California Injury Lawyer Blog

ELK GROVE - A rollover crash Saturday night in Elk Grove left one person dead and six others injured, the Sacramento Bee reported. According to news reports, the accident occurred on northbound Highway 99 near Sheldon Road at 7:22 p.m., when a vehicle entering the freeway lost control and struck a Dodge minivan carrying seven people. The driver of the minivan was ejected from the vehicle and killed. The other six occupants of the vehicle suffered injuries ranging from minor to moderate.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability

The cause of the January 29th car accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol; it is not clear why the driver of the other vehicle lost control and struck the minivan. After a fatal accident such as this one where the cause is unclear, the family members of the victims of this accident would be well-advised to speak with a Sacramento car accident lawyer, while authorities are still looking at all possible causes. If negligence of the other driver was the cause of the crash, the family members of the victim may be entitled to recover damages for their injuries or loss in a wrongful death claim. A skilled and knowledgeable lawyer can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights following this horrific Elk Grove car accident.

Continue reading "One Killed, Six Injured in Minivan Rollover in Elk Grove " »

STOCKTON - A 51-year-old Stockton man tragically was killed Thursday when his 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee went off the road and struck a tree, the Lodi News-Sentinel reported. At about 8:18 a.m. on Thursday, January 27, Kevin Gormly, 51, was driving southbound on Highway 99 near Morada Lane when his vehicle left the road. The CHP does not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. The cause of the fatal San Joaquin County car accident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

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JANUARY 26, 2011 -- Estey Bomberger Files Lawsuit in SDSU Stabbing Death Involving Fabian Nuñez's Son

The California wrongful death law firm Estey Bomberger has announced it has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Fred and Kathy Santos, the parents of Luis Santos, who was stabbed to death at the age of 22, in San Diego on October 4, 2008. Santos' death drew statewide and nationwide media attention because defendant Esteban Nuñez is the son of former California State Assembly Speaker and prominent democratic politician, Fabian Nuñez.

The civil suit was filed in San Diego Superior Court against Ryan Jett, Esteban Nuñez, Rafael Garcia and Leshanor Thomas, all of whom have been criminally prosecuted for Santos' death. The civil suit alleges that each of the four defendants is civilly liable for the death of Luis Santos and the enormous loss caused to the Santos family. The complaint asks for damages and does not state a dollar amount being sought (continue reading).

If you suffered a serious injury due to someone else's negligence while skiing or snowboarding in California, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for your injuries. Although many people believe skiers and snowboarders "assume all risks" at resorts, if an accident is caused by the negligence of another skier, the ski resort, or the manufacturer of ski or snowboard equipment, victims may be able to recover damages for their injuries. Family members of victims of fatal ski accidents may be able to recover damages in a wrongful death claim. Ski accidents include, but are not limited to:

Ski and snowboard accidents and unique legal issues; not all ski accident victims are entitled to recover compensation for their injuries. A ski lift is similar to an amusement park ride, and considered a common carrier in California. Ski lift operators have an enhanced duty of care to protect skiers from harm. If a ski lift operator is negligent and causes injury to a skier or snowboarder, the ski resort may be liable for the victim's injuries.

Ski Accident Facts and Statistics

There are inherent risks with skiing, and a number of notable people have died in skiing accidents, including Sonny Bono, Michael Kennedy, and Natasha Richardson. According to the National Ski Areas Association, on average, about 38 people die each year in ski and snowboard accidents. An average of 42 people per year suffer serious injury such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Less than 10% of fatal accidents involve collisions among skiers and snowboarders. The number of people injured or killed in ski accidents is far less than the more than 40,000 deaths in automobile accidents or the 5,000 deaths in pedestrian accidents.

Ski Safety Tips

Ski safety is everyone's responsibility. Skiers and snowboarders can protect themselves from serious head injury by wearing a helmet and never riding slopes that are beyond their skill level. Skiers can observe the NSAA "Responsibility Code" and help reduce the risk of being involved in an accident on the slopes:

Like all states, California has a statute of limitations in which limits the amount of time in which injured victims can pursue a claim for compensation. If you have been injured in a California ski resort accident, contact an experienced California personal injury attorney - one who has successfully handled California ski accident injury and wrongful death claims - who can advise you of your legal rights and options, and best course of action to recover compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

