Brandon McBride, a 10-year-old boy, was killed in a car accident after his ATV was struck by a pickup truck on a rural road in Kings County. According to a CBS news report, the fatal crash occurred the afternoon of September 6, 2010, when Brandon was driving his ATV near 5 1/2 Avenue and Newark Avenue. Officials say the boy pulled out into the road, ahead of a pickup truck that was passing another car. Brandon was wearing a helmet, but didn't survive his injuries after being thrown off the ATV. The truck hit a power pole. Both, the driver of the pickup truck, 28-year-old Eloy Solis, and his 16-year-old passenger sustained minor injuries.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brandon McBride for their devastating loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

ATVs and Children

According to recent studies performed by the University of Utah's Department of Neurosurgery, there were about 1.1 million emergency room visits and 495 deaths because of ATV accident nationwide in 2001. The estimated costs of ATV-related injuries nationwide are $3.24 billion each year.

The study found that although all age groups are prone to ATV accidents, children are especially disproportionately affected. About 42 percent of head and spinal injuries documented in the study involved victims under age 20. Researchers say children are at an increased risk for ATV-related catastrophic injuries and deaths because of their underdeveloped motor coordination, lack of physical strength and lack of experience operating a vehicle. When children are left unsupervised with ATVs, the consequences can be fatal, as in this case.

Product Liability Issues

There are several ATV accidents that are caused by individuals who operate these vehicles improperly. However, a significant number of accidents also occur as a result of defective ATVs. If an accident is the result of a defective product, then, the manufacturer of the ATV could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused. In such cases, injured victims or their families would be well-advised to consult an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled products liability cases against large corporations. The best product defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation for injured victims and their families.

Would you allow your child to ride an ATV? We would like to hear about your thoughts on this important issue.

The law firm that sponsors this blog has agreed to provide a free, confidential consultation to any of our readers who were injured in this or a similar accident. The offer applies to the family of the accident victims as well. Call 866-456-5235 for assistance.

At the time this article was posted, none of the parties mentioned in this article were represented by any of our sponsoring law firms. The source of our information is cited in the article. No independent investigation was conducted unless specifically mentioned in the article. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein; get a comprehensive consultation with a reputable law firm.

ATV Accident in California Kills 10-year-old Boy is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A male pedestrian sustained serious injuries in a San Bernardino car accident after he was struck by a vehicle near an Upland street intersection. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the injury crash occurred at the intersection of Mountain Avenue and 11th Street the night of September 4, 2010. The driver, a woman in her 20s, was southbound on Mountain when she hit the pedestrian. The driver apparently told police that the man crossed in front of her car and she was unable to stop in time. Police are investigating whether alcohol was a factor in the crash.

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My heart goes out to the injured pedestrian in this crash. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 16 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Upland. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 39 people died and 432 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Pedestrian Laws in California

Based on this news report, it is not clear whether the pedestrian was walking in a crosswalk. If that was the case, the motorist should have yielded right-of-way to the pedestrian. California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

Victims' Claim for Compensation

I trust officials are also looking into whether this driver was intoxicated at the time. If that was the case, she could be looking at criminal charges in addition to civil liability. Injured victims in such cases could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

A knowledgeable San Bernardino personal injury lawyer 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 governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roadway could 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.

In your opinion, what are some of the precautions pedestrians can take to avoid accidents?

The law firm that sponsors this blog has agreed to provide a free, confidential consultation to any of our readers who were injured in this or a similar accident. The offer applies to the family of the accident victims as well. Call 866-456-5235 for assistance.

At the time this article was posted, none of the parties mentioned in this article were represented by any of our sponsoring law firms. The source of our information is cited in the article. No independent investigation was conducted unless specifically mentioned in the article. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein; get a comprehensive consultation with a reputable law firm.

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

Don Barton, 66, and his 62-year-old wife, Donna, of California, were killed in a car accident in Oregon, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver the night of September 2, 2010. According to a report in the Herald News, the fatal injury crash occurred when a 2009 Toyota Corolla driven by 22-year-old Carrie Ames crossed the centerline on the Southside Bypass in Klamath County and collided with the Bartons' 2000 Dodge Stratus.

The Bartons died at the scene of this horrific accident and their 6-year-old great-grandson, Daba Phillips, who was secured in a booster seat in the Dodge, was airlifted in critical condition to an area hospital. Ames' passenger, 18-year-old Jackie Mankins, sustained minor injuries. Ames has been charged with two counts of first-degree vehicular manslaughter, DUI, second-degree assault and third-degree assault.

DUI Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), out of the 416 fatal Oregon traffic accidents in 2008, 159 or 38 percent were DUI collisions. Also, out of the 159 alcohol-related collisions, 136 or 33 percent involved a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent.

Oregon DUI Law

Under the Oregon Vehicle Code Section 813.010: "A person commits the offense of driving while under the influence of intoxicants if the person drives a vehicle while the person: (a) Has 0.08 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the blood of the person as shown by chemical analysis of the breath or blood of the person made under ORS 813.100, 813.140 or 813.150; (b) Is under the influence of intoxicating liquor, a controlled substance or an inhalant; or (c) Is under the influence of any combination of intoxicating liquor, an inhalant and a controlled substance.

Liability Issues

Drunk drivers in Oregon face not only criminal charges, but they can also be held civilly liable for injuries, damages and losses caused. Families of deceased car accident victims can file a civil wrongful death claim seeking damages to cover medical and funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

Injured victims or their families could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving web site at www.madd.org.

Do you believe Oregon laws do enough to prevent drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel?

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.

California Couple Killed in Oregon Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

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

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?

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.

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

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?

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.

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

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?

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.

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

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?

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.

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

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?

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.

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

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?

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.

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