California Injury Lawyer Blog

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY - An investigation is underway when a 32-year-old laborer man was fatally injured after he was struck by a tractor bucket in the area of Helendale. According to The Press Enterprise, Jose Reyes of Santa Ana, was helping to line a waste water pond in a work-site located along the 14000 block of Cougar Road just before 9:10 a.m. Thursday, when he was then struck in the head by the tractor bucket. Emergency crews reported Reyes to have tragically died at the scene due to major head injuries.

Cause of the Fatal Accident

Based on the information obtained from The Press-Enterprise and The Orange County Register, it is not clear what caused this accident on April 19th, 2012. Therefore, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and Cal-OSHA is investigating the cause if this fatal incident.

Wrongful Death Liability for Work-Related Accidents

In an unexpected and devastating accident such as this one, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a caring and compassion San Bernardino construction accident attorney regarding their legal rights in a wrongful death claim, and the compensation they may be entitled to. While no amount of money can bring back the loss of a beloved family member or ease the pain the family suffers, an attorney can ensure the victim's family has a secure future without any financial worries. An attorney who has handled fatal work-related accidents, may also determine if the appropriate safety equipment, properly working machinery, and supervision was given when this tragic accident happened.

Continue reading "Helendale Forklift Accident Kills Santa Ana Man " »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY -- A press release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner's Department indicated that a single vehicle crash near Baker killed three Las Vegas residents last night. The horrible accident was reported at about 7:23 p.m. Wednesday, when for unknown reasons a 2002 Ford Expedition traveling north on Interstate 15 south of Halloran Summit Road, lost control, left the roadway into the center median, and then overturned several times.

According to KLAS 8 News, three occupants were ejected from the vehicle and were reported to have died at the scene. They have been identified as 46-year-old Rafael Gonzalez, 23-year-old Eddie Gonzalez, and 29-year-old Isabel Arellano. The surviving passengers were transported to hospitals with unspecified injuries.

Following a tragic and unexpected accident such as this one, injured victims and the family of the deceased would be well-advised to seek an experienced attorney regarding their legal rights in either a personal injury or wrongful death claim. While the investigation of this April 18th crash remains ongoing by the California Highway Patrol, an attorney experienced in solo-vehicle accidents can help the victims and families protect their legal rights in determining who may liable for their injuries and the loss of a family member, along with recovering the compensation they are entitled to.

Continue reading "Rollover Crash on Interstate 15 Kills Three" »

FONTANA - A collision involving five to seven vehicles Sunday afternoon in Fontana left five people hurt, the Redlands Daily Facts reported. The accident occurred at 2:43 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of the 10 Freeway at Cherry Avenue. Three ambulances responded to the scene of the crash. Further information was not available about the cause of the April 8th Fontana car accident or who was responsible.

Understanding Fault, Liability and Personal Injury Claims

Freeway accidents are often caused by negligent or distracted driving. In situations where one driver is responsible for a multi-vehicle accident, the injured victims may be entitled to compensation for their medical care and treatment, lost wages due to being unable to work, and also damages for pain and suffering. In the interest of preserving witness recollections and other important evidence, injured victims of their family members are well-advised to contact an experienced and knowledgeable Fontana car accident lawyer as soon as possible following an accident. A skilled attorney who has represented numerous victims of similar accidents can advise the victims and their family members of their legal rights, should they wish to pursue a personal injury claim.

Continue reading "Injuries Reported in 10 Freeway Crash In Fontana " »

CHINO - A 47-year-old Santa Clarita man very tragically died in an industrial accident Monday afternoon at a Chino tow yard, the Press Enterprise reported. The fatal accident was reported at 3:39 p.m. in an industrial park in the 4700 block of Chino Avenue. The victim, Jose Fernando Morales, was reportedly working on a disabled tow truck that rolled over on to him, according to San Bernardino County coroner's officials. The incident is under investigation by the Chino Police Department.

Based on limited information in new accounts, it is unclear why the tow truck rolled on to Morales. Investigators will surely want to know if the incident arose from negligence of the towing company, or possibly from a defect in the vehicle itself. If the accident was the result of a mechanical or design defect in the tow truck, the manufacturer of the tow truck could be liable as a third party.

