Five people, including three children, were injured in a San Bernardino car accident involving four vehicles, the afternoon of January 29, 2012. According to a report in The Crestline Courier-News, the pileup occurred on Highway 330 near Running Springs. Officials say a northbound 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 driven by 49-year-old Kathleen E. Montagne crossed the double yellow lines while negotiating a curve on the roadway. Her Mercedes struck a 2010 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck driven by 61-year-old Frances S. Merez, and then hit a Volkswagen Jetta driven by 33-year-old David G. James Jr. Merez’s truck then spun into a Toyota FJ Cruiser driven by 21-year-old Krizia C. Vega.

James suffered multiple injuries, his 5-year-old son suffered possible spinal injuries, his 8-year-old son sustained abrasions to his face, and his 10-year-old daughter sustained scrapes to her hips. Montagne was hospitalized for back, neck and stomach pain. She was not arrested but is expected to be cited for causing the crash.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the injured victims of this San Bernardino accident. I wish them all the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

San Bernardino Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 83 people were killed and 1,704 were injured as a result of car accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Countywide, there were 223 fatalities and 7,870 injuries reported as a result of car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, Montagne allowed her vehicle to cross the double yellow lines and enter into opposing traffic lanes. California Vehicle Code Section 21651 (a): "Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful…to drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section."

Liability Issues

Victims of car accidents that involve multiple vehicles and injured parties would be well advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. If it is determined that Montagne’s negligence caused the crash, she can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages.

Five Injured in San Bernardino County Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Francisco Flores Jr., 36, was killed in a San Bernardino County car accident after he crashed into a tractor-trailer parked on the shoulder of the freeway. According to a news report in The San Bernardino County Sun, the fatal car accident happened on the 60 Freeway near Central Avenue in Chino, during the early morning hours of February 1, 2012. Flores was heading east when his 2006 Honda Civic drifted to the right and rear-ended a stopped semi. Flores died at the scene. The driver of the semi, a 24-year-old Whittier man, was not injured. An investigation is ongoing.

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

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were five fatalities and 379 injuries involving Chino car accidents. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 223 people died and 7,870 were injured as a result of car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Fatal Crash?

Based on this news report, Flores drifted into the shoulder and rear-ended the truck. There are still several questions that remain here. Was there an auto defect or mechanical malfunction in the Honda, which may have caused Flores to lose control of the car? Were other vehicles involved in this crash? For example, was the Honda cut off or clipped by another vehicle? Did fatigue play a part in this crash? Was the truck parked legally? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

If the truck driver had parked his semi illegally, then, the driver and his employer can be held liable for the victim’s wrongful death. In cases where negligence is involved, the family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, and loss of companionship. Victims’ families would be well advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to accident victims or their families.

Chino Car Accident Proves Fatal for Man is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A 21-year-old man suffered major injuries in a San Diego car accident after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle that was turning left at a street intersection. According to a 10News report, the injury motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of Main and Vesta streets in the Barrio Logan area, the evening of January 31, 2012. Police say the victim was headed eastbound on Main Street when his motorcycle collided with a westbound Chevy Monte Carlo that attempted a left turn onto Vesta Street. The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital with a broken femur and clavicle. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured motorcyclist. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

San Diego Motorcycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were nine fatalities and 291 injuries involving San Diego motorcycle accidents. Countywide, motorcycle accidents claimed 39 lives and injured 989 people, during the same year.

Left Turn Law

Based on this news report, it appears that the Chevy Monte Carlo tried to make a left turn ahead of the motorcyclist. It is not clear if the car's driver failed to yield the right-of-way to the oncoming motorcyclist. California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: "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."

Fault and Liability

I trust officials are looking into why the driver of the car did not yield the right-of-way to the motorcyclist. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, then, he or she can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused here. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Car accident victims would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in San Diego Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A man was critically injured in a Torrance car accident, which officials say involved four vehicles. According to a news report in The Daily Breeze, the serious injury accident occurred at the intersection of Hawthorne and Del Amo boulevards in Torrance, the morning of January 28, 2012. Officials have not released information regarding why an eastbound vehicle collided with three other cars at the intersection. The driver of the eastbound vehicle sustained major injuries, while others sustained unknown injuries. It is not clear from the report if anyone will be cited for the collision.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this Los Angeles car accident. I wish them all the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Los Angeles Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), seven people were killed and 477 were injured in Torrance car accidents. During that same year, there were 554 fatalities and 50,817 injuries reported as a result of Los Angeles County car accidents.

What Caused This Intersection Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not clear what led to the collision. The intersection where this incident took place is monitored by traffic lights. Did one of the drivers run a red light at the intersection? Did one of the motorists fail to yield the right-of-way? Did any of the drivers make an unsafe turn? Were any of the drivers speeding, distracted, under the influence or otherwise negligent?

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

In such cases, the at-fault driver can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Torrance Car Accident Leaves Man in Critical Condition is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Three people were injured in a San Diego car accident involving a 2008 Nissan Altima, a Mercury Mountaineer and a third vehicle. According to a news report in U-T San Diego, the injury accident occurred at West Vista Way and Cedar Road in Vista on January 27, 2012. Officials say the driver of the Nissan turned left in front of the SUV and then veered into a third vehicle, which was stopped at a stop sign. The 22-year-old female driver of the Nissan and her two passengers were hospitalized following the collision. Two of them were airlifted with serious injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the seriously injured victims of this San Diego accident. I wish them the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

San Diego Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 10 people were killed and 283 were injured in Vista car accidents. During that same year, there were 217 fatalities and 12,998 injuries reported as a result of San Diego County car accidents.

What Caused This Intersection Accident?

Based on this news report, the Nissan was turning left when it collided with the SUV. It will have to be determined if the driver of the Nissan failed to yield the right of way while making a left turn.

California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: "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."

Liability Issues

If the driver of the Nissan is determined to have been at fault, she could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured passengers can file a claim against negligent drivers seeking compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

Three Injured in San Diego Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Shantae Cunningham, 24, was killed in a Riverside car accident involving a wrong-way collision. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the fatal car crash occurred at Gilman Hot Springs Road and Golden Era Studios in San Jacinto the night of January 25, 2012. Officials say Cunningham was driving a sedan that swerved into oncoming traffic and struck a full-sized SUV. Despite wearing a seatbelt, Cunningham was partially ejected and fatally injured. Six survivors of the accident, including five children between the ages of 11 and 15, sustained minor to moderate injuries. It is unclear what caused her sedan to veer into oncoming traffic.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Shantae Cunningham following this tragic car accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with the many young injured victims of this fatal crash. I wish them all the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Riverside Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four people were killed and 109 were injured in San Jacinto car accidents. During that same year, there were 203 fatalities and 7,974 injuries reported due to Riverside County car accidents.

Head-On Collisions

Based on this news report, Cunningham's sedan veered into oncoming traffic. I trust investigators are looking into what caused her to lose control of her vehicle. Did a dangerous roadway or debris on the roadway cause her to swerve? Were other vehicles involved? Did an auto defect or mechanical malfunction cause her to lose control of the vehicle? Why was Cunningham partially ejected although she was buckled up? Was the seatbelt defective? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here and why.

California Vehicle Code section 21651 (a): "Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful…to drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section."

Liability Issues

The family of a deceased car accident victim would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Riverside County Car Accident Proves Fatal is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Nubia Del Carmen Preza, a nanny who was injured in a Los Angeles car accident, has filed a personal injury lawsuit against actress Lindsay Lohan who was behind the wheel of a Maserati that hit her. According to a TMZ report, this accident occurred in September 2010 when Lohan reportedly ran a red light in West Hollywood. The actress hit Preza who was pushing a stroller across the intersection.

A paparazzi photographer, Brayan Jaime, who witnessed this crash told TMZ that the accident was a "major hit." The bumper of Lohan's sports car hit Preza in the leg and lifted three of the stroller's four wheels into the air on impact. Thankfully, the child was not injured. Lohan left the scene of the crash. Preza is seeking unspecified damages in her suit. The nature and extent of Preza's injuries is not clear.

My heart goes out to Preza who appears to have suffered serious injuries in this hit-and-run car accident. I truly hope she has not suffered any long-term effects and that she has recovered completely from the injuries she had sustained.

Alleged Violations of the Law

Based on this news report, Lohan was driving recklessly at the time. This civil lawsuit is expected to bring more evidence against the actress. It is not clear if the photographer who was following the actress and witnessed the collision had any footage of the pedestrian accident.

It is a serious violation of California law to run a red light. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown." In addition, the lawsuit alleges that the actress left the scene of the crash, which is not only an irresponsible act, but also a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a).

Seeking Compensation

In such cases, for a successful compensation claim, the victim has to prove the accident occurred, that he or she was injured as a result, and suffered losses as a result. Injured victims can seek compensation from at-fault motorists for medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, rehabilitative treatment, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. It is important for victims to seek prompt medical attention after a car accident, to file a police report and keep a record of all the expenses they have incurred as a result of the accident. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims about their legal rights and options, and the pitfalls they should avoid in a personal injury case.

Nanny Sues Lindsay Lohan Over Hit-and-Run Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Aaron Ellison, 19, was killed in a Riverside car accident, which officials say involved a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal DUI collision occurred at the intersection of Borel and Buck roads outside of Murrieta in French Valley, during the early morning hours of January 22, 2012. Officials say 19-year-old Ashly Nicole Rodriguez was under the influence of alcohol when she drove the 2006 Nissan Altima off the road. The vehicle overturned and Ellison was killed. Two other passengers were hospitalized with moderate injuries. Rodriguez was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Aaron Ellison following this tragic car accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with the injured victims of this DUI crash. I wish them all the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Riverside DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 31 injuries reported as a result of DUI collisions in Murrieta. During that same year, there were 87 fatalities and 986 injuries reported as a result of alcohol-related crashes in Riverside County.

California Drunk Driving Laws

Based on this news report, the teenage driver was under the influence of alcohol when the car veered off the roadway and overturned. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges.

California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

Liability Issues

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. Victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

Teenager Killed in Murrieta DUI Collision is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

One person, identified as 46-year-old Francisca Ramos of Oxnard, was injured in a Ventura car accident, which officials say was caused by a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, the injury hit-and-run crash occurred the morning of January 23, 2012 near Rose Avenue and Walnut Drive in El Rio. The suspect was driving a car southbound on Rose at the time and had changed lanes, before hitting a truck being driven by Ramos.

The car then went through a fence and hit the side of a house, damaging a wall. The driver abandoned the vehicle and left the scene of the crash. No one in the house was injured. However, the truck that was hit spun around and struck a light pole. Ramos, was extricated and transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Anyone with information about the hit-and-run driver is asked to contact California Highway Patrol officials at 805-477-4100.

My thoughts and prayers are with Francisca Ramos who sustained injuries in this hit-and-run car accident. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Hit-and-Run Statistics and the Law

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run car accidents that resulted in fatalities or injuries in California in 2008. A majority of these car accidents involved injuries. There were a total of 247 deaths during that same year involving hit-and-run car accidents statewide.

Under California law, motorists are required to stop immediately and remain at the scene of the crash. 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."

Holding Wrongdoers Accountable

In this particular case, the driver not only made an unsafe lane change and struck another vehicle injuring its driver, but also crashed into a home and then abandoned his car and fled. Unconscionable! I trust officials are soon able to find this driver and bring him or her to justice. If you have any information about this driver, please visit our dedicated hit-and-run web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.

Injured victims of hit-and-run drivers would be well advised to contact an experienced Ventura personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident attorney will also be able to advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the suspect is not found, or, in a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Hit-and-Run Car Accident in Ventura Causes Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

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