California Injury Lawyer Blog

HENDERSON, NEVADA - According to KTVU News, three people were killed following a horrific car crash in Henderson, Nevada. The accident was reported to occur Saturday afternoon along Windmill Parkway when a vehicle driven by a 19-year-old Henderson man collided with another vehicle driven by an 86-year-old man - who was apparently making a left turn into an apartment complex.

The 19-year-old driver and one of his two passengers were reported to have died at the scene. The other teenage passenger was taken to hospital with unspecified injuries. The 86-year-old man suffered major injuries and was transported to a hospital, where he later died. No other information was immediately available regarding the names of the victims or the possible cause of the collision.

Car Accident Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

While the investigation of the accident remains ongoing to determine what happened and who is at fault, the injured victim or family members of the deceased victims would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable car accident lawyer. Attorneys at Estey Bomberger who are licensed and practice law in the state of California and Nevada, can help the victim and the families protect their legal rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim, and ensure they obtain the compensation they are entitled to for either the injuries the victim sustained and/or the unexpected loss of their loved one.

Continue reading "Three Killed, One Injured in Henderson Car Crash in Nevada" »

LAS VEGAS - A tour helicopter operated by Sundance Helicopters crashed Wednesday afternoon, tragically killing the pilot and four passengers on board, Mercury News reported. The fatal accident was reported just before 5 p.m. on December 7th, in the River Mountains, about 4 miles west of Lake Mead, and about 30 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.

It is unclear what happened to cause the helicopter to go down. A spokesman for Sundance Helicopters told the Associated Press that the aircraft had been giving a local tour when it unexpectedly went missing.

A spokes for the Federal Aviation Administration said that the helicopter was an AS-350, a common aircraft for air tours. According to FAA records, the helicopter was built in 1989.

Sundance Helicopters has been operating helicopter tours since 1985. The company states on its website that it has a 23 helicopter fleet, and services more than 160,000 passengers each year.

This December 7th tragedy was not the first accident for the helicopter company. In September 2003, a pilot and six passengers were killed when a helicopter crashed into a wall in Descent Canyon, east of the Grand Canyon West Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board investigated the incident and cited pilot misjudgment and unsafe flying procedures.

Aviation Accident Liability

Following a fatal accident such as this December 7th Sundance Helicopter crash, or any other helicopter tour accident, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable aviation accident lawyer.

While the NTSB investigation is ongoing, an experienced attorney who is also a licensed pilot and who has represent victims of fatal aircraft accidents can advise the family members of the victims of their legal rights, and best course of action to protect them.

If it is determined that this devastating crash was preventable, either due to unsafe piloting, mechanical failure, or improper maintenance, the family members of the victims may choose to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible party or parties.

Continue reading "Five People Killed in Helicopter Crash Near Lake Mead " »

RENO, NEVADA - The Reno Gazette Journal is reporting that the11th victim of Friday's National Championship Air Races crash has been identified. James McMichael, 47, of Graham, Wash., was the last of six victims who had yet to be indentified by the Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office. Eleven people were tragically killed September 16, 2011 after a WWII-era fighter plane crashed into the ground next to spectators at the Reno-Stead airport. The pilot of the plane, Jimmy Leeward, was one of the eleven tragically killed.

Air Show Accident Liability

It is not known why the fighter plane crashed, but authorities believe they are close to uncovering the cause of the accident. Aviation accidents can be caused by a number of factors, such as pilot error, mechanical malfunction and defective aircraft parts. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the Reno air show airplane crash, several parties may be financially liable for victims' damages, including the pilot, event organizers, flight crew, aircraft manufacturer, aircraft mechanic and airplane owner.

Nevada Air Show Accident Attorneys

The Nevada air show accident attorneys at the law firm of Estey Bomberger will explore all sources of compensation when pursuing damages for victims. Our team of award-winning attorneys includes an expert pilot and litigator, Don Beck. Don is committed to protecting the legal rights of victims and can help clients get the compensation they need to begin putting the pieces of their lives back together following this devastating crash. Our Reno air show accident lawyers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to discuss victims' potential cases. Time is of the essence when filing a claim, so contact our firm as soon as possible.

Continue reading "11th Victim of Reno National Championship Air Races Identified" »

RENO, NEVADA - After Friday's horrific air race crash tragically killed 11 and left dozens more injured, concerns are being raised over the safety of air shows like the Reno National Championship Air Races. Former National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chairman, Mark Rosenker, told CBS News the objective of any race is to go as fast as possible, however "when you begin to go as fast as possible, you really do reach the edge of the safety envelope."

