California snowstorms leave one dead and dozens injured in 40 vehicle pile-up

Scene of the 40 vehicle pileup west the Yuba Gap

Scene of the 40 vehicle pileup west the Yuba Gap

A huge 40 vehicle pile-up has left one man dead and several others injured, after heavy snowfalls battered the Sierra Nevada region of California.

The busy Interstate 80 was shut for several hours 70 miles north east of Sacramento while emergency services battled to clear the road after a big rig carrying highly explosive liquid Hydrogen jack-knifed.

The tanker blocked both lanes and as it turned onto its side dozens of cars and trucks ploughed into its side.

Auburn resident Douglas Swasey, in his 60s, was killed in the accident.

The truck was not damaged, officials confirmed, but had it done the hydrogen could have exploded causing even more fatalities.

Three feet of snow fell, creating hazardous conditions for drivers on mountain roads.

The crash at 1.30pm on Friday left the I-80 shut for several hours and caused massive tailbacks, with the route not opening until early this morning.

One driver told News 10 he heard the sound of metal hitting metal for five minutes after the first impact.

More than a dozen other people taken to hospitals in Sacramento and Reno with minor or moderate injuries.

Another driver, Ty Bombach who tried to help the injured told the press: ‘We found a gentleman by the liquid hydrogen truck and I checked his vitals but he was already gone.

I was surprised more people weren’t hurt because of the carnage that was there when we got there and what followed.’

Blizzards and snow up to three feet deep will hit the Sierra Nevada region falling as low as 4,000 feet and will continue over the weekend.

The storms will bring flooding rains, snow and strong winds across much of California.

Heavy rain will affect the central coast and valleys to the Southland from late tonight until Monday, which could bring possible flooding and mudslides.

Coastal regions will suffer up to three inches of rain but south and west-facing foothills and mountains could have as much as seven inches of rain.

Make sure you take it easy out there on the highways.

If you or your family has been injured anywhere in the State of California, you may contact our law firm for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 ext. 1, or submit your case through our website at http://www.therpersonalinjury.com

Sacramento Car and Truck Accident Attorney

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Motorcycle passenger killed in Modesto Motorcycle Accident

Scene of Fatal Modesto Motorcycle Accident

Scene of Fatal Modesto Motorcycle Accident

MODESTO – California

A woman died Saturday after the motorcycle on which she was a passenger collided with a car on McHenry Avenue in north Modesto, police said.

The 52-year-old Modesto woman suffered critical injuries and was taken to Doctors Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead, said Sgt. Brian Findlen of the Modesto police Traffic Unit.

She was a passenger on a 1995 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Authorities did not release the woman’s name because her family had not been notified.

The crash occurred shortly after 8 a.m. on McHenry at Meily Way, just north of Union Avenue, near the Wal-Mart shopping center.

A 52-year-old Modesto man was driving the motorcycle on McHenry in the left northbound lane. An 87-year-old woman was driving a white 1997 Toyota Corolla heading west on Meily, apparently attempting to make a left turn onto southbound McHenry.

Car’s driver was uninjured

Findlen said the Toyota pulled into the path of the motorcycle. The motorcycle driver apparently tried to avoid the collision but lost control and struck the car, Findlen said.

The vehicles came to rest in the middle of McHenry. The Toyota driver did not suffer any injuries.

Findlen said the motorcycle driver appeared to have suffered a fractured leg and a back injury. He was taken to Memorial Medical Center. His injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.

Police did not release the names of the drivers Saturday. Findlen said it did not appear that alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.

He said police had not determined who was at fault in the crash. Traffic was slowed while officers investigated the crash site for about two hours, but the road was not closed.

Findlen said it appears the motorcycle driver and his passenger were wearing helmets, but police had not determined whether they were wearing them properly.

As the weather gets warmer, Findlen said it’s more likely that motorcyclists will be on the road. That’s why, he said, it’s important for drivers and passengers to properly wear all the necessary safety gear, including a helmet.

It’s just as important for other drivers to keep an eye out for motorcyclists, Findlen said. Many drivers are conditioned to look only for cars, pickups and other vehicles, failing to spot motorcycles on the road.

“Expect the unexpected and drive defensively,” Findlen said.

It appears to me that the 87 year old woman who turned left in front of the motorcycle is at fault in this accident.

If you or your family has been injured in Modesto, or anywhere in the State of California, you may contact our law firm for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 ext. 1, or submit your case through our website at http://www.therpersonalinjury.com

Modesto California Motorcycle Accident Attorney

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Pomona California Man dies in big rig truck crash on 15 Freeway

California Personal Injury Lawyer Blog News BytesDEVORE – California

A 19-year-old Pomona man was killed Saturday morning in an accident involving two big rig trucks on the northbound 15 Freeway in Devore, California.

One truck crashed into another big rig truck that was parked on the side of the road waiting for gas about 9:30 a.m. just south of the Glen Helen Parkway exit.

The semi big rig was stopped on the right shoulder of the freeway waiting for gas when the other truck swerved on to the shoulder to avoid slower traffic.

The swerving truck then crashed into the parked truck, instantly killing passenger Juan Carlos Garcia Bautista, said California Highway Patrol spokeswoman Hope Maxson.

The drivers of both trucks were taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for injuries.

The CHP closed several lanes of the freeway until Saturday afternoon.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the collision.

It appears on the surface, that the truck that swerved onto the shoulder to avoid traffic is responsible for this accident, and the driver thereof would be solely responsible for the wrongful death of passenger Carlos Garcia Bautista.

If you or your family have been the victim of a truck crash, car crash, or other motor vehicle accident in Devore, Pomona, or anywhere in California call us for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 x. 1, or go to http://www.thepersonalinjury.com.

Devore Truck Accident Attorney Website

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Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez to speak at the Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law, at Arizona State University on April 6, 2011.

California Attorney at Law Norman Gregory Fernandez

California Attorney at Law Norman Gregory Fernandez

I, along with Mark Britton the founder of Avvo, and Attorney Janelle Orsi, will speak at the Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law at Arizona State University on April 6, 2011.

You can see a flyer of the event by clicking here.

I am honored to join with the Legal Rebels project which is a part of the American Bar Association, and the American Bar Association Journal, in this event.

The Legal Rebels project’s goal is to profile attorneys who are remaking the legal profession. I am honored to be associated with this program.

The Biker Law Blog was picked at one of the top 100 law blogs by the American Bar Association Journal in 2007.

It is my opinion that there can be immense improvement in the practice of law, while maintaining strict old fashioned ethical boundaries.

It is my intent as an Attorney at Law and Officer of the Court, to make legal services accessible to all.

I enjoy speaking to fellow attorneys, and to law students who will soon be the next generation of attorneys themselves.

I believe that it is important to give back to the profession that I love as much as possible.

I will see you all at the Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law at Arizona State University on April 6, 2011.

By California Attorney at Law Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.

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Motorcyclist is injured in crash with stopped bus

Scene of motorcycle accident in Lodi, California

Scene of motorcycle accident in Lodi, California

Lodi – California

A motorcycle rider rear ended a school bus on East Lodi Avenue near Cherokee Lane around 3:40 p.m., in Lodi, California.

The motorcycle rider was transported to Lodi Memorial Hospital with substantial injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The motorcycle rider who is a young man, who works at a Les Schwab Tire Center down the street, was expected to be airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center, according to the CHP.

Witnesses said the motorcycle was traveling west on Lodi Avenue at a high rate of speed, when it collided with the stationary school bus.

There were no apparent injuries to anyone onboard the school bus, which suffered minimal damage.

Alcohol or drugs are not believed to be involved, the CHP said.

I ride motorcycles myself. It is inexplicable to me how someone on a motorcycle could rear end a school bus unless there were driving way too fast.

If you, or a loved one or friend has been injured in a motorcycle accident or any other motor vehicle accident, you may call me for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 x. 1.

Lodi California Motorcycle Accident attorney

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When a Bad Road Causes a Car or Motorcycle Accident in California.

Dangerous and Defective Roads Kill and Injure Many People Each Year

Dangerous and Defective Roads Kill and Injure Many People Each Year

Many of you may not know that you can recover damages if a dangerous or defective road causes you to crash in your vehicle.

I have dealt with all sorts of defective and dangerous road cases. Some cases involve holes, bumps, debris, rocks, gravel, poorly maintained roads, defectively designed roads, curves, intersections, signals, guard rails, etc.

Some of these types of cases are utterly devastating to the victims.

I recently saw a TV news special where it was flat out stated that many defective roads are known about, but are not being repaired due to budget deficits related to the recession.

The recession and the economy do not excuse anyone from maintaining a dangerous or defective road.

If you are on a public road in California, and the road caused you to crash and become injured, you will need to file a governmental claim with the appropriate governmental agency within 6 months from the day you had your accident.

If the governmental entity rejects your claim within 45 days of receipt of claim, you have 6 months from the date of the rejection to file a lawsuit against the governmental entity.

If they do not reject the claim, you have 2 years to sue from the date of the accident.

If you are on a private road on private property, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

Defective and Dangerous road cases are very complex to such an extent that many personal injury attorneys do not do these types of cases.

I handle these types of cases. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a dangerous or defective road, give me a call for a free consultation 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at 800-816-1529, ext. 1, or you may submit your case to us through the blog by clicking here.

By California Personal Injury Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © March 9, 2011

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Let’s Talk about Your California Car Accident.

California Car Accident InformationSo you have been in a Car Accident in the State of California. You know the accident is not your fault. You were injured. What should you do?

The first thing two things you need to do are; (1) get the other drivers information, and (2) get medical help; not necessarily in that order.

When you get the other drivers information, try to get as much information as possible, such as all of the information on their drivers license, their phone number, the year, make, model, license plate and vin number of their vehicle, the color of their vehicle, and even a description of the driver and their passengers. You also need to get their insurance information.

Without the other driver’s information, your chances of recovery in the accident are slim to none.

I have had people with great cases, who could not recover because they failed to get the information of the person who hit them.

Most uninsured motorist coverage policies also require you to identify the person who hit you.

With respect to your injuries, you need to seek immediate medical treatment. If you feel like you need to be transported by paramedic to the emergency room, chances are that you are probably right. It is better to error on the side of caution.

Even if you do not have medical insurance, all emergency rooms are required to treat you, and stabalize you. Go to the emergency room if you need to.

When you go to the doctor, make sure you tell the doctor about all of your problems; do not underestimate your complaints.

I cannot tell you how many people I have talked to who are hurt bad, yet when they describe their complaints, they hold back. How can a doctor treat you if you do not tell them what is hurting?

I know you are also concerned about getting your vehicle repaired, finding temporary transportation, and so on.

The best thing you can do now is to retain a personal injury attorney for your California car accident case.

There are many damages that you may be entitled to such as all out of pocket expenses related to the accident, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and so forth, which you have no clue how to value or go after on your own.

Further, if you are married, you spouse may also have a cause of action for loss of consortium even if they were not in the car with you.

I estimate that a reputable personal injury attorney such as myself, can get you more money in your pocket for your personal injury case, than you would ever get on your own in 99% of all cases.

The reason is simple, personal injury cases are complex.

The insurance companies exist for one thing only; to make a profit, not pay you money. If they can, they will try to get you to settle for pennies on the dollar for what your case is actually worth.

They may offer you a couple of thousand dollars on a case that may be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

They know that if you are unrepresented, that you are an easy mark!

Don’t be a victim a second time around. You should be worried about getting better, and not about fighting the insurance company. Let me do that for you.

If you have been injured in a car accident, or any other motor vehicle accident in the State of California, give me a call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at 800-816-1529 ext. 1.

By California Car Accident Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © March 3, 2011

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What can you do if your Lover gives you a Sexually Transmitted Disease in California?

What do you do if your lover gives you a sexually transmitted diseaseYou met someone you really like, you had sex with them, soon after you discover a lesion or something else wrong on your private parts, you go to a doctor, you find out you now have herpes. (Or worse) What can you do?

Well there are a lot of things that you can do. The purpose of this article is to discuss the legal remedies available to you if someone knowingly or negligently gives you a sexually transmitted disease. This body of law is called “Sexual Torts.”

Before I get started with this article, let me lay a foundation; first some sexually transmitted diseases are fatal, such as HIV, and Class C Hepatitis. Others such as Syphilis can be fatal if left untreated.

In California it is a felony punishable in California State Prison, for someone who is HIV positive to willfully expose another person to HIV through unprotected sex.

Many other States have similar laws.

Prosecutors have also prosecuted people who knowingly had unprotected sex when they knew they had HIV or Hepatitis with crimes such as criminal negligence, attempted murder, battery, etc.

If any of you out there know you have HIV or Hepatitis, you should consult with an attorney in your State before you go around having sex with someone, even if you disclose the fact that you are infected or have the disease to that person.

California’s willful exposure law basically means that even with disclosure to your partner, you are still required to use protection.

California does not want you passing your disease to other people. Most other States are the same. It is a public health issue, not a privacy issue!

Now getting back to the gist of this article; what can a person do if they are infected with an STD by another person?

In a nutshell, you can report the conduct to the police, district attorney, or health department, and you can sue them for monetary damages, and potentially punitive damages for a Sexual Tort in civil court.