Following a fatal industrial accident such as this one, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Chino workplace accident attorney. A skilled wrongful death lawyer who has represented victims of fatal industrial accidents can advise the victim's family whether further investigation or legal action is warranted. If negligence of the victim's employer or the manufacturer of the tow truck caused or contributed to the fatal accident, the victim's family may choose to pursue a wrongful death claim for damages.

Continue reading "Mechanic Killed by Rolling Tow Truck in Chino " »

SAN BERNARDINO -- A Rialto resident woman was tragically killed in a multi-vehicle accident in San Bernardino, The Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred at about 10:19 p.m. Saturday in the 2300 block of Baseline Road. No immediate information was available regarding what exactly happened in this crash.

Following this collision, the 25-year-old Rialto woman, whose name is being withheld, was reported to have died at the scene. Drivers of the other vehicles involved were taken to area hospitals with unspecified injuries.

San Bernardino Accident Wrongful Death Liability

The car accident on March 10th remains under investigation by the San Bernardino Police Department. Based on the information gathered from news reports, it is not clear what happened and who is at fault. Therefore, while the investigation is ongoing, injured victims or the family of the deceased victim would be well-advised to seek a skilled San Bernardino accident lawyer.

A competent attorney who has handled personal injury and wrongful death claims, can advise the victims and the family of the deceased their legal rights and best course of action to hold the responsible parties financially liable for their injuries or their tragic loss of a loved one, including medical care costs, funeral and burial expenses, earnings and wages the victim would have made, pain and suffering, or other related damages.

Continue reading "Rialto Woman Killed in San Bernardino Four-Car Wreck" »

SAN BERNARDINO - A man in his 40's suffered potentially life-threatening injuries after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in San Bernardino, the Press-Enterprise reported. The accident was reported at around 8:30 p.m. Monday near the intersection of Sierra Way and 13th Street. The initial investigation revealed the pedestrian, who was not identified, was crossing the street inside the crosswalk when he was struck by an unknown vehicle. He suffered head trauma and internal injuries and was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center.

California Law Regarding Hit-and-Run

The driver of the car that struck by the pedestrian should have remained at the scene of the accident, under California law. According to the California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a): "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Hit-and-Run Accident Personal Injury Liability

Following this March 5th San Bernardino accident, the family members of the injured victim would be well-advised to contact an experienced and knowledgeable San Bernardino pedestrian accident attorney. A lawyer who has represented many victims of hit-and-run accident can ensure the victim's rights are protected, whether or not the at-fault driver is eventually located.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Critically Injured in San Bernardino Hit-and-Run Crash " »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY - According to Fontana Herald News, four people were tragically killed in a multi-car collision in northwestern Fontana. The horrific accident occurred at about 9:35 p.m. Sunday when a 1998 Chevrolet Suburban was traveling eastbound on Baseline Avenue and ran a red light at Cherry Avenue. The SUV crashed into a southbound car - a 1998 Honda sedan - resulting in both vehicles spinning out of control. The SUV struck another vehicle and then slammed into a Southern California Edison power pole.

Following this horrific collision, two occupants in the SUV, who were brothers, died at the scene of the accident. One of them was the driver and the other was a rear-seat passenger. The two men have been identified as a 35-year-old Rancho Cucamonga resident and a 39-year-old Bloomington resident. The third occupant in the SUV - a 37-year-old man from Fontana - was taken to Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, where he later died due to his injuries.

The fourth person killed in this crash, was Noah Ferrer, 11, of Fontana, who was a passenger in the Honda. The young boy was transported to Loma Linda Hospital after the collision and died while in surgery at 12:26 a.m. Monday. His 40-year-old mother, who was driving the Honda, suffered chest pain and was treated at Loma Linda Hospital. No reports were given if any occupants in the third vehicle were hurt.

Cause of the Fontana Car Crash

The collision on the night of January 29th remains under investigation by the Fontana Police Department. Though it remains to be seen if alcohol was a factor in the crash, it is also not clear what caused the driver of the SUV to run a red light. Hopefully, police officials can determine what happened and why.

Fontana Car Accident Liability

Accidents that are caused by running a red light can result to serious injuries and death to anyone involved. In these types of situations, vehicles speed up to beat the light, and therefore, can create an accident to be more severe. That being said, after a fatal incident, the family of the victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Fontana personal injury lawyer who has handled numerous wrongful death claims. If authorities determine the SUV driver is at fault for the accident, a skilled attorney can help ensure the families legal rights are protected, and advise them the best option to recover the maximum compensation for their tragic loss, including final medical care expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Four Killed in Fontana Car Accident" »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY - A 35-year-old woman was tragically killed June 29th after being struck by a Union Pacific freight train, reports the San Bernardino Sun. At approximately 12:24 p.m., Ontario police found the woman on the Union Pacific railroad tracks about 200 feet west of the corner of Lemon Avenue and State Street, where she was pronounced dead at the scene.

At this point there are more questions than answers as to how and why this accident occurred. Situations such as this one are a tragic reminder of the growing pedestrian fatality rate in the state. In 2010, California had the highest number of pedestrian accident fatalities in the nation.

After a tragic accident such as this one, the deceased's family members may benefit from speaking to a California pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. An established lawyer can advise family members of their legal rights, options and applicable time limits should they be able to file a wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Woman Struck and Killed by Union Pacific Freight Train " »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY - A 51-year-old Phoenix man tragically was killed Monday afternoon in a head-on collision on US 95, the Desert Dispatch reported. The victim was identified by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner as Daniel John DiRusso. According to news accounts, DiRusso was driving a 2010 Nissan Versa southbound on US 95 when his vehicle collided with a northbound 2004 GMC Envoy. The accident was reported 12 miles south of Needles at 4:18 p.m. According to the Desert Dispatch, DiRusso died at the scene of the crash. It was not clear whether the driver of the GMC was injured.

Cause of the US 95 Accident

The cause of the June 20th head-on collision remains under investigation by the CHP. Head-on collisions like this one can have numerous causes, from unsafe passing attempts to loss of control due to a tire blowout to a dangerous road condition causing a driver to lose control of a car. Based on the information provided in news accounts, the cause of this June 20th head-on collision was not clear. News accounts did not indicate which vehicle travelled into oncoming traffic, or who was responsible for the crash. Hopefully, the CHP investigation will reveal what happened and why.

Head-On Collision Wrongful Death Liability

Following any fatal car accident where the cause is unclear, family members of victims understandably have many questions. When accidents are caused by negligent driving, such as texting and driving, driving under the influence, or speeding through traffic lanes, family members of victims killed due to the negligence of another may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and benefits the decedent would have earned over their lifetime, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship. While the cause of this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with a California wrongful death lawyer about the accident and their best course of action to protect their legal rights.

Continue reading "Phoenix Man Killed in Head-On Collision Near Needles " »

A 65-year-old Valley Center man working on a street repair crew was critically injured by a falling K-rail and died a short time later at Loma Linda University Medical Center., the Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred on the 400 block of East Washington Street in Colton, at about 10:15 a.m. on Monday, November 1, 2010. The victim, identified by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner as Dirk Vamoorot, died at 11:08 a.m. The cause of the industrial accident is under investigation by the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office and Cal-OSHA. Based on the news reports of the incident in the Press-Enterprise and San Bernardino Sun, it is unclear what happened to cause Vamoorot to become crushed. At this point, there are more questions than answers as to what happened and who was responsible. Was this accident caused by another worker who wasn't paying attention, or did equipment malfunction? Hopefully, the investigation will yield answers as to what happened and who was ultimately responsible.

Work Injury Wrongful Death Liability

In this situation, Vamoorot's family will likely be entitled to worker's compensation benefits from his employer. However, worker's compensation benefits are inadequate to fully compensate family members for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated lifetime earnings, and loss of love, care, and companionship. While this accident is under investigation, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a California construction accident attorney who specializes in representing families of victims of fatal construction accidents. A skilled lawyer can review the accident, and determine who may be liable in a third-party negligence claim - employers, contractors, and even government agencies. These are specialized wrongful death claims with unique and often challenging liability issues. However, an action outside of worker's compensation benefits can substantially compensate the family for their loss and hold whoever was responsible for this accident financially accountable.

Continue reading "Worker Killed by Falling K-Rail in Colton " »

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 " »

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" »

At least one person suffered major injuries early Wednesday morning in a head-on collision on Highway 395, San Bernardino County Sheriff's officials reported. According to reports in the Victorville Daily Press, a Ford pickup truck travelling southbound on Hwy 395 crossed into northbound lanes and collided head-on with a northbound Lincoln Town car. The accident occurred around 5 a.m. in the three mile straight stretch of U.S. 395 between Bear Valley Road and Main Street.

