January 22, 2012--Lancaster, CA--A 26-year-old man was shot and killed by Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies during an attempted stop for bicycling violations, authorities said on Saturday, January 21.

Christian Cobian was riding his bicycle in the 10^th Street West and West Avenue J-4 area when Sheriff's deputies ordered him to stop for riding without a headlight in a dimly-lit area.  Cobian allegedly ran from the police on foot, and a chase ensued.  Deputies said the suspect reached for his waistband, prompting fears that he had a weapon.  Deputies then shot several times, mortally wounding Cobian, who was not found to have a weapon.

Authorities stated that Cobian was wanted for a felony narcotics warrant, had three felony convictions on his record, and was currently on probation.  Deputies believe he was a gang member in Inglewood who had recently moved to Lancaster.

An investigation is pending by the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office and the Office of Independent Review into the shooting.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of this victim.

Accident Statistics

According to the Center for Disease Control, 29,674 people are killed each year, on average, in the United States by firearms.  Police shootings account for about 200 people of that number each year.

However, the picture is gloomy for law enforcement officers, as well.  Police deaths in the line of duty rose an astounding 37 percent in 2010, primarily due to more violent criminals willing to shoot at police officers and fewer officers to protect fellow police due to budget cuts.

What Caused This Accident

It remains to be seen if the police officers involved in this incident acted in a way which could be construed as "in the line of duty," or if they reacted in an inappropriate manner.  On the surface, the violation seems minimal--certainly not one which would require the use of deadly force.  However, until all the details become plain, it is guesswork to try to determine the factors which led to the shooting.

A professional and experienced California personal injury attorney should be able to examine the facts, once they are known, and make a determination as to whether the officers acted appropriately.  It would be desirable to have outsiders investigate this situation to avoid a "cover up" by the police or governmental entities.

Liability Issues

While the police are supposed to protect the public, there are occasions when they abuse their power.  While police have a certain limited liability from civil penalties when acting in their proper job functions, that immunity can be removed if the police act outside of the scope of their duties.

If police act inappropriately in the pursuit of a criminal, such as using excessive force, a civil tort claim can be filed against the officers individually as well as the department to which they belong, if it can be shown that the department did not take appropriate action to prevent or stop the misconduct from occurring.

It will be interesting to see how the investigation into this shooting develops, and if an expert personal injury attorney will be able to pursue a civil tort claim in this case.

Bicyclist Shot by Police During Attempted Stop is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Gabriel Facio, 44, was killed in a Pomona car accident, which officials say involved a suspected hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the fatal bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Towne Avenue and Sixth Street, the evening of December 28, 2011. Officials said the driver, 67-year-old Rodger Allen Karcher fled the scene of the fatal crash. But, he turned himself in the following day. His vehicle was also located and the damage to it matched the physical evidence at the scene, officials said. Karcher was booked on suspicion of hit-and-run causing death.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Gabriel Facio following this tragic hit-and-run car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with this grieving family.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 53 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Pomona. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 22 people died and 3,725 were injured due to bicycle accidents, during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Crash

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver who struck Facio fled the scene without even stopping to help the injured victim or waiting for authorities to arrive. I'm relieved that the hit-and-run driver turned himself in. Not only is leaving the scene of an injury crash an inhumane and irresponsible act, but it is also illegal.

California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: "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."

Claim for Compensation

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and hold the negligent parties accountable. Victims' families may file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of love and companionship. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims or their families.

Pomona Hit-and-Run Car Accident Kills Bicyclist is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A bicyclist who may have been in the crosswalk in the 100 block of North Euclid Street in Santa Ana is still in critical condition after being struck by an oncoming vehicle on December 25. Police have yet to identify who the bicyclist is, but disclosed that it they were in their 50s.

Medics on the scene quickly rushed the 50-year-old bicyclist to UCI Medical Center where they underwent surgery. The condition or outcome of the surgery was unknown when the report in The Orange County Register went live.

