Tag Archive: wrongul death

A 37 Year Old Women Passenger Killed on I-5

Written on June 1, 2011 by in Car Accidents, News, Other Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, Vehicle Passenger Accidents, Wrongful Death

California Personal Injury Lawyer Blog NewsA 37-year-old Montebello woman was killed Monday in a one-vehicle crash on southbound Interstate 5 near Los Banos, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The woman was identified by the Merced County coroner’s office as Josephine Rendon.

Rendon was a passenger in a 2004 Ford F-250 pickup that was traveling about 60 mph south of Highway 165.

The truck was being driven by 34-year-old Jose Serna of Los Angeles. Alvaro Velasquez, 35, also was a passenger in the truck.

The right rear tire of the truck had a tread separation, and Serna reacted by turning the truck to the left. He lost control of the truck, which spun counterclockwise and traveled across the southbound lanes. The truck then overturned in the center divider.

The victim was partially ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.

She wasn’t wearing a seat belt, the CHP reported. Velasquez and Serna were unhurt.

DUI wasn’t a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.

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

Los Banos Wrongful Death Attorney Website

Share
0 Comments - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

4 Year Old Boy killed in Hwy. 101 truck crash in South San Jose, California; driver is being held on DUI charges

Written on July 12, 2010 by in Car Accidents, Crime, Damages, Drunk Driving, Editorial, News, Other Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, Vehicle Passenger Accidents, Wrongful Death
James Lee is arrested in connection with a crash that killed 4 year old.

James Lee is arrested in connection with a crash that killed 4 year old.

A 4-year-old boy was killed Sunday night in South San Jose after an alleged drunken-driver returning from a heavy metal concert slammed into the back of the family’s broken down pickup truck.

 James “Jimmy” Francis Lee’s blood-alcohol level was “about twice the legal limit” of 0.08, said California Highway Patrol Officer Brien Rayner. “He said he fell asleep.”

About 6 p.m., the boy’s father had been unbuckling his 4-year-old son from the back of the family’s Chevrolet S-10, which was parked on the shoulder of southbound Highway 101 near Bailey Avenue when a Ford F-150 smashed into the truck. The boy’s mother and 12-year-old sister had already gotten out of the truck and were not injured.

Lee, 44, of San Jose was booked into Santa Clara County Jail on charges of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, according to Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Rick Sung. He has not yet been arraigned, and has until Wednesday to be formally charged if he remains in custody. 

The Santa Clara County coroner’s office identified the boy as Jose Cortes-Diaz of Gilroy. 

The names of his parents and sister were not made public. The boy’s father suffered a broken jaw and fractured rib, according to the CHP reports.

The CHP said the collision caused the Ford to roll over onto its roof and the Chevy to roll down an embankment. The CHP noted that the Ford had been traveling about the speed limit of 65 mph or 70 mph at the time of the accident. 

The crash sent a tool box from the pickup bed of the family’s Chevy flying right into Jose’s head.

“Oh Jesus!” Lee’s father, James Lee Sr., 64, of San Jose, said in an interview when he was alerted of the boy’s death by the Mercury News. “I am so sorry for that little boy. Everybody likes my son. He’s a great kid and a good-hearted guy. But he had no business driving.”

Lee Sr. said he believed his son was at a concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View on Sunday, where bands were playing in the Rockstar Mayhem Festival. Lee Sr. said his son, a father of two daughters, had recently bought a home in Gilroy. Father and son have worked for about three decades together as truck mechanics in San Jose.

Emergency crews said Jose was barely breathing when they arrived.

“The little boy was wedged behind the driver’s seat,” said San Jose fire Capt. Chuck Rangel. “He wasn’t doing too good.”

Firefighters pried him out with the Jaws of Life and hoisted him into a LifeFlight helicopter and flew him to San Jose Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, officials said.

At the time, Santa Clara County sheriff’s helicopter happened to be flying in the area. Pilot Rob Heyde and partner, Deputy Leo Gonzalez, saw there were injuries down below, and traffic was beginning to jam up. The two decided to make an emergency landing on 101, after clearing the freeway using their public announcement system.

“They really went overboard to help,” said Sung, of the sheriff’s office. They were joined by a San Jose police motorcycle officer who was also there by chance.

