Man Killed in Orange County Car Accident

Ryan — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:47:18 +0000

Anthony Igwedinma, 30, was killed in an Orange County car accident after losing control of his pickup truck and crashing on the 5 Freeway in Buena Park. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal crash occurred the morning of August 20, 2010. California Highway Patrol officials say Igwedinma was driving a 2008 Nissan Titan pickup truck on the freeway near Artesia Boulevard, when he drove off the roadway and crashed into a guard rail. He died at the scene. A 22-year-old passenger in Igwedinma's truck sustained major injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Anthony Igwedinma for their tremendous loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers. I also wish the injured victim the very best for a swift and full recovery from his serious injuries.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 457 injuries involving car accidents in Buena Park. In Orange County as a whole, 152 people died and 13,414 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Deadly Crash?

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why Igwedinma lost control of the pickup truck. I trust officials are looking into whether there was some type of malfunction in the car or whether there were other vehicles involved. A member of Igwedinma's family who left a comment on the Register's web site says the accident occurred because Igwedinma was cut off. The commenter says: "Someone cut them off. He (Igwedinma) sped and swerved to the right to get out of the way. The truck wobbled out of control, jumped the curb and flipped over four or five times. He died instantly. This young man should not have been taken from his beautiful family."

Laws and Compensation Issues

If authorities determine that another driver caused this accident, then, this incident could be treated as a "non-contact hit-and-run." This means that the suspect vehicle did cause the accident, but there was no collision. Still, the driver should have stopped, exchanged information with the other party and rendered aid to the injured victims. California Vehicle Code 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."

The driver in this case, if the commenter is right, could not only face felony hit-and-run charges, but could also be held civilly liable for Igwedinma's wrongful death and the serious injuries caused to the other victim. In such cases victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will examine all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can also advise victims and their families about how their car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run incident or to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Have you ever been involved in an accident because another driver cut you off?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Man Killed in Orange County Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Hit-and-Run Collision in Oakland Injures Man

Tori Pen — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:58:43 +0000

A male pedestrian sustained critical injuries in an Oakland car accident after he was hit by a vehicle at a Highway 980 off-ramp the night of August 29, 2010. According to a Bay City News report, the man is believed to be the victim of a hit-and-run crash. California Highway Patrol officials say they found the man lying on the street with severe head injuries and several broken bones. Doctors expect him to survive. The initial call that came in from a passer-by reported the man to be dead. So far, there have been no vehicle or suspect descriptions, but officials believe that the man's injuries are consistent with a hit-and-run collision.

My heart goes out to this critically injured victim. I'm relieved to hear that his injuries, although severe, are not life-threatening. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I also, sincerely hope that someone will come forward with information about the hit-and-run driver, which will facilitate their arrest and prosecution. For more information about how to leave an anonymous tip and qualify for a $1,000 reward, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were 14 fatalities and 275 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Oakland in 2008, according to CHP's traffic accident statistics. In Alameda County as a whole, 33 people died and 649 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Laws and Compensation Issues

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."

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. Motorists are required to stop, remain at the scene and obtain medical aid for the injured victim. This requirement is made regardless of who was at fault for the accident. In this particular case, the driver chose to the leave the scene, with a severely injured victim lying at the bottom of a highway off-ramp, exposed to more danger.

Injured car accident victims could receive compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced Oakland personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options in such cases. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine how the victim's car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run crash where the driver is never found, or in an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Would you report a hit-and-run driver if you saw the incident? Are you more likely to offer a tip if your identity can be kept anonymous?

Hit-and-Run Collision in Oakland Injures Man is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Orange County Motorcycle Accident Caused by Debris on Freeway

Tori Pen — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:43:07 +0000

A man sustained major injuries in a motorcycle accident after he struck a pallet that was dropped on the roadway, The Orange County Register reports. California Highway Patrol officials say that the motorcyclist was traveling north on the 5 Freeway near Oso Parkway in Mission Viejo the evening of August 27, 2010, when he hit the debris on the freeway.

My heart goes out to this injured motorcyclist. I hope he has not suffered life-threatening injuries in this crash. I wish this injured victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Motorcycle Accidents

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 16 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Mission Viejo. In Orange County as a whole, 35 people died and 801 sustained personal injuries as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

Laws Relating to Roadway Debris

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the motorcyclist struck a pallet that was dropped by another vehicle on the freeway. California law prohibits anyone from throwing or dumping debris on the highway. California Vehicle Code section 23112 (a) states: "No person shall throw or deposit, nor shall the registered owner or the driver, if such owner is not then present in the vehicle, aid or abet in the throwing or depositing upon any highway any bottle, can, garbage, glass, nail, offal, paper, wire, any substance likely to injure or damage traffic using the highway, or any noisome, nauseous, or offensive matter of any kind."

Claim for Compensation

It is not entirely clear from this report as to who may have dropped the debris. Victims of an auto accident caused by highway debris have a right to be compensated for their injuries from the person who dropped the debris on the roadway. But if the responsible party is never identified or found, the uninsured motorist provision of an auto insurance policy may compensate the injured victim or the family of a deceased auto accident victim.

Such motorcycle accident victims would be well-advised to consult an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will advise them about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer should also explain how the victim's car insurance policy would apply to a roadway debris accident. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Have you ever been in an accident involving roadway debris? We would like to hear about your experiences.

Orange County Motorcycle Accident Caused by Debris on Freeway is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

U.S. Ambassador to Malta Seriously Injured in Los Angeles Car Accident

Tori Pen — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:58:15 +0000

Douglas Kmiec, 58, the U.S. Ambassador to Malta and law professor at Pepperdine University was seriously injured in a Los Angeles car accident, which also killed 74-year-old nun, Sister Mary Campbell. Monsignor John Sheridan, 94, also sustained major injuries in this August 26, 2010 crash near Calabasas, the Los Angeles Times reports. Officials say Kmiec was driving a 2009 Hyundai when the vehicle drifted on to a dirt shoulder and struck a drainage ditch on Mulholland Highway near Stokes Canyon Road. Kmiec and Sheridan suffered major injuries, while Sister Campbell, a nun from the local parish, who was in the back seat, died from her injuries. It is not clear why Kmiec's vehicle drifted off the road.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Sister Mary Campbell for their devastating loss. I also wish the injured Ambassador Kmiec and Monsignor Sheridan the very best for a quick and complete recovery for their serious injuries. This tragic crash has a personal relevance for the firm of BISNAR | CHASE as both, my partner, Brian Chase and I graduated from the law school of Pepperdine University. Please keep these victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 83 injuries reported involving car accidents in Calabasas. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not clear why Kmiec's Hyundai drifted off the roadway. There are several unanswered questions here. Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the vehicle, which may have caused or contributed to the crash? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway? Was it due to driver error? Did fatigue play a part in the crash? Were there any other vehicles involved? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine who or what may have caused this tragic crash.

Protecting Victims' Rights

In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experiencedLos Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation, analyze all aspects of the accident and ensure that the victims' legal rights and best interests are protected. It would also be a good idea to preserve the car in its current state, intact, so it can be carefully examined by an expert for design defects, malfunctions, product defects and other evidence.

Have you been involved in car accident that was caused by an auto product defect?

U.S. Ambassador to Malta Seriously Injured in Los Angeles Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

San Francisco Area Car Crash Injures Three

Tori Pen — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:33:19 +0000

Three people, including an elderly couple, were injured in a car accident on the Highway 37 in Sonoma County after a driver crashed into vehicles that were stopped for traffic. According to a CBS News report, James and Alice Murray, both 81, were traveling in a Toyota Rav4 driven by James Murray the afternoon of August 20, 2010. The elderly driver failed to see vehicles on the highway stopped for traffic ahead. He rear-ended a Toyota pickup truck and then a 2004 Toyota Matrix. The Murrays and the 41-year-old male driver of the pickup were injured. However, none of the injuries is believed to be life-threatening.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone injured in this Sonoma car accident. I wish them all a complete and speedy recovery. It is indeed fortunate that no one was seriously injured in this crash.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 33 injuries involving car accidents in Sonoma. Countywide, 36 people were killed and 1,988 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not clear why the elderly driver failed to see traffic stopped ahead? Was he impaired or disoriented? Did he have a health condition? Was he speeding at the time? Was the driver distracted, simply inattentive or unaware of the traffic conditions? Was he negligent in some other way? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues which may have caused or contributed to this accident.

If the elderly driver is determined to have been at fault in this case, he could be held liable for the other driver's injuries and damages. In such cases, injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages.

Victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the case and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable for their actions. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What are some of the biggest challenges faced by injured victims in the aftermath of a crash?

San Francisco Area Car Crash Injures Three is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Pedestrian Injured In San Francisco Bay Area Car Accident

Tori Pen — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 23:03:16 +0000

A 27-year-old pedestrian sustained major injuries in a San Francisco car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road. According to a Bay City News report, the major injury collision occurred at the intersection of Travis Boulevard and Clay Street in Fairfield the night of August 22, 2010. The vehicle that struck the pedestrian fled the scene of the crash. The pedestrian sustained leg fractures and internal injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

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Police say the suspect vehicle was last seen going south on Washington Street. It is described as a blue four-door Nissan sedan with faded paint and a possibly broken window. Witnesses say there were two occupants in the vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact Fairfield Police at (707) 428-7300 or Solano County Crime Stoppers at (707) 644-STOP. A $1,000 reward has been announced for information leading to the arrest of the driver. You can also visit our site www.hitandrunreward.com to leave an anonymous tip.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

My heart goes out to this injured victim and his family for what they are going through at this time. I hope his injuries are not life-threatening and wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery. We, at BISNAR | CHASE, are passionate about eradicating hit-and-run incidents.

Our goal is not only to help apprehend such unscrupulous drivers and bring them to justice, but also attach a reward for anonymous tipsters. It is our belief that drivers will think twice before leaving the scene of their accident when they know that there is a reward offered for their arrest and conviction. This pedestrian accident victim and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Hit-and-Run Statistics and Laws

According to the California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions 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 in 2008 involving hit-and-run collisions statewide.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. California Vehicle Code 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." In this particular case, it also appears that the driver may have failed to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian walking in a crosswalk, which is required under California Vehicle Code section 21950.

Compensation Issues

Victims injured by the actions of negligent drivers would be well-advised to consult an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run collision or an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Are the crosswalks in your neighborhood clearly marked and well lit?

Pedestrian Injured In San Francisco Bay Area Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Car Accident Involving Red Light Runner Injures Four

Ryan — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:48:29 +0000

Four people were injured in a car accident after a driver ran a red light and hit two other cars. According to a news report in the Ledger-Dispatch, the fatal car accident occurred the afternoon of August 15, 2010 on southbound Highway 49 at Industrial Boulevard in Amador County. California Highway Patrol officials say Louise Henderson, 77, and 85-year-old Mary Leskey were traveling in a 2000 Nissan, when Henderson drove through a red light. She struck a 2006 Honda driven by 54-year-old Debra Mayer. Then the Nissan hit a 1994 Chevrolet. Leskey and Henderson sustained serious injuries while Mayer and 84-year-old Ethel Beckes, a passenger in the Chevy, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

I hope no one sustained catastrophic injuries in this crash. I wish them all the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

Elderly Drivers

This incident reminds us, yet again, about the important issue of our aging driving population. California now has almost 3 million drivers who are 65 years or older, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds fatality rates for drivers begin to climb after age 65. In 2005, about 11 percent of fatal car accidents in the United States had involved drivers 65 or older.

Laws and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that the elderly driver in this case, ran a red light at the intersection, which is a serious traffic violation. 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."

If Henderson is determined to have been at fault for this accident, she could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused to others including her own passenger. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. The best California personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Do you have an elderly family member still driving? What are some of your major concerns about them continuing to drive?

