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

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

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

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

Hit-and-Run Collision

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

California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Compensation for Victims' Families

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

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

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

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

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

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

Work-Related Accident Statistics

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

Liability Issues

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

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

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

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

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

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

Orange County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

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

Pedestrian Laws

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

Liability Issues

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

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

Gabriel Facio, 44, was killed in a Pomona car accident, which officials say involved a suspected hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the fatal bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Towne Avenue and Sixth Street, the evening of December 28, 2011. Officials said the driver, 67-year-old Rodger Allen Karcher fled the scene of the fatal crash. But, he turned himself in the following day. His vehicle was also located and the damage to it matched the physical evidence at the scene, officials said. Karcher was booked on suspicion of hit-and-run causing death.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Gabriel Facio following this tragic hit-and-run car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with this grieving family.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 53 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Pomona. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 22 people died and 3,725 were injured due to bicycle accidents, during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Crash

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver who struck Facio fled the scene without even stopping to help the injured victim or waiting for authorities to arrive. I'm relieved that the hit-and-run driver turned himself in. Not only is leaving the scene of an injury crash an inhumane and irresponsible act, but it is also illegal.

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."

Claim for Compensation

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and hold the negligent parties accountable. Victims' families may file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of love and companionship. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims or their families.

Pomona Hit-and-Run Car Accident Kills Bicyclist 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

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

Writer-producer Carol Schreder, 65, has died from injuries suffered in a Los Angeles car accident when a van veered out of control and struck her bicycle. According to a December 19, 2011 news report in The Ventura County Star, the fatal bicycle accident occurred on Mulholland Highway near Agoura Hills on December 3, 2011. Officials say Stafford Taylor, 58, of Malibu, hit the brakes on his van to avoid hitting a sedan only to lose control and strike Schreder’s bicycle. She died from her injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family members and friends of Carol Schreder following this tragic bicycle accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but five injuries reported due to Agoura Hills bicycle accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 22 fatalities and 3,725 injuries occurred involving bicycle accidents, during that same year.

What Caused This Fatal Car Accident?

Based on this news report, the driver lost control of the van after hitting the brakes to avoid striking another sedan. Why did this motorist have to apply his brakes suddenly? Was the driver speeding or driving distracted? Was the motorist fatigued or under the influence of alcohol? Was the driver following too closely behind the sedan and did not have enough time to avoid a collision? I trust investigators are trying to determine if this driver or another was negligent in any way here.

Liability Issues

The family of a deceased bicycle accident victim would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the family's legal rights and best interests are protected. If it is determined that Taylor’s negligence contributed to the crash, then he may be held liable for Schreder’s wrongful death. In such cases, victims' families can seek compensation to cover medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of companionship, and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always provide a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.

Producer Dies from Injuries Suffered in Los Angeles Bicycle Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Crystal Stevens, 41, was killed in a Riverside car accident when a car hit her as she was walking near an intersection. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the night of December 15, 2011 on McCall Road near Sherman Road in Menifee. Officials say Stevens was on the roadway close to the intersection when the car struck her. She succumbed to her injuries the afternoon of December 16, 2011 at the Inland Valley Regional Medical Center in Wildomar. It is not clear if the driver will be cited for the crash.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Crystal Stevens following this tragic car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Riverside Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and eight were injured in Menifee pedestrian accidents. There were 39 fatalities and 370 injuries reported involving Riverside County pedestrian accidents, during that same year.

Pedestrian Laws

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

Liability Issues

I trust officials are looking into whether the driver here was intoxicated, driving distracted, inattentive, or otherwise negligent at the time. If it is determined that driver's negligence contributed to the crash, he or she may be held liable for Stevens' wrongful death. A knowledgeable Riverside personal injury lawyer will 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 agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Pedestrian Killed in Riverside County Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Jonathan Dowell, 51, was killed in a Fullerton car accident after his vehicle crashed into a disabled truck on the 91 Freeway, the afternoon of December 14, 2011. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal accident happened when Dowell, who was driving a Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV, slammed into the back of a commercial big rig, which was stopped on the freeway's right shoulder with a flat tire. Officials are still looking into why the driver of the SUV veered into the shoulder and collided with the truck. Dowell was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the big rig was not cited or arrested. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Jonathan Dowell 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 761 injuries involving Fullerton car accidents. During the same year, 141 people died and 13,373 were injured in Orange County car accidents.

Possible Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to how or why the SUV struck the big rig. There are still several unanswered questions here. Was the truck driver legally parked on the shoulder? Did he have flashing lights or reflective tape to warn other motorists? Did an auto defect or mechanical malfunction in the SUV cause this collision? Was the SUV clipped by another vehicle or forced off the roadway by another driver? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Fault and Liability

If the truck driver is determined to have parked the big rig illegally, then, the driver and his or her employer can be held liable for Dowell's wrongful death. If an auto defect caused this accident, then, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product can be held accountable. Families of deceased car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

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

One person was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, which police say, involved a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the fatal DUI collision occurred on Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood near the northbound 405 Freeway, the night of December 12, 2011. Officials have not released information regarding how the crash occurred. One person suffered fatal injuries and another was booked on suspicion of drunk driving.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of the person killed in this tragic car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Los Angeles DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 83 people were killed and 2,218 were injured in DUI collisions in Los Angeles. Countywide, 204 fatalities and 4,672 injuries occurred involving alcohol-related crashes, during the same year.

Drunk Driving Laws in California

Based on this news report, one of the drivers was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving here. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 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."

Fault and Liability

In this particular case, if the driver is determined to have been at fault, he or she can, in addition to facing criminal charges, be held financially responsible for the victim's wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of companionship, and other related damages. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will help better advise victims' 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 (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

Westwood DUI Collision Proves Fatal is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal