California Injury Lawyer Blog

According to KCRA News, a motorcyclist died Tuesday night and 10 people were injured, including two young children, in a crash on Interstate 505 near Winters that the CHP says was alcohol related. The Yolo County crash occurred around 10 p.m. when a vehicle carrying six people spun out of control and struck a guardrail near SR 128. The driver of that vehicle was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. Two cars travelling southbound on 505 were not able to avoid the wreckage. A motorcyclist also swerved to avoid the wreckage, but ended up losing control and crashing. The motorcyclist died at the scene. The injured victims were taken to four area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to major.

Cause of the Winters Crash

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the August 3rd multi vehicle crash near Winters. However, if news reports are accurate, it appears that the accident was at least partially, if not completely, caused by a drunk driver. Toxicology tests are pending and the CHP is also investigating other possible contributing factors.

Liability for Injuries and Deaths Resulting From Drunk Driving Accidents

Drinking and driving kills more than a thousand people a year in California alone. At Estey Bomberger, our personal injury attorneys fight to protect the rights of injured victims of drunk driving accidents, and families who have lost loved ones in accidents caused by drunk drivers. In situations such as this one, the family members of the victims of this Highway 505 crash would be well-advised to contact a northern California drunk driving accident injury lawyer about their legal rights following this accident. A skilled lawyer can help them hold the at-fault parties responsible and recover the maximum compensation they may be entitled to for their injuries or loved one's wrongful death.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Killed, 10 Injured in Alcohol-Related Crash on Interstate 505 " »

The Monterey County Herald reported a 58-year-old Seaside man died in a three-car collision Friday evening in Monterey County. The accident occurred at about 5:20 p.m. Friday evening on CA State Route 68 (Holman Highway), west of Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, near the Scenic Drive Overpass. The CHP reported that three vehicles were involved in the collision, a 2000 Ford, a 2001 BMW, and a 2009 Chevrolet. Investigators reported that the man driving west in the 2000 Ford crossed into eastbound lanes and struck a 2001 BMW. The BMW, which was driven by the 58-year-old Seaside man, then collided with the 2009 Chevrolet. It was not clear whether the Chevrolet was travelling eastbound or westbound.

The Seaside man, who was not identified, suffered massive internal injuries and died. The driver and passenger in the Chevrolet, a man and woman from Pacific Grove, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Community Hospital. It was not clear whether the driver of the Ford was injured.

Cause of the Fatal Holman Highway Crash

Based on the news reports, it appears that this collision may have been caused by the driver of the Ford, who for reasons still unknown, crossed into eastbound lanes. The CHP is investigating exactly what happened to cause this Holman Highway fatal crash. At this point, there are only questions as to what events led up to the crash. Was the driver of the Ford distracted or impaired? Or did he make an unsafe passing attempt, or did he lose control of the car due to a defect in the vehicle?

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

In this particular July 30th accident, if the driver of the westbound Ford was at fault for the crash, he may be liable for the wrongful death of the man driving the BMW and the injuries of the occupants of the Chevrolet. When the negligence of another can be attributed to a fatal accident, family members of the victim may seek compensation in a wrongful death claim to cover funeral expenses, loss of future income and support, and loss of love, care and companionship, and other damages. While this crash remains under investigation, the family members of the victim, as well as the injured victims in the third vehicle may benefit from speaking to a California personal injury lawyer about this crash and their legal rights to compensation.

Continue reading "Seaside Man Killed in Crash on Holman Highway " »

An 8-year-old boy was the victim of a high-speed alcohol-related accident on Highway 1 early Tuesday morning in Seaside, KSBW News reported. The boy, who was not identified, was a passenger in a 1993 Lexus GS 300 sedan that was estimated to be travelling faster than 120 mph.

According to news reports, the driver of the Lexus, the father of the 8-year-old, tried to exit the freeway at the Fremont / Del Monte Blvd exit in Seaside, but was travelling too fast. The vehicle hit a guardrail and was sheared in half.

The driver of the Lexus, Zabdiel Arciga of Marina, suffered only minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of DUI by Cal State Monterey Bay Police. His son was flown to Valley Medical Center in San Jose, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Drunk Driving Needs to Stop

This July 27th accident is appalling and heartbreaking at the same time. A young life was taken in a horrific that could so easily have been prevented. It is just another reminder of how drunk driving is an epidemic problem in California. Why would a grown adult drive 120 mph with a young child in the car? This year, there have been a number of innocent children killed as passengers in alcohol-related accidents. Just this weekend, a 4-year-old boy was killed in an alcohol-related accident in Tulare County, when the driver of the vehicle he was riding in ran a stop sign.

Make the Choice to Never Drink and Drive

At Estey Bomberger, we are only too aware of how drunk driving takes innocent lives and destroys families every single day. Visit our website stop-drunk-driving.com to see our DUI accident calendar and learn what you can do to stop drunk driving in your community. The decision to not drink and drive starts with you.

Continue reading "8-Year-Old Boy Killed in 120 MPH Drunk Driving Crash on Highway 1 " »

A 4-year-old boy tragically died Friday night in a suspected DUI crash near Cutler, the California Highway Patrol reported. According to news reports in the Fresno Bee, the victim, 4-year-old Angel Lopez, was a passenger in a Toyota driven eastbound on Avenue 440 by Rodolfo Rangle, 32, of Cutler.

Rangle apparently ran a stop sign at the intersection of Avenue 440 and Road 120, and drove into the path of a northbound 2001 Dodge. The driver of the Dodge braked to try and avoid the collision, but the front bumper of the vehicle collided with the right side of the Toyota.

Lopez was flown to Community Regional Medical Center, where he died of his injuries. Rangle was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. It was not clear what the relationship was between Rangle and Lopez. The occupants of the Dodge, Evelyn Hernandez, 55, of Orange Cove, 4-year-old Destiny Raygoza of Visalia and 60-year-old Alice Hernandez of Visalia, were taken to Kaweah Delta Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Please keep the family of Angel Lopez in your prayers as they are grieving the loss of this young, innocent boy. If news reports of this July 23rd accident are true, it is absolutely appalling that a grown adult would knowingly endanger a child by driving under the influence of alcohol.

Cause of the Tulare County Crash

Based on the news reports, it appears that this two-vehicle collision was caused by the suspected drunk driver, Rodolfo Rangle. If news reports are accurate and he is determined to have caused this crash because he was driving under the influence of alcohol, he may be facing criminal charges for his passenger's death and the injuries of the occupants of the Dodge. Additionally, Rangle may be held financially responsible for the serious personal injuries of the occupants of the Dodge, and the wrongful death of his passenger.

Continue reading "4-Year-Old Boy Killed in Suspected Drunk Driving Crash in Orosi" »

A 44-year-old Laytonville woman died Wednesday night in a head-on collision on Highway 101, north of its juncture with Highway 271 in Humboldt County, authorities reported. T

he July 21st accident occurred at about 9:30 p.m., and involved a northbound Subaru Forester and a southbound Toyota 4Runner.

According to news reports in the Ukiah Daily Journal and Times-Standard, Saskia Martin, 37, of Benbow, was driving a Subaru Forester northbound on Highway 101, behind a slow moving big rig truck.

When Martin attempted to pass the truck, she saw a bicycle lying in the lane directly in front of her, which caused her to slam the brakes and swerve into the southbound lane.

Martin lost control of the Subaru and the vehicle spun into the path of a southbound Toyota 4-Runner driven by Tonia Evans, 44, of Laytonville. The Subaru and the 4-Runner collided, resulting in the SUV rolling several times. Tonia Evans died of her injuries at the scene of the crash. Her husband and passenger, Allen Evans, 52, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Martin complained of pain to her neck and left arm.

This horrific accident is absolutely heartbreaking. Our condolences go out to the family of Tonia Evans and everyone who knew and loved her. Please keep her family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Cause of the Crash

If news reports are accurate, it appears that this crash was caused by an unsafe maneuver made by the driver of the Subaru Forester, resulting in her northbound vehicle entering southbound lanes into the path of the 4Runner. The Times-Standard reported that the CHP continues to investigate whether drugs and alcohol played a role in the crash. Authorities recovered the apparently abandoned bicycle from the crash scene.