Lee Sr. said his son had been in jail perhaps 15 years ago, but he couldn’t remember for what. Lee Jr. has no criminal record as an adult in Santa Clara County. According to a records search by the Department of Motor Vehicles, Lee is a commercial driver who had a spotless driving record.

Lee Sr. said his son, who attended Del Mar High School in San Jose, had been trying to get his life together after a bad relationship. But according to his father, Lee Jr. didn’t have a known drinking problem.

“I wasn’t aware of one,” Lee Sr. said.

San Jose Car Accident Attorney Website / San Jose Truck Accident Attorney Website

Share
0 Comments - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Fatal Napa Valley Accident Tied to Speeding

Written on June 6, 2010 by in Big Rig Truck Accident, California Law, Car Accidents, Crime, Editorial, Liability in Personal Injury Cases, News, Other Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury, SUV Accident, Truck Accidents, Vehicle Passenger Accidents, Wrongful Death

A Fatal Napa Valley Accident Tied to SpeedingFour people who died in a horrible SUV versus big rig truck crash on Jamieson Canyon/Highway 12 Thursday morning have been identified as three generations of a family from Oregon and two eastern states.

The Napa County California Sheriff’s Office identified the dead as Matthew Jay Smith, 48, of Ashland, Ore., Laura Katharine Smith, 19, of Downingtown, Pa., and Richard Smith, 80, and Sally Smith, 74, both of Simbsbury, Conn.

Napa Sheriff’s Capt. Tracey Stuart said Sally and Richard Smith were on vacation in the Napa Valley. They were returning to Napa after picking up their son and granddaughter when the deadly chain-reaction collisions occurred.

The California Highway Patrol said a westbound big rig driven by Gustavo Lopez, 42, plowed into the back of the victims’ Suburu Forester that was stopped in heavy rush-hour traffic.

The Forester was pushed into the path of an eastbound tractor-trailer hauling concrete pipe. The big rig, driven by Woodland resident Luis Marabilla, 44, crushed the car, pushing it back across the westbound lane onto the shoulder of the road.

Lopez’s truck continued west and side-swiped a Chevrolet flatbed truck that Hilario Trujillo Jr., 33, was driving.

The victims were declared dead at the scene, the CHP said. Trujillo and Marabilla were uninjured, and Lopez was taken to Queen of the Valley Medical Center with minor injuries.

It appears Lopez was driving too fast for the conditions, based on the slow traffic and the size of the truck he was driving, CHP spokesman Jaret Paulson said.

Lopez told officers that traffic was stop-and-go as he traveled along Jamieson Canyon Road. 

He had stopped just prior to the crash, then accelerated through his gears. 

When traffic stopped again ahead of him, he had too much velocity to stop in time, CHP Officer Ryan O’Day said.

Lopez likely wasn’t speeding, but he was going too fast for conditions, Paulson said.

“It just looks like gross inattention at this point as to what caused the collision,” O’Day said.

Under federal law, commercial drivers must submit to a chemical test if they are in an accident. There was no sign that Lopez was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, O’Day said.

Lopez had started his trip in Woodland so he likely hadn’t been on the road long enough for fatigue to be a factor, O’Day said. Lopez wasn’t carrying a load so he wasn’t in a hurry, he said.

The CHP will decide whether to forward the case to the Napa County District Attorney’s office for prosecution. 

“Being that four people are dead because of inattention, I would be surprised if they didn’t press some sort of charges,” O’Day said.

They could range from reckless driving to vehicular manslaughter, he said.

Thursday’s crash brings the fatality total this year to eight victims from five crashes on Napa County roads.

The last time four people died in one crash was on Nov. 15, 2008, on Deer Park Road near Sanitarium Road outside of Angwin, O’Day said.

Napa County hasn’t seen a crash that killed more than four people since it started keeping records in 1999, he said.

The last time someone died on Jamieson Canyon Road was in December 2004, Paulson said.

Napa Valley California Truck and SUV Accident Attorney Website

Share
0 Comments - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

3 Phoenix Arizona Motorcycle riders mowed down and killed After Being Rear Ended in a Horrible Crash.

Written on March 25, 2010 by in Motorcycle Accidents, News, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death

3 Phoenix Arizona Motorcycle riders mowed down and killed After Being Rear Ended in a Horrible Crash.PHOENIX — Arizona

A group of eight motorcycles stopped at a red light in north Phoenix were mowed down from behind by a dump truck early Thursday afternoon, killing three riders and injuring six others, at least one critically, authorities said.

