California Injury Lawyer Blog

KERN COUNTY - A head-on collision involving a Ford truck and a Chevy truck near McKittrick Monday morning left five people injured, the Taft Midway Driller reported. The crash was reported on Reserve Road, west of Skyline Road, at about 6:30 a.m. According to the news report, Luis Mooney, 22, of Bakersfield, was driving a Ford truck westbound on Reserve Road at a high rate of speed when the vehicle entered eastbound lanes, colliding with a westbound Chevrolet truck driven by Brent D. Pierson, 27, of Bakersfield.

Both Mooney and Pierson suffered major injuries and had to be extricated from their vehicles by firefighters. Mooney was airlifted to Kern Medical Center and Pierson was taken by ground ambulance. One passenger in Pierson's truck and two passengers in Mooney's truck were also injured. The CHP is investigating the cause of the collision.

Kern County Car Accident Injury Liability

Following a serious injury accident such as this December 12th Skyline Road crash, the injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable Taft car accident lawyer. A Kern County personal injury attorney who understands the unique legal issues of head-on collision car accidents can advise the victims of their rights to recover financial compensation in a personal injury claim from whoever is responsible for their injuries. If negligence of another driver or a dangerous road condition caused this collision, the injured victims may pursue a personal injury claim for their medical care costs, lost income as a result of being unable to work, and damages for pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Head-on Collision Near McKittrick Leaves Five People Injured " »

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY - Six people suffered injuries ranging from minor to major following a head-on collision early Sunday morning in the Lompoc area, the Lompoc Record reported. The crash was reported at about 1:50 a.m. on Highway 1 at San Antonio Road. Further information about the parties involved or the cause of the collision was not available.

Cause of the Highway 1 Head-on Crash

The cause of this December 11th Lompoc car accident remains under investigation, and based on the information provided by the Lompoc Record, it is impossible to determine why this crash occurred. Most head-on collisions are attributed to driver behavior, such as swerving to avoid an object in the road, unsafe passing, or even falling asleep at the wheel. Hopefully, the investigation by the California Highway Patrol will reveal exactly what happened and who was responsible.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

While the investigation into the cause of this Lompoc area car accident is ongoing, the injured victims of the collision would be well-advised to consider speaking with an experienced and knowledgeable Santa Barbara personal injury lawyer. A skilled car accident attorney can review the accident report, and advise victims of their rights to be compensated for medical care, lost income, and other damages from the party or parties responsible for the collision.

Continue reading "Six People Hurt in Head-On Collision Near Lompoc " »

MONTEREY COUNTY -- A man killed in a fatal multi-vehicle car crash early Sunday morning has been identified as Gustavo Quintero, Salinas Californian reports. Quintero, 44, of Salinas, was traveling northbound on Highway 138 near McFadden Road, when a Chevy pick-up truck, driven by Melquiadez Mota Gomez, 29, of Watsonville, struck Quintero's vehicle head-on. Witnesses who saw Gomez driving prior to the crash said he was driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed. Following this tragic collision, authorities reported Quintero had died at the scene. According to the CHP, Gomez was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on charges of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

Cause of the Salinas Car Accident

The accident on September 25th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information provided by news reports, it appears Gomez may be is at fault for the accident due to driving under the influence. Therefore, Quintero had no way to prevent or avoid this terrible collision.

DUI Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Driving while drunk can have severe and catastrophic consequences to any parties involved. A person who drives under the influence will not only face criminal charges, but can be held financially liable for injured or death victims involved in the accident. Therefore, if authorities conclude that the driver who drove drunk is fully responsible for the accident, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a California wrongful death lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney who has the experience in DUI head-on collisions such as this one, can provide the victim's family the assistance they may need in protecting their legal rights, and help them decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for funeral/burial costs, future and anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, loss of love, care, and companionship, and other related damages in this devastating car accident.

