California Injury Lawyer Blog

TEMECULA - Fourteen people were injured, including two seriously, when a woman driving out of a casino parking structure struck another vehicle and then an open-air casino shuttle (similar to a golf cart) Saturday night. The major injury accident was reported at about 8 p.m. on New Years Eve in the Pechanga Casino's north parking structure. According to news reports in the Press Enterprise and Southwest Riverside News Network, Vivian Edwards was driving her 2007 black Saturn Aura down the exit ramp at an estimated 45-50 miles per hour when her vehicle rear-ended a 2012 black Hyundai Elantra. The Saturn then struck a concrete pillar and continued forward, striking an open golf cart shuttle that was carrying seven passengers. Two passengers were seriously injured and six other occupants were moderately injured. The driver and three passengers in the Hyundai were also taken to area hospitals, along with the driver of the Saturn and her unidentified passenger.

Cause of the Pechanga Casino Accident

The CHP is investigating the cause of the crash. According to multiple news reports, the driver of the Saturn told police that her accelerator pedal had stuck and she was unable to stop her vehicle. Police reportedly ruled out drugs and alcohol as contributing factors. Police could not immediately confirm Edwards' claim because the vehicle was inoperable.

Personal Injury Liability

This accident has numerous unique factors (and potentially liable parties) because this accident involved an alleged mechanical defect in a vehicle, occurred on casino property, and involved a courtesy shuttle bus. While the investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, the injured victims of this New Year's Eve collision would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable Temecula personal injury lawyer. An attorney who has handled accident occurring on casino property, as well as with auto expertise in auto product liability arising from collisions involving stuck accelerators can advise the victims' of their legal rights and best course of action to ensure they receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to for medical care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

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LOS ANGELES - A four-vehicle collision early Wednesday morning on the southbound 405 Freeway left one person with life-threatening injuries, the LA Times reported. The collision was reported just south of Getty Center Driver at 4:30 a.m. Six people were involved in the crash, and five of the victims were taken to a local hospital. The cause of the December 28th Los Angeles car accident was not immediately clear.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

Following a major injury car accident, victims and their families are well-advised to speak with a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney. If the accident is determined to be caused by the negligence of another driver, the accident victims may be entitled to compensation for medical care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. While the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, a skilled Los Angeles car accident lawyer can advise the accident victims and their family members of their best course of action to protect their legal rights to recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to.

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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.

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CALAVERAS COUNTY -- One person was tragically killed and another seriously injured in Valley Springs motorcycle accident at about 2:15 p.m. Tuesday. According to KVML News, the driver of a 2001 Jeep Cherokee was traveling west on Highway 26 just west of Hogan Dam Road when for unknown reasons she crossed on the other side of the roadway and struck a motorcyclist and his passenger. The motorcyclist was reported to have died from his injuries, while his passenger sustained major injuries. The identities of both individuals on the bike were not immediately available.

Cause of the Motorcycle Crash in Valley Springs

Based on the information provided by KVML News, it is unclear why the driver of the SUV veered onto the other side of the roadway and into oncoming traffic. Therefore, it is evident the driver may be responsible for the accident. Hopefully the California Highway Patrol will determine what happened and why, along with who is officially responsible.

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

While the investigation of this November 1st collision on Highway 26 is ongoing, the injured victim and the family of the deceased victim would be well-advised to contact either a California personal injury or California wrongful death attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer who has the experience in motorcycle accidents such as this one, can help the injured victim and the family of the deceased understand and protect their legal rights, help determine who is responsible for the collision, and decide the best course of action to receive the maximum compensation. Compensation can include and are not limited to medical care expenses, funeral/burial costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this devastating motorcycle accident.

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TULARE COUNTY -- A devastating bus accident in the city of Porterville left a woman killed and several injured. According to the Porterville Recorder, Tashia Laird, 27, of Porterville, was a passenger in a Dodge Neon that rear-ended a bus on Highway 190 and Jay Street around 2:25 a.m. Sunday. Police officials indicated the driver of the Dodge was traveling at a high speed before the crash, and believe alcohol may have been a factor.

Following the collision, Laird was reported to have died at the scene, while the driver of the Dodge, Francisco Luna, 26, of Strathmore, and another passenger, Omar Ibarra, 21, of Lindsay, sustained major injuries and were airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. Five passengers on the bus complained about pain and were transported to Sierra View District Hospital for further treatment.

Cause of the Crash in Porterville

The accident on October 16th remains under investigation by the Porterville Police Department. However, based on the information provided by the Fresno Bee and the Porterville Recorder, it appears the driver of the Dodge Neon may be at fault for traveling at a high rate of speed before the crash and the speculation that alcohol might have been a factor. Therefore, occupants inside the car and on the bus may have had no way to prevent or avoid this terrible collision.

Bus Accident Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

While the investigation of this accident is ongoing, victims or the family of the victims would be well-advised to contact either a California personal injury lawyer or a California wrongful death attorney. An attorney who has handled collisions involving automobiles and busses, can advise the injured victims or the family of the deceased victim of their legal rights, and decided the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to for medical care expenses, funeral/burial costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages in this horrible bus accident.

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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.

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TULARE COUNTY - The Visalia Times-Delta reported a horrific collision killed at least two teenagers and the driver of a pickup truck Tuesday afternoon, at the intersection of Highway 190 (Avenue 144) and Road 152. According to reports by the California Highway Patrol, a Tulare County juvenile probation van was headed east on Highway 190, and the pickup truck was headed northbound on Road 152. The preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the pickup truck failed to stop at the intersection.

The van was headed back to the Tulare County Probation Department in Porterville when the collision occurred minutes after 11:00 a.m. A 16-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl in the van were killed in the collision. Six other teenagers and the driver of the van suffered major injuries. Some of the van occupants were reportedly ejected. The driver of the pickup truck, who was not identified, also died.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability Issues

This August 2nd car accident presents a number of possibly complex legal issues due to the fact that the probation van is owned by a county, and the threshold for proving liability is higher. Lawsuits against government agencies have strict timelines, and require technical procedures that are not required in a typical car accident lawsuit. While this accident remains under investigation, the parents of the teenage victims of this accident would be well-advised to contact an experienced California car accident lawyer.

An attorney who has handled car accident injury and wrongful death claims arising from accidents involving government owned vehicles can help the families affected by this crash protect their rights to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable. Families may be entitled to compensation for victims' injuries and medical expenses, or the wrongful death of their loved one.

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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.

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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.

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SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY - Two people were injured, including one critically, in a crash Friday morning outside the Tracy Auto Mall, the Tracy Press reported. The July 8th accident was reported around 10 a.m. on Auto Plaza Drive near Naglee Road, and involved a 2006 Mercedes and a 2012 Mustang. Both cars were reportedly on separate test drives when they collided. The driver of the Mercedes was ejected and subsequently flown by helicopter to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. One of the occupants of the Mustang suffered less serious injuries and was taken to Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Manteca. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Test Drive Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

Generally, the party determined to be responsible for a car accident is liable. However, there may be exceptions and anytime you are involved in a car accident while driving a car that belongs to someone else, determining who is responsible for an accident and financially liable for injuries can be complex. While this accident remains under investigation, the injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to consider consulting with an experienced and knowledgeable northern California car accident attorney. A skilled and capable personal injury lawyer who understands the unique legal issues of test drive injury accidents can advise victims of their best course of action to protect their legal rights and recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to.

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BUTTE COUNTY - A man in his 50's died Friday when the pickup truck he was a passenger in overturned on Highway 99, the Sacramento Bee reported. The fatal accident was reported near Gridley on southbound Highway 99 near Ord Ranch Road at about 2:20 p.m. According to witness reports, the driver veered off the highway and overcorrected, causing the pickup truck to overturn and land upside down in a ditch. The driver of the truck was taken to the hospital by family members who arrived at the accident scene before emergency responders. The passenger had to be extricated and was taken to Biggs-Gridley Memorial Hospital, where he died of his injuries. The CHP is investigating the fatal July 8th crash. Neither the driver or the passenger were immediately identified.

What Caused this Accident?

Based on the limited information provided in news accounts, the cause of this accident is unclear. Vehicle rollover accidents can have numerous causes, including tire blowouts, vehicle defects, dangerous road conditions, unsafe passing maneuvers, speeding, falling asleep at the wheel, and driving under the influence. Hopefully, the investigation by the CHP will reveal exactly what happened, and why.

Car Accident Passenger Wrongful Death Liability

Depending on the circumstances of this rollover accident, if negligence was a factor, the family members of the passenger may pursue a wrongful death claim against the party or parties responsible for their loved one's death. Following any fatal accident where the cause is unclear, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable northern California wrongful death attorney. A lawyer who understands the complex issues of vehicle rollover accidents can help the victim's family understand their legal rights, and advise them of their best course of action handling communications with the insurance company, should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.

