California Injury Lawyer Blog

WILDOMAR - A driver and passenger suffered moderate injuries early Sunday morning in a rollover crash on Bundy Canyon Road, the Southwest Riverside News Network reported. The accident was reported at about 5 a.m. on Sunday, July 10, 2011 at Bundy Canyon Road and Raciti Road. The cause of the incident remains under investigation, and the driver's name is being withheld pending the investigation. Anyone with information about the Riverside County injury accident is asked to contact the Wildomar Police Department at (951)245-3300. Based on the limited information provided in news accounts, the cause of this car accident is not clear.

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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.

Continue reading "Passenger Killed in Highway 99 Crash in Butte County " »

COLUSA COUNTY - One person died in a solo-vehicle rollover crash Friday morning on Interstate 5 in Colusa County, the Chico Enterprise Record reported. The accident was reported just north of Hillgate Road, just before 4:30 a.m. According to news reports, the vehicle was travelling northbound on I-5 when it crossed through the center divider and came to rest in the southbound lanes of the freeway. Further details as to the cause of the crash were not available; the California Highway Patrol is investigating the June 17th crash.

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ALBANY - A Ford Explorer SUV rollover tragically killed a 48-year-old Oakland man Monday morning in Alameda County, Mercury News reported. The accident was reported on eastbound Interstate 80, just west of Buchanan Street, at about 10 a.m. on Monday, April 18, 2011. The victim, identified by the Alameda County coroner's bureau as Napoleon Quintero, was driving a white Ford Explorer with his wife and two children when for unknown reasons, he lost control of the vehicle, causing the SUV to roll multiple times. Quintero's wife suffered a broken leg, and his two children suffered minor to moderate injuries.

Cause of the April 18th Accident

The cause of the SUV rollover accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol At this point, the news reports raise more questions than answers as to what happened. It is not clear why Quintero lost control of his vehicle. Vehicle rollovers can occur for many reasons, from unsafe steering maneuvers to tire blowouts to dangerous road conditions. Hopefully, the investigation by the CHP will provide answers as to why this tragic rollover occurred.

SUV Rollover Accident Liability

Ford Motor Co. and other vehicle manufacturers have paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements to victims of SUV rollover accidents and their families. If a design defect in the vehicle is determined to have caused or contributed to the fatal accident, the manufacturer of the car may be liable for the wrongful death of the driver, Napoleon Quintero, and the injuries sustained by his family members in the vehicle with him. Following a fatal Ford Explorer rollover crash such as this April 18th crash on Interstate 80, the family members of the victims of this crash would be well-advised to speak with a California SUV rollover accident lawyer.

Although no money awarded in a verdict or settlement can bring back a loved one's life taken too soon, a personal injury or wrongful death claim can ensure responsible parties are held accountable, and that future similar occurrences may be prevented. Damages awarded in wrongful death claim may include compensation for anticipated future earnings and financial contributions the decedent would have earned, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care, affection, guidance and companionship.

Continue reading "Oakland Man Killed in Ford Explorer Rollover on Interstate 80 " »

ALPAUGH - A 27-year-old man tragically died Monday afternoon in a solo vehicle crash on Highway 43 near Alpaugh, the Fresno Bee reported. The accident occurred north of Avenue 56 at about 2 p.m. The driver, who was not identified, reportedly drifted off the right side of the roadway, and then overcorrected and lost control of the 2006 Ford Fusion. The man was taken to Delano Medical Center where he died of his injuries. The cause of the fatal April 11th Tulare County crash remains under investigation by the CHP.

Continue reading "Man Killed in Solo-Vehicle Rollover Crash In Tulare County " »

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

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability

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

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

CLOVIS - An 18-year-old Clovis man was killed early Sunday morning in a rollover accident on Highway 168, the Fresno Bee reported. The accident was reported at 12:48 a.m. near Shepherd Avenue. The victim, Nathan Ray, 18, was driving on Highway 168 when for unknown reasons, his vehicle went off the road and struck a telephone pole. Ray was taken to Community Regional Medical Center, where he died. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the CHP.

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A 36-year-old Victorville woman died Monday in a crash on Highway 395 in San Bernardino County, the Victorville Daily Press said. The victim, Patricia Rodriguez, was a passenger in a 2003 GMC Yukon travelling south on Highway 395. According to news reports, at about 12:12 p.m., about two miles south of Bear Valley Road, the driver of the Yukon, Sergio Rodriguez, swerved to avoid rear-ending a slow-moving Chrysler PT Cruiser and apparently overcorrected. The SUV overturned several times and came to rest on its roof.