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CHICO - A Caltrans worker and another man were hospitalized following an accident Monday afternoon in Chico, CBS 12 Action News reported. According to news accounts, Jesse Ferguson of Oroville was reportedly driving his Chevy Tahoe on the shoulder of the freeway when his truck rear-ended a Caltrans vehicle doing weed abatement. Fergus an the driver of the Cal Trans truck, Terrance Done Jr., were both taken by ambulance to Enloe Medical Center. It is unknown why Ferguson was driving his truck on the shoulder of Highway 99. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

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The California Public Utilities Commission is investigating the January 14th San Bernardino power line accident. Authorities are investigating why high voltage power lines fell onto a San Bernardino home early Friday morning, killing a couple and their 21-year-old son in a horrific sequence of events that was witnessed by the couple's 17-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son. After the couple heard a loud explosion, husband Steven Vego went outside to douse a backyard fire. When he came into contact with the power line, he was electrocuted. His wife Sharon Vego came out to assist and was also electrocuted. Her 21-year-old son, Jonathon Cole, was also fatally electrocuted when he went outside to try to help.

Not "Just an Accident"

While many are calling this a tragic accident, it likely could have been prevented. The investigation by the California Public Utilities Commission into the incident could take months. Southern California Edison has promised they will "leave no stone unturned so that [they] can take appropriate corrective actions. While this may be reassuring for others that live under power lines, it does nothing to undo the tragedy that killed three people on January 14th and shattered the future of two children. The family of the victims would be well advised to talk to a California personal injury lawyer who can arrange an independent investigation into the event and help them protect their legal rights. The electrical company may very well be liable and financially responsible for this horrible and heartbreaking accident.

Continue reading "Investigation Underway Into San Bernardino Electrocution Deaths " »

A San Bernardino couple and their adult son were very tragically killed Friday morning when Southern California Edison power lines fell in their backyard and electrocuted them. According to the Los Angeles Times, at about 5:45 a.m. Friday, Steven Vego, a 44-year-old plumber went outside to investigate a sequence of loud explosions. Vego's wife, Sharon Vego, went out to the front yard of their home on Acacia Avenue near 54th Street in San Bernardino to try and put out fires apparently sparked by the fallen power lines.

From inside the home, Steven's 17-year-old daughter saw her father step over the fallen power line and fall to the ground. She called out to her mother, who rushed to the backyard. When Sharon touched her husband, she fell to the ground as well. Sharon's 21-year-old son Jonathan Cole raced outside next and also fell to the ground.

The LA Times reported that Steven and Sharon's 17-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son watched the sequence of events in horror and immediately called 911. Emergency responders were initially unable to reach the victims because the downed power lines were still electrified. The power was shut off by Southern California Edison about 15 minutes later.

According news reports, friends and relatives of the Vego family expressed outrage and anger because a power line had previously fallen in the couple's backyard. The family questioned whether the line was properly repaired.

Who is Responsible?

This accident may have been 100% preventable. Southern California Edison provides 11 million people with electricity, and they have every responsibility and obligation to transmit electricity safely, taking into consideration high wind forces, lighting strikes, and adverse weather conditions. Fallen power lines are a serious safety risk to everyone, as they transmit enough voltage to kill any living thing that comes in contact with them. This January 14th San Bernardino incident will be investigated by OSHA and the California Public Utilities Commission. Based upon the news reports of this horrific incident, there is a very real possibility that the power line was not correctly repaired when it fell several years ago.

Downed Power Line Wrongful Death Liability

If the power company did not correctly repair the downed line, or if for any other reason they failed to maintain the power line, Southern California Edison may be financially liable for the resulting three lives lost for failing to properly repair the lines. While this incident remains under investigation, the family members of the Vego family would be well-advised to speak to an experienced California wrongful death lawyer who may be able to help them protect their legal rights to hold whoever is responsible for this devastating incident accountable to the maximum extent. After an incident as significant as this one, it would be advisable to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible, while important evidence is most readily available.

Continue reading "San Bernardino Parents and Son Killed by Downed Power Lines " »

Honda is recalling 2,277 vehicles to replace a wiring coupler on some models. The vehicles affected include the 2010 Honda Accord and the 2010 Honda CR-V equipped with the four-cylinder powertrain. According to USA Today, the coupler may have been damaged during assembly, which could lead to engine stalling. Owners will receive notification in February, and Honda says it will replace the wire harness coupler at no cost. So far, no injuries or accidents have been reported. For more information, Honda owners can go to recalls.honda.com or call (800) 999-1009, and select option 4.

Auto Defects and Personal Injury Liability

Automakers have a responsibility to make safe vehicles. When manufacturing or assembly defects cause accidents that result in serious injury or death, injured drivers and passengers may be entitled to recover financial compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages from the manufacturer of the vehicle. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving a recalled vehicle, contact a defective product lawyer to discuss the accident and your legal rights. Because auto defect claims are vigorously defended, it is important to choose an attorney who has the experience, skills and resources to get you the compensation you deserve.

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SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY - A 61-year-old Hesperia man critically injured in a motorcycle accident on New Year's Day has died, the Press-Enterprise has reported. The man, Herbert Snetsinger, 61, lost control of his motorcycle just before 10 a.m. Saturday, January 1st, on northbound Highway 395 near Shadow Mountain Road in Adelanto. He was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he died Thursday, January 6th.

The cause of the Hwy 395 motorcycle accident remains under investigation, and at this point, it is unclear what happened to cause Snetsinger to lose control and crash. Hopefully, the law enforcement investigation will provide answers as to what happened and why. While many fatal motorcycle accidents are attributed to rider inexperience or unsafe driving, some accidents are completely outside the realm of control of the rider. If this accident was caused by a defect in the motorcycle, such as a accelerator that sticks or breaks, or a crack in a fuel system part. Safety related defects are the reason for numerous motorcycle part recalls every year. Other solo vehicle motorcycle accidents are caused by defects in the roadway, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, lack of guardrails, and maintenance neglect.

After an accident such as this one, where the cause is unclear, it would certainly be advisable for the family of the victim to consider speaking with a California wrongful death lawyer. If a defect in the motorcycle or a dangerous roadway condition caused this accident, the family may be able to recover financial compensation for their loved one's death, including damages for final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and benefits, loss of love, care, affection and companionship, and other damages. An experienced lawyer can review the law enforcement report of the incident, and if necessary, arrange to have the motorcycle and the location of the accident inspected by an expert.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Dies 6 Days After Highway 395 Crash " »

CARPINTERIA VALLEY, CA - A Ventura man had to be airlifted to a hospital Monday afternoon after crashing his bicycle on Highway 150, the Ventura County Star reported. The accident happened at about 11:40 a.m. on the Highway east of Gobernador Canyon Road. According to news reports, the cyclist, Joseph Powers, 48, was riding downhill when for reasons unknown, he lost control of the bike and was ejected. Powers was flown to Ventura County Medical Center with back injuries.

Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

The news accounts of this accident did not explain why Powers lost control of his bicycle. Solo-vehicle accidents such as this one can have numerous causes, from cyclist distraction to debris in the road, to a defect in the bicycle itself. After an injury accident such as this one, it would be advisable for the family of the injured cyclist to contact a California bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible, who can arrange to have the damaged bicycle as well as the location of the accident inspected.

If a defect in the bicycle or a dangerous road condition caused this accident, the injured cyclist may be entitled to compensation for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. An attorney who specializes in representing bicycle accident victims can check to see if the bicycle or any of its parts have been recently recalled, and advise the victim of his legal rights following this accident, and his best course of action to protect them.

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The Associated Press reported today that Salsa Cycles, a unity of Quality Bicycle Products, has voluntarily recalled 6,500 bicycle handle stems due to a defect, which can cause the stems to crack or break, posing a fall hazard to riders.

The recall includes all CroMoto S.U.L. 25.4 and 26.0 threadless handlebar stems and all CroMoto S.U.L. 26.0 quill handlebar stems sold as individual aftermarket units after April 1, 2010. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the black stems, which were manufactured in Taiwan, have the word "Salsa" painted on the extension and include a hash mark on the inside of the stem bar clamp area.

The stems were sold at bicycle retailers and websites from April 2010 through October 2010 for about $65. Consumers are urged to stop riding the bicycles that have the stems and contact an authorized Salsa Bicycles dealer for either a handlebar stem replacement or a complete refund.

Bicycle Part Defects and Personal Injury Liability

Every year, thousands of bicycles and bicycle parts are recalled due to product defects and flaws that cause accidents and injuries. When accidents are caused by defects in the manufacturing or design of the bike or bike part, the manufacturer, distributor and other parties in the chain of distribution may be liable for your injuries. If you have been involved in an accident involving a recalled bicycle or bicycle part, you are urged to contact an experienced California bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Keep the bicycle part in its current condition; do not have any damaged parts destroyed, repaired or replaced until you have spoken to an attorney who can arrange to have the bicycle inspected.

