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.

Continue reading "Fourteen People Injured In Accident at Pechanga Casino " »

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 " »

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 " »

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.

Continue reading "Driver and Passenger Injured in Wildomar Rollover Crash " »

RIVERSIDE COUNTY - An 84-year-old Murrieta man tragically died Wednesday night, about 40 minutes after the Lincoln sedan he was driving was struck head-on by a pickup truck on Clinton Keith Road, the Southwest Riverside News Network reported. The accident was reported at 8:53 p.m. on July 6, 2011, on Clinton Keith Road near Chantory Street and the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. According to news reports, the victim, Richard Johnson, was driving on Clinton Keith Road when the driver of a pickup truck crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with his vehicle. Johnson was rushed to an area hospital, where he died shortly after 9:30 p.m.. The 44-year-old man driving the pickup truck was critically injured in the crash and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Cause of the Fatal Accident

The cause of the fatal head-on collision remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the accident may call Sgt. Jim Gruwell at 951-461-6389 or Officer Kurt Stickelman at 951-461-6306. Based on the news reports, it appears that there was nothing Johnson could have done to avoid the collision. It is unclear why the driver of the pickup truck veered into oncoming traffic. The Murrieta Patch reported investigators with the Murrieta Police Department have ordered toxicology tests on the driver, as they suspect alcohol could have been a factor in the accident.

Fatal Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If news reports detailing this accident are accurate, Richard Johnson was not at-fault for July 6th accident that took his life. While this accident remains under investigation, the family of the victim would likely benefit from speaking to an experienced and knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer. An attorney who understands the legal issues of head-on collision accidents can advise the victim's family of their legal rights and options, should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim against the driver, or whoever is determined to be responsible for this accident.

Continue reading "Murrieta Man Killed in Head-On Collision on Clinton Keith Road " »

THOUSAND PALMS - One person was injured in a crash Thursday afternoon in Thousand Palms, KPSP News reported. The accident, which involved a big rig, a small car, and a pickup truck, was reported on eastbound Interstate 10 at Monterey Avenue, just after 12 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2011. According to news reports, the three vehicle Riverside County crash was triggered by a tire blowout in one of the vehicles. One person - who was not injured - had to be cut out of a vehicle by firefighters. Another person suffered "moderate injuries" and was taken to a local hospital.

Cause of the Crash

The CHP reported that one of the vehicles involved in the crash had a tire blowout. Tire blowouts are serious situations, and it is very fortunate that no one was killed in this crash. There are numerous causes on tire blowouts, from negligent vehicle maintenance to tire manufacturing defects. It is also possible that the tire was punctured by debris in the road.

Personal Injury Liability Issues

Although this Interstate 10 accident remains under investigation by the CHP, the injured victim, or his or her family would be well-advised to speak with a California car accident attorney about the accident and the victim's legal rights. A lawyer who has handled numerous tire blowout accident injury claims can review the accident report, as well as determine whether the tire that rapidly deflated has been recalled for a manufacturing defect, and advise the victim of their best course of action to protect their rights following this accident. If negligence of another driver, or the manufacturer of a tire caused this crash, the victim may be able to recover damages for medical care expanses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Injuries Reported in Interstate 10 Crash Involving Big Rig " »

A crash last week on El Sobrante Road killed a 68-year-old Perris woman and injured seven other people the Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred at about 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2010. According to news reports, Brian Lee, 34 of Riverside was driving eastbound on El Sobrante Road in a 1998 Ford F-150 pickup. At the same time, Claudia Martinez, 36, was driving westbound in a 2005 Nissan Armada. According to police, Lee lost control of his pickup truck on the rain-slicked road, because the vehicle was being driven "at an unsafe speed for the wet conditions."

A passenger in the Nissan, Maria Ponce, 68, of Perris, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Riverside County Regional Medical Center in Moreno Valley, where she died. Martinez suffered moderate injuries. Her two young children and three of their friends suffered minor injuries. Lee was hospitalized and was not arrested, however, the Press-Enterprise reported the CHP would seek charges against him.

Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Liability

If news reports are accurate, this accident was likely caused by unsafe driving, given the wet conditions at the time of the collision. In addition to being cited or charged with negligent driving, the driver may also be financially liable for the death of Maria Ponce, and the injuries of Claudia Martinez and the other occupants of her SUV. While the incident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims may benefit from speaking to an experienced California personal injury lawyer about the accident and the unique legal issues involved. A lawyer can review the report of the incident by law enforcement and advise the victims of their best course of action to recover maximum financial compensation in a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Perris Woman Killed in Head-On Collision Near Lake Mathews " »

An 11-year-old boy was very tragically killed Tuesday after a crash on Interstate 15 in Riverside County, the San Bernardino Sun and Orange County Register reported. The accident was reported at 10:22 a.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2010. The victim, identified by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department as Joshua Archila, an 11-year-old resident of Orange, was a right rear passenger in a Toyota Camry that was struck from behind by a 2006 Ford F-150 truck. Archila was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he died. Several other people were seriously injured in the collision.

Accidents such as this one are devastating and heartbreaking, and understandably cause unimaginable anguish. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Joshua Archila, and everyone who knew him and loved him. Please keep his family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Cause of the Interstate 15 Accident

The California Highway Patrol is the agency investigating this fatal Riverside County accident. It is not known if alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision. The news reports provide only limited details as to what happened, and it is unclear why the Ford truck rear-ended the Toyota Camry. It is possible that the driver of the Ford is responsible for causing this crash. Hopefully, the investigation by the CHP will provide answers as to what happened and why, and who was responsible for the collision.

Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determine that the driver of the Ford is responsible for causing this crash, the family may be entitled to claim compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim. Although no amount of money could ever ease the pain of a sudden and unexpected death of a child, a wrongful death claim can ease the financial burdens of a loss and hold the at-fault party accountable financially. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the family may be able to recover damages for final medical care expenses, funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings the child would have earned over the course of his lifetime, and loss of love, care affection and companionship. After a tragic loss such as this one, the family may consider speaking with a knowledgeable and understanding California wrongful death attorney who can advise them of their legal rights following this accident.

Continue reading "Child Killed in Collision on Northbound Interstate 15 " »

Three people were taken to hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to moderate following a three-vehicle collision Monday afternoon in Palm Springs near the Smoke Tree Commons Shopping Center, the Desert Sun reported. The September 6th injury car accident was reported at about 4:40 p.m. on E. Palm Canyon Drive near Sunrise Way in Palm Springs. Based on the very limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear what happened to cause this three-car crash and who was responsible.

Continue reading "Three People Hurt in Labor Day Car Crash in Palm Springs" »

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 " »

A crash Saturday afternoon in Murrieta left three people injured, including an 8-year-old girl, the Southwest Riverside News Network reported. The May 8th accident, a head-on collision involving a blue Toyota Sienna Van and a black Mitsubishi Endeavor, was reported at 3:38 p.m. on Clinton Keith Road near the intersection of East Murrieta Oaks Avenue. According to Murrieta Police, the Toyota minivan was travelling westbound on Clinton Keith Road and the Mitsubishi was travelling eastbound.

Authorities believe that the male driver of the minivan either fell asleep or blacked out, causing him to lose control of his vehicle and cross into eastbound lanes, resulting in the head-on collision. The driver of the van and his 8-year-old daughter were both injured, along with the male driver and sole occupant of the Mitsubishi. All three were taken to Inland Valley Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

Cause of the Crash

Police are still investigating the cause of this accident on Clinton Keith Road and who was at fault. However, if news reports are accurate, the driver of the Mitsubishi was not at fault for the collision. The driver of the minivan likely caused this crash by crossing into the eastbound lanes, and if he is determined to be at fault, may be liable for the injuries the driver of the Mitsubishi sustained.

Personal Injury Liability Issues

While this crash is under investigation, the family of the man driving the Mitsubishi would likely benefit from speaking to an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer. Damages awarded in a personal injury claim may include monetary compensation for all medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other accident related expenses. An attorney can stay on top of the official investigation by police, help the victim understand and protect his legal rights, and if he has a claim, obtain the full and fair compensation he is entitled to for his injuries.

Continue reading "Three People Injured in Head-On Crash in Murrieta " »

Two people died early Friday morning in a crash in La Quinta, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department reported. The accident occurred on Washington Street, north of Calle Tampico, at an entrance to the Village Shopping Center, shortly after 2 a.m. The crash involved a Ford Focus and a Dodge Truck, the Desert Sun reported. The Ford was headed eastbound and pulling out of the shopping center when it was struck by the southbound Dodge truck.

Officers responding to the scene of the crash found two people trapped in a Ford Focus. The victims, Erica Alonzo, 27, and Eleuterio Valenzuela, 31, were both taken to local hospitals, where they died. The 24-year-old driver of the truck, a La Quinta resident, was not injured. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and it was not clear who was at fault. Police said that drugs or alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the collision. Anyone who witnessed the crash to call Sgt. David Walton at (760) 863-8990.

Fault & Wrongful Death Liability Issues

Based on the news reports of this crash, it is not clear who was at fault. News reports did not say how fast the truck was travelling when the collision occurred early in the morning. If the driver of the truck was speeding, he may be at fault for this crash. While the investigation is ongoing, the families of the two victims in the Focus would be well-advised to speak to a California wrongful death lawyer about their legal rights. An attorney can advise the families of their best course of action handling communications with the insurance companies and fully explain their legal rights, options and obligations in a wrongful death action against the driver and any other at-fault parties.

Continue reading "Two Killed April 30th in Crash in La Quinta on Washington Street " »

An 18-year-old Lake Elsinore man died of his injuries about four hours after a solo-vehicle rollover crash in Riverside County, authorities reported. According to reports in the Riverside Press Enterprise, Geovanni Maciel, 18, of Lake Elsinore, was driving a Honda Accord on westbound on Lincoln Street, west of Sunswept Drive, when he lost control of his vehicle and struck several trees. The Honda Accord rolled repeatedly, about the length of a football field. The crash occurred at 3:35 a.m. Sunday, December 27, 2009.

Maciel, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was ejected from the car and pinned beneath it, according to Riverside County Coroner's investigators. He was taken by ambulance to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wlidomar, where he passed away shortly after 8:00 a.m. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is the agency investigating the cause of the fatal crash. Please keep the family of Geovanni Maciel in your prayers. Our thoughts and condolences go to everyone who knew and loved this young man.

Based on the news reports of this accident, it is not completely clear what caused the crash. While the investigation is ongoing, the family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Riverside car accident attorney to review their legal rights and determine if they have a potential claim for wrongful death. If negligence or wrongdoing, such as a dangerous roadway condition or mechanical failure of the vehicle caused the accident, the family may be entitled to compensation for their loss.