The most seriously injured was an off-duty Phoenix Fire Department captain who was in very critical condition Thursday evening, said Phoenix police spokesman Detective James Holmes.

The motorcyclists were stopped behind a pickup and a small SUV at the red light when the truck driver rammed them from behind, he said. The truck ran over the motorcyclists and continued into the small SUV in front of them, Holmes said.

There was no sign the truck driver was impaired.

Some of the motorcycles burst into flames under the dump truck, while others ended up scattered behind the truck. Television images of the crash site showed a horrifying collection of mangled chrome Harley-Davidson bikes and scattered personal belongings, including pairs of riders’ boots laying in the roadway.

“It’s a horrific scene,” Phoenix Fire Deputy Chief Frank Salomon said.

Some of the injured were airlifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Salomon said.

The crash occurred about 1 p.m. at the intersection of 27th Avenue and the Carefree Highway. Holmes said at least one of the victims was a woman, but most were men.

Jarrod Cook, a worker at the nearby Ketzal Mexican Grill, said he saw several motorcycles wedged underneath the garbage truck, which caught fire.

“The first thing we saw was a big puff of smoke when the truck lit on fire,” he said.
Cook said he walked over and witnessed a chaotic scene with some of the injured lying on the ground.

Dozens of police and rescue personnel responded to the crash.

Phoenix Fire Department spokesman Jonathan Jacobs told KNXV-TV that witnesses reported seeing several of the motorcycle riders dragged 50 to 75 yards after impact. The three bikers killed were trapped under the truck, Jacobs said.

The 50-year-old driver of the truck was not injured and was being questioned by police. Those in the pickup and SUV also were not hurt.

The Carefree Highway was expected to be closed for several hours as police investigate the crash.

Although I am a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer, I ride through Arizona all of the time. As a matter of fact, I will be riding through Arizona in a couple of weeks. I am absolutely appalled by this accident.

You tell me how a truck driver could not see 8 motorcycles parked at a red light, let alone the red light itself. Absent some catastrophic equipment failure that can be proven, the truck driver in this accident needs to be taken down by the man for murder or vehicular manslaughter.

This accident is absolutely atrocious and horrible.

California Biker Attorney and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, 2010

Share
0 Comments - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Toyota sued over deaths in horrendous California crash

Written on March 3, 2010 by in California Law, Car Accidents, Courts, Damages, Editorial, News, Personal Injury, Product Recall, Products Liability

Toyota Product Defect AttorneyLos Angeles – California

Relatives of a California state trooper and three family members whose fatal car wreck helped spark Toyota’s wide-ranging safety recall have sued the automaker for defects they say caused the vehicle to speed out of control and crash.

The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in San Diego Superior Court, was the latest in a wave of product-liability cases and other legal action brought against Toyota Motor Corp over complaints of sudden, unintended acceleration in its vehicles.

But the fiery August 28 crash near San Diego of a Lexus ES 350 sedan driven by off-duty California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Saylor drew intense media attention and renewed government scrutiny of safety problems that led to the recall of some 8.5 million Toyota vehicles worldwide.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda, grandson of the company’s founder, extended his condolences to the Saylor family in an apology he delivered to a congressional hearing last week.

Saylor was driving his wife, their 13-year-old daughter, and his brother-in-law on a family outing when their car “began to accelerate on its own” and sped out of control despite Saylor’s attempts “to apply the brakes and otherwise do everything possible to stop” the car, the lawsuit says.

The car reached speeds of up to 120 miles per hour before it struck another vehicle, plowed through a fence, hit a berm and flew through the air, then rolled several times into a field and burst into flames.

The family’s final moments before impact were captured in the recording of a frantic 911-emergency cell phone call placed by Saylor’s brother-in-law, Christopher Lastrella, in which he is heard telling the dispatcher, “Our accelerator is stuck … We’re in trouble … there is no brakes.”

Others in the car are heard saying, “hold on” and “pray” as the call ended, the lawsuit said.

The suit names Toyota, its U.S. division and other corporate entities as defendants, along with the Lexus dealership where Saylor was given the doomed car as a “loaner vehicle” while his own Lexus was being serviced.

Although the suit makes no specific allegations as to the root cause of the unintended acceleration, it says the car in question “was defective when it left the control of each defendant” and that “adequate warnings of the danger were not given.” The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages on behalf of the parents of Saylor and his wife.

Toyota officials have said they do not comment on pending litigation.

San Diego County Sheriff’s investigators concluded the crash likely was caused by the gas pedal becoming stuck in an all-weather rubber floor mat designed for a larger vehicle but placed by the Lexus dealership in the sedan loaned to Saylor.

But the accident report said “other avenues of unintended acceleration could not be explored,” mechanical or electrical, due to catastrophic damage to the vehicle.

The report also revealed that another driver who had been loaned the same car a few days earlier told investigators the vehicle raced out of control on him when the gas pedal jammed in the floor mat, which he managed to free after placing the gear shift into neutral.

He complained to a dealership receptionist when he returned the car, the receptionist told investigators she alerted the detail specialist on duty, but the detailer claimed never to have received such a complaint, the report said.

Toyota has recalled more than 5 million vehicles in the United States for slipping floor mats. Another 2.2 million U.S. recall notices were issued for sticking accelerator pedals.

The Transportation Department has said that complaints of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles are linked with more than 50 U.S. crash deaths under investigation over the past decade.

If you or your family have been the victim of a car crash in a Toyota due to sudden acceleration or other product defect anywhere in California call us for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 x. 1, or go to http://www.thepersonalinjury.com

Toyota Product Defect Attorney

Share
1 Comment - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Victim of head on car crash in Southern California mourned.

Written on January 25, 2010 by in Car Accidents, Crime, Damages, Editorial, News, Personal Injury, Vehicle Passenger Accidents, Wrongful Death

Wrongful Death Victim David Norman ReidFriends, family and students are mourning the loss of a 50-year-old father who was killed Friday in a head-on crash near Steele Canyon High School, where he often volunteered for his kids’ drama productions.

He was identified by the Medical Examiner’s Office Saturday as David Norman Reid, who lived with his wife and family in Spring Valley, California.

Reid was driving a Dodge Caravan east on state Route 94 about a mile west of the school when the driver of a Ford Mustang crossed over the double-yellow line and collided with him head-on, the California Highway Patrol said.

Reid’s 17-year-old son, who was in the passenger seat, suffered serious injuries and underwent surgery Saturday, said the school’s assistant principal, Jeff Kover.

The driver of the Mustang, former student Andrew Bellatti, 18, and his 16-year-old female passenger, a current student, also were injured. They were reportedly released from the hospital Saturday.

It was unknown why Bellatti had crossed into oncoming traffic, but investigators said speed was a factor.

The speedometer on the Mustang was frozen at about 80 mph, said CHP Officer Brian Pennings. He said there was no indication that Bellatti had been racing, or that drugs or alcohol were a factor in the accident.

The road was wet, but it was not raining at the time, he said.

Reid’s son followed in his older sister’s footsteps by joining the charter high school’s drama club, and their parents became well-known volunteers over the past several years.

Reid did everything from building sets and chaperoning to serving at concession stands during plays.
“He’s easily one of the nicest guys you could meet. He always had a good joke or story,” Kover said. “He was there any time we had an event going on, a production or a show. They were always helping out.”

High school records show that Bellatti, who graduated last year, was a pitcher and first-baseman on Steele Canyon’s baseball team. He signed with the Tampa Bay Rays after turning down a scholarship offer to Cal State Fullerton.

Last summer, Bellatti pitched for Tampa Bay’s rookie team in the Gulf Coast League. Professional baseball’s spring training begins next month.

It would appear from the basic facts of this case that the driver of the Mustang was speeding way over the speed limit when he crossed into oncoming traffic and is most probably responsible for the wrongful death of David Norman Reid. We at the California Personal Injury Lawyer Blog send our prayers and condolences to his family.

If you or your family has suffered through the wrongful death of a loved one, you may call our office for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 x. 1.

San Diego Car Accident Lawyer and San Diego Wrongful Death Attorney Website

Share
0 Comments - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Deadly crash Involving an 11 year old driver- Why was he driving?