Reno Air Show Race Investigation

Although the NTSB is still investigating the cause of the crash, officials believe they are close to finding out why a fighter plane inverted and dove into the ground next to spectators September 16, 2011. NTSB officials have recovered memory cards from an onboard camera, a data recorder and portions of the aircraft tail, which may prove to be a vital piece of evidence after photos showing pieces of the tail missing before impact were recovered. The pilot of the WWII-era plane, Jimmy Leeward, had made drastic modifications to the wings in order to achieve extreme levels of speed and investigators are researching whether these modifications contributed to the crash occurring.

Air Show Race Accident Attorneys

While the cause of the Reno air race crash is under investigation, victims of this catastrophic accident should seek the counsel of a Reno air show accident attorney at Estey Bomberger. One of our attorneys, Don Beck, is an experienced pilot who will put his knowledge of aviation to work for you. Don and his colleagues have obtained substantial settlements for damages associated with a serious injury or devastating loss. Call our law firm today to arrange a free consultation with a Nevada air show accident lawyer.

Continue reading "Air Show Safety a Concern After Reno Crash " »

RENO, NEVADA - ABC News reported this morning a tenth person has died as a result of injuries sustained when a plane crashed at the Reno Championship Air Races on Friday. According to news reports, a male patient died overnight at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center.

Over the weekend, it was reported that the NTSB was examining whether a missing tail component - an elevator trim tab - could have caused the plane to spiral out of control. Witnesses reported seeing something drop off the tail of the plain as the P-51 Mustang Galloping Ghost rounded the final clubhouse turn of the race, moments before the plane crashed. In one photo, a piece of metal needed to maintain the aircraft's balance appears to be missing.

The Galloping Ghost was fitted with a forward facing camera, which NTSB investigators say they were able to recover. The plane was also equipped with a flight data system that recorded altitude, engine performance and velocity in real-time. NTSB officials reportedly will also review the pilot's age and a medical history. An ABC News consultant said Monday that he was concerned that Leeward may not have been conscious during the crash.

In addition to the 10 reported deaths, dozens of people suffered a wide range of injuries including, limb and facial injuries, amputations and major head wounds. The Washoe County Medical Examiner has so far identified five of the deceased victims as George Hewitt, 60, of Bellingham, Wash.; Regina Bynum, 53, of San Angelo, Texas; Sharon Stewart, 47, Reno; Gregory Morcom, 47, Stanwood, Wash.; and James Leeward, of Ocala, Fla, the 74-year-old pilot of the P-51 crashed plane.

If you were injured or if a loved one died in this accident, contact the Reno air race accident attorneys at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation. Our experienced aviation accident lawyers can advise you of your legal rights to compensation for your injuries or loss, and your best course of action following this devastating and tragic incident.

Continue reading "Tenth Death Reported Following Reno Air Race Crash " »

RENO, NEVADA - The intense investigation has begun to determine why the pilot of a World War II era plane lost control at the Reno Championship Air Races on Friday, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens more. Over the weekend, it was revealed that the plane involved in the crash he 65-year-old 'Galloping Ghost', had underwent "radical changes" and "massive overhauls" to increase speed. Modifications included shortening the wings and horizontal tail. Other changes to improve aerodynamics included removing the water and oil radiators from the belly and replacing them with a boil-off cooling system.

The pilot of the P-51 Mustang was Jimmy Leeward, who died in the crash. Leeward, owner of the Leeward Air Ranch Racing Team, was an experienced airman and stunt movie pilot with decades of experience, including work on films "Amelia" and "Cloud Dancer." In an interview last year, Leeward stated that he had flown 250 types of planes, and had a fondness for the P-51.

Leeward's own website referenced the dangers - and the thrill - of air racing: "These guys are always on the edge knowing one wrong move, in one split second, could mean the end," the Leeward Air Ranch Racing Team website said. "NASCAR at 200 mph? Indy at 230 mph? Top Fuel at 300 mph? Mere Childs play. Welcome to the Big League."

Over the weekend, a few people in the crowd told news outlets that it appeared that Leeward realized he was in trouble and tried to steer the aircraft away from the spectators, sparing many more people their lives. Although some witnesses believe Leeward's last moments were heroic, for those that did lose their lives or suffered a life-changing injury, this accident raises a very concerning question: Was safety compromised in pursuit of speed?

If you were a victim of this Reno air race accident, or if a loved one died in the crash, contact the Nevada aviation accident lawyers at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation. Our team of attorneys include a veteran pilot with experience both in operating planes and represent aviation accident victims. We offer a free consultation to review your legal rights.

