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

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

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

Alleged Violations of the Law

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

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

Seeking Compensation

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

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

A girl was seriously injured in a Whittier car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. According to a report in The Whittier Daily News, the injury collision occurred the afternoon of October 11, 2011 at the intersection of Greenleaf Avenue and Broadway. The girl was transported to a local hospital with a broken leg. The driver remained at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to this injured girl who has reportedly suffered a broken leg. I wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 30 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in Whittier. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 179 people died and 4,918 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in 2009.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, it appears that the girl was walking at a street intersection where there are crosswalks. I trust officials are looking into whether she was walking in a crosswalk and if the driver failed to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

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."

Fault and Liability

If the driver is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for the victim's injuries. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for all medical expenses, hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims 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.

A skilled car accident attorney 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 city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roadway can be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Girl Injured in Whittier Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Andre Duff Zollicoffer, 48, was killed in a San Diego pedestrian accident after he was struck by a trolley, the afternoon of September 28, 2011. According to a 10News report, the fatal trolley accident occurred at a transit depot on North Marshall Avenue in El Cajon. For unknown reasons, Zollicoffer stepped into the path of the oncoming trolley. The trolley driver attempted to stop and Zollicoffer tried to get back to the platform but apparently neither could prevent the collision. The victim died at the scene of the crash. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Andre Duff Zollicoffer following this tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

San Diego Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 52 were injured due to El Cajon pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 57 fatalities and 937 injuries reported involving San Diego County pedestrian accidents. Also, in 2009, 71 fatalities and 5,819 injuries occurred as a result of San Diego car accidents.

What Caused This Fatal Pedestrian Accident?

It is unclear as to what caused this fatal collision. Did the victim trip and fall into the path of the trolley? Is the location inherently dangerous or poorly maintained? Does the location have warning signs? Did the trolley operator apply the brakes as quickly as possible? Has there been a history of similar accidents at this location? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

If the driver of the trolley is determined to have been at fault, then, the driver and his or her employer, the transit authority, can be held liable for the victim'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.

An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a California governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

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

A pedestrian who was fatally injured in a San Diego car accident the night of June 15, 2011, has been identified by authorities as 58-year-old Kevin Michael Malloy. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred when Malloy was crossing San Marcos Boulevard under the Route 78 overpass. He was struck by a van driven by a 46-year-old woman. The driver stopped at the scene. Malloy was transported to a local hospital where he died of blunt force head injuries. Officials say there was no crosswalk where Malloy was trying to cross the street. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Kevin Michael Malloy for their tragic and devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

San Diego Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 12 injuries reported due to pedestrian accidents in San Marcos. In San Diego County as a whole, 63 people died and 998 were injured in pedestrian accidents in 2008.

Crosswalk Laws

Based on this news report, officials are still looking into who was at fault here and exactly where the pedestrian was crossing. Motorists are required under California law to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

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." This section requires 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."

According to the same vehicle code: "This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk."

Fault and Liability

If the driver in this case is determined to have been partially at fault, then, she could be held liable for the damages caused. If this accident was the result of a dangerous roadway condition, then, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any such claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will better advise victims or their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Lost a family member in a San Diego County car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal San Marcos pedestrian accident. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE San Diego wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

San Diego Car Accident Proves Fatal for Pedestrian is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Al Cichy, 70, and Annabelle Cichy, 80, were killed in a Bakersfield car accident, which officials say, involved a drunk driver. According to a news report in The Californian, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Auburn Street in Bakersfield the morning of April 26, 2011. The elderly couple was picking up trash on the sidewalk, when a Ford F-150 pickup crossed the center divider, went across opposing lanes of traffic and struck them. They were both transported to Kern Medical Center where they died. The driver of the Ford, Oscar Jimenez, 45, has been charged with two counts murder, felony DUI, suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, and driving on a suspended license.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Al and Annabelle Cichy following this tragic pedestrian accident. By all accounts they were a loving couple who cared about their neighbors and neighborhood. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who knew and loved them.

Drunk Driving Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 14 people were killed and 140 were injured in Bakersfield DUI collisions. During that same year, there were 35 fatalities and 476 injuries reported due to Kern County DUI accidents.

California DUI Laws

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver, Jimenez, was intoxicated at the time. His blood alcohol content (BAC) is not known. It is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher.

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 such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is apparent, families of deceased victims would be well-advised to contact a reputed Bakersfield personal injury lawyer, who has the experience and a successful track record of holding drunk drivers responsible for their actions. The victims' family in this case can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking damages. An experienced car accident attorney will better explain their legal rights and options. 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.

Lost a family member in a Bakersfield DUI accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Kern County pedestrian accident. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Bakersfield wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

Elderly Couple Killed in Bakersfield DUI Collision is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Police in Long Beach are looking for a hit-and-run driver who they say caused a pedestrian accident that broke both of Ron Taylor's legs. According to a news report in The Gazette, the injury car accident occurred the night of January 2, 2011 when Taylor was outside his apartment at Third Street and Junipero Avenue to move his car from the street to a nearby parking lot. He was about to get in the car when another vehicle that was speeding around the corner hit him.

The driver initially stopped, but left before authorities could arrive on the scene. Officials describe the driver as a while male in his 20s wearing a red shirt and blue jeans, driving a red Toyota Tercel with a partial plate, S3RDD. Anyone with information about this individual is asked to call Long Beach Police Detective Sirilo Garcia at 562-570-7355.

My heart goes out to Ron Taylor, his wife, Susan Taylor, and their family for what they are going through at this time. I wish Ron Taylor the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Tragic Car Accident

This story is heartbreaking because it details everything that Ron Taylor has gone through since the day of that horrible pedestrian accidents. He suffered two broken legs. His left leg was broken in five places and was repaired with a titanium rod. His right tibia broke into 27 pieces for which he underwent another surgery. Tragic!

It is indeed fortunate that he is still alive. It is just appalling that while Taylor and his family members are suffering emotionally and financially, the driver remains free from the consequences of his actions! I certainly hope and pray that this suspect is apprehended and brought to justice. If you have any information please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com, to find out how to leave and anonymous tip and become eligible for a $1,000 reward.

Protecting Victims' Rights

It would be in the Taylors' best interests to seek the counsel of an experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and make sure their rights are protected every step of the way.

In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their own car insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault motorist is not located or is uninsured or underinsured.

Seriously injured in a Los Angeles County car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Long Beach car accident. Call 866-971-2345. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Long Beach personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.

Long Beach Police Seek Hit-and-Run Suspect is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A pedestrian was killed in an Orange County car accident, which police say, involved a drunk driver. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the evening of November 11, 2010, when the man was crossing Rio Vista near Hampstead Street in Anaheim. At the time, a Ford Econoline van being driven by a 59-year-old man struck the pedestrian.

The man was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence after he failed a field sobriety test. Officials are still looking for witnesses to this fatal pedestrian accidents. Anyone who witnessed the incident and has information is asked to contact Anaheim Police at 714-765-1861.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this deceased victim. Please keep his grieving family members and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were eight fatalities and 181 injuries reported involving DUI collisions in Anaheim. In Orange County as a whole, 62 people died and 1,492 were injured due to alcohol-related car accidents during the same year.

Drunk Driving Laws

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a).

Victims' Claim for Compensation

In such cases, the family of the deceased victim could seek compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages by filing a wrongful death claim. Please remember, a drunk driver may not only face criminal prosecution, but could also be held civilly liable for the injuries, damages and losses he or she causes. Victims' families would be well-advised to contact a reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer, who has the experience and a successful track record of holding drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions.

Lost a family member in a Orange County car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Anaheim pedestrian accident. Call 1-866-971-2345. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Orange County wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

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.

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.

Orange County DUI Collision Proves Fatal for Pedestrian is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

An 18-year-old man was injured in a Los Angeles car accident, which police report, was caused by a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the serious injury pedestrian accident occurred on Vanowen Street in Van Nuys, near Noble Avenue, the morning of October 30, 2010. The victim was walking on Vanowen Street when a white four-door sedan struck him. The police believe the car was either a Nissan Maxima or an Infiniti. The injured victim is listed in stable condition. There is an ongoing search for the driver.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this hit-and-run car accident. I wish him a complete and speedy recovery from his injuries.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 104 people were killed and 2,716 were injured in Los Angeles pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 214 fatalities and 4,985 injuries as a result of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles County.