Written on January 15, 2010 by in Car Accidents, Editorial, News, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, Vehicle Passenger Accidents, Wrongful Death

11 Year Old Jose Silva Dies in Car AccidentThree lives were lost when 11-year-old José Silva ran a stop sign at the intersection of Avenue 152 and Road 168 near Woodville, California.

A truck headed south on Road 168 didn’t have enough time to stop and collided with Silva’s vehicle.

Silva died at the scene along with his mother, Maria Covarrubias, and José’s seven-year old sister Elizabeth Silva.

Both daughter and mother were ejected from the vehicle. Another passenger suffered major injuries. The driver of the truck suffered minor injuries.

“Devastated…I know the mother and her two sons and daughter very well so it’s quite traumatic,” said school superintendent Dr. Donereia Bradley.

Bradley has been close with the family for years.

She says both kids were good in school and never missed a day.

Bradley along with others can’t understand why the boy was driving.

“I would have never thought that would have been the case. I’m stunned. I have no words,” said Bradley. “I was in shock. I was like how did it happen?”

Veronica Rodriguez drove to the family’s home after she heard about the accident.

She says the 30-year-old mother leaves behind a 12-year-old son who stayed home last night.

Why would a mother allow her 11 year old son to drive? Under no circumstances whatsoever should you ever allow an 11 year old to operate a car or truck.

Woodville California Car Accident Attorney

Share
0 Comments - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

California Highway patrol says 12 dead in California traffic accidents

Written on December 27, 2009 by in Bus Accidents, Car Accidents, Hit and Run Accident, Motorcycle Accidents, News, Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, Van Accidents, Vehicle Passenger Accidents, Wrongful Death

SACRAMENTO, California

The California Highway Patrol says 12 people have died in accidents statewide over the Christmas holiday weekend, one more than in 2008.

Of the 10 vehicle occupants who died in the CHP’s jurisdiction between Christmas Eve and noon Saturday, half weren’t wearing seat belts. A motorcycle rider also died, the CHP says. The twelfth victim was handled by local law enforcement officials.

Last year, 11 people died statewide in Christmas holiday accidents.

The highway patrol says drunken driving arrests are up, from 409 in 2008 to 549 this year.

The holiday weekend continues through Sunday night.

California Traffic Accident Attorney Website

Share
0 Comments - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tort Reform is a big Scam; Why Tort Reform will Hurt You and take away more of Your Freedom!

Written on December 20, 2009 by in Bicycle Accidents, Bus Accidents, Car Accidents, Courts, Damages, Dangerous Conditions, Dog Bite, Editorial, Hit and Run Accident, Insurance, Intentional Torts, Medical Malpractice, medical treatment, Motorcycle Accidents, News, Off Road Vehicle Accidents, Off Topic Articles, Other Motor Vehicle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Product Recall, Products Liability, Slip and Fall, Train Accidents, Trip and Fall, Truck Accidents, Van Accidents, Vehicle Passenger Accidents, Workers Compensation, Wrongful Death

Tort Reform is a ScamWhen you hear the term “Tort Reform” realize they what you are really hearing is a call to take away your legal right to get compensation when you are injured due to the negligence of another, to protect big business, the insurance companies, the big pharmaceutical companies, and big medicine; as though they are not rich enough.

You will be the only one getting screwed with tort reform; mark my words.

 I hear a certain political party constantly preaching about tort reform this and tort reform that in a way to demonize personal injury attorneys as the fall guys for excessive costs of medical care, insurance, and everything else you can imagine.

You see they like to blame attorneys for taking on big business, the insurance companies, the big pharmaceutical companies, and big medicine, when they screw up and harm you.

Hell, 99.9% of the time, we are the only way you are going to be compensated when you are harmed due to the negligence of big business, doctors, pharmaceutical companies, or big insurance companies.

You don’t hear members of this political party telling you this do you?

One thing they don’t tell you is that since the 1970’s, there has already been a cap on general damages in medical malpractice cases of $250.000 in the State of California.

This means that if a doctor screws up and let’s say cuts out your only good kidney, or let’s say misdiagnosis an illness like cancer, you only get $250,000 for general damages in the State of California. Does this seem right to you? Hell no!

The laws of the State of California basically protect doctors from their negligence and the laws have done so since the 1970’s. States such as Texas have in the past couple of years, recently enacted their own tort reform laws. My understanding is that in Texas there is a $750.000 cap on general damages.