The San Bernardino Sun reported paramedics pronounced Rodriguez dead at the scene of the accident at 12:23 p.m. Other occupants of the SUV, including several children, were taken to local hospitals with moderate to major injuries. It was unclear how many people were in the SUV; the San Bernardino Sun reported there were eight or nine occupants in the vehicle.

This tragic fatal accident occurred in one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the United States, the stretch of Highway 395 from Interstate 15 to Adelanto. Just this year, 10 people have died in this stretch of Hwy 395 in head-on collisions, SUV rollover accidents and other serious accident. In 2009, there were six deaths in this stretch of road. The Victorville Daily Press reported that skid marks from this September 6th accident intersected with an accident in April that killed a 27-year-old man.

Highway 395 Accidents & Personal Injury Liability

The San Bernardino Sheriff's Department is investigating the fatal SUV rollover accident. While the cause of the San Bernardino County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims of this crash may benefit from speaking to an SUV rollover lawyer about this Highway 395 crash and the unique liability issues involved. If negligence, a mechanical defect in the vehicle or a dangerous road condition was a factor in this crash, a skilled and knowledgeable attorney can help the victims recover the compensation they may be entitled to for their injuries or loved one's wrongful death. In cases such as this one, the injured passengers may be entitled to compensation for their medical treatment expenses, rehabilitation, lost earnings (if applicable) and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Victorville Woman Killed, Others Injured in Highway 395 Rollover Crash " »

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 " »

A 44-year-old Laytonville woman died Wednesday night in a head-on collision on Highway 101, north of its juncture with Highway 271 in Humboldt County, authorities reported. T

he July 21st accident occurred at about 9:30 p.m., and involved a northbound Subaru Forester and a southbound Toyota 4Runner.

According to news reports in the Ukiah Daily Journal and Times-Standard, Saskia Martin, 37, of Benbow, was driving a Subaru Forester northbound on Highway 101, behind a slow moving big rig truck.

When Martin attempted to pass the truck, she saw a bicycle lying in the lane directly in front of her, which caused her to slam the brakes and swerve into the southbound lane.

Martin lost control of the Subaru and the vehicle spun into the path of a southbound Toyota 4-Runner driven by Tonia Evans, 44, of Laytonville. The Subaru and the 4-Runner collided, resulting in the SUV rolling several times. Tonia Evans died of her injuries at the scene of the crash. Her husband and passenger, Allen Evans, 52, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Martin complained of pain to her neck and left arm.

This horrific accident is absolutely heartbreaking. Our condolences go out to the family of Tonia Evans and everyone who knew and loved her. Please keep her family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Cause of the Crash

If news reports are accurate, it appears that this crash was caused by an unsafe maneuver made by the driver of the Subaru Forester, resulting in her northbound vehicle entering southbound lanes into the path of the 4Runner. The Times-Standard reported that the CHP continues to investigate whether drugs and alcohol played a role in the crash. Authorities recovered the apparently abandoned bicycle from the crash scene.

Continue reading "Laytonville Woman Killed, Two Injured in Hwy 101 Head-On Collision Near Piercy " »

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 60-year-old Oro Grande man tragically died Tuesday night in an accident on northbound Interstate 15, the Victorville Daily Press reported. The man, identified by the San Bernardino Sheriff-Coroner as Stephen Michael Fenstermaker, was a passenger in a 2004 Ford Explorer. For reasons still under investigation, at about 7:20 p.m., the driver of the Ford Explorer lost control of her vehicle. The SUV went off the freeway and rolled down a ravine on the right side of the freeway. Fenstermaker died at the scene of the crash. The driver of the vehicle suffered a broken leg.

Our condolences go out to the family of Stephen Fenstermaker and everyone who knew and loved him. Please keep his family in your prayers.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why the driver of the Ford Explorer went off the freeway. At this point, there are more questions than answers regarding what happened and whether this Interstate 15 accident was caused by driver error or a defect in the vehicle or a dangerous condition on the roadway.

Ford Explorer Rollover Accidents on Interstate 15

On Sunday, March 28th, a Rancho Cucamonga couple died in a Ford Explorer rollover accident in the Cajon Pass, on southbound Interstate 15, north of Highway 138. That accident, and this July 13th accident, are reminders of the potentially deadly consequences of SUV rollover accidents at highway speeds. Earlier this year, a southern California jury awarded $23.5 million to a woman who was paralyzed following a Ford Rollover accident on Interstate 15 on March 23, 2007. In that case, jurors were shown evidence at trial that Ford knew of the safety issues of the Explorer, yet executives declined safety improvement recommendations in an effort to save money.

Ford Explorer Rollovers and Wrongful Death Liability

Ford Motor Company has paid out millions to victims of Ford Explorer rollover accidents. In situations such as this one, where someone dies as a result of a Ford Explorer rollover accident, the victim's family would be well-advised to contact a California SUV rollover accident lawyer with proven experience handling claims against Ford Motor Company. A skilled lawyer can review the unique circumstances of the accident and advise the victim's family of their best course of action to protect their legal rights following an accident, and help them understand who is responsible for their loss.

Although no amount of money can bring back a life tragically lost, a wrongful death claim can hold accountable the parties that are responsible and give families hope that similar accidents may be prevented in the future. Damages awarded for a wrongful death claim may include money for anticipated future earnings and benefits of the decedent, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "One Killed, One Injured in Interstate 15 Ford Explorer Rollover Crash in Cajon Pass" »

In what is a tragic reminder of the consequences of drinking and driving, four teens were injured, three seriously, in a horrific SUV rollover crash in Folsom late Wednesday night. Folsom Police say alcohol and drugs appeared to play a role in the solo vehicle crash. Broken whiskey bottles, marijuana, and other drug paraphernalia were found nearby, the Sacramento Bee reported.

The accident occurred on Heritage Place just before midnight on Wednesday, July 7th. Police say the SUV was speeding north on Heritage when the driver swerved onto a sidewalk and rolled multiple times. The 17-year-old unlicensed driver, the only one of the four occupants wearing a seat belt, suffered only minor injuries. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence causing serious injury and booked at the Sacramento Juvenile Hall. The three other teens, two males and one female, suffered very serious injuries. Folsom police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Social Host Laws

Earlier this year, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a "Social Host Ordinance" that holds adults responsible for hosting, or knowingly providing a venue for gatherings, when they reasonably should have known underage drinking would occur. In California, parents and adults who furnish alcohol to teens can be found liable for injuries caused by drinking and driving accidents. "Social Host" ordinances address the problems of underage drinking facilitated by enabling parents and other adults who are aware of underage alcohol consumption at private residences, but fail to stop it. (See News 10 story " Sacramento County law against underage drinking could land parents in jail.")

Continue reading "Four Teens Hurt In Suspected DUI Crash in Folsom " »

The Press-Enterprise reported that one person died and at least five others people were injured in a multi-vehicle accident Thursday afternoon in Menifee. The June 10th crash occurred at about 1:34 p.m. on Newport Road, about 75 feet east of the on-ramp to northbound Interstate 215.

According to the Menifee Police Department, the initial investigation determined that a white Hyundai Santa Fe that had been traveling northbound on the I-215 freeway and had exited the Newport Rd. freeway offramp. The vehicle went through the intersection and struck the center divider of Newport Rd., causing the vehicle to become airborne where it collided with a Mazda minivan in the number one westbound lane of Newport Rd. Another vehicle rear-ended the minivan, and several other vehicles were involved in minor fender-benders trying to avoid the wreckage.

The driver of the minivan, Roland G. Seneff, 69, of Hemet, died as a result of his injuries at Menifee Valley Medical Center. The front passenger in the minvan suffered serious injuries. Three children in the minivan were taken to the hospital and later released. The driver of the Hyundai suffered a broken neck. It was not clear if anyone else was injured.

Cause of the Menifee Crash

According to the Press-Enterprise, the driver of the Hyundai told authorities that when she exited northbound Interstate 215 at Newport Road, she was unable to slow down at the end of the offramp. Regardless of whether the driver of the Hyundai was negligent, or if her vehicle somehow malfunctioned, the driver of the minivan and all of the occupants in his vehicle were victims of this crash.

Continue reading "Hemet Man Killed, At Least Five People Injured in Crash on Newport Road in Menifee" »

Two women from Coachella died Wednesday in a solo vehicle rollover crash on Highway 86, near the Riverside/Imperial County Line, the Desert Sun reported. The accident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. June 2nd on northbound Highway 86, about a half-mile north of Treadwell Boulevard, the Riverside County Coroner's office said.

According to authorities, Maria Lopez de Mora, 64, was driving a 2007 Chevrolet minivan northbound on Highway 86. A 28-year-old Coachella man was in the right front seat, and Silvia Lopez Gastelum, 61, was in the back seat. The van was travelling around 70 mph when for unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the vehicle. The van overturned several times across the center median and came to rest in the southbound lanes of Highway 86. Gastelum was ejected from the vehicle.

Both of the women were flown to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where they died. The male passenger, who was not identified, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Continue reading "Two Women Killed, Man Injured in Rollover Crash on Highway 86 Near Salton Sea Beach " »