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ROBBINS - Two people died and at least one other person was seriously injured in a violent car crash early Thursday morning in Sutter County, the Sacramento Bee reported. The accident, involving a Honda automobile, occurred on Highway 113 near Seymour Road, at about 5:20 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2011. The Honda reportedly went off the road, struck a tree, and overturned in a shallow canal. One person was flown to a hospital by helicopter with major injuries. News 10 reported there were two vehicles in the collision. It was not clear what caused the July 7th accident.

Cause of the Sutter County Accident

The CHP is investigating the double-fatal accident in Sutter County. In this accident, news accounts did not provide any information as to what caused the crash. CHP investigators will surely look at possible causes such as speeding, driving under the influence, driving while distracted, unsafe passing, falling asleep at the wheel, and other causes in determining what happened and who was responsible.

Car Accident Major Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

If this accident was the result of a driver's negligence, injured victims or their families may pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim for damages against the responsible party or parties. Following any major injury or fatal accident, family members of victims are well-advised to speak with a knowledgeable and capable northern California car accident attorney. A lawyer who has successfully handled personal injury and wrongful death claims arising from major accidents can advise the victims' families of their best course of action to protect their legal rights, and answer any questions they may have. As a general rule, it is advisable to contact a lawyer soon following an accident, while evidence and witness recollections can most easily be obtained.

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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.

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NORTHERN VACAVILLE - A four-vehicle crash Monday evening on Interstate 80 left 42-year-old Kelly Myers critically injured, the Vacaville Reporter said. According to news accounts, at about 8:05 p.m., Myers was driving a navy blue Dodge van westbound on I-80, just east of the Interstate 505 onramp, when her vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle. The impact caused Myers to lose control of her van and collide with a Caltrans vehicle parked in a construction zone. The van overturned and landed on its roof. Myers suffered major head-injuries as a result of the collision, and was flown by CALSTAR air ambulance to University of California, Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. Her 14-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter were taken to VacaValley Hospital where they were treated and later released. A Santa Cruz man suffered minor injuries after his silver Honda CRV was rear-ended by a black 2004 Acura sedan driven by Fredy Herrera, 36, of San Leandro. Witnesses reported seeing Herrera "driving well over 100 mph" prior to the collision.

Cause of the June 20th Solano County Accident

The Contra Costa Times reported that it was unclear which vehicle struck Myers' Dodge van. CHP investigators are looking for anyone who may have witnessed the Solano County crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact the CHP at (707)428-7300.

Personal Injury Liability

Multi-vehicle accidents such as this Interstate 80 crash have unique and often complex legal issues when it comes to resolving an insurance claim. Based on reports that one of the vehicles was travelling at a very high rate of speed, it appears that there may have been some reckless driving involved. While this accident remains under investigation, the injured victims or their families would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable northern California injury attorney. An attorney who understands the challenges victims of multi-vehicle freeway accidents face can help the victims protect their rights to recover maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

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SAN CLEMENTE - Ten people suffered injuries ranging from minor to major following a multi-vehicle car accident Wednesday afternoon, the Orange County Register reported. The accident reportedly began in the fast lane of Interstate 5, near Avenida Pico, when the driver of a Dodge rear-ended a Nissan. The impact of the collision sent the Nissan into the No. 2 lane where it collided with a Mercedes-Benz. The 26-year-old male driver of the Nissan and five passengers in the vehicle were taken to Mission Hospital. Two of the occupants suffered moderate injuries, two suffered major injuries, and two suffered minor injuries. Four occupants of the Dodge were taken to UCI Medical Center with minor injuries. The driver of the Mercedes, a 55-year-old Carlsbad man, was apparently not hurt.

Cause of the Interstate 5 Accident

The cause of the June 15th Interstate 5 accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. According to news accounts, investigators believe the driver of the Dodge likely was likely not paying attention when traffic slowed in front of him. While the driver of the Nissan slowed down, the driver of the Dodge did not. Drugs or alcohol are not believed to be a factor.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

Accident victims who are injured due to the negligence of another may be entitled to recover compensation for their injuries in a personal injury claim, which may include damages for medical care expenses, lost earnings, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Following a multi-vehicle car accident such as this June 15th Orange County crash, the injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable California freeway accident attorney. A lawyer who understands the unique and sometimes complex insurance issues of Interstate 5 freeway accidents can advise the victims of their legal rights to be compensated for their injuries and best course of action following this accident.

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