Continue reading "Salsa Cycles Recalls 6,500 Handlebar Stems Due to Fall Hazard " »

A crash last week on El Sobrante Road killed a 68-year-old Perris woman and injured seven other people the Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred at about 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2010. According to news reports, Brian Lee, 34 of Riverside was driving eastbound on El Sobrante Road in a 1998 Ford F-150 pickup. At the same time, Claudia Martinez, 36, was driving westbound in a 2005 Nissan Armada. According to police, Lee lost control of his pickup truck on the rain-slicked road, because the vehicle was being driven "at an unsafe speed for the wet conditions."

A passenger in the Nissan, Maria Ponce, 68, of Perris, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Riverside County Regional Medical Center in Moreno Valley, where she died. Martinez suffered moderate injuries. Her two young children and three of their friends suffered minor injuries. Lee was hospitalized and was not arrested, however, the Press-Enterprise reported the CHP would seek charges against him.

Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Liability

If news reports are accurate, this accident was likely caused by unsafe driving, given the wet conditions at the time of the collision. In addition to being cited or charged with negligent driving, the driver may also be financially liable for the death of Maria Ponce, and the injuries of Claudia Martinez and the other occupants of her SUV. While the incident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims may benefit from speaking to an experienced California personal injury lawyer about the accident and the unique legal issues involved. A lawyer can review the report of the incident by law enforcement and advise the victims of their best course of action to recover maximum financial compensation in a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Perris Woman Killed in Head-On Collision Near Lake Mathews " »

CLOVIS - A car accident on Sierra Avenue in Clovis killed a 22-year-old man and injured two other people, ABC News reported. The accident occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday, January 2, 2011 under the 168 Freeway. According to news reports, Jeff Anderson, 22, lost control of his Chevy truck and crashed into a concrete pillar and died at the scene of the accident. Two passengers were taken to Community Regional Medical Center, one with critical injuries. The cause of the fatal accident remains under investigation by the Clovis Police Department.

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The Napa Valley Register reported a 61-year-old Napa man suffered a broken ankle after he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle on First Street Monday afternoon. The accident was reported at the intersection of First Street and Freeway Drive at 2:55 p.m. According to news reports, the cyclist, David Mitchell, 61, collided with a Toyota Prius driven by Andrew Healy, 40, of Napa. Healy was driving westbound on First Street and Mitchell was riding northbound on Freeway Drive. Mitchell was taken to Queen of the Valley Medical Center. According to the Napa Valley Register, the incident remains under investigation by Napa Police. Fault has not yet been determined.

Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

Bicycle accidents have unique legal issues. If police determine that the driver of the Prius caused the Napa car accident, the victim may be entitled to financial compensation for his injuries, including medical care expenses and lost earnings as a result of the accident, as well as pain and suffering. After an accident such as this one, where the cause of the collision is unclear, the injured victim or his family would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable northern California bicycle accident lawyer about the accident and the victim's legal rights and options resulting from the incident.

Continue reading "Cyclist Hit by Car in Napa " »

SAN LEANDRO - A 27-year-old San Lorenzo man tragically died Sunday, January 2nd in a car accident on Interstate 580, the San Leandro Patch reported. According to news reports, the victim, Ranjeet Singh, was driving a Toyota Corolla around 6 a.m. when his vehicle collided with the center divider. His vehicle was then struck by a Toyota Rav4 and then a Honda Accord. The accident occurred between the Golf Links and Dutton Avenue exits. The cause of the incident remains under investigation; further details regarding the circumstances of the accident were not available.

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The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported a Santa Rosa boy suffered major injuries - including multiple bone fractures - when he was hit by a car Friday evening in a Santa Rosa Crosswalk. The car vs. pedestrian accident was reported just after 7 p.m. at the intersection of Steele Lane and Service Court. The boy, who was not indentified, was crossing the street in a crosswalk when he was hit by a car driven by Carole Steele, 32. Police did not believe alcohol was a factor; the possibility of the driver being distracted by a cell phone was not determined. Witnesses are asked to call the Santa Rosa Police Traffic Bureau at (707) 543-3636.

What is the Law Regarding Pedestrians in Crosswalks?

Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950: "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..." Although the cause of the accident remains under investigation, based on the news reports, it appears the driver may be responsible.

Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability

If the investigation by Santa Rosa Police reveals the driver is in fact responsible for this accident, she may be liable for the injuries sustained by the teen boy. After an accident such as this one, the parents of the injured teenager would be well-advised to contact a California pedestrian injury lawyer about the crash and the unique liability issues involved. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can review the accident report, and advise the family of their best course of action to recover maximum financial compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and other expenses following this major injury Sonoma County pedestrian accident.

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