The driver of another vehicle, a Kia, swerved to avoid the wreckage of the head-on collision and crashed into a guardrail and fence. The Kia was reportedly suspended precariously over the California Aqueduct by three strands of barbed wire. The Victorville Daily Press reported that the driver of the Lincoln suffered major injuries. The extent of the injuries to the driver of the Ford and the driver of the Kia was not clear.

Highway 395 Accidents in San Bernardino County

Exactly one month ago, on April 26, 2010, a 25-year-old Ridgecrest man was killed in a head on crash on Highway 395 between Main Street and Bear Valley Road, on the same stretch of road were this May 26th accident happened. On April 5th of last month, two people were injured in a head-on crash on Highway 395 near Bear Valley Road. This stretch of Hwy 395 in San Bernardino County is sometimes called "blood alley," due to the number of fatal collisions that occur in the region. NBC's "Dateline" has called the 44-mile section of Highway 395 from Hesperia to State Route 58 as one of the most dangerous roads in the country.

Continue reading "Three People Injured in Head-On Crash on Highway 395 " »

A 35-year-old Helendale woman was killed Friday afternoon in a head-on collision on National Trails Highway, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The fatal crash occurred on National Trails Highway (Historic U.S. 66), just north of Indian Trail in Helendale, at around 12:20 p.m. The crash involved a red 2005 Dodge Neon and a gray 2003 Nissan Xterra sport utility vehicle. According to CHP reports, the Nissan Xterra heading south towards Victorville drifted into northbound lanes, directly into the path of the northbound Dodge Neon.

The driver of the Neon, Christina Renee Hamilton, 35, of Helendale, died at the scene of the crash. A teenage boy in her vehicle suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. The female driver of the Xterra and a toddler in her vehicle were taken by helicopter to Loma Linda University Medical Center. The May 14th accident was the third fatal head-on collision in San Bernardino County this week.

Cause of the Crash

The CHP is still determining the cause of this fatal crash. However, the Victorville Daily Press reported that authorities believe that the Nissan Xterra drifted into the path of the red Dodge Neon, causing the head-on collision that killed Christina Hamilton. It is not clear if the driver of the Xterra swerved to avoid something in the road, or if she was distracted, or possibly suffered a medical condition. Authorities are investigating.

Wrongful Death & Personal Injury Liability

Accidents that cause severe injury or the wrongful death of a beloved family member cause emotional devastation and sadness, as well as financial burden due to medical expenses and lost earnings. The family of the victims in the Dodge Neon would be well-advised to talk to a San Bernardino personal injury lawyer who can help them understand and protect their legal rights following this crash. While nothing can be done to undo a fatal accident, families of loved one lost may be entitled to financial compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Woman Killed, Three Others Injured in Head-On Crash on National Trails Highway " »

One person died and five people were injured April 25th in a crash on Interstate 15, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner reported. The CHP received a wireless 911 call reporting the accident at 2:38 p.m, on Sunday afternoon The crash, which occurred about 10 miles from the Nevada/California border, involved two vehicles, a 2006 Lexus and a 2000 GMC Safari Van. According to reports in the Desert Dispatch, the Lexus, driven by Diana Wu, 62, of Laguna Woods, travelled across northbound lanes, through the median and into the southbound lanes of I-15. There the Lexus was struck by the GMC Safari van on the passenger side. The GMC Safari van was estimated to be going about 65 mph.

The front seat passenger of the Lexus, Chungho Wu, 62, of Laguna Woods, died at the scene of the crash. Diana Wu suffered major injuries and was taken by helicopter to University Medical Center in Las Vegas. The driver and three passengers in the van were taken to University Medical Center by ambulance.

What caused this accident?

The cause of the April 25th I-15 accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, and at this point, there are more questions than answer as to why the accident happened. Was there a mechanical problem the Lexus, such as a sudden unintended acceleration or tire blowout? Or did the driver swerve suddenly to avoid something in the roadway? Or was the driver simply distracted? Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is impossible to tell what happened and why the driver of the Lexus lost control of her vehicle.

While the accident is under investigation, the families of the victims in both vehicles would be well-advised to speak to a California auto accident lawyer familiar with the unique legal issues of Interstate 15 accidents. If a defect in the vehicle or hazardous roadway condition caused this accident, the victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one from the negligent party.

Continue reading "One Person Killed, Five Injured in I-15 Crash in Nipton " »