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

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

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

Syd Elane Pyne, 56, was killed in a San Diego car accident after she was hit by a vehicle while walking across a roadway, the morning of January 19, 2012. According to a report in U-T San Diego, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on North Melrose Drive between Highland Drive and West Los Angeles Drive in Vista. Officials say Pyne and her 25-year-old daughter were crossing the road diagonally outside a crosswalk and toward a bus stop. A Toyota Camry that was northbound struck Pyne, who died at the scene. Her daughter was uninjured. An investigation is ongoing.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Syd Elane Pyne, who was killed in this San Diego pedestrian accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

San Diego Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 16 were injured in Vista pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 57 fatalities and 937 injuries involving San Diego County pedestrian accidents.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, officials suspect that Pyne and her daughter were crossing outside of a crosswalk at the time they were hit. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians who are walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Liability Issues

If it is determined that the driver was negligent at the time of the crash, he or she can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. In such cases, victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims or their families.

Woman Killed in San Diego Pedestrian Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Landen Swanson, 20, died from injuries he suffered in a San Diego car accident, which involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the incident occurred the evening of January 9, 2012 at the intersection of Oleander Avenue and Alamitos Way in San Marcos. Swanson had gotten off a bus and was headed home on his skateboard when he was hit. The driver of the vehicle that struck Swanson fled the scene leaving the victim lying on the roadway, critically injured. Swanson suffered traumatic brain injuries. The hit-and-run driver turned himself in, several hours after the incident. Charges are pending.

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

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 15 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Marcos. In San Diego County as a whole, 57 people died and 937 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Collision

Based on the news account, Swanson was crossing the roadway when he was hit by the motorist and left on the roadway, critically injured. Under California law, motorists are required to stop right away and remain at the scene until authorities arrive. They are also required to exchange information with the other parties involved and most importantly, obtain assistance for the injured victims. In this case, the driver left the scene without doing any of the above.

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."

Compensation for Victims' Families

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. Victims' families in such cases may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault motorist seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of love and companionship.

Skateboarder Dies from Injuries after San Diego Hit-and-Run Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

December 19, 2011 -- A San Francisco man was fatally injured Friday when a "party bus" on which he was working rolled on top of him.  Investigators are still determining the cause of the San Francisco bus accident.

According to investigating officers, 58-year-old Walter Pietiala was a mechanic who was working on the vehicle when the accident occurred.  Apparently the bus rolled off a ramp on which it was parked, pinning Pietiala beneath it and killing him.

Representatives of California Experience, LLC, the company which owns the bus, were not available for comment.  California Occupational Safety and Health officials are investigating the cause of the accident, but have made no determination yet as to what safety procedures were being used or if the company’s safety rules were being followed at the time of the accident.

I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Pietiala.

Work-Related Accident Statistics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,200 fatal work-related accidents in 2008.  Most fatal work accidents involve car accidents, falls, and falling objects.  While workers' compensation covers many work-related injuries, personal injury law may also have its place in an accident such as this one.

Liability Issues

Clearly in this case the safety protocols in place were not sufficient to prevent a fatal injury.  The question of liability will probably rest on who was responsible for following and checking the safety procedures, and if the safety features in place were designed to prevent this type of accident.

Unfortunately, workers' compensation pays very little when compared to a third-party lawsuit.  Consulting a San Francisco personal injury attorney will give you the information to make a wise decision about how to pursue your case, and the pitfalls of relying solely on workers’ compensation to pay your claims.  A good personal injury attorney will always consult with you on your case without charge, and help you determine the best course of action to follow with your situation.

A professional personal injury lawyer would want to examine the scene of the bus accident, the reports issued by the investigators and the company, and the company's published safety standards.  Liability would be determined based on whether the safety procedures were followed and if the equipment was checked prior to use.  If the equipment was faulty, it is possible that liability could rest with the ramp manufacturer, as well.

Man Crushed by San Francisco Party Bus is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Sarah Barahona, 18, was killed in a Garden Grove car accident when a car hit her as she crossed the street, the night of January 13, 2012. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Haster Street near Chapman Avenue in Garden Grove. Officials say Barahona was crossing the road outside a crosswalk when a white van struck her. She was transported to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but it does not appear that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Sarah Barahona for their terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Orange County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), pedestrian accidents in the city of Garden Grove claimed four lives and caused 45 injuries. During that same year, 41 fatalities and 864 injuries occurred due to pedestrian accidents in Orange County.

Pedestrian Laws

Based on this news report, officials say Barahona was outside of a crosswalk at the time of the accident. California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Liability Issues

The family of a pedestrian who has been killed in a car accident would be well advised to consult with an experienced Garden Grove personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and best interests. If it is determined that driver negligence was a contributing factor in the accident, then, he or she may be held civilly liable for the victim's wrongful death. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims or their families.

Woman Killed in Garden Grove Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Eric Gale Niederhauser, 25, and Paul Christian Despol, 35, were killed in a San Bernardino car accident after the vehicle in which they were traveling drifted off the roadway and crashed. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal crash occurred during the early morning hours of January 7, 2012 along the northbound lanes of the 15 Freeway at Yermo Road in Barstow. Officials say a Volvo XC90 drifted off the roadway and hit a support pillar at the Yermo Road overpass. Both Niederhauser and Despol died at the scene. The driver was hospitalized with unknown injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Eric Gale Niederhauser and Paul Christian Despol for their devastating losses. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three fatalities and 67 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Barstow. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 223 people died and 7,870 were injured due to car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to what led to this fatal car accident. There are still several unanswered questions here. Was there an auto defect or mechanical malfunction in the Volvo, which caused the driver to lose control? Was the driver impaired, distracted or fatigued at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this incident? Were any other vehicles or drivers involved in this accident? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine how or why this deadly crash occurred.

Liability Issues

If the driver is determined to have been at fault, then, he or she can be held liable. If a defective auto product caused the accident, then, the manufacturer of the product can be held accountable as well. In such cases, it would be a good idea to preserve the vehicle in its current condition, unaltered, so an expert can examine it thoroughly for product defects, malfunctions and other evidence.

Victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino 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 victims or their families.

Two Passengers Killed in San Bernardino Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Joseph Maier, 48, sustained a fatal job injury while working in a warehouse in Santa Fe Springs. According to a report in The Whittier Daily News, the industrial accident occurred at the Superior Grocers Warehouse on Carmenita Road in Santa Fe Springs, the night of January 4, 2012. Officials say Maier was pinned between a truck and a loading dock. Based on the report, the truck backed into the victim. Officials are still looking into the cause of this fatal accident.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Joseph Maier following this horrific industrial accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, 4,547 fatal work injuries were reported in the United States. Approximately two out of every five fatal work injuries that year involved a transportation incident.

What Caused This On-the-job Accident?

Although this accident is classified as an industrial accident, it appears to have involved a truck backing into a worker. Based on this news report, Maier was pinned between the loading dock and the reversing truck. Did the truck sound a warning signal as it backed up? Was there adequate lighting in the area? Was the driver distracted or otherwise negligent? Was the worksite properly supervised? Was the motorist properly trained and licensed to operate the truck? I trust investigators are determining the answers to these and other questions in this tragic accident.

Liability Issues

The family of a victim killed in a workplace accident would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will protect their legal rights and best interests. Victims' families may seek workers compensation benefits through the employer. In addition, in cases that involve negligence by a third party (other than the employer), a third-party claim may also be filed. Examples of third parties include contractors, sub-contractors, or manufacturers of defective products.

Worker Killed in Los Angeles County Industrial Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A 44-year-old woman was fatally injured in a San Diego car accident involving a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in U-T San Diego, the hit-and-run accident occurred on Plaza Boulevard near B Avenue in National City, the night of January 2, 2012. Officials say the woman was run over by a dark colored sedan. The vehicle drove over her and left the scene of the crash. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Officials are still looking for the hit-and-run driver.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the woman killed in this tragic hit-and-run car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

San Diego Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), National City pedestrian accidents claimed the lives of two people and injured 27. During that same year, 57 fatalities and 937 injuries occurred due to pedestrian accidents in San Diego County.

Leaving the Scene of an Injury Collision

Based on this news report, the driver of the dark sedan ran over the woman and left the scene of the crash. It is unclear why the victim was on the roadway or if she had been struck by another motorist before the fatal collision. Regardless, California law requires motorists involved in injury crashes to stop immediately at the scene and wait until authorities arrive. Drivers are required to stop irrespective of who was at fault in the accident. Motorists are also required to exchange information with other parties and obtain help for the injured victim. The driver in this case did none of the above, but simply drove away. Unconscionable!

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 Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable

If you have any information about this accident, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com. Our site allows witnesses to provide an anonymous tip and also become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.

The family of a deceased hit-and-run victim would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident attorney will be able to better inform a victim's family about how their auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault motorist is not located, or, if the driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Woman Killed in San Diego Hit-and-Run Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal