California Injury Lawyer Blog

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.

Continue reading "Major Injuries Reported in 405 Freeway Crash in Los Angeles " »

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 " »

MENDOCINO COUNTY -- According to Mercury News, an 82-year-old Mendocino avid cyclist was severely struck by a pickup truck in Casper on Sunday. This tragic accident happened along Highway 1 when a 1999 Ford F-150 driven by Sterling Bradbury, 18, of Mendocino, veered onto the shoulder of the highway and struck the bicyclist. CHP at the scene stated that alcohol or drugs, or the use of a cell phone were not a factor in the crash. However, following this tragic accident, the bicyclist, David Russell, was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital where he was later died due to his injures.

Cause of the Bicycle Accident on Highway 1

The accident on November 13th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However based on the information provided by Mercury News, it is unclear what caused the teen driver to veer onto the shoulder of the freeway. Therefore, police officials investigating this devastating accident will look at factors that include and are not limited to falling asleep while driving, road conditions, vehicle malfunctions, and distracted driving.

Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries and/or death to the cyclist involved. There are numerous ways accidents such as this one can occur, such as motorists forcing bicyclists off the road, veering in front of a cyclist's path, or other negligent actions by the driver.

Therefore, while it is not determined by authorities what caused this crash and who is ultimately responsible, the family of the deceased victim would be well-advised to contact a California wrongful death lawyer. One of our understanding and dedicated attorneys at Estey Bomberger, especially Mike Bomberger who is also an avid cyclist, can ensure the family's legal rights are protected, help police in efforts to hold the responsible party financially liable for funeral and burial costs, anticipated and future lifetime earnings and benefits, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Fatally Struck by Car in Casper on Highway 1" »

SUTTER COUNTY -- A multi-vehicle collision on Highway 99 in Pleasant Grove left a woman seriously injured Wednesday, The Sacramento Bee reported. According to the CHP, a driver of a pickup traveling southbound on Highway 99 at about 3:30 p.m. misjudged the distance of an oncoming vehicle when the he or she was making a left turn to eastbound Sankey Road.

The oncoming vehicle that was driven by a Yuba City woman had little time to react and avoid the truck. After the collision, the woman in the van, sustained major injuries and was airlifted to the hospital. Two other people in the van were also hurt, but suffered moderate injuries. The driver of the pickup truck had minor injuries and declined medical treatment.

Cause of the Car Crash on Highway 99

Based on the information provided by The Sacramento Bee, it appears the driver of the pickup truck may be at fault for making an unsafe left turn. However, the California Highway Patrol will investigate this terrible incident thoroughly and cautiously to determine whether or not there were other factors that could have caused this collision.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

Left-turn accidents usually occur because the driver does not see another automobile, pedestrian, motorcyclist, and/or bicyclist. In some cases, misjudging the distance of the oncoming car, road conditions, and vehicle malfunctions may also be the cause. But, regardless of why the left-turn collision occurs, accidents such as these can cause serious injuries and/or death.

Therefore, while the investigation of this November 9th car accident on Highway 99 is ongoing, the victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a skilled Northern California car accident attorney. A lawyer who has the knowledge and the experience in handling incidents such as this one, can advise the victim of her legal rights in a personal injury claim, and decide the best course of action to be fully compensated for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this horrible car accident.

Continue reading "Woman Critically Injured in Pleasant Grove Car Accident on Highway 99" »

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.

Continue reading "One Killed, Several Injured in Porterville Bus Crash on Highway 190" »

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 " »

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY - A 58-year-old bicyclist was severely injured Tuesday morning after he was struck by a Toyota Tacoma on Highway 1, the Mercury News reported. The accident occurred just before 8:30 a.m. on northbound Highway 1 near Bonny Doon Road. According to the CHP, the bicyclist was riding a Giant hybrid bike that was struck from behind by the pickup truck, driven by a 65-year-old Santa Cruz man. The bicyclist, who was not identified, wore a helmet and his bike was equipped with reflectors. He suffered major injuries in the collision and was flown to Stanford Medical Center by helicopter. It was reportedly foggy at the time of the collision.

Cause of the Accident

Based on the limited information provided in news reports, the cause of the collision is unclear. However, if it is true that the cyclist was struck from behind, it appears he likely could have done nothing to prevent the collision. The CHP will surely look at the location of the collision, speed of the truck, and other factors in making their determination of exactly what happened.

Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

Following a major injury bicycle accident such as this September 21st accident on Highway 1, the family members of the injured victim would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Northern California bicycle accident attorney. An attorney who is also a cyclist and specializes in cycling accident litigation can advise the victim and his family of their best course of action to protect their rights following this accident, and recover maximum compensation for medical care and treatment, lost earnings / wages, and pain and suffering, if negligence is determined to be a cause of the accident. Following any serious injury accident, it is advisable to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, while important evidence and witness recollections can most easily be obtained and preserved.

Continue reading "Santa Cruz Bicyclist Severely Injured in Highway 1 Accident " »

MADERA COUNTY - Two people were injured in a crash early Monday morning involving a big rig, ABC 30 News reported. The accident occurred on Highway 41 near Avenue 14 when the driver of a big-rig tried to make a U-turn and pulled out in front of oncoming traffic. The driver of the van was unable to stop in time to prevent the collision. Two people in the van were taken to the hospital. Further details about the cause of the Highway 41 accident were not immediately available.

Left-Turn Accident Liability

Although the CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of the collision, based on the information reported, it appears that the driver of the big-rig may be responsible for this accident. The law pertaining to left turns is found in California Vehicle Code Section 21801: "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Truck Accident Personal injury Claims

Accidents involving commercial trucks can be complicated legal matters. Following an injury accident such as this September 20th truck accident on Highway 41, the injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable California truck accident lawyer. An attorney who specializes in representing victims of truck accidents can advise the victims and their loved ones of their legal rights, options and responsibilities, should they wish to pursue a personal injury claim against the truck driver, trucking company, or any other responsible parties. Damages recovered in a personal injury claim may include compensation for medical care and treatment, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Two People Injured in Highway 41 Big Rig Crash in Madera County " »

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 " »

MENIFEE - An unidentified male pedestrian was very tragically killed Saturday night when he was struck by an Isuzu Rodeo on the McCall Boulevard on-ramp to the 215 Freeway, the Southwest Riverside News Network reported. The victim, who was not identified pending notification of family members, died at the scene of the accident, which was reported at about 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2011. The driver of the SUV reportedly attempted to avoid the collision, as the CHP said that a reporting person heard a screech of tires followed by an impact. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

What Caused this Fatal Accident?

Since news reports provided only limited details of what happened, it is impossible to understand exactly what happened. The CHP - the agency responsible for investigating this fatal collision - will surely look at factors such as speed, the location of the pedestrian in the roadway, possible impairment of the pedestrian or the driver, and other factors in determining what happened to cause this accident, and who was ultimately responsible.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Following any fatal pedestrian accident where the cause is unclear, such as this August 27th Sun City pedestrian accident, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with a knowledgeable Riverside personal injury attorney. If it is determined that the driver of the SUV was in part or in whole responsible for this accident, the victim's family may pursue a wrongful death claim and recover damages for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and loss of love and companionship. A skilled attorney can help the victim's family understand their options and protect their legal rights, should they decide to pursue a claim against whoever was responsible for their loss.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Struck and Killed in Sun City " »

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.

Continue reading "Tulare County Juvenile Probation Van Involved in Fatal Collision " »

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 " »

SAN JACINTO - A pedestrian suffered "extensive" injuries early Sunday morning when he was struck by a car on South San Jacinto Avenue (CA-79), the Southwest Riverside News Network reported. The victim, identified only as an 18-year-old man, was walking south of Midway Avenue at about 1:50 a.m. when he was struck by a 2005 Buick Rendezvous. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. The injured pedestrian was taken to a nearby hospital. The San Jacinto Police Department would like anyone with information about the July 17th Riverside County pedestrian accident to call (951)654-2702.

Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability

It is not clear based on the limited information provided in the news report why this accident occurred, and whether the pedestrian was on the side of the road, in the middle of the road, or in a crosswalk when the collision occurred. Hopefully, the investigation by law enforcement will reveal exactly what happened and why. After any major injury accident where the cause is unclear, the injured victim or his family members would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable California pedestrian accident lawyer. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help the victim protect his rights and determine whether or not he may be entitled to compensation for his injuries in a personal injury claim.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Struck by Car in San Jacinto " »

GRIDLEY - A 31-year-old Paradise man suffered a broken leg, broken wrist, and numerous other injuries Thursday afternoon when a vehicle collided with his motorcycle on Highway 99, the Oroville Mercury Register reported. The Butte County accident was reported at about 12:30 p.m. on July 14th near Township Road. According to news reports, the accident occurred when a 31-year-old Yuba City woman pulled her 2002 Ford Taurus into the path of his motorcycle. The victim, John Lewis Woods III, was airlifted to to Enloe Medical Center in Chico. Alcohol or drugs were not suspected to play a role in the crash

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

The CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of this accident. However, if news reports are accurate, the motorcyclist likely could have done nothing to avoid the collision. While this accident remains under investigation, the injured victim or his family would be well-advised to speak with an experienced northern California motorcycle accident lawyer who can help the victim protect his legal rights. If the negligence of the Ford driver caused this crash, an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the hazards motorcyclist face on California highways can help the injured victim the recover maximum compensation for his medical care expenses, lost earnings or wages, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Paradise Man Badly Injured in Gridley Motorcycle Accident " »

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" »