California is way behind the eight ball in this regard; we can only get $250,000 for general damages. It is time to either remove the cap in California or to increase it to reflect the inflation that has occurred since the 1970’s.

Look if you are the victim of medical malpractice, how much would the pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress be worth to you if let’s say a doctor screws up and cuts off the wrong leg, or even caused the death of a loved one?

Do you want some law to prevent you from recovering from your loss? This is tort reform. It is time to get educated folks and stop believing those talking heads who pocket big bucks from those who would save money with tort reform.

This is the essence of tort reform; it is taking away your legal rights, to protect a class of persons or corporations from the harm that they cause by limiting what you can get from them if they screw up your life.

You will see that one political party preaches about less government, and less regulation and intrusion, and they in the same breath will argue to regulate your legal right to obtain compensation as an individual when you are harmed. Who are they protecting? Big business, big medicine, insurance companies, everyone but you. These people are full of shit.

It does not matter what political party you are from when your life gets turned upside down in a personal injury case does it. In the end we are all the same; when we are sitting on our couch injured and hurting due to the negligence of another, all we want is to get better, to get compensated, and to get our lives back. Tort reform prevents this. This is what pundits do not tell you.

These are the same guys that are saying that providing medical coverage to millions of Americans, and prohibiting insurance companies from denying you coverage for pre-existing coverage is a bad thing. These guys are despicable.

It is time to expose the lies America. Tort reform is against your interest and your freedom as Americans.

This is another way to screw the little guy and protect those who are already making a fortune at your expense!

It is time to become educated folks. I am on the front lines of this fight on a daily basis. Any one of you could be sitting in my office looking for help for your personal injury case; you never know. What you should know is tort reform is bad for you; it is bad for all of us.

By California Personal Injury Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2009

Share
0 Comments - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bad weather in California causing hundreds of Car, Truck and Other Motor Vehicle Accidents; Be Careful.

Written on December 11, 2009 by in Bicycle Accidents, Bus Accidents, Car Accidents, Editorial, Hit and Run Accident, Insurance, Motorcycle Accidents, News, Other Motor Vehicle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Safety Tips, Truck Accidents, Van Accidents, Vehicle Passenger Accidents

California Personal Injury Attorney and Lawyer Norman Gregory FernandezAs all you Californians know, we have had a series of bad storms over the past week. Now this is nothing new to Northern Californians, but Southern Californians are definitely not used to the rain and snow.

There have literally been hundreds of car, truck and other motor vehicle accidents over the past week all over the State of California. Everybody is blaming the bad weather, but in 99% of all cases, the fault is on drivers who were not being careful while driving in the bad weather.

Everyone needs to be careful out there on the roads. I flew in to Los Angeles International Airport last night from San Francisco. Although it was not raining in Los Angeles, the traffic was horrible because of the rain earlier in the day. There were still your ubiquitous assholes on the road, not letting people switch lanes, tailgating, driving recklessly, you name it.

To protect yourself against the bad drivers you need to make sure that you have uninsured motorist coverage and under insured motorist coverage in a decent amount to protect yourself against these bad drivers with bad insurance.

If you are hit, the first thing you need to do is make sure you get a police report, go to the emergency room if you need it, and call me for a free consultation on your car, truck, or any other motor vehicle accident, anywhere in California, at 800-816-1529 x. 1. As all of my clients all over the State of California know; I am an attorney that cares about my clients. I will do what I can to take care of you.

By California Accident Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2009

Share
0 Comments - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

BREAKING NEWS: Man killed crossing Lake Isabella Blvd. identified

Written on December 8, 2009 by in News, Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death

Kern County Fatal Truck v. Pedestrian AccidentThe Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified James T. Kelly, 69, of Lake Isabella, as the person struck by a pickup truck Friday evening about 6:30 p.m., when, according to witnesses, he attempted to cross Lake Isabella Blvd. in his motorized wheelchair.

The incident occurred in the 6100 block of Lake Isabella Blvd., in Lake Isabella, near West America Bank to the east and Shady Lane Saloon to the west. The stretch of roadway is not particularly well lit.

Witnesses said the victim, known to most as “Kelly”, was a disabled veteran frequently seen in the area. First responders administered CPR to Kelly, who was unconscious in the roadway, prior to his being transported by ground ambulance to Kern Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Anyone with information that will assist authorities in locating Kelly’s next of kin is asked to contact the Coroner’s Office at 661-868-0100.

If you or your family have suffered from a pedestrian accident or wrongful death anywhere in the State of California, you may call our law firm a free consultation 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at 800-816-1529 x. 1.

Kern County Pedestrian Accident Attorney and Kern County Wrongful Death Attorney

Share
0 Comments - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Three killed in another accident on Highway 46 North of Bakersfield, California.

Written on October 29, 2009 by in Car Accidents, Damages, News, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, Vehicle Passenger Accidents, Wrongful Death

Highway 46 North of Bakersfield fatal car accident.Three people were killed in a head-on crash Wednesday afternoon on Highway 46 north of Bakersfield. Friday, four people were killed in an accident on the same highway.

The accident happened at about 2:53 p.m. on Highway 46 just east of Wildwood Road. That’s between Wasco and Interstate 5, not far from Wasco State Prison and the Wasco Valley Rose golf course.

California Highway Patrol officer Robert Rodriguez said a small Toyota was attempting to pass another car on the two-lane road. When the driver of the passing car realized he didn’t have enough room, he tried to get back into his lane, but lost control.

The Toyota slammed head-on into a Dodge Ram pickup, Rodriguez said.

All three people in the Toyota were killed instantly, he said. The driver of the pickup was taken to Kern Medical Center with moderate injuries.

On Friday, one car passing two trucks slammed head-on into another car, killing two people in each.

Highway 46 is sometimes known as “Blood Alley” because there have been so many accidents. It is two-lanes in most places between Highway 99 and Paso Robles.

California Wrongful Death Lawyer and Bakersfield Car Accident Attorney Website

Share
0 Comments - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Los Osos California couple dies in car accident in Kern County California

Written on October 28, 2009 by in Car Accidents, Editorial, News, Personal Injury, Vehicle Passenger Accidents, Wrongful Death

Kern County Couple dies in Deadly Los Osos Accident A deadly accident in Kern County claims the lives of two Los Osos, California residents.

The California Highway Patrol said 62-year-old Shirlene Soto and her husband, 84-year-old Walter Elliott, were among the four people who died in a car crash on Highway 46 east of Highway 33 Friday morning.

The CHP said a man driving a Chevy on the eastbound lane tried to pass a tractor trailer, when he collided head-on with the vehicle Soto and Elliott were riding in.

They say Soto and Elliott died on impact. The 25-year-old man driving the Chevy, and his one-year-old passenger were also killed on impact. Another passenger in the Chevy suffered major injuries.

Family members said Soto and Elliott were both former Cal Poly professors. Soto later worked for California State University Northridge, and Elliott worked for Rocketdyne.

A family member released a statement: “They were both extremely cheerful, energetic people who loved life, friends, and family.”

Kern County Wrongful Death Attorney and Car Accident Attorney

Share
0 Comments - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Motorcyclist suffers major injuries in Highway 1 crash in San Luis Obispo

Written on September 6, 2009 by in Damages, Editorial, Insurance, Motorcycle Accidents, News, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Fatal Motorcycle Accident in San Luis Obispo, California

Fatal Motorcycle Accident in San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo – California

A 24-year-old San Luis Obispo man riding a motorcycle was taken to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center this morning with major injuries after colliding with a stopped semi truck on Highway 1, the CHP said.

The man, whose name has not yet been released, was riding northbound in the highway’s fast lane when traffic stopped in front of him to allow a semi truck to make a right turn onto Stenner Creek Rd. around 9:05 a.m., according to CHP Officer Joe Vega.

The semi had to take up both lanes on the highway to safely make the turn, Vega said, and it appears the motorcyclist didn’t see the stopped cars behind it in time to slow.

“He swerved to the right,” Vega said, “squeezed between both lanes in attempt to avoid the stopped cars but then collides into the right rear corner of semi.” Drugs or alcohol don’t appear to be a factor in the accident, he added, and no other injuries were reported.

Investigators haven’t yet determined how fast the motorcyclist was going.

Most people would not realize it, but the motorcycle had the right of way in this instance and the truck driver will most likely be held to be at fault.

