California Injury Lawyer Blog

The CHP is investigating a head-on collision Tuesday morning in Lake County that left two women with serious injuries. The two-vehicle crash occurred shortly after 10 a.m. on Highway 29 north of Butts Canyon Road. According to reports in the Lake County News, 18-year-old Brittany Franklin of Clearlake was driving a 2008 Chevrolet pickup northbound on Highway 29, when for unknown reasons, her vehicle drifted to the right and began to leave the roadway. Franklin then apparently overcorrected back onto the roadway and veered into southbound traffic. Franklin's vehicle collided head-on with a 2004 Nissan truck driven by Suzanne Wallahan, 43, of Middleton. Wallahan's Nissan traveled down a dirt embankment, and Franklin's Chevy stopped in the middle of the highway, blocking both lanes of traffic. Both Franklin and Wallahan were airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

We hope both of the women hurt in this crash were not gravely injured, and wish them both the best for a full and fast recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Cause of the Highway 29 Head-on Collision

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the August 17th Lake County crash. Authorities have reportedly ruled out drugs or alcohol as a contributing factor. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why Franklin lost control of her vehicle. Was she speeding or driving recklessly, or did something malfunction mechanically with her truck? The CHP is undoubtedly investigating these and all other potential causes of the crash.

Car Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the Chevrolet is in fact responsible for this crash, she may be liable for the injuries of the driver of the Nissan. In situations such as this one, where another driver may be responsible for an accident causing serious injury to another, the injured victim or their family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable California personal injury lawyer about the unique legal issues involved and their rights to consultation. A skilled car accident attorney can help the injured victims seek compensation for medical care expenses, lost earnings and wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to the accident.

Continue reading "Head-on Collision Injures Two on Highway 29 in Lake County" »

At least six people tragically died Monday night in a fiery crash on Highway 395, the LA Times reported. The August 9th crash occurred about five miles south of Bishop shortly after 8 p.m. According to CHP reports, the driver of a soutbhound SUV lost control, drifted off the shoulder and then travelled into the center median. The SUV then collided with a large van carrying athletes from California Baptist University in Riverside.

The SUV was believed to be carrying athletes from a San Diego area cross country team. The injured victims included Drew Constantine Delis, 22, of Encinitas, who was taken to San Joaquin Community Hospital in Bakersfield with major injuries. Derek Randal Thomas, 19, also of Encinitas, was flown to West Hills Hospital with major injuries.

Wendry Rice, 35, of Corona, the driver of the van died at the scene. She was apparently transporting students from California Baptist University in Riverside to a high-altitude training camp in Mammoth.

According to the LA Times, eleven student athletes from Cal Baptist were taken to area hospitals with minor to serious injuries: Alyssa Neimeyer, 19, of Temecula; David Solis, 19, of Corona; Brenda Perez, 20, of Riverside; Alicia Catanese, 21, of Corona; Jennifer McGuire, 17, of Stevenson Ranch; Kayla M. Beaudoin, 19, of Corona; Miguel Angel Gonzalez, 18, of Hacienda Heights; Marissa Benson, 18, of Gresham, Ore.; Jonathan Monteon, 18, of Chino; Jonathan Hernandez, 18, of Moreno Valley; and Hanna Ingulsrud, 19, of Ontario.

Our sincerest condolences go out to everyone who has lost a friend or family member in this horrific collision that will surely never be forgotten. We hope all of the injured victims make a full recovery.

Cause of the Highway 395 Crash

The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident. It appears that the driver of the southbound SUV lost control, but it is unclear why. Based on the limited information available in news reports, there are more questions than answers at this point. According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident took place on a part of Highway 395 that had four lanes and a center divider. Investigators are looking at skid marks and other evidence to determine the speeds of each of the vehicles involved.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

Highway accidents such as this one have very unique and often very complex legal issues. Determining liability and fault will be challenging to say the least. Investigators will look at not just the actions of the driver of the SUV, but the condition and maintenance of all vehicles and even the condition of the roadway where the crash occurred. If this crash was caused by a defect in the sport utility vehicle, the manufacturer of the SUV could be liable for all victims' deaths and injuries. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims of this crash would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable California personal injury attorney who has represented victims of Highway 395 accidents. A skilled lawyer can help the victims' families understand and protect their legal rights, and advise them of their best course of action handling communications with the insurance companies.

Continue reading "6 People Killed, 12 Injured in Hwy 395 Crash near Bishop " »

The Monterey County Herald reported a 58-year-old Seaside man died in a three-car collision Friday evening in Monterey County. The accident occurred at about 5:20 p.m. Friday evening on CA State Route 68 (Holman Highway), west of Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, near the Scenic Drive Overpass. The CHP reported that three vehicles were involved in the collision, a 2000 Ford, a 2001 BMW, and a 2009 Chevrolet. Investigators reported that the man driving west in the 2000 Ford crossed into eastbound lanes and struck a 2001 BMW. The BMW, which was driven by the 58-year-old Seaside man, then collided with the 2009 Chevrolet. It was not clear whether the Chevrolet was travelling eastbound or westbound.

The Seaside man, who was not identified, suffered massive internal injuries and died. The driver and passenger in the Chevrolet, a man and woman from Pacific Grove, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Community Hospital. It was not clear whether the driver of the Ford was injured.

Cause of the Fatal Holman Highway Crash

Based on the news reports, it appears that this collision may have been caused by the driver of the Ford, who for reasons still unknown, crossed into eastbound lanes. The CHP is investigating exactly what happened to cause this Holman Highway fatal crash. At this point, there are only questions as to what events led up to the crash. Was the driver of the Ford distracted or impaired? Or did he make an unsafe passing attempt, or did he lose control of the car due to a defect in the vehicle?

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

In this particular July 30th accident, if the driver of the westbound Ford was at fault for the crash, he may be liable for the wrongful death of the man driving the BMW and the injuries of the occupants of the Chevrolet. When the negligence of another can be attributed to a fatal accident, family members of the victim may seek compensation in a wrongful death claim to cover funeral expenses, loss of future income and support, and loss of love, care and companionship, and other damages. While this crash remains under investigation, the family members of the victim, as well as the injured victims in the third vehicle may benefit from speaking to a California personal injury lawyer about this crash and their legal rights to compensation.

Continue reading "Seaside Man Killed in Crash on Holman Highway " »

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 northern California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A 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 " »

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 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 " »

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" »

Two people suffered serious injuries following a head-on collision in Riverside County Tuesday night, the Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred around 6 p.m. at Corydon Avenue and Sunny Hills Drive, and involved a Honda sedan and a Toyota sedan. According to the Press-Enterprise, the driver of one car and a passenger in the other vehicle were taken to a local hospital with moderate injuries. Both are expected to survive.

Cause of the Accident

Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear what exactly happened in this June 8th Norco crash, who was responsible, or even what direction the vehicles were travelling. In most head-on crashes, one vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic, resulting in a collision. These "lane departure" accidents occur for countless reasons, including unsafe passing, street racing, the driver being distracted, fatigued, or drunk, or due to the driver losing control of the vehicle due to a tire blowout or mechanical malfunction.

Head-on Crash Personal Injury Liability

The family members of the injured victims of this crash would be well-advised to speak to a Riverside personal injury attorney as soon as possible, while the accident remains under investigation. An attorney can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights following this Riverside car accident, and obtain full and fair compensation from the party responsible for their injuries, including monetary damages for medical expenses, lost earnings and wages, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Two People Hurt in Head-on Collision in Norco " »

A 30-year-old Bakersfield woman died following a horrific head-on collision on Highway 395 Monday afternoon in Hesperia, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The June 7th collision was reported on Highway 395 at Eucalyptus Street at about 4:55 p.m. According to news reports, Cynthia Guerra was driving a 2004 Nissan Quest minivan on Hwy 395 when a 2005 Chevy Silverado truck drifted into her lane and struck her vehicle head-on. Guerra was flown to Desert Valley Hospital in Victorville, where she died of her injuries. The San Bernardino Sheriff's Department is investigating the cause of the accident

The Victorville Daily Press reported that five vehicles, including a tractor trailer were involved in the collision. Further information about the other vehicles involved was not available. Five ground ambulances and four helicopters responded to the accident. Along with the one fatality, three people suffered critical injuries and three others suffered moderate injuries. The victims were taken to Arrowhead Regional Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center, fire officials said.

Continue reading "Bakersfield Woman Killed, Six Others Injured in Head-on Crash on Highway 395 in Hesperia " »

A crash in Nevada County Saturday morning left three people injured, the Union reported Monday. The June 5th accident occurred at about 10:45 a.m. on Highway 20 above Nevada City.

According to news reports, a 62-year-old Washington woman was driving westbound on Hwy 20 in a Hyundai Accent, when for unknown reasons, she lost control of her vehicle. The CHP reported that her car spun out into eastbound traffic, into the path of a Toyota Camry driven by a 77-year-old Penn Valley man. The driver of the Camry reportedly attempted to swerve but was unable to avoid the collision. The Hyundai went off the road and took down a street sign.

The driver of the Hyundai was airlifted to Sutter Roseville Medical Center with a traumatic brain injury and blunt force trauma to the chest. The driver of the Camry and his passenger, an 80-year-old Penn Valley woman, were taken to Sierra Nevada Memorial hospital with moderate injuries. We hope that all three of the victims make a full and fast recovery from their injuries.

Continue reading "Three Injured in Head-On Crash on Highway 20 in Nevada County " »

A 28-year-old Bakersfield woman died Wednesday night after the car she was riding it was struck by a suspected drunk driver, ABC News reported. The victim was identified as Perla Gonzalez, 28, of Bakersfield. The accident occurred at about 10:40 p.m. at the intersection of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Kentucky Street. KERO ABC News reported that 23-year-old Marcus Trevino of Fallbrook (San Diego County) was speeding in an orange Mitsubishi on Kentucky Avenue toward Mount Vernon Avenue.