Hit-and-Run Car Accidents

Anyone who causes a serious injury and fails to stop should be held criminally and civilly responsible for the damage and devastation they caused. Leaving the scene of an injury accident is an irresponsible, unethical and inhumane act. In this case, the driver struck a young man and left him lying on the roadway without help or medical attention. Appalling! Leaving the scene of an injury car accident in California is a felony crime. 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."

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 to become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward. This web site is our way of holding hit-and-run drivers accountable and to encourage and motivate drivers in general to do the right thing.

Liability Issues

Victims of car accidents would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the case and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run car accident where the driver is not identified, or, in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Seriously injured in a Los Angeles County hit-and-run car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Los Angeles pedestrian accident. Call 1-866-971-2345. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Los Angeles personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.

How would you react if you witnessed a hit-and-run car accident?

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.

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.

Los Angeles Pedestrian Seriously Injured By Hit-And-Run Driver is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A child was critically injured in a hit-and-run car accident in Norco the afternoon of October 4, 2010. According to a report in Southwest Riverside News Network, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Garden Grove Avenue and Huerta Way, when the child who was riding a scooter was struck by a brown minivan. The driver, described only as a woman, fled the scene before authorities arrived. The child was airlifted to a local hospital. The young victim's condition is not known at this time. Officials say the hit-and-run vehicle was last seen going south on Temescal Avenue. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Riverside County Sheriff's Department at 951-270-5673.

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My heart goes out to this injured child and his or her family for what they are going through at this time. I wish this young victim the very best for a swift and complete recovery. Please keep this child in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), in 2008 there was one fatality involving a pedestrian accident in Norco. In Riverside County as a whole, 30 people died and 338 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Holding Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable

I hope and pray officials apprehend this hit-and-run driver and bring her to justice. What kind of a person strikes another, let alone a child, with their vehicle and then leaves them lying on the roadway, without even stopping to help? This is absolutely a heartless, inhumane act. If you know who did this or have information about the suspect, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com. You can leave an anonymous tip and also qualify for a $1,000 reward. Our goal with this web site is to make sure hit-and-run drivers are caught and held accountable for their actions. By partnering with the community together, we can send a message to hit-and-run drivers that we are watching them and there is now a bounty on their heads.

Law and Liability Issues

Leaving the scene of an injury accident is a serious crime under California law. 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."

Injured victims or their families in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of 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. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims' families about how their own car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run car accident or to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Seriously injured in a Riverside County hit-and-run car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Norco car accident. Call 1-866-971-2345. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Riverside personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.

Would you report a hit-and-run driver if you identity were to be kept anonymous?

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.

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.

Child Injured in Riverside Hit-and-Run Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A Caltrans worker who was trying to remove a dead dog from a highway on-ramp was injured in a pedestrian accident after he was struck by a motorcyclist the morning of September 7, 2010. According to a news report in the Santa Maria Times, the accident occurred in Los Alamos at the Bell Street onramp to Highway 101, when a motorcycle hit the Caltrans worker. Both the worker and the motorcyclist sustained moderate injuries. Officials say they are conducting an extensive investigation and that this accident may prompt Caltrans to reevaluate its policies and procedures for workers.

My thoughts and prayers are with both of the injured victims in this case. I wish them both a complete and speedy recovery.

Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 85 injuries in Santa Barbara County motorcycle accidents. That same year, five people were killed and 151 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in Santa Barbara County.

Laws and Liability Issues

California law requires motorists to move to the next lane as soon as possible when a Caltrans vehicle has its lights flashing. This law is intended to protect workers from having to work too close to high-speed vehicles. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21809, motorists approaching a Caltrans vehicle that has its lights on should slow down and move over to a lane farther away from the vehicle and workers.

Investigators are trying to determine how fast the motorcycle was going, what caused the accident, and if the accident could have been prevented. In this particular case, the injured Caltrans worker will be entitled to workers compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost earnings. However, the worker may also be able to file a claim against the motorcyclist, if it is determined that he was at-fault or negligent.

Anyone injured in an accident would be well advised to consult with a California personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the victims' legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families.

What steps do you take when you see workers on the freeway? How would you prevent such collisions from occurring?

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.

Caltrans Worker Injured in Freeway Pedestrian Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal