injured in 405 Freeway Crash " »

Three people were taken to hospitals with major injuries following a violent three-car collision on Highway 12 in Glen Ellen on Sunday night, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. The crash occurred west of Madrone Road at about 9 p.m., and involved a Nissan Altima, a Honda CRV, and a silver Acura RSX.

According to news reports, the driver of the Nissan, Edgar Ramirez, 30, swerved into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with the Honda CRV driven by Stacy Burmer, 44, of Sanger. The Acura was directly behind Burmer's Honda CRV. The driver of the Acura, Jessica Petro, 27, of Santa Rosa, swerved to avoid the oncoming Nissan but hit the Honda and then struck a guardrail.

Ramirez and Burmer both suffered "severe" injuries and were taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and Queen of the Valley Hospital. A passenger in the Honda CRV, Debra Skelton, 40, of Sanger, was also taken to Memorial Hospital, along with Jessica Petro, the driver of the Acura.

Cause of the Highway 12 Crash

According to news reports in the Sonoma Index-Tribune, the CHP public information officer for the Napa region said the CHP is continuing its investigation to determine if Ramirez was under the influence of alcohol, "as it appears," when he hit Burmer's Honda. The cause of the July 12th Highway 12 crash remains under investigation. However, it sounds like this crash may have been alcohol-related.

Head-on Crashes and Personal Injury Liability

When another driver crosses into oncoming traffic on a highway and causes a head-on collision, he may be liable for the serious injuries of everyone involved. In situations such as this one, where drunk driving may have been a contributing factor in a crash, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact a DUI accident head-on collision attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer who has represented victims of alcohol-related crashes can help the victims protect their legal rights and obtain the maximum compensation for their injuries, including their medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering related to an accident.

Continue reading "Major Injuries Reported in Highway 12 Head-On Collision " »

An 8-year-old boy was the victim of a high-speed alcohol-related accident on Highway 1 early Tuesday morning in Seaside, KSBW News reported. The boy, who was not identified, was a passenger in a 1993 Lexus GS 300 sedan that was estimated to be travelling faster than 120 mph.

According to news reports, the driver of the Lexus, the father of the 8-year-old, tried to exit the freeway at the Fremont / Del Monte Blvd exit in Seaside, but was travelling too fast. The vehicle hit a guardrail and was sheared in half.

The driver of the Lexus, Zabdiel Arciga of Marina, suffered only minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of DUI by Cal State Monterey Bay Police. His son was flown to Valley Medical Center in San Jose, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Drunk Driving Needs to Stop

This July 27th accident is appalling and heartbreaking at the same time. A young life was taken in a horrific that could so easily have been prevented. It is just another reminder of how drunk driving is an epidemic problem in California. Why would a grown adult drive 120 mph with a young child in the car? This year, there have been a number of innocent children killed as passengers in alcohol-related accidents. Just this weekend, a 4-year-old boy was killed in an alcohol-related accident in Tulare County, when the driver of the vehicle he was riding in ran a stop sign.

Make the Choice to Never Drink and Drive

At Estey Bomberger, our DUI accident wrongful death attorneys are only too aware of how drunk driving takes innocent lives and destroys families every single day. Visit our website stop-drunk-driving.com to learn what you can do to stop drunk driving in your community. The decision to not drink and drive starts with you.

Continue reading "8-Year-Old Boy Killed in 120 MPH Drunk Driving Crash on Highway 1 " »

A 4-year-old boy tragically died Friday night in a suspected DUI crash near Cutler, the California Highway Patrol reported. According to news reports in the Fresno Bee, the victim, 4-year-old Angel Lopez, was a passenger in a Toyota driven eastbound on Avenue 440 by Rodolfo Rangle, 32, of Cutler.

Rangle apparently ran a stop sign at the intersection of Avenue 440 and Road 120, and drove into the path of a northbound 2001 Dodge. The driver of the Dodge braked to try and avoid the collision, but the front bumper of the vehicle collided with the right side of the Toyota.