Authorities believe Trevino ran a stop sign, broadsiding an Infiniti driven by Cherie Marie Lopez, 19. Lopez, passenger Perla Gonzalez, and her 1-year-old Jayden Gonzalez were pinned in the Infiniti and were rescued by bystanders. Lopez suffered minor injuries. Perla Gonzalez died of her injuries at Kern Medical Center. Trevino, the suspected drunk driver, was not hurt. He was arrested on charges of felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter.

Drunk Driving Liability

Crashes caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable. Drunk driving destroys not just lives, but entire families. While this absolutely devastating crash is under investigation, the family of Perla Gonzalez would be well-advised to contact a Bakersfield wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help hold the driver responsible for his actions in a wrongful death suit, and obtain compensation for the victim's unexpected loss, including damages for funeral and medical expenses, lost earnings, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "Bakersfield Woman Killed, Two Injured in Suspected Drunk Driving Crash in Kern County " »

Four people, including a 12-year-old boy, were airlifted to hospitals after a head-on collision on Highway 53 Wednesday morning in Lake County, the Lake County Record Bee reported. Stephen Phipps, 46, of Clearlake, was driving a 2002 Ford Ranger pickup truck northbound on Highway 53 near Anderson Ranch Parkway, when he crossed over the center turn lane and into southbound traffic, directly in the path of a 2000 Oldsmobile van driven by Luisa Enriquez, 43, of Clearlake. The June 2nd collision occurred at about 7:40 a.m., and the vehicles came to a rest blocking one of the southbound lanes.

Luisa Enriquez was flown by a REACH air ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with broken bones in her legs. A 12-year-old boy in her vehicle was taken by ambulance to St. Helena Hospital and then flown to Oakland Children's Hospital with fractured bones in his leg, arm and face.

Phipps was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance. He was blown by REACH to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with internal injuries. A passenger in his pickup truck was also flown to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with internal injuries. According to the CHP, all parties were wearing their seat belts and airbags deployed in both vehicles.

Continue reading "Four Airlifted After Lake County Crash; Clearlake Man Arrested " »

Two passengers in a Honda died Wednesday evening when a large hay baler truck struck the vehicle they were riding in, the Visalia Times-Delta reported. The Tulare County accident was reported at 5:55 p.m., at the intersection of Avenue 232 and Road 36, west of Tulare.

According to the Tulare County Fire Department, the two men who were killed were back seat passengers in the Honda. The driver of the Honda, Ullses Bello Gomez, 27, was travelling west on Avenue 232 (Tulare Avenue) when he attempted a left turn onto Road 36. The Honda was then struck by a hay baler going east on Avenue 232, driven by Robert Alavarado Jr., 55, of Tulare. Alvarado was not injured in the crash. Gomez was airlifted to Community Regional Hospital in Fresno with major injuries. One of the victims was identified as Alfredo Salado, 20.

Cause of the Accident

The cause of the fatal May 27th crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, the Times-Delta reported that the driver of the Honda was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The investigation is ongoing and it was not clear how CHP officers determined the driver was under the influence.

Continue reading "Two Passengers Killed Southwest of Visalia in Suspected DUI Crash with Hay Baler Truck" »

At least one person suffered major injuries early Wednesday morning in a head-on collision on Highway 395, San Bernardino County Sheriff's officials reported. According to reports in the Victorville Daily Press, a Ford pickup truck travelling southbound on Hwy 395 crossed into northbound lanes and collided head-on with a northbound Lincoln Town car. The accident occurred around 5 a.m. in the three mile straight stretch of U.S. 395 between Bear Valley Road and Main Street.

The driver of another vehicle, a Kia, swerved to avoid the wreckage of the head-on collision and crashed into a guardrail and fence. The Kia was reportedly suspended precariously over the California Aqueduct by three strands of barbed wire. The Victorville Daily Press reported that the driver of the Lincoln suffered major injuries. The extent of the injuries to the driver of the Ford and the driver of the Kia was not clear.

Highway 395 Accidents in San Bernardino County

Exactly one month ago, on April 26, 2010, a 25-year-old Ridgecrest man was killed in a head on crash on Highway 395 between Main Street and Bear Valley Road, on the same stretch of road were this May 26th accident happened. On April 5th of last month, two people were injured in a head-on crash on Highway 395 near Bear Valley Road. This stretch of Hwy 395 in San Bernardino County is sometimes called "blood alley," due to the number of fatal collisions that occur in the region. NBC's "Dateline" has called the 44-mile section of Highway 395 from Hesperia to State Route 58 as one of the most dangerous roads in the country.

Continue reading "Three People Injured in Head-On Crash on Highway 395 " »