California Injury Lawyer Blog

SONOMA COUNTY - At least three people were hurt Tuesday morning in a chain-reaction crash near Glen Ellen, the Press Democrat reported. The first collision in the multi-car accident occurred on Highway 12. The driver of a landscaping company pickup reportedly stopped in the eastbound highway lane, near Nuns Canyon Road, waiting to make a turn into a private residence. A Dodge pickup stopped behind the landscape truck, as did a Ford sedan behind the pickup. A Chevy Blazer rear-ended the Ford, which struck the Dodge and was pushed into oncoming traffic, where it was struck head-on by a Honda Accord. According to news accounts, firefighters had to pry people out of at least two vehicles. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Sonoma County Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

Following a multi-vehicle injury car accident such as this February 21st crash near Glen Ellen, the injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Northern California car accident attorney. A personal injury lawyer who understands the unique liability issues of multi-vehicle accidents can advise the victims and their families of their best course of action to protect their legal rights and recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to for their medical care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Three People Hurt In Highway 12 Crash " »

SANTA ROSA - A pedestrian was injured after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday morning on West College Avenue at Link Lane, the Press Democrat reported. The accident was reported on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at 6:44 a.m. Further details about the extent of the parties involved and the cause of the accident were not immediately available.

The unsignaled crosswalk where the pedestrian was struck was the same location of a fatal accident on January 27, 2010, that killed Santa Rosa High School sophomore Michelle Cordova. Another teenager was struck at the intersection on February 17, 2011. All of the incidents, including the one today, have occurred in limited visibility, either before or after sun-up or sun-down.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Santa Rosa that was caused by a negligent motorist or a dangerous road condition, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact the Northern California pedestrian accident lawyers at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation of your legal rights. Damages obtained in a personal injury claim may include medical care costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Injured in Accident in Dangerous Santa Rosa Intersection " »

SONOMA COUNTY - A 63-year-old Santa Rosa man suffered serious injuries Monday night when he was hit by a car in a crosswalk, the Press Democrat reported. The victim, Joseph Dailey, was crossing Fifth Street at Mendocino Avenue at about 9:50 p.m. on Monday, April 18, 2011, when he was struck. Dailey was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with severe head injuries where he was reportedly in critical condition on Tuesday. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Santa Rosa Police Department.

Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability

If news reports are accurate, and Dailey was in the crosswalk when he was struck, the driver of the car that struck him may be liable for Dailey's serious injuries. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection..."

Following a pedestrian accident such as this April 18th injury accident in Sonoma County, the family members of the injured victim would be well-advised to speak with an attorney about the victim's legal rights to be compensated for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses. An experienced California pedestrian accident lawyer can advise the victim and his family of his legal rights and best course of action following this accident to recover the maximum compensation he may be entitled to.

Continue reading "Santa Rosa Man Critically Injured in Crosswalk Accident " »

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported a Santa Rosa boy suffered major injuries - including multiple bone fractures - when he was hit by a car Friday evening in a Santa Rosa Crosswalk. The car vs. pedestrian accident was reported just after 7 p.m. at the intersection of Steele Lane and Service Court. The boy, who was not indentified, was crossing the street in a crosswalk when he was hit by a car driven by Carole Steele, 32. Police did not believe alcohol was a factor; the possibility of the driver being distracted by a cell phone was not determined. Witnesses are asked to call the Santa Rosa Police Traffic Bureau at (707) 543-3636.

What is the Law Regarding Pedestrians in Crosswalks?

Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection..." Although the cause of the accident remains under investigation, based on the news reports, it appears the driver may be responsible.

Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability

If the investigation by Santa Rosa Police reveals the driver is in fact responsible for this accident, she may be liable for the injuries sustained by the teen boy. After an accident such as this one, the parents of the injured teenager would be well-advised to contact a California pedestrian injury lawyer about the crash and the unique liability issues involved. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can review the accident report, and advise the family of their best course of action to recover maximum financial compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and other expenses following this major injury Sonoma County pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Santa Rosa Boy Struck by Car at Steele Lane and Service Court " »

Two cross-country runners sustained serious injuries Wednesday afternoon when they were a struck by a vehicle in a Petaluma crosswalk, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. The incident occurred at about 4:15 p.m. on Sonoma Mountain Parkway at Monroe Street.