Lopez was flown to Community Regional Medical Center, where he died of his injuries. Rangle was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. It was not clear what the relationship was between Rangle and Lopez. The occupants of the Dodge, Evelyn Hernandez, 55, of Orange Cove, 4-year-old Destiny Raygoza of Visalia and 60-year-old Alice Hernandez of Visalia, were taken to Kaweah Delta Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Please keep the family of Angel Lopez in your prayers as they are grieving the loss of this young, innocent boy. If news reports of this July 23rd accident are true, it is absolutely appalling that a grown adult would knowingly endanger a child by driving under the influence of alcohol.

Cause of the Tulare County Crash

Based on the news reports, it appears that this two-vehicle collision was caused by the suspected drunk driver, Rodolfo Rangle. If news reports are accurate and he is determined to have caused this crash because he was driving under the influence of alcohol, he may be facing criminal charges for his passenger's death and the injuries of the occupants of the Dodge. Additionally, Rangle may be held financially responsible for the serious personal injuries of the occupants of the Dodge, and the drunk driving wrongful death of his passenger.

Continue reading "4-Year-Old Boy Killed in Suspected Drunk Driving Crash in Orosi" »

A bicycle accident on Highway 101 in Sonoma County left a 50-year-old Petaluma man with serious injuries, the Petaluma Argus Courier reported. The accident occurred on northbound Highway 101, south of Kastania Road, at 7:24 a.m. on Friday.

According to news reports, the cyclist, whose name was not released, was riding northbound on the right shoulder of Highway 101 (in an area where cyclists are permitted) when a GMC van going about 60 mph veered off the road and onto the right shoulder and struck him. The cyclist, who was unconscious at the scene of the accident, was rushed by ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

The driver of the Chevy van, Nicolay Pokornyy, 63, of Walnut Creek, reportedly told investigators that he was trying to determine where his exit was when he struck the cyclist.

Cause of the Accident

If news reports of this incident are correct, the bicyclist had no way of avoiding this collision. It appears that the driver of this Chevy van violated the right of way of the cyclist by not paying attention to where he was going and allowing his vehicle to enter the bike lane.

Continue reading "Petaluma Cyclist Struck by Van, Seriously Injured on Highway 101 " »

We are learning more details about the fatal July 22nd Greyhound bus crash on Highway 99 near Fresno. The multi-vehicle collision involved a Greyhound bus with 47 people on board, and a Chevy Blazer SUV. The bus had left Los Angeles en route to Sacramento around 6 p.m. Wednesday. After making a stop in Fresno, the bus crashed at 2:14 a.m., when the driver swerved to avoid an overturned minivan and struck a concrete center divider near the McKinley Avenue offramp before colliding with the Chevy Blazer.

Six people died in the crash, including the driver of the bus, James Jewett, 57, of Sacramento, and three occupants of the Chevy Blazer, Stephenie Cordoba, 20, and Vanessa Gonzalez, 19, both of Fresno, and Sylvia Lopez Garay, 18, of Dinuba. The two other victims were passengers on the overturned bus, Epifania Solis, 60, of Madera and Thomas Ponce, 79, of Mexico. At least three people were hospitalized with very serious injuries.

Continue reading "Victims of Central Valley Greyhound Bus Crash Identified" »

A 44-year-old Laytonville woman died Wednesday night in a head-on collision on Highway 101, north of its juncture with Highway 271 in Humboldt County, authorities reported. T

he July 21st accident occurred at about 9:30 p.m., and involved a northbound Subaru Forester and a southbound Toyota 4Runner.

According to news reports in the Ukiah Daily Journal and Times-Standard, Saskia Martin, 37, of Benbow, was driving a Subaru Forester northbound on Highway 101, behind a slow moving big rig truck.

When Martin attempted to pass the truck, she saw a bicycle lying in the lane directly in front of her, which caused her to slam the brakes and swerve into the southbound lane.

Martin lost control of the Subaru and the vehicle spun into the path of a southbound Toyota 4-Runner driven by Tonia Evans, 44, of Laytonville. The Subaru and the 4-Runner collided, resulting in the SUV rolling several times. Tonia Evans died of her injuries at the scene of the crash. Her husband and passenger, Allen Evans, 52, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Martin complained of pain to her neck and left arm.

This horrific accident is absolutely heartbreaking. Our condolences go out to the family of Tonia Evans and everyone who knew and loved her. Please keep her family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Cause of the Crash

If news reports are accurate, it appears that this crash was caused by an unsafe maneuver made by the driver of the Subaru Forester, resulting in her northbound vehicle entering southbound lanes into the path of the 4Runner. The Times-Standard reported that the CHP continues to investigate whether drugs and alcohol played a role in the crash. Authorities recovered the apparently abandoned bicycle from the crash scene.

Continue reading "Laytonville Woman Killed, Two Injured in Hwy 101 Head-On Collision Near Piercy " »

Four people were injured in a head-on collision on Highway 89 Wednesday night in Nevada County, the Sierra Sun reported. The accident was reported south of Rampart at about 5 p.m. According to news reports, A 1998 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck heading north collided with a 2002 Acura MDX SUV headed south. The impact sent the Acura down a nearby embankment where it struck a cyclist. The three occupants of the Acura, a 42-year-old woman, a 66-year-old woman and a 6-year-old girl, all from Tahoe City, suffered major injuries in the crash. The 34-year-old driver of the Chevrolet truck, a Squaw Valley resident, suffered major injuries. The cyclist, a man from Salt Lake City, suffered minor injuries.

Cause of the Highway 89 Crash

The Sierra Sun reported that the driver of the pickup truck, who was taken to Tahoe Forest Hospital, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. It is not clear if he was driving on the wrong-side of the road or how exactly the collision occurred.

Drunk Driving Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

In this particular Highway 89 crash, it is determined that the driver of the northbound Chevy pickup truck caused the head-on collision, he or she may be liable for the injuries of the three occupants of the Acura and the cyclist. When accidents are caused by a drunk driver, in addition to criminal charges for driving under the influence, the driver may be liable for the victims' medical treatment expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. The victims' family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced northern California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully represented victims of accidents caused by drunk drivers.

Protecting the Rights of DUI Accident Victims

At Estey Bomberger, we believe accidents caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable. The decision to drink and drive is both reckless and negligent, and drivers who drive under the influence should be held accountable for their actions. For more information about what you can do to stop drinking and driving in your community, visit our website stop-drunk-driving.com.

Continue reading "Five People Injured in Suspected DUI Crash on Highway 89 " »

A Porterville woman riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle suffered major injuries Tuesday afternoon when a car made a U-turn in the path of her motorcycle. According to news reports, a 43-year-old woman driving a 2006 Chevrolet sedan northbound on Plano Street when she began to make a U-turn near Scranton Avenue. The Chevy collided with a 2007 Harley Davidson driven by Joyann Williams, 38, of Porterville. The impact forced the motorcycle into an open field on the corner of Scranton Avenue. Williams was flown to Community Regional Medical Center with major injuries. The driver of the Chevy was not injured.

Cause of the Plano Street Motorcycle Accident

The Tulare County motorcycle accident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Based on the limited information available in news reports, it appears that the driver of the Chevy failed to yield to the motorcyclist's right-of-way and pulled into the path of the Harley Davidson. The CHP will look at speed of the vehicles, whether or not the driver of the sedan was making a legal U-turn, and other factors to determine how this accident occurred.

Motorcycle Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the Chevrolet caused this crash, she may be liable for the major injuries sustained by Joyann Williams. Compensation awarded in a personal injury claim may include damages for hospitalization and medical treatment, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. While this crash remains under investigation, the family of the victim may benefit from seeking a consultation with an experienced California motorcycle accident attorney about the victim's rights to compensation from this accident. A lawyer familiar with the unique legal issues of motorcycle accidents can help the victim protect her legal rights and recover maximum compensation for her serious injuries as a result of the crash.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Crash with Car Making U-Turn in Porterville" »

At least six people died early Thursday morning when a Greyhound bus carrying 47 people from Los Angeles to Sacramento crashed on Highway 99 in the Central Valley, authorities reported. Dozens more were injured in the crash, which occurred at about 2 a.m., when the driver of the Greyhound swerved to avoid an overturned minivan and struck the concrete divider, and then another vehicle before colliding with a tree.