Police shut down three north-bound lanes as they investigated the scene of the accident. The driver stayed at the scene to provide a report. At the moment it is unclear if the bicyclist was in the crosswalk, on the sidewalk, or in the street. Police are continuing to investigate the Orange County bicycle accident and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

We wish the bicyclist a speedy recovery as they recover from the injuries that resulted from this accident.

Car Accidents Involving Pedestrians

In 2006, it was estimated that over 60,000 pedestrians were injured in accidents that involved motorists. The cause of these accidents could range from distracted driving due to texting, cellphones, or other distractions, inexperience behind the wheel, weather conditions, or mechanical problems. Many of these accidents involve critical injuries, and even fatalities to the bicyclist or pedestrian.

California Traffic Code for Yielding to a Pedestrian

California Traffic Code 21950 (a) states that a driver must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian who is within the limits of a marked crosswalk or inside any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Further investigation will be needed as well as interviews with eyewitnesses but if it is found that the bicyclist was within the crosswalk, or walking their bike in the crosswalk and the driver failed to yield at the crosswalk as properly stated, the motorist could be held liable for all injuries and any damages that happened as a result of the accident.

Victims, or their families, who have been involved in a car accident that involved a motor vehicle and a pedestrian it is recommended that they seek the counsel of an experienced Santa Ana car attorney. After looking at statements, police reports, medical reports and looking at the scene, the skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer can best advise you on whether a personal injury case can help you receive compensation for pain and suffering, lost time off of work, damages and medical expenses.

Bicyclist in Critical Condition After Santa Ana Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Writer-producer Carol Schreder, 65, has died from injuries suffered in a Los Angeles car accident when a van veered out of control and struck her bicycle. According to a December 19, 2011 news report in The Ventura County Star, the fatal bicycle accident occurred on Mulholland Highway near Agoura Hills on December 3, 2011. Officials say Stafford Taylor, 58, of Malibu, hit the brakes on his van to avoid hitting a sedan only to lose control and strike Schreder’s bicycle. She died from her injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family members and friends of Carol Schreder following this tragic bicycle accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but five injuries reported due to Agoura Hills bicycle accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 22 fatalities and 3,725 injuries occurred involving bicycle accidents, during that same year.

What Caused This Fatal Car Accident?

Based on this news report, the driver lost control of the van after hitting the brakes to avoid striking another sedan. Why did this motorist have to apply his brakes suddenly? Was the driver speeding or driving distracted? Was the motorist fatigued or under the influence of alcohol? Was the driver following too closely behind the sedan and did not have enough time to avoid a collision? I trust investigators are trying to determine if this driver or another was negligent in any way here.

Liability Issues

The family of a deceased bicycle accident victim would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the family's legal rights and best interests are protected. If it is determined that Taylor’s negligence contributed to the crash, then he may be held liable for Schreder’s wrongful death. In such cases, victims' families can seek compensation to cover medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of companionship, and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always provide a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.

Producer Dies from Injuries Suffered in Los Angeles Bicycle Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A 20-year-old man was severely injured in a Riverside car accident after he was struck by a vehicle. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the injury bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Van Buren Boulevard and Canyon Ridge Drive Road in Riverside, the night of August 23, 2011. The victim was attempting to turn at the intersection when he was struck by a GMC. The bicyclist has been listed in critical condition. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this Riverside car accident. I wish him a complete and speedy recovery.

Riverside Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 74 were injured in Riverside bicycle accidents. During that same year, Riverside County bicycle accidents claimed seven lives and injured 343 people.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that the bicyclist was attempting to turn at the intersection when the car hit him. Under California law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles. This means that bicyclists, like other vehicles, are required to yield right-of-way to oncoming vehicles at street intersections.
In this particular case, it is not clear who had the right-of-way.

According to California Vehicle Code Section 21800 (a): "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway."

Liability Issues

If the driver of the GMC is at fault, he or she could be held liable for the bicyclist's injuries. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, and even long-term care and treatment, if the injuries are catastrophic.

An experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer will help determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway or at the intersection caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Bicyclist Critically Injured in Riverside Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Cody Wessel, 19, was killed in a Riverside car accident after he was struck by a van while attempting to ride his bicycle across the street. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal bicycle accident occurred in Lake Elsinore, the afternoon of August 5, 2011. Wessel was riding home from work when he attempted to cross Casino Drive in the 31700 block. He was hit by a full-size Chevrolet work van. Wessel was transported to a local hospital where he died in emergency surgery. Anyone with information about this accident is asked to contact Lake Elsinore police at 951-245-3300.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Cody Wessel for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but five injuries reported due to Lake Elsinore bicycle accidents. In Riverside County as a whole, seven people died and 343 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Fatal Crash?

Based on this news report, officials are saying that the bicyclist "darted across" the roadway and was struck by the Chevy van. However, they are looking for eyewitnesses to find out precisely what occurred and why. There are usually many questions that arise in such incidents. Where exactly did the bicyclist cross the roadway? What was the speed limit on the roadway? Did the van have sufficient time to stop in order to avoid a collision? How fast was the van traveling at the time? Under California law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles. Bicyclists are also required to yield right-of-way to oncoming vehicles and cross the roadway only where it is safe to do so.

Fault and Liability

If the actions of the van driver caused or contributed to this fatal bicycle accident, both the driver and his or her employer could be held liable for Wessel's wrongful death. A skilled Riverside personal injury lawyer can also help determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Car Accident Attorneys in Riverside

What do you think about bicyclist sharing the road with motor vehicles? Bicyclists should have the same rights as motorists No its not safe for anyone Bicyclists should have the right to choose where they ride Bicyclists under the age of 18 should always be riding in the bike lane Current Results

Teen Killed in Riverside Bicycle Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Dwight Davis, 83, remains hospitalized with injuries following a Riverside car accident. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the bicycle accident occurred at La Sierra and Victoria avenues in Riverside. On July 29, 2011, five days after the car crash, Davis is still healing from a broken ankle, a broken pelvis and facial injuries. Officials say Davis was legally riding at the intersection on his bicycle, when the light changed and a car struck him. The driver involved in the crash has not been cited and the authorities are still investigating the crash.

My thoughts and prayers are with Dwight Davis following this serious injury accident. I wish him a complete and speedy recovery from his injuries.

Riverside Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 74 were injured in Riverside bicycle accidents. During that same year, seven fatalities and 343 injuries occurred as a result of Riverside County bicycle accidents.

What Caused This Bicycle Accident?

It appears from the report that the bicyclist was legally in the intersection and the car had a green light. Investigators will have to determine why the driver was unable to avoid the collision. Under California law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles. In this case, I trust officials are looking into who had the right-of-way at the intersection at the time of the crash.

According to California Vehicle Code Section 21800 (a): "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway."

Liability Issues

If the driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held liable for Davis' serious injuries. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries and rehabilitative treatment. Car accident victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will better explain their legal rights and options.

A skilled accident attorney will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can be held liable as well. Please remember that any personal injury claim against a California public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Personal Injury Lawyers in Riverside

What do you think about bicyclist sharing the road with motor vehicles? Bicyclists should have the same rights as motorists No its not safe for anyone Bicyclists should have the right to choose where they ride Bicyclists under the age of 18 should always be riding in the bike lane Current Results

Elderly Bicyclist Injured in Riverside Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Jose Garcia-Espinoza, 57, was killed in a Riverside car accident involving a collision between a bicycle and a motor home. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal bicycle accident occurred on Cactus Avenue, near Lasselle Street, in Moreno Valley, the morning of July 22, 2011. Garcia-Espinoza was fatally struck by the motor home, which continued on before crashing into a utility pole. The driver of the motor home, Joseph Gerald Edgerson, 64, is in critical condition, but Edgerson's three grandchildren who were in the motor home at the time were uninjured. It is not clear what caused Edgerson to lose control of his vehicle.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Jose Garcia-Espinoza following this tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. I also wish Joseph Edgerson the best for a complete and speedy recovery. It is indeed fortunate that the children escaped injuries.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 24 were injured in Moreno Valley bicycle accidents. During that same year, there were seven fatalities and 343 injuries reported involving Riverside County bicycle accidents.