According to news reports, a group of runners was jogging along Sonoma Mountain Parkway when one of the runners activated the pedestrian crossing lights at the intersection. Two vehicles travelling south on Monroe Street stopped, but a 16-year-old girl driving a blue Ford pickup failed to stop, and struck two runners at about 40 mph. The two-teens that were struck, a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl, tried to jump out of the way, but were hit by the sides of the vehicle. The boy was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, and the girl was taken to Petaluma Valley Hospital. Both students reportedly were alert and conscious when emergency crews arrived.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident

Police are still investigating the cause of the accident. However, if news reports are accurate, this crash was likely caused by the teen driver who failed to stop at the crosswalk. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 "Right of Way at Crosswalks" (c), "The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian." This section of the vehicle code gives pedestrians using a crosswalk the right-of-way.

Pedestrian Injury Liability

In situations such as this September 8th Petaluma pedestrian accident, where another driver is suspected of causing an accident, the family members of the injured victims would be well-advised to talk to a California pedestrian injury lawyer about the accident and the potentially unique legal issues involved. If the driver was at fault, she may be liable for the injuries sustained by the two teen runners, including their medical expenses, any lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages. An attorney who has represented numerous victims of pedestrians struck in crosswalks can help the injured victims and their families protect their rights to ensure they receive the maximum compensation they may be entitled to receive following this accident.

Continue reading "Casa Grande High School Cross Country Runners Struck by Teen Driver in Marked Crosswalk " »

A car turning left into a business entrance struck and seriously injured a Santa Rosa man riding a bicycle Monday afternoon, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. The car vs. bicycle accident occurred around 3:10 p.m. on Monday August 9th on River Road, west of Fulton Road. According to news reports, the cyclist, William Brown, 63, of Santa Rosa, was riding westbound on the right should of River Road, while Clements Boylan, 74, of Freelan, was driving a 1994 Lexus eastbound. Boylan began turning left into the parking lot of the Fruit Basket fruit stand when he struck Brown on his bicycle. The impact threw Brown onto the hood of the Lexus. He suffered serious injuries but is expected to survive. Boylan told drivers he did not see Brown until it was too late.

This bicycle accident occurred not far from the location of a fatal accident on River Road earlier this year. A man died and three people were injured in a chain reaction crash at River Road and Sommer Street on April 27th.

Cause of the Bicycle Accident

If news reports are accurate, it appears that this crash was caused by the driver of the Lexus making the left turn. The state law pertaining to left turns is found in California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) "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." In this situation, the bicycle would be considered a vehicle.

Bicycle Accident Injury Liability

If the driver of the Lexus is determined to have caused this bicycle accident, he may be liable for the injuries the cyclist sustained. While this crash remains under investigation, the family of the victim may benefit from speaking to an experienced northern California bicycle accident lawyer about this accident and the legal issues involved. An attorney who is also a cyclist and who has represented numerous victims of bicycle accidents can help the victim protect his legal rights and recover the maximum financial compensation he may be entitled to following this accident.

Continue reading "Cyclist Struck by Car Making Left Turn in Santa Rosa " »

A wine-tasting outing ended in tragedy when a suspected drunk driver killed two women in a side-impact collision on Geyserville Avenue, the San Francisco Examiner reported. The Sonoma County accident, which involved a 2004 Hyundai SUV and a 2001 Subaru Forrester, occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Geyservile Avenue, just east of U.S. Highway 101. Authorities believe the driver of the Hyundai, Lyndsay Murray-Mazany was under the influence of alchol when she drove strait through a 90-degree turn and struck the left side of the eastbound 2001 Subaru Forrester.

Two passengers and close friends in the Subaru, Beverly Jones and Nancy McBride, both 77 and from Cloverdale, were killed on impact. The driver of the Subaru, Katherine Hinzman, 56, of Cloverdale, and two other passengers, Alice Sheperia, 82, and Barbara King, 70, both of Cloverdale, suffered moderate to major injuries. All were taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Neither Murray-Mazany or the three passengers in her Hyundai were hurt. The CHP is investigating the crash. According to the Press Democrat, the CHP was retracing the route of the Murray-Mazany and the wine-tasting group, to see if any people in the tasting rooms had observed signs of impairment or intoxication.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of all of the victims of this crash, a tight-knit group of women from Cloverdale who were headed to dinner after watching a play in Santa Rosa. Please keep all of their families in your prayers.

DUI Accidents and Liability Considerations

When a driver under the influence of alcohol causes an accident, that driver is responsible for the consequences of her actions, and in addition to criminal charges for drunk driving, may be held financially liable for the injuries or death that occur. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of all of the occupants in the Subaru would be well-advised to speak to a northern California personal injury attorney as soon as possible about a civil claim for this drunk driving accident. A skilled lawyer can help the victims of this accident protect their legal rights to hold the driver (and any other parties that may be liable for this crash) fully responsible for the serious injuries and wrongful deaths that occurred in this crash.

Advocates for Stopping Drunk Driving

At Estey Bomberger, we believe every accident caused by a drunk driver is 100% preventable. Our attorneys are advocates for reducing the number of serious accidents that are caused by drunk drivers by raising awareness about how drunk driving destroys lives and tears apart families. The decision to stop drunk driving can start with you. Visit our website, stop-drunk-driving.com to learn more about what you can do to stop drunk driving in your community.

Continue reading "Two Cloverdale Women Killed in Suspected DUI Crash Near Geyserville" »

One person was arrested and another person was taken to a hospital following a two-vehicle accident Sunday evening in Penngrove, the Press Democrat reported. The June 27th collision occurred at about 6:20 p.m. at Petaluma Hill Road and Valley House Drive.

According to news reports, Rush Bowers, 31, of Santa Rosa, crashed his Toyota 4-Runner SUV with a Toyota Camry driven by Ann Stafford, 70, of Petaluma. Stafford suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken by ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Bowers was arrested on suspicion of felony drunken driving and child cruelty, and booked in the Sonoma County Jail. Bowers had two children and one adult in the car at the time of the accident. They were not injured.

Cause of the Sonoma County Crash

If news reports are accurate, the driver of the 4-Runner is responsible for the Petaluma Hill Road collision. However, the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

DUI Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

In addition to criminal charges for drunken driving, a drunk driver may also be held financially liable for injuries sustained in an accident in a civil claim. While this accident remains under investigation by law enforcement, the family of Ann Stafford would be well-advised to consult with a California personal injury attorney who is experienced in representing victims of drunk driving accidents. Victims of car accidents may be entitled to financial compensation for medical care expenses, any lost earnings, emotional pain and suffering, and other accident related expenses. In some cases, punitive damages may also be recovered.

Continue reading "Petaluma Woman Injured in Suspected DUI Crash in Penngrove " »

A 51-year-old Sebastopol man was critically injured Saturday in a two-vehicle intersection crash in downtown Santa Rosa, fire officials reported. The Sonoma County crash, which involved a red Jeep and a blue Suburu Legacy, occurred just after 5 p.m. at the intersection of Fourth Street and Brookwood Avenue. The Subaru was travelling south on Brookwood when hit broadsided the Jeep at the intersection.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported that firefighters had to extricate the driver of the Jeep, 51-year-old Robert McGuire of Sebastopol. Witnesses at the scene reported that the driver of the Subaru sped through the intersection and broadsided McGuire's Jeep, causing it to overturn. McGuire was partially ejected and had to be cut free from his vehicle. Both McGuire and the driver of the Subaru, a 38-year-old St. Helena woman, were taken by ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

Cause of the Crash

Although investigators have not reported the official cause of the crash, news reports indicated that the driver of the Subaru sped through the intersection and likely caused this crash. Hopefully the investigation by law enforcement will reveal what exactly happened, and if negligence was a factor in this collision. If it is determined that the driver of the Subaru caused this accident, she may be liable for the injuries sustained by the driver of the Jeep, including damages for all current and future medical expenses as a result of his injury, lost earnings due to the accident, pain and suffering and other accident related expenses.

Personal Injury Liability Issues

While this May 8th Santa Rosa accident is being investigated, the family of Robert McGuire would be well-advised to talk to a California auto accident attorney about this accident. An experienced attorney can help the family understand the victim's legal rights and advise the family of their best course of action in a personal injury claim. If another driver's negligence is determined to have caused this crash, a skilled lawyer can protect the victim's rights to ensure he is fully and fairly compensated for his serious injuries from the at-fault driver and any other negligent parties.

Continue reading "Sebastopol Man Critically Injured after Weekend Crash in Santa Rosa " »

The California Highway Patrol has reported an 86-year-old Kenwood woman died Monday morning after a devastating accident involving an all-terrain vehicle. The crash occurred on private property off Adobe Canyon Road in unincorporated Sonoma County. The victim, identified as Delores Sprague, was riding her ATV to retrieve some tools from her home when, according to the Sonoma Index-Tribune, she apparently lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree. The ATV overturned and crushed her. She died at the scene of the accident. Sprague's husband reported the incident at about 10:20 a.m. on May 3rd.

ATV Rollover Accident Fatalities

According to the website ATVSafety.gov, nationwide there were 832 reported ATV-related deaths in 2006, 699 reported deaths in 2007. In California, statewide from 1992 to 2008, there were 516 reported deaths. Because not all deaths are reported to the Consumer Products Safety Commision, the actual number of fatalities is likely slightly higher. Each year more than 100,000 people visit emergency rooms across the country for injuries sustained in ATV accidents.

Cause of the Accident and Possible Liability Issues

The limited information in news reports did not identify the type of all-terrain vehicle involved in this crash, or explain how this crash happened. However, in any fatal ATV accident, there is always the question of whether a mechanical defect played a role. Many ATVs have been recalled for serious safety issues. Just last week, Yamaha recalled 20,000 Grizzly model ATVs that had a problem with the steering column that could cause the rider to lose control and crash. In December, Polaris recalled 8,500 ATVs dued to a problem with the front suspension ball joint stem that can cause the rider to lose control and crash. Dozens of other similar recalls have been announced in the last couple years. It is possible that this Sonoma County accident that took the life of Deloris Sprague was due to a defect or mechanical failure in the ATV.

While the cause of the accident is under investigation by the CHP, the family of the victim would be well-advised to talk to a California wrongful death lawyer about having the vehicle inspected for design or manufacturing defects. An experienced attorney familiar with ATV accident liability issues will be able to advise their family of their legal options in a possible wrongful death claim and look into similar accidents involving the type of vehicle involved in this accident.

Continue reading "Kenwood Woman Killed in ATV Rollover Accident in Sonoma County " »

A 57-year-old Rohnert Park man was critically injured when he was struck in a marked crosswalk near the Larkfield Shopping Center, authorities have reported. The Sonoma County pedestrian accident occurred shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 18th. The victim was walking eastbound across Old Redwood Highway when he was truck by a red Cadillac sedan. The man, identified as Thomas Wandrey, made a large depression the Cadillac's windshield, and then was thrown 75 feet north of the crosswalk. He remained conscious at the scene but was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with very serious injuries.

A Dangerous Intersection?

The driver of the Cadillac, an 85-year-old Hidden Valley Resident, told CHP officers he did not see the victim in time to stop. It is not known how fast he was driving. According to an article in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, the crosswalk where the accident occurred is "described by neighbors as a treacherous path long in need of a signal light." According to the newspaper account of the accident, witnesses, neighbors and members of the nearby Rincon Valley Fire Station said "motorists routinely exceed the posted 35 mph speed limit and often honk or yell at pedestrians in the crosswalk as if they didn't belong there."

Fault & Liability Issues

The family of the man critically injured in this Santa Rosa pedestrian accident would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help the injured man protect his rights and recover compensation for the very serious injuries he sustained in this accident. This starts with a thorough review the police report, gathering of witness statements, and further review of other incidents at the same location. Even if the driver is not cited for the pedestrian accident or charged for negligent driving, he may still be held liable and financially accountable in a civil claim.

Continue reading "Rohnert Park Man Seriously Injured in Sonoma County Pedestrian Accident" »

A family of four was killed in a crash Saturday evening at Lakeville Highway and Highway 37, and several others were injured, authorities reported on Sunday. The driver of a Mini Cooper suspected of travelling between 70-90 mph collided with a Nissan Quest, killing its occupants. The four victims killed in the crash were identified Sunday as Jason Maloney, Susan Maloney, and children Grace and Aiden Maloney. All four died at the scene of the crash. The family was headed home from celebrating Thanksgiving in Maui, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat said. Firefighters from Lakeville, Wilmar, Novato and Petaluma all responded to the accident.

The multi-vehicle intersection crash involved a Mini Cooper, a 2004 Honda CR-V, a Nissan Quest, and a 2002 Mitsubishi Galant. The accident occurred at about 9:20 p.m., at Highway 37 and Lakeville Highway, near the border of Sonoma County and Marin County.

The Mini Cooper, driven by Steven Culbertson, 19, of Lakeport, was travelling south on Lakeville Highway and clipped the Honda CRV, which was also travelling south on Lakeville Highway. The driver and passenger of the Honda, from Petaluma and Stockton, were not seriously injured, the CHP reported.

Continue reading "Family of Four Killed in Lakeville Highway Crash " »