Anyone seeking information about friends or family on the bus may call Greyhound's information line at (800)972-4583.

Bus Accidents and Common Carrier Duty of Care

Bus drivers and bus companies are held to a higher duty of care than drivers of passenger vehicles, because the Federal government has created strict regulations in regard to the liability owed to passengers injured when using a common carrier. The guidelines to determine whether or not a carrier is a common carrier are set forth in the California Book of Standard Civil Jury Instructions. The determining factors include whether the carrier maintains a regular place of business for the purpose of transporting passengers or property, whether the carrier advertises its services to the general public, and whether it charges fees for its services.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

While this Fresno Greyhound bus accident is under investigation, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact a California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect their rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. The lawyers at Estey Bomberger have recovered millions for bus accident victims in California, and offer a free, no-obligation consultation to help you understand and protect your legal rights.

Continue reading "Six Killed, 34 Injured in Greyhound Bus Crash in Fresno " »

A wine-tasting outing ended in tragedy when a suspected drunk driver killed two women in a side-impact collision on Geyserville Avenue, the San Francisco Examiner reported. The Sonoma County accident, which involved a 2004 Hyundai SUV and a 2001 Subaru Forrester, occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Geyservile Avenue, just east of U.S. Highway 101. Authorities believe the driver of the Hyundai, Lyndsay Murray-Mazany was under the influence of alchol when she drove strait through a 90-degree turn and struck the left side of the eastbound 2001 Subaru Forrester.

Two passengers and close friends in the Subaru, Beverly Jones and Nancy McBride, both 77 and from Cloverdale, were killed on impact. The driver of the Subaru, Katherine Hinzman, 56, of Cloverdale, and two other passengers, Alice Sheperia, 82, and Barbara King, 70, both of Cloverdale, suffered moderate to major injuries. All were taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Neither Murray-Mazany or the three passengers in her Hyundai were hurt. The CHP is investigating the crash. According to the Press Democrat, the CHP was retracing the route of the Murray-Mazany and the wine-tasting group, to see if any people in the tasting rooms had observed signs of impairment or intoxication.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of all of the victims of this crash, a tight-knit group of women from Cloverdale who were headed to dinner after watching a play in Santa Rosa. Please keep all of their families in your prayers.

DUI Accidents and Liability Considerations

When a driver under the influence of alcohol causes an accident, that driver is responsible for the consequences of her actions, and in addition to criminal charges for drunk driving, may be held financially liable for the injuries or death that occur. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of all of the occupants in the Subaru would be well-advised to speak to a northern California personal injury attorney as soon as possible about a civil claim for this drunk driving accident. A skilled lawyer can help the victims of this accident protect their legal rights to hold the driver (and any other parties that may be liable for this crash) fully responsible for the serious injuries and wrongful deaths that occurred in this crash.

Advocates for Stopping Drunk Driving

At Estey Bomberger, we believe every accident caused by a drunk driver is 100% preventable. Our attorneys are advocates for reducing the number of serious accidents that are caused by drunk drivers by raising awareness about how drunk driving destroys lives and tears apart families. The decision to stop drunk driving can start with you. Visit our website, stop-drunk-driving.com to learn more about what you can do to stop drunk driving in your community.

Continue reading "Two Cloverdale Women Killed in Suspected DUI Crash Near Geyserville" »

A 60-year-old Oro Grande man tragically died Tuesday night in an accident on northbound Interstate 15, the Victorville Daily Press reported. The man, identified by the San Bernardino Sheriff-Coroner as Stephen Michael Fenstermaker, was a passenger in a 2004 Ford Explorer. For reasons still under investigation, at about 7:20 p.m., the driver of the Ford Explorer lost control of her vehicle. The SUV went off the freeway and rolled down a ravine on the right side of the freeway. Fenstermaker died at the scene of the crash. The driver of the vehicle suffered a broken leg.