Continue reading "Laytonville Woman Killed, Two Injured in Hwy 101 Head-On Collision Near Piercy " »

At least six people died early Thursday morning when a Greyhound bus carrying 47 people from Los Angeles to Sacramento crashed on Highway 99 in the Central Valley, authorities reported. Dozens more were injured in the crash, which occurred at about 2 a.m., when the driver of the Greyhound swerved to avoid an overturned minivan and struck the concrete divider, and then another vehicle before colliding with a tree.

Anyone seeking information about friends or family on the bus may call Greyhound's information line at (800)972-4583.

Bus Accidents and Common Carrier Duty of Care

Bus drivers and bus companies are held to a higher duty of care than drivers of passenger vehicles, because the Federal government has created strict regulations in regard to the liability owed to passengers injured when using a common carrier. The guidelines to determine whether or not a carrier is a common carrier are set forth in the California Book of Standard Civil Jury Instructions. The determining factors include whether the carrier maintains a regular place of business for the purpose of transporting passengers or property, whether the carrier advertises its services to the general public, and whether it charges fees for its services.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

While this Fresno Greyhound bus accident is under investigation, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact a California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect their rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. The lawyers at Estey Bomberger have recovered millions for bus accident victims in California, and offer a free, no-obligation consultation to help you understand and protect your legal rights.

Continue reading "Six Killed, 34 Injured in Greyhound Bus Crash in Fresno " »

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" »

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" »

A motorcyclist died Monday night after suffering critical injuries in an intersection collision in Taft, the Midway Driller reported. The Kern County accident occurred at the intersection of Kern Street (West Side Hwy / CA-33, and 8th Street, at about 8 p.m. According to news reports, a motorcycle was travelling eastbound on Kern Street, while at the same time an SUV was making a left turn from northbound Eighth Street to westbound Kern Street.

The motorcycle and the SUV collided at the intersection. The driver of the SUV was not hurt; the motorcyclist suffered major injuries and was rushed to Kern Medical Center, where he died at 9:29 p.m. The Kern County Sheriff-Coroner identified the victim as Steven Mason, 22, of Bakersfield. Mason was wearing a helmet, authorities reported.

Cause of the Crash

Based on the news reports, it appears that the driver of the SUV pulled out into the path of the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist did not have a stop sign at the intersection, while the driver of the SUV did. However, the official cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Motorcycle Accidents Involving Left-Turns

This type of collision involving a motorcycle with the right of way and a vehicle making a left turn is fairly common. On June 28th, a motorcyclist died in a Butte County motorcycle accident when a teen made a left turn in front of him. In May, a motorcyclist died in a similar motorcycle crash in Madera County involving a pickup truck making a left turn on Highway 41. While these failure-to-yield motorcycle accidents are common, unless excessive speed is involved, they are almost always the fault of the driver of the vehicle making a left turn.

Continue reading "Bakersfield Man Killed In Taft Intersection Crash " »

A 61-year-old Grass Valley man died Saturday in a horrific head-on collision on Hammonton-Smartville Road in Linda, the Appeal Democrat reported. The accident occurred at 1:05 p.m., west of Bryden Road. According to news reports, Thomas Whitman of Grass Valley was driving a 1999 Hyundai east on Hammonton-Smartville, while at the same time, a 2001 Toyota driven by a 17-year-old Olivehurst boy, was travelling west. The CHP believes the Olivehurst teen, who was not identified, may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing him to drift over the center line into the eastbound lane.

Whitman reportedly swerved the Hyundai to attempt to avoid the collision, while at the same time the teenager jerked the Toyota back into the westbound lane. The two vehicles collided head-on. Whitman died of his injuries at the scene of the accident. The 17-year-old driver suffered moderate injuries. An 18-year-old passenger and a 12-year-old passenger, both from Winton, suffered major injuries. The two teens were taken to Rideout Medical Center, and the younger boy was flown to UC Davis Medical Center.

Cause of the Fatal Yuba County Crash

The CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of the fatal July 11th head-on collision in Yuba County. However, if news reports are accurate, the teenage driver of the Toyota likely caused this collision, by making a lane departure into oncoming traffic, and triggering the events that led to the fatal head-on collision.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability Issues

When another driver causes a fatal collision, that driver may be liable for the wrongful death of the other driver in a wrongful death claim. In this case, if it is determined that the teen driver in the Toyota caused this crash, he may be liable for the death of Thomas Whitman, as well as the serious injuries of the two other occupants of his vehicle. In situations such as this one, the family members of the victims may benefit from contacting an experienced California personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect their rights, and ensure everything is done to recover maximum compensation for the victims' wrongful death and serious injuries as a result of this accident.

Continue reading "Grass Valley Man Killed in Head-on Collision in Yuba County " »

Two people tragically died early Monday morning in a head-on collision on Interstate 580, the Tracy Press reported. The accident occurred at about 2:55 a.m. on westbound I-580, west of Bird Road. According to news reports, a 34-year-old Tracy man was driving a 2000 Toyota Tundra westbound on Interstate 580. At the same time, a 30-year-old Tracy woman was driving her 2004 Dodge Caravan east in the westbound lanes. The two vehicles collided head on, and both drivers, the sole occupants of their vehicles, died at the scene.

Cause of the Interstate 580 Head-On Crash

If news reports are accurate, the driver of the Dodge Caravan caused this collision by travelling the wrong way on Interstate 580. The California Highway Patrol did not immediately determine how the driver of the Dodge Caravan ended driving in the wrong direction. There was reportedly no immediate indication that drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. Head-on collisions frequently occur on two-lane highways, when a driver momentarily drifts into oncoming traffic, often due to unsafe passing or falling asleep at the wheel. However, when head-on collisions occur on a divided interstate, it is usually due to a wrong-way driver suffering some kind of impairment or confusion.

Wrongful Death Liability

While this I-580 crash remains under investigation, the family members of the driver of the Toyota would likely benefit from discussing this fatal head-on collision with an experienced California Interstate 580 accident attorney. When another driver causes an accident resulting in death, the family members of the victim may be entitled to damages in a wrongful death claim, including money for funeral and burial exneses, loss of future earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care, companionship and support. An experienced attorney can help the victims' family hold the at-fault driver accountable for this accident (and any other parties that contributed to it), and the devastating loss of life that it caused.

Continue reading "Two Killed in Head-On Collision on Interstate 580" »

A 48-year-old Temecula man tragically died Sunday, July 4th, in a motorcycle accident in Valley Center, the San Diego County Medical Examiner reported. The accident occurred at about 10:15 a.m. on Lilac Road, south of West Lilac Road. According to news reports, the victim, Bradley Robert Eckhardt, was riding his vintage 1969 R350 Yamaha motorcycle southbound on Lilac Road. Just after he passed W. Lilac Road, he lost control of his motorcycle for unknown reasons. The motorcycle slid into the path of a Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck, which was towing a loaded horse trailer. The driver of the Dodge truck was not able to stop before striking Eckhardt. He died at the scene.

Cause of the Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the accident is being investigated by the CHP's Oceanside office. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why the accident occurred, or what caused Eckhardt to lose control of his bike. Investigators will look at all possible causes and contributing causes, including mechanical failure, dangerous road condition, and rider error. The speed of the Dodge truck may also be a factor in the crash as well.

Continue reading "Temecula Man Killed in Valley Center Motorcycle Crash with Truck Towing Horse Trailer " »

A 58-year-old man tragically died Friday night in north Stockton when the driver of a U-Haul lost control of the vehicle and collided with his Honda Civic, News 10 reported. The crash occurred at 5:35 p.m. on July 2nd, at the intersection of Hammer Lane and Richland Way. According to news reports, a man driving a U-Haul truck was traveling westbound on Hammer Lane, when for unknown reasons, he lost control of the vehicle, went onto a sidewalk and struck a tree.

The U-Haul then continued into the intersection of Richland Way, where it broadsided the Honda Civic that was waiting to turn westbound onto Hammer Lane. The driver of the Honda Civic died in the crash. The driver of the U-Haul was not injured. Based on the limited information in news reports, it is not clear why this crash occurred. Stockton Police are investigating the cause of the collision, including whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in the accident, or if the crash was caused by a mechanical failure in the truck.

Wrongful Death Liability Considerations

Regardless of whether the San Joaquin County crash was caused by negligent driving, drunk driving, a mechanical failure in the U-Haul truck, or some other cause, if news reports are accurate, the driver of the Honda Civic was the victim. While this crash remains under investigation, the family of the man killed would be well-advised to contact a California wrongful death lawyer who has handled serious accidents involving rented U-Haul trucks.

An experienced attorney can review the official accident report, explain the unique legal issues of the accident, and help the family protect their legal rights to hold the at-fault party accountable and financially responsible for their loved one's death in a wrongful death claim. Damages awarded in a wrongful death action can include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings and benefits of the decedent, and loss of love, care, and companionship.

Continue reading "Man Killed in Crash with U-Haul Truck in North Stockton " »

A 65-year-old Oroville man tragically died Monday when a teen driver made a left turn directly into the path of his motorcycle on Forbestown Road. The Butte County coroner identified the man as Stephen Charles Greenman. According to news reports in the Sacramento Bee, Greenman was travelling west on Forbestown Road when an 18-year-old woman travelling east on Forbestown turned left at Hurleton Road. The 1994 Geo Prizm she was driving collided with Greenman's 2009 Harley-Davidson. Greenman, who was wearing was wearing a helmet, was ejected from the bike and died of his injuries.

The Forbestown Road crash occurred around 3:45 p.m., a few miles east of Olive Highway (CA-162). The driver of the Geo Prizm was identified as Elizabeth Dearden, 18, of Oroville. She and a female passenger in her vehicle both suffered minor injuries. Dearden was not cited immediately following the accident, but, according to a CHP officer, she could face either an infraction over the left turn or a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter for making a left turn causing death. The Butte County District Attorney will determine what charges, if any, the driver will face.

Cause of the Crash

If news reports of this Butte County motorcycle accident are accurate, Stephen Charles Greenman was not at fault for this collision, because he had the right of way, and the teen driver failed to observe him before attempting the left turn and colliding with his motorcycle.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In addition to possible traffic infractions or criminal charges for the fatal accident, the driver who is believed to have caused the accident may also be held financially responsible for the victim's death in a California wrongful death claim. The family of the victim would be well-advised to speak with a California motorcycle accident attorney about this accident as soon as possible. Monetary damages awarded in a wrongful death action may include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care and companionship of family members. An experienced attorney can help the victim's family understand and protect their rights, and advise them of their best course of action going forward.

Continue reading "Oroville Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash Caused by Teen Driver " »

A couple vacationing in San Francisco from Ohio was tragically killed shortly after their taxicab left the SFO International Airport on Monday, the San Francisco Examiner reported. The solo-vehicle accident occurred moments before 11:00 a.m. June 14th. According to news reports, the man and woman from Cincinnati, Ohio, Dennis Marshall, 61, and his wife Karen Marshall, 59, had just caught a DeSoto Cab Co. taxi at the airport and were on the Interstate 280 off ramp at Mariposa Street in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, on their way to the Mark Hopkins hotel. Apparently, the brakes on the Dodge Intrepid taxi failed and the vehicle struck a steel and concrete freeway support pillar at about 40 mph, coming to rest against a steel mesh fence.

Three sheriff's deputies were driving an empty jail van behind the taxi cab, which burst into flames after the collision. The deputies helped pull the two passengers out of the burning cab and the driver was able to escape on his own. Karen Marshall died at San Francisco General Hospital shortly after arrival, and her husband died at 4:20 p.m. The driver, Fageh Hassan Behbahani of Daly City, was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and later released.

Cause of the Taxi Cab Accident

The cause of the June 14th taxi accident is under investigation. Law enforcement will no doubt have the Dodge Intrepid inspected to determine exactly what happened. If news reports are accurate and this accident was caused by brake failure, the taxicab company, DeSoto Cab Co., may be liable for this accident, along with the driver and possibly other parties. CBS 5 News reported that the driver of the cab noticed smoke was "pouring out of the front" of the cab before the accident, which may be an indication that he knew there was a problem with the vehicle, but kept driving it. Authorities said Tuesday Fageh Hassan Behbahani is under criminal investigation for not immediately pulling over when he first saw smoke.

Taxi companies are considered "common carriers" and owe passengers a higher duty of care. When taxi drivers are negligent, the taxicab company is also liable. Unlike other taxi companies in San Francisco, DeSoto Cab Co. rents its vehicles to cab drivers on a shift-by-shift basis. Under municipal code, taxi cabs must be inspected at least once a year with valid registration, proof of insurance, and brake certification.

Continue reading "Ohio Couple Killed in San Francisco Taxi Cab Crash " »