I deal with civil remedies.

There are two standard civil common law causes of action that normally apply to sex torts cases, battery, and negligence.

Battery would be alleged if the person who infected you actually knew they had an STD and failed to disclose it to you.

Negligence would be used if the person who infected you should have known they had an STD.

Fraud can also be alleged if the person who infected you lied to you about actually having an STD.

There have been a couple of multi-million dollar cases involving a person who was infected with an STD by another person.

In the case of deceased movie star Rock Hudson’s same sex partner, he sued because Rock Hudson had sex with him while infected with HIV and failed to disclose it. The same sex partner won a seven figure judgment, without even proving that he got infected with HIV.

In another case, a middle aged woman was infected with genital herpes by her elderly lover. He never denied having herpes, but claimed he told her. She won a seven figure judgment in that case.

There are many problems prosecuting sexual tort cases in civil court. One of the big problems is a lawsuit is only as good as the person you are suing.

If a defendant has little or no money, it can be real difficult or impossible to actually collect a judgment. Most attorney’s including myself, will not take such a case on contingency unless there is a substantial likelihood of collecting a judgment.

Look what happened in the O.J. Simpson civil wrongful death case. The families of the decedents got a 50 million dollar civil judgment against O.J. Simpson, but were only able to collect thousands on the Judgment.

What good is a judgment unless you can collect the money on it?

Unless you get a civil judgment for battery, fraud, or another type of intentional tort, the judgment can be set aside in bankruptcy court if the defendant goes bankrupt.

There is also the statute of limitations issue. In California you have two years to file suit for battery or negligence from the time you knew or should have known, that your lover gave you an STD.

I am always willing to give free consultations to victims in these types of cases to determine if a civil lawsuit is feasible.

On a human level, I suggest that all persons get tested for STD’s before engaging in sexual conduct.

If you are a person who has an STD, you should have your partner sign a written disclosure and release before engaging in sexual conduct. As discussed above, if you have HIV, you may still not be protected.

I have seen people more protective of their cars and property than their own bodies.

You must realize that there are people out there infected with some nasty diseases. Some of them have no problem having sex with you without disclosing their diseases.

There are legal remedies available to you.

By California Personal Injury Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © February 16, 2011

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To Retain a Lawyer or to Not Retain a Lawyer, What Should You Do?

California Personal Injury Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez

California Personal Injury Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez

As a California Personal Injury Lawyer, I give free consultations to injury victims throughout the State of California almost every day.

Inevitably about 5% of the people I talk to have either tried handling their California personal injury matter on their own, or are very reluctant to “get lawyers” involved because of what they heard about lawyers, or are clueless about how the legal system works.

Ultimately, out of the 5% of the people mentioned above, about 1% or 1 out of 100 people I talk to decide to handle the matter on their own.

To me, an experienced California Personal Injury Attorney, it is inexplicable why someone would choose not to retain an attorney to handle their personal injury case. Let me tell you why.

Firstly, most people have no clue that they are entitled to recover the following damages in a typical personal injury matter:

Out of Pocket Expenses: All out of pocket expenses flowing out of the personal injury matter such as: loss of wages, medical cost, prescription cost, cost of travel to and from the doctor, prescriptions, loss of use of vehicle, either the repair cost of a damaged vehicle, or the fair market value of a damaged vehicle when the repair cost exceeds the fair market value, rental car, loss of future wages, future medical expenses, etc.

Non Economic Expenses: Pain & Suffering, Emotional Distress, Loss of Enjoyment of life (loss of enjoyment of life consists of compensation to a person for not being able to do things that they used to do, while they are injured. Such as cleaning, cooking, walking, dancing, going out, etc.)

In a nutshell a typical person has no clue that they are entitled to the things mentioned above, how to value such things even if they know about it, and most importantly, how to get it.

Going further, if an injured person is married, they typically do not know that their spouse also has a cause of action against the person who injured them for loss of consortium. Hell most personal injury lawyers in California do not even go for loss of consortium.

Loss of consortium in a nutshell is damages that a spouse of an injured party are entitled to, for the loss of the things that their spouse used to do with and for them in the marriage, because of their injury. In many cases loss of consortium can amount to a substantial amount of money.

I have just touched the tip of the iceberg with this article. Ultimately, only a fool has themselves for an attorney.

I can assure you that in 99% of cases, a person without an attorney will get less than a person with an attorney in a California Personal Injury case.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a California Personal Injury matter you may call my personal injury hotline 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 extension 1. You may also check out my personal injury website at http://www.thepersonalinjury.com.

By California Personal Injury Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © February 10, 2011

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Happy New Year from the California Personal Injury Lawyer Blog – 2011

happy-new-year-2011I want to wish all of you a happy new year, 2011. May you, your family, and your loved ones have a prosperous and healthy year.

Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez
www.norman-law.com

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The California Personal Injury Lawyer Blog is back after a couple of Month Hiatus

California Personal Injury Lawyer Blog NewsYou may have noticed that I have not posted any new articles on the California Personal Injury Lawyer Blog since September, 2010.

Well we are back.

The reason is has been so long since the last post is that we had to convert the old blog to a new software system, and try to recreate the look and feel of the old site as best as we could.

We did not want to add any new post until the system was working properly.

There are many new improvements on the new site which are too numerous to name right now.

Look for many new California Personal Injury articles and news in the coming days and weeks.

Norman Gregory Fernandez, California Personal Injury Attorney

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I am Really Sick and Tired of Ambulance Chasers who give us Real Personal Injury Attorneys a Bad Name.

California Personal Injury Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez

California Personal Injury Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez

Yes you read the headline of this article correctly; I am sick and tired of ambulance chasers who give ethical personal injury attorneys such as me, a bad name.

An ambulance chaser has been defined by an online dictionary as:

“A lawyer or entrepreneur who hurries to the scene of an accident to try to get the business of any injured persons.”

First of all let me tell all of you something right now, lawyers or their representatives are prohibited from soliciting your business at the scene of an accident in the State of California.

Any attorney who engages in such conduct can face disciplinary proceedings.

If someone is coming up to you at the scene of an accident and recommending an attorney to you; chances are they are engaging in prohibited conduct.

You should never select an attorney based upon a solicitation at the scene of an accident, at your doctor’s office, by the tow truck driver, by a body shop, etc.

Always select someone based upon your own research.

My good friend who is an ex NICB agent, and who now runs an investigative corporation, has told me stories of unethical attorneys illegally paying runners, cappers, doctors, tow truck drivers, body shops, to refer cases to them.

He has also told me stories of personal injury attorneys who are in illegal partnerships with non attorneys to get business.

No attorney can fee share or be in a partnership with a non attorney to get your business.

To be frank, I am absolutely shocked to hear such stories. It is beyond my belief that some unethical attorneys are engaging in such behavior. It is to be frank, despicable.

For attorneys such as me who play by the rules, it is outrageous to think of the poor victims of this type of illegal activity.

Going one step further, you may have recently heard about the explosion in San Bruno and the horrible aftermath.

Sure enough, there are some bottom feeder law firms putting out press releases trying to scavenge business from those poor souls in San Bruno.

Historically in the State of California, attorney advertising was prohibited. In the last several decades attorneys have been allowed to advertise. Some have taken it too far.

I am not against attorneys being allowed to advertise, but I am against what I consider to be ambulance chasing in advertising.

The same thing happened after the Chatsworth Metrorail crash, and many other disasters.

As for me, I am no ambulance chaser. I do not need to be because I am good at what I do.

All of my past and present clients know this to be true. To be good at what you do, you need to actually care about your clients, and get them the money that they deserve.

Ask yourself a question; have you ever heard any other personal injury attorney discussing the topic of this article? Heck No. Do you wonder why? It is the dirty little secret that no one wants to talk about.

Well I am talking about it.

I would like to hear any comments you have. You may comment by clicking the comment link below.

By California Personal Injury Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © September 15, 2010

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8 People are Killed at an Off-Road Racing Event in Lucerne Valley; What are the Legal Ramifications?

Many of you have heard by now that 8 people died in the Lucerne Valley, at an off road racing event, when a truck went out of control during the event. Many of you may not know that 39 other people were injured; 10 seriously.

I personally send my heartfelt condolences to all of the family and friends of the victims of this tragic accident, and wish those injured a speedy recovery.

You can see by the raw video below that the spectators were standing way too close to the racing vehicles. Many have said that the reason why so many people were killed and injured was preciously because the fans were way too close to the action.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qkS8DwzqDY[/youtube]

I have heard that there will be no charges filed against anyone having anything to do with the race, but that the national park service is going to do an investigation, since they were the ones that gave a permit for the race.

I have seen news reports that the promoters and organizers of this event put signs up stating that people should stay at least 150 feet away from the racing vehicles. I am sure they think that this warning is sufficient to protect them from being responsible for this horrible accident; I disagree.

As a Personal Injury Attorney, I deal with negligence cases in one form or another every day. The way I see it, the organizers and promoters of this event are legally responsible for the deaths of 8 spectators, and the injury of 39 others.

They owed a duty of due care, to provide a safe way for the spectators to watch the race. They should have had adequate security at the event to keep the spectators a safe distance from the race. The owed a duty of due care, to erect barriers, tape, or something so that spectators such as the ones who were killed and injured, would have known where to stand during the race.

They apparently did nothing but put signs up saying that spectators should stay 150 feet away from the action. Hell, I for one do not know how to measure 150 feet without some kind of tape measure.

Many might argue that the persons who were killed and injured assumed the risk of harm that they suffered at this event. I disagree. Spectators are not engaged in a dangerous sport, they are simply there to watch. With some minimal precautions from the organizers and promoters of this event, this tragedy could have been avoided.

If you or your family suffered through the wrongful death of a loved one at this event, or your or a loved one were injured at this event, all me now for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 x. 1. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for your loss.

By California Personal Injury Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © August 2010

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6 People killed in Greyhound Bus Accident near Fresno.

Fresno Greyhound Bus Accident

Scene of horrific Greyound Bus Accident

FRESNO, Calif. — A Greyhound bus carrying 47 people and traveling to Sacramento from Los Angeles crashed on a highway in California’s Central Valley on Thursday, killing six and injuring many others.

California Highway Patrol Officer Michelle Sigmond said the bus driver swerved to try to avoid another crash involving an overturned SUV and slammed into a concrete center divider and then struck another vehicle shortly after 2 a.m. just outside downtown Fresno. The bus went down an embankment, hit a eucalyptus tree and came to rest on a freeway off-ramp with its front end smashed and tree branches jutting into the vehicle.

Twisted pieces of metal, broken glass and torn clothing littered the ground around the accident scene.

Arlen Snider, who had been traveling from Phoenix to Sacramento to visit his mother, said he was asleep in the middle section of the bus when the crash occurred. She awoke to the smell of smoke and injured passengers all around her.

“I woke up on the floor of the bus and started helping people off the bus,” Snider, who escaped uninjured, said after arriving in Sacramento’s bus terminal Thursday morning.

In addition to the six dead – four women and two men, including the driver – several people were hurt with injuries that ranged from critical to bruises and cuts, said CHP Officer Kirk Arnold.

It’s unclear if all of the fatalities were on the bus.

“I had just woke up and I heard a boom once, and a boom again and the next thing I know we were down this embankment,” Linda Gee, a passenger on the bus, told KMPH-TV in Fresno.

“I’m alive and I thank god I’m alive,” she said. “There was just bleeding everywhere.”

The bus departed Los Angeles late Wednesday and stopped in Fresno before continuing on its route to Sacramento. It was on its way to Madera for one of about eight scheduled stops when the crash occurred, according to Greyhound spokeswoman Bonnie Bastian.

A relief bus was sent to take nine passengers who wanted to continue on to their destinations.

Northbound lanes of Highway 99, a major route through the San Joaquin Valley, have been closed since the crash.

Fresno Bus Accident Attorney Website

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7 people are hit in a Crosswalk in Livermore California by Student Driver

Pedestrian AccidentA woman who was among a group of pedestrians struck by a student driver while crossing a street in Livermore on Saturday underwent more surgery Monday to repair two broken legs, a Livermore police collision investigator said.

Both of the woman’s legs were broken in the crash, and she is expected to be in a wheelchair for at least two months, Officer David Boyes said.

Six other pedestrians were hit as well, and one of them also sustained a broken leg. The others suffered more minor injuries, Boyes said.

The crash happened shortly before 8 p.m. at the intersection of Vallecitos and Wetmore roads.

Investigators determined that Livermore resident Farhat Mohammad, 20, had been driving a Honda Civic west on Wetmore Road when she turned left onto Vallecitos Road and struck the seven pedestrians.

The pedestrians, all adults, were in a marked crosswalk when they were hit, police said.

One person was taken by helicopter to John Muir Medical Center and two were transported by ground ambulance to Eden Medical Center.

Everyone but the woman with the two broken legs has been released from the hospital.

Mohammad had a valid drivers permit and was accompanied by a licensed driver at the time of the crash, police said.

Boyes said there was no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved.

As of this afternoon, she had not been charged with any crime, and the case was still under investigation.

 Livermore California Pedestrian Accident Attorney Website

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