Our condolences go out to the family of Stephen Fenstermaker and everyone who knew and loved him. Please keep his family in your prayers.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why the driver of the Ford Explorer went off the freeway. At this point, there are more questions than answers regarding what happened and whether this Interstate 15 accident was caused by driver error or a defect in the vehicle or a dangerous condition on the roadway.

Ford Explorer Rollover Accidents on Interstate 15

On Sunday, March 28th, a Rancho Cucamonga couple died in a Ford Explorer rollover accident in the Cajon Pass, on southbound Interstate 15, north of Highway 138. That accident, and this July 13th accident, are reminders of the potentially deadly consequences of SUV rollover accidents at highway speeds. Earlier this year, a southern California jury awarded $23.5 million to a woman who was paralyzed following a Ford Rollover accident on Interstate 15 on March 23, 2007. In that case, jurors were shown evidence at trial that Ford knew of the safety issues of the Explorer, yet executives declined safety improvement recommendations in an effort to save money.

Ford Explorer Rollovers and Wrongful Death Liability

Ford Motor Company has paid out millions to victims of Ford Explorer rollover accidents. In situations such as this one, where someone dies as a result of a Ford Explorer rollover accident, the victim's family would be well-advised to contact a California SUV rollover accident lawyer with proven experience handling claims against Ford Motor Company. A skilled lawyer can review the unique circumstances of the accident and advise the victim's family of their best course of action to protect their legal rights following an accident, and help them understand who is responsible for their loss.

Although no amount of money can bring back a life tragically lost, a wrongful death claim can hold accountable the parties that are responsible and give families hope that similar accidents may be prevented in the future. Damages awarded for a wrongful death claim may include money for anticipated future earnings and benefits of the decedent, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "One Killed, One Injured in Interstate 15 Ford Explorer Rollover Crash in Cajon Pass" »

A motorcyclist died Monday night after suffering critical injuries in an intersection collision in Taft, the Midway Driller reported. The Kern County accident occurred at the intersection of Kern Street (West Side Hwy / CA-33, and 8th Street, at about 8 p.m. According to news reports, a motorcycle was travelling eastbound on Kern Street, while at the same time an SUV was making a left turn from northbound Eighth Street to westbound Kern Street.

The motorcycle and the SUV collided at the intersection. The driver of the SUV was not hurt; the motorcyclist suffered major injuries and was rushed to Kern Medical Center, where he died at 9:29 p.m. The Kern County Sheriff-Coroner identified the victim as Steven Mason, 22, of Bakersfield. Mason was wearing a helmet, authorities reported.

Cause of the Crash

Based on the news reports, it appears that the driver of the SUV pulled out into the path of the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist did not have a stop sign at the intersection, while the driver of the SUV did. However, the official cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Motorcycle Accidents Involving Left-Turns

This type of collision involving a motorcycle with the right of way and a vehicle making a left turn is fairly common. On June 28th, a motorcyclist died in a Butte County motorcycle accident when a teen made a left turn in front of him. In May, a motorcyclist died in a similar motorcycle crash in Madera County involving a pickup truck making a left turn on Highway 41. While these failure-to-yield motorcycle accidents are common, unless excessive speed is involved, they are almost always the fault of the driver of the vehicle making a left turn.

Continue reading "Bakersfield Man Killed In Taft Intersection Crash " »

A 61-year-old Grass Valley man died Saturday in a horrific head-on collision on Hammonton-Smartville Road in Linda, the Appeal Democrat reported. The accident occurred at 1:05 p.m., west of Bryden Road. According to news reports, Thomas Whitman of Grass Valley was driving a 1999 Hyundai east on Hammonton-Smartville, while at the same time, a 2001 Toyota driven by a 17-year-old Olivehurst boy, was travelling west. The CHP believes the Olivehurst teen, who was not identified, may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing him to drift over the center line into the eastbound lane.

Whitman reportedly swerved the Hyundai to attempt to avoid the collision, while at the same time the teenager jerked the Toyota back into the westbound lane. The two vehicles collided head-on. Whitman died of his injuries at the scene of the accident. The 17-year-old driver suffered moderate injuries. An 18-year-old passenger and a 12-year-old passenger, both from Winton, suffered major injuries. The two teens were taken to Rideout Medical Center, and the younger boy was flown to UC Davis Medical Center.

Cause of the Fatal Yuba County Crash

The CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of the fatal July 11th head-on collision in Yuba County. However, if news reports are accurate, the teenage driver of the Toyota likely caused this collision, by making a lane departure into oncoming traffic, and triggering the events that led to the fatal head-on collision.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability Issues

When another driver causes a fatal collision, that driver may be liable for the wrongful death of the other driver in a wrongful death claim. In this case, if it is determined that the teen driver in the Toyota caused this crash, he may be liable for the death of Thomas Whitman, as well as the serious injuries of the two other occupants of his vehicle. In situations such as this one, the family members of the victims may benefit from contacting an experienced California personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect their rights, and ensure everything is done to recover maximum compensation for the victims' wrongful death and serious injuries as a result of this accident.

Continue reading "Grass Valley Man Killed in Head-on Collision in Yuba County " »

Two children were taken to Enloe Medical Center following a crash Wednesday afternoon on Highway 99E at South Avenue, near Corning. According to news reports in the Red Bluff Daily News, at about 12:15 p.m., Marcos Rendon, 20, of Corning, made a left turn from Highway 99E onto South Avenue, directly into the path of a southbound vehicle driven by Mark Fowler, 49 of Paradise. Fowler swerved, but was unable to avoid the collision. The impact sent Fowler's vehicle into a third vehicle driven by Angelita Melendrez, 33, of Orland, who was turning from South Avenue onto Hwy 99E. A 9-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl in Melendrez's vehicle were taken to Enloe Medical Center.

Cause of the Highway 99 Crash

The cause of the Tehama County crash still remains under investigation. However, if news reports are accurate, the 20-year-old man turning onto Corning Avenue may have caused this crash by failing to yield to the right-of-way of Mark Fowler's vehicle.

Continue reading "Two Children Injured in Highway 99E Crash Near Corning " »

In what is a tragic reminder of the consequences of drinking and driving, four teens were injured, three seriously, in a horrific SUV rollover crash in Folsom late Wednesday night. Folsom Police say alcohol and drugs appeared to play a role in the solo vehicle crash. Broken whiskey bottles, marijuana, and other drug paraphernalia were found nearby, the Sacramento Bee reported.

The accident occurred on Heritage Place just before midnight on Wednesday, July 7th. Police say the SUV was speeding north on Heritage when the driver swerved onto a sidewalk and rolled multiple times. The 17-year-old unlicensed driver, the only one of the four occupants wearing a seat belt, suffered only minor injuries. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence causing serious injury and booked at the Sacramento Juvenile Hall. The three other teens, two males and one female, suffered very serious injuries. Folsom police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Social Host Laws

Earlier this year, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a "Social Host Ordinance" that holds adults responsible for hosting, or knowingly providing a venue for gatherings, when they reasonably should have known underage drinking would occur. In California, parents and adults who furnish alcohol to teens can be found liable for injuries caused by drinking and driving accidents. "Social Host" ordinances address the problems of underage drinking facilitated by enabling parents and other adults who are aware of underage alcohol consumption at private residences, but fail to stop it. (See News 10 story " Sacramento County law against underage drinking could land parents in jail.")

Continue reading "Four Teens Hurt In Suspected DUI Crash in Folsom " »

Two people tragically died early Monday morning in a head-on collision on Interstate 580, the Tracy Press reported. The accident occurred at about 2:55 a.m. on westbound I-580, west of Bird Road. According to news reports, a 34-year-old Tracy man was driving a 2000 Toyota Tundra westbound on Interstate 580. At the same time, a 30-year-old Tracy woman was driving her 2004 Dodge Caravan east in the westbound lanes. The two vehicles collided head on, and both drivers, the sole occupants of their vehicles, died at the scene.

Cause of the Interstate 580 Head-On Crash

If news reports are accurate, the driver of the Dodge Caravan caused this collision by travelling the wrong way on Interstate 580. The California Highway Patrol did not immediately determine how the driver of the Dodge Caravan ended driving in the wrong direction. There was reportedly no immediate indication that drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. Head-on collisions frequently occur on two-lane highways, when a driver momentarily drifts into oncoming traffic, often due to unsafe passing or falling asleep at the wheel. However, when head-on collisions occur on a divided interstate, it is usually due to a wrong-way driver suffering some kind of impairment or confusion.

Wrongful Death Liability

While this I-580 crash remains under investigation, the family members of the driver of the Toyota would likely benefit from discussing this fatal head-on collision with an experienced California Interstate 580 accident attorney. When another driver causes an accident resulting in death, the family members of the victim may be entitled to damages in a wrongful death claim, including money for funeral and burial exneses, loss of future earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care, companionship and support. An experienced attorney can help the victims' family hold the at-fault driver accountable for this accident (and any other parties that contributed to it), and the devastating loss of life that it caused.

Continue reading "Two Killed in Head-On Collision on Interstate 580" »

A 48-year-old Temecula man tragically died Sunday, July 4th, in a motorcycle accident in Valley Center, the San Diego County Medical Examiner reported. The accident occurred at about 10:15 a.m. on Lilac Road, south of West Lilac Road. According to news reports, the victim, Bradley Robert Eckhardt, was riding his vintage 1969 R350 Yamaha motorcycle southbound on Lilac Road. Just after he passed W. Lilac Road, he lost control of his motorcycle for unknown reasons. The motorcycle slid into the path of a Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck, which was towing a loaded horse trailer. The driver of the Dodge truck was not able to stop before striking Eckhardt. He died at the scene.

Cause of the Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the accident is being investigated by the CHP's Oceanside office. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why the accident occurred, or what caused Eckhardt to lose control of his bike. Investigators will look at all possible causes and contributing causes, including mechanical failure, dangerous road condition, and rider error. The speed of the Dodge truck may also be a factor in the crash as well.

Continue reading "Temecula Man Killed in Valley Center Motorcycle Crash with Truck Towing Horse Trailer " »

A 58-year-old man tragically died Friday night in north Stockton when the driver of a U-Haul lost control of the vehicle and collided with his Honda Civic, News 10 reported. The crash occurred at 5:35 p.m. on July 2nd, at the intersection of Hammer Lane and Richland Way. According to news reports, a man driving a U-Haul truck was traveling westbound on Hammer Lane, when for unknown reasons, he lost control of the vehicle, went onto a sidewalk and struck a tree.

The U-Haul then continued into the intersection of Richland Way, where it broadsided the Honda Civic that was waiting to turn westbound onto Hammer Lane. The driver of the Honda Civic died in the crash. The driver of the U-Haul was not injured. Based on the limited information in news reports, it is not clear why this crash occurred. Stockton Police are investigating the cause of the collision, including whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in the accident, or if the crash was caused by a mechanical failure in the truck.

Wrongful Death Liability Considerations

Regardless of whether the San Joaquin County crash was caused by negligent driving, drunk driving, a mechanical failure in the U-Haul truck, or some other cause, if news reports are accurate, the driver of the Honda Civic was the victim. While this crash remains under investigation, the family of the man killed would be well-advised to contact a California wrongful death lawyer who has handled serious accidents involving rented U-Haul trucks.

An experienced attorney can review the official accident report, explain the unique legal issues of the accident, and help the family protect their legal rights to hold the at-fault party accountable and financially responsible for their loved one's death in a wrongful death claim. Damages awarded in a wrongful death action can include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings and benefits of the decedent, and loss of love, care, and companionship.

Continue reading "Man Killed in Crash with U-Haul Truck in North Stockton " »

A 21-year-old man tragically died and two others were seriously hurt early Thursday following a head-on collision caused by a suspected drunk driver, the Manteca Bulletin reported. The San Joaquin County crash occurred shortly before 2 a.m. Thursday July 1st , south of Yosemite Avenue. According to news reports, the CHP received calls from motorists shortly after 2 a.m. Thursday who had seen a Ford Explorer travelling southbound in the northbound lanes of the freeway, near French Camp road. Officers were dispatched to the area, but unfortunately, before they could head the driver off the road, a head-on collision occurred.

The SUV, a 1996 blue Ford Explorer, was driven by Tiffany Holmes, 35, of Stockton. Holmes collided head on with a 1997 Honda Accord travelling in the northbound lanes of Highway 99 in Manteca. The female driver and male passenger, both 21, were taken to regional trauma centers, where the man later died. The 3-year-old girl in their vehicle was airlifted to U.C. Davis Medical Center. The man and woman in the Honda were wearing seat belts, and the 3-year-old girl was properly restrained. Holmes suffered two broken legs, but is expected to survive. The CHP reported she is being charged with vehicular manslaughter and felony driving under the influence causing injury.

Cause of the Highway 99 Crash

If news reports are accurate, the driver of the Ford Explorer is at fault for this collision, although the California Highway Patrol is still investigating the incident. Drunk driving accidents are especially heartbreaking because they are 100% preventable. Our condolences go out to the family members of the young couple and the young girl, whose lives are forever changed as a result of this accident. Please keep their families and in your prayers.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

In addition to criminal charges for drunken driving causing injury and death, the suspected drunken driver may also be held financially responsible for the injuries and death resulting from this collision. While this July 1st Highway 99 accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to talk to a California personal injury attorney about their legal rights and holding the at-fault driver responsible for her actions in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. An attorney who has successfully represented victims of drunk-driving wrong-way collisions can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights, and obtain the maximum compensation they may be entitled to following this accident.

Continue reading "One Killed, Three Hurt in Suspected DUI Wrong-Way Crash on Highway 99 " »

A 65-year-old Oroville man tragically died Monday when a teen driver made a left turn directly into the path of his motorcycle on Forbestown Road. The Butte County coroner identified the man as Stephen Charles Greenman. According to news reports in the Sacramento Bee, Greenman was travelling west on Forbestown Road when an 18-year-old woman travelling east on Forbestown turned left at Hurleton Road. The 1994 Geo Prizm she was driving collided with Greenman's 2009 Harley-Davidson. Greenman, who was wearing was wearing a helmet, was ejected from the bike and died of his injuries.

The Forbestown Road crash occurred around 3:45 p.m., a few miles east of Olive Highway (CA-162). The driver of the Geo Prizm was identified as Elizabeth Dearden, 18, of Oroville. She and a female passenger in her vehicle both suffered minor injuries. Dearden was not cited immediately following the accident, but, according to a CHP officer, she could face either an infraction over the left turn or a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter for making a left turn causing death. The Butte County District Attorney will determine what charges, if any, the driver will face.

Cause of the Crash

If news reports of this Butte County motorcycle accident are accurate, Stephen Charles Greenman was not at fault for this collision, because he had the right of way, and the teen driver failed to observe him before attempting the left turn and colliding with his motorcycle.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In addition to possible traffic infractions or criminal charges for the fatal accident, the driver who is believed to have caused the accident may also be held financially responsible for the victim's death in a California wrongful death claim. The family of the victim would be well-advised to speak with a California motorcycle accident attorney about this accident as soon as possible. Monetary damages awarded in a wrongful death action may include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care and companionship of family members. An experienced attorney can help the victim's family understand and protect their rights, and advise them of their best course of action going forward.

Continue reading "Oroville Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash Caused by Teen Driver " »