What Caused This Fatal Collision?

Based on this news report, it is not exactly clear what led to this fatal collision. There are still a number of questions that remain unanswered here. Where was the bicyclist riding at the time of the crash? Was he crossing the roadway or riding along the side or shoulder of the roadway? What caused the driver to lose control of the motor home? Did a medical condition or an auto defect contribute to the crash? Was the driver speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol? I trust officials at this time are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here and why.,

Liability Issues

If the driver of the motor home, Edgerson, is determined to have been at fault, he could be held liable for the wrongful death of Jose Garcia-Espinoza. In such cases, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. If an auto defect in the motor home caused the crash, then, the manufacturer of the defective product can also be held liable.

A knowledgeable Riverside personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a California public entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Lost a family member in a Riverside County car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Moreno Valley bicycle accident. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Riverside wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

Riverside Bicycle Accident Attorneys

What do you think about bicyclist sharing the road with motor vehicles? Bicyclists should have the same rights as motorists No its not safe for anyone Bicyclists should have the right to choose where they ride Bicyclists under the age of 18 should always be riding in the bike lane Current Results

Bicyclist Killed in Riverside Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A bicyclist was hospitalized with injuries after a Riverside car accident involving an elderly driver. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the injury car accident occurred the morning of March 17, 2011 at the intersection of Heacock Street and Gregory Lane near Highway 60 in Moreno Valley. The 86-year-old driver of a silver Nissan, which was southbound, told authorities that he "did not see" the bicyclist before the collision. The injured bicyclist was transported to a local hospital. An investigation is ongoing.

I sincerely hope the bicyclist did not suffer major or life-threatening injuries in this case. I wish the injured victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this victim in your thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but 29 injuries involving bicycle accidents reported in Moreno Valley. In Riverside County as a whole, none died but 362 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Injury Accident?

It is unclear from the report as to how or why this accident occurred. There are still several unanswered questions here. Why did the driver fail to see the bicyclist? Where was the bicyclist on the roadway at the time of the crash? Was he or she riding across the street? Was he or she riding along the side of the roadway? Was the elderly driver properly licensed? Did he have any medical or vision issues which may have caused this accident? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway that led to this accident? I trust officials are looking at these and other factors in order to determine what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

If the elderly driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, he can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. A skilled Riverside personal injury lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway caused or contributed to this accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Seriously injured in a Riverside County car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Moreno Valley bicycle accident. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Riverside personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.

Bicycle Accident in Riverside Causes Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

An 8-year-old boy was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident when a car struck his bicycle. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the injury bicycle accident happened at the intersection of Marilla Drive and Emerald Grove Avenue in Lakeside the evening of March 13, 2011. It is unclear how the accident occurred or if the driver will be cited here. The boy suffered severe leg injuries and was taken to Sharp Grossmont Hospital for treatment.

My thoughts and prayers are with the young victim of this San Diego bicycle accident. I wish him a complete and speedy recovery from his injuries.

San Diego Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 75 were injured in bicycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. During that same year, there were seven fatalities and 959 injuries reported as a result of San Diego County bicycle accidents.

What Caused This Intersection Accident?

The report states that the victim was riding his bike at the time of the collision. It is not clear, however, who had the right-of-way at the intersection. Under California law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers on the roadway. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21800 (a): "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway."

Liability Issues

If the driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, then he or she can be held liable for the injuries caused to the child. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims or their families about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition may have caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can be held liable as well. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Seriously injured in a San Diego County car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Lakeside bicycle accident. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE San Diego personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.

Boy Injured in San Diego Bicycle Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal