California Injury Lawyer Blog

SHASTA COUNTY - A 58-year-old Redding woman was tragically killed Monday in a head-on collision on Lake Boulevard at Santa Rosa Way, the Redding Record Searchlight reported. Three other people were injured in the crash, which was reported just before 11 a.m. on Monday, February 27, 2012.

The crash involved an eastbound silver Ford Focus sedan, and a westbound black Nissan pickup truck. According to Redding police, the driver of the Nissan pickup, Jessica Myers, 31, of Redding, attempted to turn left from Lake Boulevard onto Santa Rosa Way. She collided head-on with the Focus driven by Sara Stowe, 26, also of Redding.

Sharon Nolan, 58, who was sitting in the rear of the Focus, died at the scene of the crash. Myers, Stowe, and another passenger in the Focus, Krystal Contreras, 17, were taken to Mercy Medical Center with serious injuries.

Cause of the Lake Boulevard Accident

Redding police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. One witness who had been driving east on Lake Boulevard reported that the pickup truck turning left cut between SUV and the car following right behind her. It is unclear how fast the vehicles were travelling when the collision occurred.

Left Turn Accident Injury Liability

Under California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a), "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left ...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."

If it is determined that the driver of the pickup truck in fact turned into the path of the Focus, the driver may be liable for the death and injuries she caused. Following a collision such as this February 27th crash on Lake Boulevard, the injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Redding car accident lawyer. An experienced Shasta County personal injury attorney who understands the unique liability issues of left-turn accidents can advise the victims of their legal rights and best course of action to protect them.

Continue reading "Redding Woman Killed, Three Injured in Head-on Crash on Lake Boulevard " »

SONOMA COUNTY - At least three people were hurt Tuesday morning in a chain-reaction crash near Glen Ellen, the Press Democrat reported. The first collision in the multi-car accident occurred on Highway 12. The driver of a landscaping company pickup reportedly stopped in the eastbound highway lane, near Nuns Canyon Road, waiting to make a turn into a private residence. A Dodge pickup stopped behind the landscape truck, as did a Ford sedan behind the pickup. A Chevy Blazer rear-ended the Ford, which struck the Dodge and was pushed into oncoming traffic, where it was struck head-on by a Honda Accord. According to news accounts, firefighters had to pry people out of at least two vehicles. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Sonoma County Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

Following a multi-vehicle injury car accident such as this February 21st crash near Glen Ellen, the injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Northern California car accident attorney. A personal injury lawyer who understands the unique liability issues of multi-vehicle accidents can advise the victims and their families of their best course of action to protect their legal rights and recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to for their medical care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

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HENDERSON, NEVADA - According to KTVU News, three people were killed following a horrific car crash in Henderson, Nevada. The accident was reported to occur Saturday afternoon along Windmill Parkway when a vehicle driven by a 19-year-old Henderson man collided with another vehicle driven by an 86-year-old man - who was apparently making a left turn into an apartment complex.

The 19-year-old driver and one of his two passengers were reported to have died at the scene. The other teenage passenger was taken to hospital with unspecified injuries. The 86-year-old man suffered major injuries and was transported to a hospital, where he later died. No other information was immediately available regarding the names of the victims or the possible cause of the collision.

Car Accident Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

While the investigation of the accident remains ongoing to determine what happened and who is at fault, the injured victim or family members of the deceased victims would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable car accident lawyer. Attorneys at Estey Bomberger who are licensed and practice law in the state of California and Nevada, can help the victim and the families protect their legal rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim, and ensure they obtain the compensation they are entitled to for either the injuries the victim sustained and/or the unexpected loss of their loved one.

Continue reading "Three Killed, One Injured in Henderson Car Crash in Nevada" »

BAKERSFIELD - A 91-year-old woman suffered moderate injuries when she was struck by a GMC Yukon SUV in Bakersfield Tuesday afternoon, Bakersfield.com reported. According to news accounts, Julia Ponce, the victim, was walking northbound across Ming Avenue at Hasti Acres Drive, when she was struck by the vehicle driven by Sheila Fowler.

The intersection where the pedestrian accident occurred did not have a crosswalk, and Fowler was not cited. Ponce was taken to Kern Medical Center. The cause of the February 14th Bakersfield pedestrian accident remains under investigation.

Pedestrians are frequently hit by vehicles, and statistically, children and elderly adults are most at risk for serious injury or death. Many accidents occur because drivers fail to recognize a pedestrian because they are distracted, or fail to yield to the pedestrian's right of-way. Some accidents occur because pedestrians walk into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Based on the limited information provided, it is unclear why this February 14th Ming Avenue pedestrian accident happened. Following a serious injury pedestrian accident such as this one, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with a skilled and knowledgeable Kern County pedestrian injury attorney.

If negligence of the driver caused or contributed to this accident, the victim may be entitled to compensation for her injuries in a personal injury claim. An experienced Bakersfield personal injury attorney who has represented many victims of Bakersfield pedestrian accidents can advise the victim's family of their legal rights and best course of action to protect them.

Continue reading "Elderly Woman Injured in Bakersfield Pedestrian Accident " »

ORANGE COUNTY - A four-vehicle crash in Fountain Valley Tuesday afternoon left five people injured, the Orange County Register reported. The collision, which involved four vehicles, occurred just before 3 p.m. near Warner Avenue and Newhope Street on February 14, 2012. One of the drivers suffered a head injury. Altogether, five people ended up being taken to area hospitals. Anyone who witnessed the collision or who has additional information is asked to contact authorities at (714)593-4485.

Orange County Car Accident Injury Liability

Multi-vehicle car accidents have unique legal issues and can turn into complex legal disputes. Following a multi-car accident such as this February 14th crash on Newhope Street, the injured victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced and knowledgeable Orange County personal injury lawyer. A skilled attorney who has experience representing injured victims of multi-vehicle car accidents can help the victims protect their rights and recover the maximum, full and fair compensation they are entitled to for their injuries in a personal injury claim.

Continue reading "Five People Injured in Fountain Valley Crash " »

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY - A man was airlifted to a hospital with a broken leg following a collision with a semi-truck Monday on Highway 26 near Linden, the Stockton Record reported. The accident occurred around noon on Highway 26 near Escalon Bellota Road, according to CHP reports. The victim, who was not identified by authorities, is expected to survive.

Truck Accident Personal Injury Liability

Based on the very limited information provided by the Stockton Record, it is unclear why this accident occurred. If it is determined that the driver of the truck caused this crash, the injured victim may be entitled to compensation in a personal injury claim. Following a collision such as this one where the cause is unclear, the injured victim or his family would be well-advised to contact an experienced and knowledgeable California truck accident lawyer who can help the victim determine and protect his legal rights, should he be entitled to compensation.

Continue reading "Man Seriously Injured in Highway 26 Crash Involving Semi-Truck " »

SOLANO COUNTY - The San Francisco Chronicle reported at least 31 vehicles were involved in a pileup on Highway 37 Wednesday morning. According to the news report, ten tow trucks were called to the scene of 11 separate collisions on eastbound Highway 37 near Skaggs Island Road. Several people were injured, including a motorcycle. At least one vehicle went off the road and into water. The CHP reported poor visibility in heavy fog contributed to the collisions.

Determining Personal Injury Liability

Accidents such as this February 8th crash in Vallejo may be complex for insurance companies to handle. While this incident remains under investigation by the CHP, the injured victims would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Vallejo accident lawyer. A Solano County personal injury attorney who understands the unique legal issues arising from multi-vehicle accidents can help the injured victims protect their legal rights and recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to receive from the party or parties responsible for their injuries.

Continue reading "Dozens of Vehicles Involved in Vallejo Pileup on Highway 37" »

SAN DIEGO -- A 50-year-old man tragically died Tuesday night after he was struck by a pickup truck in University City, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The fatal February 8th pedestrian accident occurred near the Westfield UTC mall, close to the intersection of Executive Way and La Jolla Village Drive.

According to news reports, the victim was a business executive from Washington state who had been staying at the nearby Embassy Suites hotel with his wife. He was reportedly crossing La Jolla Village Drive from south to north when he was hit by a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck t about 40 to 45 mph. The victim died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

Cause of the Accident

The San Diego Police Department is investigating the cause of the fatal pedestrian accident. According to a 10 News report, alcohol or adverse weather did not play a role in the collision. According to police, the driver of the pickup truck did not see the pedestrian until it was too late to avoid the collision.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Following a fatal pedestrian accident such as this one, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego wrongful death lawyer. A skilled attorney who has represented victims of similar fatal pedestrian accidents can review the accident report and ensure that the family's legal rights and best interests are protected. If negligence of the driver or a dangerous road condition caused or contributed to the collision, the family may choose to pursue a wrongful death claim against any responsible parties.

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INYO COUNTY - A 51-year-old Bishop man was arrested last Friday, February 3rd, on suspicion of a sex crime, the Mammoth Times reported. Officers served a search warrant on Richard Ferrell Andreas, Sr., 51, of Bishop, and arrested him for lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14. Andres was booked and held at the Inyo County Jail on $100,000 bail. Further information about the nature of the crime was not available. Anyone with additional information on Andreas is asked to contact the Inyo Sheriff's Office at 760-878-0383.

Continue reading "Bishop Man Suspected of Sex Crime Against Child " »

REDDING - The Record Searchlight reported a 67-year-old Redding man suffered serious injuries Sunday morning after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle changing lanes. The major injury accident was reported around 10:35 a.m. on Sunday, February 5, 2012. According to news reports, the motorcyclist, Thomas Clifton, was entering Highway 44 from northbound Interstate 5, while at the same time, Dale Kortepeter, was merging from Hilltop Drive onto Highway 44 in his vehicle. Kortepeter changed lanes and collided with Clifton's bike.

The impact caused Clifton to lose control of his motorcycle and he was ejected. Clifton was taken to Mercy Medical Center with very serious injuries. The CHP reported it was very fortunate that Clifton was wearing a helmet. Earlier in the week, a Redding man was killed in a motorcycle accident when his helmet fell off when he crashed on Hartnell Avenue.

Cause of the Highway 44 Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the February 5th crash on Highway 44 remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Based on the limited details provided in news accounts, it is unclear how the fast the vehicles involved in the collision were travelling. If news reports are accurate, this accident was likely the result of unsafe merging. Under the California Vehicle Code Section 21658 (A), "A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety."

Redding Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

Following a major injury motorcycle accident, the family members of the injured victim would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Redding personal injury lawyer. An attorney who has successfully handled personal injury claims arising from northern California motorcycle accidents can advise the victim and his family their best course of action to protect their legal rights and recover the maximum compensation available for medical care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Redding Man Seriously Injured in Highway 44 Motorcycle Crash " »

Pfizer Inc. is recalling fourteen lots of Lo/Ovral-28 tablets and 14 lots of its generic brands Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol. The recall has been issued after Pfizer discovered that some packages of birth control had too many active pills while others had to few. The packaging error is estimated to have affected one million packages of birth control packages. Patients relying on any of the affected birth control packets are encouraged to use alternative contraceptives, as this month's packet may not be effective.

Oral contraceptives work by increasing hormone levels with active pills for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo pills. A woman taking a sugar pill out of order may not have enough contraceptive in their body to prevent a pregnancy. Please take the following steps to determine whether your packet has been recalled:

• Make sure you have been prescribed Lo/Ovral or Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol birth control pills. Other brands have not been affected by this recall.
• Check the expiration dates. The recalled packets have expiration dates between July 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014.
• Double check to see the lot number of your packet matches the lot numbers of the recalled birth control pills on FDA's Pfizer recall page.

If you have been issued a recalled birth control pill, contact your healthcare provider immediately for a check up. An unintended pregnancy can incur hundreds of dollars in expenses and financial losses that you may not been prepared to face, damages Pfizer may be held liable for. When a product fails to provide the service it was designed, marketed, and sold for, manufacturing companies can be held responsible for the damages related to their defective products.

For more information regarding your rights after an unintentional pregnancy, please contact our Pfizer recall attorneys to schedule a free consultation. Our California product liability lawyers will assess your case and help you determine your eligibility to file a product liability suit.

LOS ANGELES - Mark Berndt, 61, a veteran elementary school teacher at Miramonte Elementary School in Los Angeles County was arrested yesterday at his Torrance home, the LA Times reported, on suspicion of committing horrific acts of abuse against his students, including spoon feeding his semen to them.

The arrest came after police a year-long investigation determined he committed lewd acts on 23 boys and girls, ages 6 to 10, between 2008 and 2010.

According to the news report, a CVS drugstore film processer turned over about 40 photos to police showing blindfolded children with their mouths covered with packing tape and large, Madagascar-type cockroaches on their faces. Some of the photos reportedly showed Miramonte with his arm around children or with his hand covering their mouth. Other photos showed what authorities believed to be semen being served to children in a spoon or on a cookie.

The LA Times reported that Berndt regularly told students they would be playing a "tasting game," in which he blindfolded them and sometimes, gagged them with packing tape.

In January 2011, a plastic spoon and container found discarded in Berndt's classroom tested positive for semen. Authorities are recommending the children be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.

If news accounts are accurate, it is shocking how Berndt abused his authority as a teacher to take advantage of these young, innocent students. Many of the children at Miramonte Elementary School are learning to speak English, and may have been unable to communicate what occurred. Miramonte is one of the last campuses in the Los Angeles County school district to operate rear around because of overcrowding. The school has struggled academically for years.

Authorities said that additional charges against Berndt are likely, since he taught at the school since 1979. Parents, understandably, are appalled and shocked, and many are rightly questioning why this went on for so many years. United Teachers Los Angeles, the local teachers union described the charges as "so abhorrent as to be incomprehensible."

Disturbing incidents like this one at Miramonte Elementary School are tragically increasingly reported. While the investigation is ongoing, the parents of the Berndt's students would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Miramonte Elementary School molestation lawyer. The attorneys at Estey Bomberger have many years of experience representing victims of horrific abuse, and may be able to help the families hold not just the perpetrator, but the school, school district, and other entities or organizations accountable, if it is determined that their negligent supervision contributed to the horrific acts Berndt is accused of.

Berndt is being held in lieu of $2.3 million bail.

Continue reading "Former Miramonte Elementary Teacher Charged With Lewd Acts Against Students" »