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

Teresa Santiesteban, 55, suffered major injuries in a Fresno car accident after the vehicle in which she was a passenger was broadsided by a big rig at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Fresno Bee, the major injury collision occurred the morning of January 13, 2012 at the intersection of Maple and Jensen avenues southeast of Fresno. California Highway Patrol officials say that an SUV, driven by 26-year-old Karla Santiesteban, was southbound on Maple and had the green light when the eastbound tractor-trailer rig slammed into the SUV's passenger side. Officials say the big rig, driven by 60-year-old Wesley Nolan Ellis, ran a red light and struck the SUV. Ellis and Karla Santiesteban suffered relatively minor injuries, but Teresa Santiesteban was severely injured.

My thoughts and prayers are with Teresa Santiesteban, who was apparently the most seriously injured in this crash. I wish her and the other victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Fresno Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 23 fatalities and 1,380 injuries involving Fresno car accidents. Countywide, car accidents claimed 103 lives and caused 3,179 injuries during the same year.

Red Light Violation

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the big rig, Ellis, ran a red light at the intersection and struck the SUV carrying the victims. 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."

It is unclear as to why Ellis ran the red light. There are several unanswered questions here. Was he under the influence? Did he fall asleep at the wheel? Was he distracted at the time or inattentive? Was he speeding or driving recklessly?

Fault and Liability

Regardless of why this collision occurred, if Ellis is determined to have been at fault for this crash, he and his employer can be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization and rehabilitation costs. Victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

Woman Seriously Injured in Fresno Area Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A driver and a female passenger were critically injured in a Riverside car accident involving a T-bone collision. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the car crash occurred at Central Avenue near Canyon Crest in Riverside, the morning of January 15, 2012. Officials say an eastbound sedan struck the side of a Lexus that was entering traffic from a private driveway or side street. Two of the victims sustained critical injuries and a third person suffered minor injuries. It is not clear if the driver of the Lexus will be cited for the crash.

My heart goes out to the critically injured victims of this Riverside County car accident. I wish them both the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Riverside County Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 28 people were killed and 1,408 were injured in car accidents in the city of Riverside. Countywide, there were 203 fatalities and 7,974 injuries reported due to car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Car Accident?

Based on this news report, the driver of the Lexus pulled into the roadway from a private drive or side street. Did this motorist fail to yield the right-of-way? According to California Vehicle Code Section 21804 (a): "The driver of any vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from any public or private property, or from an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all traffic." Vehicles entering traffic "shall continue to yield the right-of-way to that traffic until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety."

Liability Issues

In such cases, injured victims can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver seeking compensation for damages such as medical bills, time away from work, the cost of rehabilitation services, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims would be well advised to contact a skilled Riverside 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 car accident victims and their families.

Riverside Car Accident Causes Critical Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Marcus Kasparzyk, 41, escaped major injury in a Bakersfield car accident on January 10, 2012 after a 4-foot-long steel pipe broke loose from a pickup truck's load and pierced through his windshield. According to a CBS news report, Kasparzyk was driving on Highway 99, when the pipe from a truck ahead hit the windshield and steering wheel, missing his face by a fraction of an inch. California Highway Patrol officials say the pipe would have likely impaled Kasparzyk had the steering wheel not obstructed its path. Kasparzyk's vehicle drifted off the side of the road. He suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities are looking into how the pipe dislodged from the truck.

My thoughts and prayers are with Marcus Kasparzyk, who has escaped serious or even fatal injuries, literally by a narrow margin. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 23 fatalities and 1,034 injuries involving Bakersfield car accidents. In Kern County as a whole, 129 people died and 3,061 were injured due to car accidents, during the same year.

The Danger of Flying Debris

Kasparzyk, remarkably, maintained his composure after the incident, stating there is a "much greater chance of getting hit by lightning or winning the lottery than to find a four-foot steel pole in your windshield." However, the fact remains that when these incidents do happen on our freeways, they can prove fatal. Individuals and businesses who transport materials are required by law to secure their loads properly. If debris dropped on the roadway injures or kills someone, the individual responsible and his or her employer could be held liable.

Laws and Liability Issues

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."

In such cases injured victims or families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled similar cases. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.

Driver Injured in Bakersfield Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Four people were seriously injured in a Los Angeles car accident after head-on collision occurred in the Sepulveda Pass, the evening of January 6, 2012. According to a CBS news report, the violent collision happened on Sepulveda Boulevard between Mulholland and Getty Center drives. Officials say a black Infiniti G35 was southbound off of Sepulveda, near Skirball, when it went out of control. A gold Honda Civic, which was traveling north, crashed into the Infiniti on the passenger side. Two other cars, a white Honda CRV and a black Mercedes collided as their drivers attempted to avoid the accident. Four people were transported to area hospitals with serious to critical injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

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

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 227 people were killed and 25,043 were injured in car accidents in the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, there were 554 fatalities and 50,817 injuries reported as a result of car accidents in 2009.

What Caused This Injury Accident?

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Infiniti lost control of the vehicle and triggered a chain-reaction crash. There are still several questions here. Was the driver of the Infiniti intoxicated, distracted, fatigued, speeding or otherwise negligent? Did a dangerous roadway condition or a defective auto part factor into this collision? Were any other vehicles involved? I trust investigators are searching for the answers to these questions and more in order to determine precisely how and why this crash occurred.

Liability Issues

Victims of serious injury crashes would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, the at-fault driver can be held liable for injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.

Los Angeles Car Accident Causes Critical Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Lyssa Marie Hand, 48, of Simi Valley was killed and Keith William Imrie, 47, of Camarillo was injured in a Los Angeles car accident involving a car drifting into oncoming traffic. According to a news report in The Malibu Times, the fatal car accident occurred on Malibu Canyon Road between Mulholland and Piuma Road in Malibu, the morning of December 29, 2011. California Highway Patrol officials say that Hand's Ford Expedition entered into oncoming traffic while negotiating a turn and collided with Imrie’s Toyota pickup. Hand was fatally injured. The Toyota overturned and Imrie suffered major injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Lyssa Marie Hand following this tragic accident. My heart also goes out to Keith William Imrie. I wish him the best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Los Angeles Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 117 were injured in Malibu car accidents. Throughout Los Angeles County, there were 554 fatalities and 50,817 injuries reported as a result of car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Fatal Crash?

Based on this news report, Hand's vehicle veered into oncoming traffic. I trust investigators are looking into why she left her lane of traffic. Was it driver negligence or a dangerous roadway design that contributed to the crash?

California Vehicle Code Section 21651 (a) states: "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

A car accident victim or his or her family would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. If someone else's negligence was a factor, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for expenses including, but not limited to, medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, loss of companionship, and other related damages. In cases where the at-fault driver is deceased, injured victims can seek compensation from the driver's estate or liability insurance.

Woman Killed in Malibu Canyon Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Betty Markey, 71, Vivian Davidge, 83, and a 22-year-old woman were injured in a San Bernardino car accident after a car crashed into a Highland medical facility. According to a news report in The San Bernardino County Sun, the car accident occurred at the Beaver Medical Group facility on Boulder Avenue, the afternoon of December 27, 2011. Officials say Markey pressed the gas pedal instead of the brake while parking, which pushed her car into the building. Markey, her passenger Davidge and a 22-year-old woman who was in the facility were all injured and complained of pain following the collision.

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

San Bernardino Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 81 were injured in Highland car accidents. During that same year, there were 223 fatalities and 7870 injuries reported due to San Bernardino County car accidents.

What Caused This Injury Accident?

Based on this news report, Markey pressed on the accelerator instead of the brake while parking the car. It does not appear that an auto defect played a part in the crash. Was she fatigued or distracted at the time of the crash? Did a medical condition contribute to the accident? Was Markey disoriented in any way? I trust investigators are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

Injured victims of car accidents would be well advised to speak with an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. If it is determined that Markey was responsible for the crash, then, she may be held liable for the resulting injuries. In such cases, victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.

San Bernardino Car Accident Leaves Three Injured is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Six people were injured, one seriously, in a Riverside car accident, which officials say, involved two vehicles. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the injury crash occurred the evening of December 25, 2011 at the intersection of Cactus Avenue and Elsworth Street in Moreno Valley. One person was critically injured while five others sustained moderate injuries. All victims were transported to area hospitals. Officials are still investigating the cause of this injury crash.

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

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 10 fatalities and 567 injuries involving Moreno Valley car accidents. In Riverside County as a whole, 203 people died and 7,974 were injured due to car accidents, during the same year.

Right-of-Way Laws

Based on the report, the collision occurred at this street intersection, which is monitored by traffic lights. It is unclear at this time if one of the vehicles ran a red light or failed to yield the right-of-way at the intersection. 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."

Also, 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." I trust officials are looking into whether alcohol, distracted driving, inattention, speed or some other form of negligence led to this collision.

Liability Issues

In such cases, the at-fault motorist can be held financially liable for injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek 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 Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Moreno Valley Car Accident Causes Serious Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Louis A. Castellucci, 67, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident, which officials say, involved two cars colliding head-on. According to a news report in The San Bernardino County Sun, the fatal head-on collision occurred the afternoon of December 22, 2011 on the Twentynine Palms Highway. Officials say a 2004 Saab driven by 21-year-old Andrew Dufresne, was traveling west on the highway when for an unknown reason the vehicle veered into the eastbound lanes and struck a 1979 Chevy Caprice head-on. Castellucci was the driver and sole occupant of the Caprice. Dufresne, a U.S. Marine stationed at Twentynine Palms, was with two passengers. He was airlifted to an area hospital. Officials say Castellucci was not wearing a seatbelt. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Louis A. Castellucci for their devastating loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 52 injuries involving Twentynine Palms car accidents. 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, the driver of the Saab, Dufresne, veered from his lane of traffic into opposing lanes and struck Castellucci's vehicle head-on. What caused Dufresne to lost control of his vehicle? Was he speeding? Was he under the influence? Was he distracted by someone or something in the vehicle? Was he fatigued or falling asleep at the wheel? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Laws and Liability Issues

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 Dufresne is determined to have been at fault, then, he could be held liable for Castellucci's wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of companionship, and other related damages. Victims' families 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.

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