Car Accident Involving Red Light Runner Injures Four is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Head-on Car Accident Injures Two

Tori Pen — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:44:21 +0000

Brittany Franklin, 18, and Suzanne Wallahan, 43, were both injured in a head-on car accident in Lake County the morning of August 17, 2010. According to a report in The Lake County News, Franklin was driving a 2008 Chevrolet north on Highway 29, when she let the vehicle drift to the right and off the roadway. Franklin then turned her car left, overcorrected, and entered the southbound lanes where she collided with a 2004 Nissan truck driven by Wallahan. The Nissan was pushed to the right and went down the embankment of the highway. There is no word yet on the extent of the women's injuries, but they were both airlifted to a nearby hospital. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with both women injured in this car accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these victims and their families in your prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 12 deaths and 247 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Lake County. Also, countywide, 14 people died and 293 sustained personal injuries as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Crash

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear what caused Franklin to lose control of her vehicle. Was she under the influence at the time? Was she distracted or speeding? Was she negligent in any other way? Was she driving recklessly? According to 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."

If Franklin is determined to have been at fault for this head-on collision, she could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused to Wallahan. In such cases, injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and other related damages. The best California personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What defensive driving methods do you adopt in order to prevent car accidents?

Head-on Car Accident Injures Two is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Arrest Made in Fatal California Car Accident

Tori Pen — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 22:06:17 +0000

A 39-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a car accident, which fatally injured motorcyclist Paul John Hendrickson, 54. According to a news report in the Appeal Democrat, the fatal accident in May occurred at the intersection of Highway 20 and Acacia Avenue in Sutter County. Hendrickson was westbound on the highway when Gary Lee Defraga made a left turn in front of the motorcycle. Hendrickson was killed and his passenger, 49-year-old Debra Ann Campbell, sustained major injuries. Defraga is has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and failing to yield.

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I offer my deepest condolences to everybody who knew and loved Paul Hendrickson for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I hope Campbell is recovering from her severe injuries. Please keep these victims and their families in your prayers.

Right-of-Way Laws

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver failed to yield right-of-way in to the 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." It is not clear why Defraga failed to see the oncoming motorcyclist while making a turn.

Dangerous Intersection?

In addition, the news report also states that the intersection where this fatal motorcycle accident took place has the reputation of being a dangerous intersection. In April 2009, 48-year-old Timothy Lamb died when the motorcycle he was riding was hit head-on by an SUV driven by Tiffany Fernandez. She was charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.

Following Hendrickson's death, Sutter County officials have said that a four-way traffic light could be installed at this intersection as early as 2012. The lighted intersection will create protected turns for motorists who try to avoid the intersection because there is the danger of pulling onto the highway in front of vehicles traveling at speeds of 60 mph.

Government Liability

In such cases, victims and their families would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to a crash. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also 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.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for motorists in your city or neighborhood?

Arrest Made in Fatal California Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Amusement Park Accident Injures Disneyland Visitor

Ryan — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:46:57 +0000

A 20-year-old man was injured in an amusement park accident at Disneyland's California Adventure the night of August 18, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the man fell about 25 feet from a platform at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror while waiting in line with friends. Disneyland officials say the man climbed over a barrier to the area below, lost his balance and fell. He was transported to a local hospital, but did not suffer life-threatening injuries. Police say the incident appears to have been an accident.

I hope the man did not sustain any major injuries. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Theme Park Accident Statistics

According to annual reports issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are about 2,500 amusement park ride-related personal injuries each year in the United States. In 2004 alone there were 67 deaths related to amusement park rides. These accidents could occur for a variety of reasons including mechanical failure, product defects, inadequate maintenance, lack of safety features, operator error or design defects.

Liability Issues

In this particular case, if the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the rider may have been at fault for climbing over a barrier and doing something he should not have done. However, in many amusement park ride cases, injuries occur because of improper ride maintenance or operator error.

Victims who have been injured as a result of negligence on the part of the ride operator or due to a defective or malfunctioning product, can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options in such cases.

Amusement and theme parks are required under the law to have safety mechanisms in place and maintain their rides regularly. When these laws are violated, theme park operators can be held liable for personal injuries or wrongful death. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to victims and their families.

Do you feel safe on theme park rides? What are some of your concerns?

Amusement Park Accident Injures Disneyland Visitor is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal