California Injury Lawyer Blog

EL DORADO COUNTY -- According to multiple news reports, a girl was severely struck by a car driven by a classmate while she was standing at a school bus stop in North El Dorado. The horrible accident occurred at about 7:15 a.m. Thursday when the driver of a 1992 Chevy Blazer - 18-year-old Kassandra Hoelscher - lost control in the snow and struck Karly Bray at the El Dorado High School bus stop located at Mace Road and Pony Express Trail.

Following the collision, Bray was taken to Sutter-Roseville Hospital and underwent emergency surgery as her leg was tragically severed below the kneecap from the accident. Officers at scene did mention speed was a factor in the crash along with road conditions.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident

The accident on March 1st remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information provided by news reports, it appears road conditions and the speed the driver was traveling at the time of the incident, were factors in this devastating accident.

Liability for El Dorado Pedestrian Accidents

In a serious accident such as this one, the family of the girl would be well-advised to contact to El Dorado personal injury lawyer regarding her legal rights. If authorities conclude that speed, negligent, or unsafe driving caused or contributed to the incident, an experienced attorney who has handled numerous pedestrian accidents, can help the family protect their legal rights, and advise them the best course of action in recovering the maximum compensation for the child's medical care expenses, life altering injuries, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

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EL DORADO COUNTY - A 15-year-old girl and her miniature schnauzer were attacked by a loose pit bull Saturday afternoon in El Dorado Hills. The incident was reported on Riviera Circle at about 3 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, according to Fox 40 News. The victim, Audrey Johnson, was bit in the arm when she tried to rescue her Schnauzer "Bella" from the pit bull, who had escaped from his owner's house through an open door. The girl was taken to the hospital for injuries to her arm, and the dog was taken away by Animal Control.

California Dog Bite Personal Injury Liability

Under California Civil Code Section 3342 : "The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness." After a dog attack such as this one, the parents of the injured teenager would be well-advised to speak with an experienced California dog bite lawyer about the incident and their legal rights to hold the owner of the dog accountable for medical expenses and pain and suffering as a result of this El Dorado County dog attack.

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A 41-year-old Orangevale man was killed in a crash late Wednesday evening on US Route 50 near the Red Hawk Casino in Placerville, authorities reported. The El Dorado County crash occurred at about 11:10 p.m. April 7, west of Red Hawk Parkway The CHP believes the fatal head-on crash was caused by a woman driving the wrong-way on Highway 50. The victim, Bruce Michael Bone, was driving westbound on Highway 50 when his vehicle was struck by a sport-utility vehicle going eastbound.

The suspected wrong-way driver, Theresa Ghersanich, 55, of Placerville, suffered major injuries in the crash, and was arrested on suspicion
of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Bruce Bone. It is heartbreaking when accidents like this one are entirely preventable. Please keep Bruce's family in your prayers during this surely difficult time.

Drunk Driving Liability & Wrongful Death

If the facts of this accident are accurate, the wrong-way driver suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol caused this crash. Drinking and driving is against the law under California Vehicle Code Section 23152. Under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a), a driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges.

While the incident remains under investigation, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a California wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help the family of the deceased victim understand and protect their legal rights, and file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver to seek compensation to cover their loss, including damages for funeral expenes, loss of future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other expenses related to the accident.

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