Continue reading "Reno Championship Air Race Crash : WW II Plane Was Radically Changed to Increase Speed " »

RENO, NEVADA -- The death toll has risen to nine individuals Saturday in the horrific Reno air race show crash that took place on September 16th at around 4 p.m., the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. According to Reno Deputy Police Chief Dave Evans, the deaths included seven people who were killed on the tarmac and two others who died at hospitals. The fatal crash of the P-51 Mustang flown by veteran race pilot Jimmy Leeward, 74, has also resulted in a variety of serious injuries to spectators involved in the incident. These injuries included major head wounds, facial trauma and limb injuries, including amputations. Doctors who have treated the injured said it was among the most severe situations that they had ever dealt with due to the large number of people, which included at least two children under the age of 18 who were not in critical condition.

The National Transportation Safety Board arrived at the scene of the accident on Saturday to evaluate the crash and determine what caused Leeward to lose control of his plane. Investigators will also look at variety of factors including, mechanical failure, and the health condition of the pilot.

Cause of the Reno Air Race Crash

The accident occurring September 16th remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. However, based on the information provided by news reports, it is unclear what caused the pilot to lose control of his plane. The Reno police has provided a GPS mapping system to help investigators reconstruct the crash while the NTSB officials have been reviewing videos and images captured by witnesses at the scene, which shown a piece of the plane coming off prior to crashing. To witnesses, this piece looked to be an "elevator trim tab," which helps the pilot keep control of the aircraft. According to NTSB spokesman Mark Rosekind, their focus will be on an unidentified component that was recovered from the accident. Investigators stated the NTSB has also recovered part of the plane's tail section. Hopefully authorities will come to a conclusion as to what happened and why.

Spectator Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

While the investigation of this aviation accident is ongoing, victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to speak to a skilled Reno air show accident lawyer. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney who has handled aviation accidents which resulted in injuries and death to anyone involved, can advise the victims or their family of their legal rights and best course of action to receive a full and fair compensation for medical care expenses, disfigurement, funeral/burial costs, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this tragic aviation accident.

Continue reading "Death Toll Rises While Others Remain Severely Injured in Reno Air Show Crash" »

RENO, NEVADA - At least three people are confirmed dead and scores of people seriously injured when a plane crashed into the stands at the Reno Championship Air Races, multiple national news outlets reported Friday night. The accident occurred at around 4:00 p.m. PST on Friday, September 16, 2011, when a World War II era P51 Mustang plane struck box seats at the air race. According to News 10, Mike Houghton, the President and CEO of the Reno Air Race stated that the cause of the crash is too early to determine; the cause of the accident will be investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Spectator Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

Following an aviation disaster such as this one, the victims and their families would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable aviation accident attorney. A lawyer who has handled sporting event spectator injury and death claims can advise victims and their families of the steps they need to take to protect their rights following a mass casualty aviation disaster.

Experienced Aviation Accident Lawyers

The aviation accident attorneys at Estey Bomberger have handled both aviation accident injury and wrongful death claims and accident claims involving spectators injured at major sporting events. Our dedicated Reno air show accident lawyers are licensed to practice law in Nevada and California and have the resources necessary to ensure our clients are fully and fairly compensated. If you have suffered a serious injury or loss of a family member in this September 16th Reno air show accident, contact Estey Bomberger for a free consultation. Our team of attorneys are available 24/7 to take your call and answer your questions. For a free consultation, call us at (800)724-3817.

Continue reading "Several Killed, Dozens Injured in Crash at Reno Air Races " »

CHURCHILL COUNTY, NV -- Two people were tragically killed and about 20 others injured Friday morning when a semi-truck plowed into a California-bound Amtrak passenger train, multiple news outlets reported. The June 24th accident was reported at 11:25 a.m., at a crossing on U.S. 95 about 70 miles east of Reno. The California Zephyr train was en route from Chicago to Emeryville, CA, about 300 miles west of where the crash occurred. The driver of the truck died, along with an Amtrak conductor. About 20 others were taken to hospitals in Reno and Fallon. While most of the injuries were reportedly minor, two people reportedly suffered critical injuries and four suffered serious injuries.

Cause of the June 24th Nevada Train Accident

Authorities confirmed that the safety equipment appeared to be function at the railroad crossing., including the gates, red lights and bells. According to the Federal Railroad Safety Administration. No accidents or incidents were reported during the last 20 years. The cause of the accident will be investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Amtrak issued the following information line number for people with questions about families and friends who may have been aboard the Zephyr: 800-523-9101

Train Accident Passenger Injury Liability

This accident will have unique liability issues because Amtrak is partly owned and operated by the U.S. government, and the track where the accident occurred is owned by Union Pacific Railroad. While the June 24th accident remains under investigation, the injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to contact an experienced and knowledgeable railroad accident lawyer. A personal injury attorney who has successfully handled train accident passenger injury claims can help the injured victims understand and protect their legal rights to recover maximum compensation for their injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Two Killed, 20 Injured in Amtrak Train vs. Tractor-Trailer Crash in Rural Nevada " »