Continue reading "Man Killed in Salinas DUI Car Crash " »

SAN LUIS OBISPO - A 53-year-old San Luis Obispo man was tragically killed Monday evening in a head-on collision on Buckley Road, the San Luis Obispo Tribune reported. The accident occurred just after 6 p.m., west of Thread Lane, and involved a 2003 Lexus ES300 and a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The victim, Allen Nadalsky, was a passenger in the Lexus, which was driven by Hussan Najami, 47, also of San Luis Obispo. According to the CHP, Najami was driving at a high rate of speed when he lost control in a curve of the road. The Lexus veered into eastbound lanes and collided head-on with the front of the eastbound Toyota.

Nadalsky died at the scene of the crash, according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff-Coroner's Office. The driver of the Toyota, Alan Everson, 51, of Arrow Grande, suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to the hospital, along with Najami. All three of the men were wearing seatbelts, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Cause of the Buckley Road Accident

The cause of the fatal September 19th collision remains under investigation by the CHP. If statements by investigators are accurate, it appears that speed may have played a role in the crash. The CHP stated that the Lexus was travelling "at a high rate of speed" when the driver lost control. As a passenger, Nadalsky likely could have done nothing to prevent this horrific collision that ultimately took his life.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

This collision is surely devastating for all parties involved. If it is determined by investigators that the driver of the Lexus was in fact speeding, he may cited for violating California Vehicle Code Section 22350, which states: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property." Additionally, he may be financially liable for the wrongful death of his passenger and the serious injuries sustained by the driver of the Toyota pick-up. Following this collision or any other head-on collision resulting in serious injury or death, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable Monterey car accident lawyer. A skilled attorney can advise victims' families of their legal rights to recover compensation from whoever is determined responsible for causing this accident.

Continue reading "One Person Killed, Two Injured Monday in Head-on Collision on Buckley Road " »

VENTURA COUNTY - A 15-year-old Bakersfield girl very tragically died Sunday night in a head-on collision on Highway 126 between Santa Paula and Fillmore, the Ventura County Star reported today. The victim, identified by the Ventura County Medical Examiner as Maria Puentes, 15, was a passenger in a vehicle driven eastbound on Highway 126, near Toland Road. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle Puentes was riding in drifted into westbound traffic, directly into the path of an oncoming truck.

The impact of the head-on collision caused the vehicle to spin out of control into westbound traffic and the truck to spin into eastbound lanes. The 17-year-old boy driving the vehicle and the driver of the truck, a 53-year-old Bakersfield man, were taken to Ventura County Medical Center. Puentes died at the scene of the head-on collision, which occurred at about 7:05 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, 2011.

Cause of the Fatal Crash

As a passenger, Puentes likely could have done nothing to prevent this fatal head-on collision that ultimately took her life. Based on the limited facts provided by the Ventura County Star, it is impossible to know exactly what happened here and why this fatal crash happened. The CHP will surely look at the speed of both vehicles, witness reports, and other factors to determine what occurred and who was responsible. Head-on collisions such as this one can have countless causes, including unsafe passing maneuvers, swerving to avoid an object in the road, falling asleep at the wheel, driving under the influence, or driver distraction.

Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Losing a loved one in a fatal head-on collision is tragic and devastating. Accidents such as this one raise a number of questions regarding why the accident occurred, who was responsible, and what can be done to prevent fatal collisions like this one in the future. While the cause of this accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, the family members of the young victim would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Ventura wrongful death attorney. Whether the accident was caused by a dangerous road condition, a defect in the vehicle, or the negligence of one of the drivers involved in this collision, an attorney can help the victim's family understand and protect their legal rights to hold accountable whoever is responsible for their loss.

Continue reading "Bakersfield Teenager Killed In Highway 126 Head-on Collision " »

FRESNO COUNTY - A head-on collision Sunday evening left two people with serious injuries, the Fresno Bee reported. The accident happened on Conejo Avenue, just east of McCall Avenue at about 7 p.m. According to news reports, the driver of a Pontiac Grand Prix stopped on the shoulder of eastbound Conejo Avenue. When the driver reentered traffic, the vehicle collided head-on with a Ford Explorer. The Pontiac driver suffered two broken legs was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center. The driver of the Explorer suffered bone fractures and internal injuries. The cause of the August 21st collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. According to the CHP, drugs or alcohol were not believed to be a factor.