In California, a driver is not allowed to make a turn unless the coast is clear, notwithstanding the fact that drivers may have stopped for him. Secondly motorcyclist are allowed to lane split in the State of California, so long as they are not going more than 15-20 miles per hour faster than the flow of traffic.

This is an unfortunate accident.

If you or your family has been the victim of a wrongful death in the State of California, or you have had a motorcycle, car, truck, or other motor vehicle accident, feel free to call my firm for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 ext. 1.

California Wrongful Death Attorney, Car, Truck, Motorcycle Attorney Website

Share
1 Comment - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1 Bicyclist dead, 2 hurt in horrendous crash in the Angeles National Forest

Written on July 13, 2009 by in Bicycle Accidents, Crime, Damages, Drunk Driving, Editorial, News, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death

Southern California Bicycle Accident AttorneyOne local bicyclist was killed and two more injured Saturday when they were hit by an alleged drunken driver on Bouquet Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest, officials said.

“It appears the drunk driver ran into a group of bicyclists that were riding in the canyon,” said Sgt. Brian Allen of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. “Two of them were injured and taken to the hospital, and one additional bicyclist was killed.”

The dead cyclist was identified as Joseph Novotny, 43, of Stevenson Ranch.

California Highway Patrol investigators said Marco Valencia, of Canyon Country, was traveling northbound on Bouquet Canyon Road just south of the Big Oaks Lodge when he came to a sweeping left turn in the canyon roadway.

Valencia’s pickup truck allegedly crossed the double yellow lines, traveling into the southbound traffic lane toward a group of cyclists, including Novotny. Valencia’s truck allegedly struck three of the riders and continued northbound, leaving the scene of the collision, according to a CHP news release. Valencia also allegedly sideswiped a Hyundai; the driver was uninjured.

Sheriff’s deputies and CHP officers located Valencia, 20, in his 2001 Ford F-150 pickup truck further north along Bouquet Canyon Road and south of Elizabeth Lake Road, Allen said.

Novotny was pronounced dead at the scene. Rigoberto Himenez Jr., of Saugus, and George Munana Jr., of Valencia, were transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, according to CHP reports. Two other riders suffered minor injuries.

Valencia, who was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, was arrested and taken to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station to be booked for investigation of several felony charges, including murder, driving while under the influence and/or drugs causing death and hit-and-run causing death, the CHP report said.

He was being held on more than $1 million bail.

Bouquet Canyon Road near the 33000 block – in the Texas Canyon area – was closed about four hours Saturday following the accident, which occured just before 11 a.m.

Jane Skalak, a member of the Santa Clarita Velo cycling group, said she saw the group that included Novotny riding up the canyon as she and others were descending. She said word of the accident spread quickly throughout the cycling group.

“It’s a tragedy,” she said. “As a cyclist, you expect people to respect you and be able to share the road, but the reality is that it doesn’t happen and when somebody’s drunk on a Saturday morning, it’s a tragedy.”

In 2006, Anthony Robert Estrin, an active board member of the Velo cycling group, was hit and killed by a drunken driver on Sierra Highway.

“If I had a dime for every time I thought about what could happen while I’m out riding, I’d be a rich woman. But it’s what we do; we love to ride,” Skalak said.

Maria Gutzeit is a cyclist and advocate with the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition who rides Bouquet Canyon a couple of times a week.

She said cyclists are certainly aware the canyons are twisty and car drivers need to be alert and give cyclists some room.

But the fact that the driver was apparently driving under the influence is “absolutely inexcusable” and “just tragic,” she said.

When one local bicycle shop manager heard about the fatality, he was not surprised.

“It happens a little too often out here,” said Curtis Meadows, service manager at Valley Bikes in Newhall. “I just moved out here two years ago. There are too many erratic drivers out here.”

Meadows said he stopped riding on Bouquet Canyon Road because there are too many drivers who don’t pay attention.

I am utterly appalled at this accident. If this guy was in fact drunk, he should be charged with murder and dealt with accordingly. He has killed an innocent bicycle rider, injured others, and caused grief with family and friends all because we wanted to get drunk and drive.

If you or your family was a victim in this accident or any other accident, you may call me for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 ext. 1

Southern California Bicycle Accident Attorney Website

Share
0 Comments - Leave a comment!
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
« Older Posts