Cause of the Accident

Based on the details provided in news reports, it is unclear what exactly happened here. CHP investigators will surely look at the speed of both vehicles and other factors in determining who was responsible for this collision. It is unclear if the driver of the Pontiac failed to yield to the right-of-way of the Explorer, or if the driver of the Explorer was speeding or swerved into the path of the Pontiac. Hopefully, the CHP investigation will reveal exactly what happened and why.

Fresno Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

While this August 21st Conejo Avenue head-on collision remains under investigation, the injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Fresno car accident lawyer. An attorney who understands the unique legal issues of head-on collision car accidents can advise the victims of their legal rights to compensation for their injuries, including medical care and treatment expenses, lost earnings due to being unable to work, and additional damages for pain and suffering. As a general rule, it is advisable to speak with a Fresno personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following an accident, while important evidence and witness recollections can most easily be obtained.

Continue reading "Two People Injured in Head-On Collision Near Kingsburg " »

LAKE COUNTY - The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported a 60-year-old Santa Rosa man tragically died at the scene of a head-on crash Saturday afternoon on Highway 29 in Lake County. The fatal accident was reported at 12:03 p.m., just north of the Napa County - Lake County line.

According to Highway Patrol reports, Albert Koran Jr, was driving a 2005 Toyota southbound on Highway 29, and Keith Cronin, 70 of Middleton, was driving a 2006 Chevy pickup truck northbound.

For reasons still under investigation, Cronin reportedly crossed double yellow lanes and headed northbound in the southbound lane, and struck Koran's Toyota head-on. The impact of the collision trapped Koran inside his vehicle. Passing motorists and his wife and son attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation until firefighters arrived at the scene of the crash.

According to the Press Democrat, Cronin suffered a collapsed lung and broken pelvis. He was flown to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital where he was reportedly in serious condition. Koran's wife and son suffered minor injuries. Two passengers in the Chevy pickup truck also sustained minor injuries.

The cause of the head-on collision Lake County car accident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Continue reading "Santa Rosa Man Killed in Head-On Collision on Highway 29 " »

HUMBOLDT COUNTY -- A 65-year-old McKinleyville man tragically died Tuesday in an accident on Highway 36, the Times-Standard reported. The fatal crash was reported at 5:36 p.m. on July 12, 2011, and involved a 2009 Chrysler Town & Country and a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. According to news reports, the Chrysler minivan, driven by a 68-year-old McKinleyville woman, pulled out onto SR-36 from the Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park and was subsequently struck head-on by the Chevy Silverado. The passenger in the minivan suffered major injuries and was taken to Redwood Memorial Hospital, where he died. The cause of the fatal Humboldt County car accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Drugs or alcohol are not suspected to be a factor.

Continue reading "McKinleyville Man Killed in Highway 36 Crash" »

RIVERSIDE COUNTY - An 84-year-old Murrieta man tragically died Wednesday night, about 40 minutes after the Lincoln sedan he was driving was struck head-on by a pickup truck on Clinton Keith Road, the Southwest Riverside News Network reported. The accident was reported at 8:53 p.m. on July 6, 2011, on Clinton Keith Road near Chantory Street and the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. According to news reports, the victim, Richard Johnson, was driving on Clinton Keith Road when the driver of a pickup truck crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with his vehicle. Johnson was rushed to an area hospital, where he died shortly after 9:30 p.m.. The 44-year-old man driving the pickup truck was critically injured in the crash and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Cause of the Fatal Accident

The cause of the fatal head-on collision remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the accident may call Sgt. Jim Gruwell at 951-461-6389 or Officer Kurt Stickelman at 951-461-6306. Based on the news reports, it appears that there was nothing Johnson could have done to avoid the collision. It is unclear why the driver of the pickup truck veered into oncoming traffic. The Murrieta Patch reported investigators with the Murrieta Police Department have ordered toxicology tests on the driver, as they suspect alcohol could have been a factor in the accident.

Fatal Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If news reports detailing this accident are accurate, Richard Johnson was not at-fault for July 6th accident that took his life. While this accident remains under investigation, the family of the victim would likely benefit from speaking to an experienced and knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer. An attorney who understands the legal issues of head-on collision accidents can advise the victim's family of their legal rights and options, should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim against the driver, or whoever is determined to be responsible for this accident.

Continue reading "Murrieta Man Killed in Head-On Collision on Clinton Keith Road " »

FRESNO COUNTY - A 35-year-old Lemoore man was tragically killed Wednesday morning in a head-on collision on Highway 41, the Fresno Bee reported. The victim, who was not identified, was driving a Jeep Wrangler southbound at Harlan Avenue when he tried to pass a slower moving vehicle at about 11 a.m. He slammed into a pickup truck and then struck a Dodge Neon and Chevy Cobalt. The impact caused the driver to be ejected and he died at the scene. Two people were taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. Traffic was stopped for three hours while emergency crews responded and authorities investigated the cause of the July 6th Highway 41 crash.

Continue reading "Driver Killed in Highway 41 Head-On Collision " »

COARSEGOLD - Three people, including a four-year-old girl were injured in a head-on collision on Highway 41 south of Coursegold, the Fresno Bee reported. The accident was reported just north of Road 200 at about 12:16 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2011. According to news reports, A 53-year-old Oakhurst man lost control of his Ford truck when a front tire blew out. His vehicle collided head-on with a car driven by a 28-year-old Coarsegold woman. She suffered major leg injuries and was taken to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. A 4-year-old girl suffered major injuries to her arm. A baby in the vehicle was not injured. The two young girls were taken to Children's Hospital Central California. The driver of the Ford truck suffered minor injuries and was not taken to the hospital.

Cause of the Madera County Head-On Collision

Based on the news reports, it appears that the woman likely could have done nothing to avoid this head-on crash on Highway 41. If the accident was caused by a tire blowout, the driver of the pickup truck may be responsible for this crash. Tire blowouts can be attributed to a number of causes, including manufacturing defects, road debris, maintenance neglect, and tire underinflation. Following a major injury crash caused by a suspected blowout, an inspection of the damage tire may reveal why the blowout occurred.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

If this accident was caused by negligence of the driver, the tire manufacturer, or another third party, the injured woman and children may be able to recover compensation for their injuries in a personal injury claim. While this Madera County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the injured victims would be well-advised to speak to an experienced and knowledgeable Fresno personal injury lawyer. An attorney who understands the unique legal issues of head-on collisions caused by tire blowouts can advise the victims and their families of their best course of action to protect their legal rights and recover maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages in a personal injury claim.

Continue reading "Three People Injured in Head-on Crash on Highway 41 " »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY - A 51-year-old Phoenix man tragically was killed Monday afternoon in a head-on collision on US 95, the Desert Dispatch reported. The victim was identified by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner as Daniel John DiRusso. According to news accounts, DiRusso was driving a 2010 Nissan Versa southbound on US 95 when his vehicle collided with a northbound 2004 GMC Envoy. The accident was reported 12 miles south of Needles at 4:18 p.m. According to the Desert Dispatch, DiRusso died at the scene of the crash. It was not clear whether the driver of the GMC was injured.

Cause of the US 95 Accident

The cause of the June 20th head-on collision remains under investigation by the CHP. Head-on collisions like this one can have numerous causes, from unsafe passing attempts to loss of control due to a tire blowout to a dangerous road condition causing a driver to lose control of a car. Based on the information provided in news accounts, the cause of this June 20th head-on collision was not clear. News accounts did not indicate which vehicle travelled into oncoming traffic, or who was responsible for the crash. Hopefully, the CHP investigation will reveal what happened and why.

Head-On Collision Wrongful Death Liability

Following any fatal car accident where the cause is unclear, family members of victims understandably have many questions. When accidents are caused by negligent driving, such as texting and driving, driving under the influence, or speeding through traffic lanes, family members of victims killed due to the negligence of another may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and benefits the decedent would have earned over their lifetime, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship. While the cause of this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with a California wrongful death lawyer about the accident and their best course of action to protect their legal rights.

Continue reading "Phoenix Man Killed in Head-On Collision Near Needles " »

SHASTA COUNTY - Four people were injured in a head-on collision Monday morning in Anderson, the Redding Record-Searchlight reported. The accident, involving two vehicles, occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. at Deschutes Road and Hawes Road in Anderson on Monday, April 18, 2011. Additional details were not available; the cause of the Shasta County head-on collision remains under investigation.

Continue reading "Four People Hurt Monday Morning in Head-On Collision in Anderson " »

WILLOWS - A head-on collision Tuesday night killed three people in Glenn County, the Contra Costa Times and Willows Journal reported. The accident occurred on Highway 99W, north of the intersection with County Road 39. According to news reports, at about 9:35 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, Erik Ortega, 26, of Orland, was driving a 1991 Ford Taurus southbound on the highway when he reportedly allowed his vehicle to drift into northbound lanes. The Ford collided head-on with a 2007 Hyundai Elantra driven by Melissa M. Ellithorp, 20, of Willows. Both Ortega and Ellithorp were killed in the crash. A passenger in Ellithorp's Hyundai, Nicolina Joann Milani, 19, of Glenn, also died. A second passenger in the Hyundai, Emily D Ellithorp, 31, of Willows, sustained major injuries and was taken to Enloe Medical Center in Chico.

Cause of the Glenn County Crash

The April 5th head-on collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. If news accounts of the incident are accurate, it is likely that Melissa Ellithorp could have done nothing to avoid this collision. It is unclear why Ortega allowed his southbound vehicle to drift into northbound lanes. Was he distracted? Did he fall asleep at the wheel? Was he driving under the influence? Did something malfunction mechanically? Hopefully, the investigation by law enforcement will reveal exactly what happened, and why.

Car Accident Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability

While this car accident remains under investigation, the family members of the three occupants of the Hyundai would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable California car accident lawyer. An attorney who has handled hundreds of personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from head-on collisions similar to this one can closely monitor the official investigation and advise the victims' families of their best course of action to protect their rights. If necessary, an independent investigator can be dispatched to the scene to independently determined what happened and why. If negligence of the driver or someone else caused or contributed to this crash, the victims' families may be able to recover compensation for their loss against whoever was ultimately responsible.

Continue reading "Three Killed in Head-on Crash in Glenn County " »

ANTIOCH - Three people were injured Friday morning in a head-on collision on Deer Valley Road, the Contra Costa Times reported. The crash was reported north of Empire Mine Road, just after 10 a.m. on Friday, February 25, 2011. According to reports, a 28-year-old Pittsburg man was driving a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt northbound on Deer Valley Road. At the same time, a 55-year-old Antioch woman was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier southbound. For unknown reasons, the driver of the Cobalt veered across the double yellow line and struck the Cavalier head-on.

The woman driving the Cavalier suffered two broken legs and was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. A female passenger in the Cavalier and the driver of the Cobalt were taken to hospitals for less serious injuries.

Cause of the Contra Costa County Crash

The cause of the February 25th Contra Costa County crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. The CHP reported that the road was wet at the time of the crash, but it was not raining. The driver of the Cavalier was reportedly driving the speed limit, but the man driving the Cobalt appeared to be speeding. If news reports are accurate, the driver of the Cobalt will likely be found responsible for this head-on collision.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

Head-on collisions such as this one on Deer Valley Road commonly involve significant injury. When a car accident is caused by negligence of another driver, the at-fault party may be liable for the victim's injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. While this crash remains under investigation, the injured parties in the Cavalier would be well-advised to speak with an experienced California car accident lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney who has represented numerous victims of head-on collisions can advise the victims of their legal rights and best course of action to protect them.

Continue reading "Three People Hurt in Head-on Collision South of Antioch " »