A woman was injured in a San Diego car accident after her pickup truck was T-boned at an intersection. According to a 10News report, the crash occurred at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Federal Boulevard in San Diego, the early morning of February 2, 2012. Officials say a car went through a red light before striking the victim’s pickup. Her vehicle flipped on its side and a Good Samaritan had to help her get out of it. She sustained neck and arm injuries, which are believed to be non-life-threatening. The driver and passenger in the other car were not hurt. The report states that the driver of car will not be cited because no one witnessed the infraction.

My thoughts and prayers are with the woman injured in this San Diego intersection accident. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I also commend the selfless actions of the Good Samaritan who came to the victim's aid.

San Diego Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 71 fatalities and 5,819 injuries occurred as a result of car accidents in the city of San Diego. Countywide, 217 people were killed and 12,998 were injured as a result of car accidents, during the same year.

Possible Red Light Violation

Based on this news report, the driver of the car ran through a red light. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown." However, police have not cited the driver because they could not find any witnesses to the alleged red light violation.

Liability Issues

In such cases, it is important for victims to remember that a driver does not have to be cited or arrested by the authorities to be found civilly liable for the crash. In a personal injury lawsuit, victims must only prove that the other driver’s negligence contributed to the car accident and the resulting injuries.

Victims of injury accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will help them determine liability for the accident and secure just compensation. In cases involving negligence, such as running through a red light, the at-fault driver can be held liable for medical bills, time away from work, and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Woman Injured in San Diego Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A 17-year-old girl was injured in a San Joaquin County car accident, when a car struck her as she crossed the street, the morning of January 30, 2012. According to a News 10 report, the pedestrian accident occurred on East Washington Street near Franklin High School in Stockton. Officials say the girl was in a crosswalk when a car hit and dragged her. She has been listed in critical condition and doctors are attempting to relieve swelling in her brain. The 17-year-old male driver, who was behind the wheel, left the scene. But he turned himself in to authorities that night.

My heart goes out to the teenager injured in this terrible hit-and-run car accident. I wish this victim the very best for a complete and speedy recovery. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Stockton pedestrian accidents claimed two lives and injured 122 people. During that same year, there were nine fatalities and 189 injuries reported involving San Joaquin County pedestrian accidents.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Based on this news report, the victim was in a crosswalk at the time of the accident. California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection."

Additionally, the young driver fled the scene of an injury accident, which is a felony crime in California. 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." Not only is it illegal, but also leaving someone injured and lying on the roadway is an unconscionable act. I’m relieved to hear that the young man in this case did the right thing by turning himself in to the authorities and decided to take responsibility for his actions.

Liability Issues

Victims of hit-and-run accidents would be well advised to contact a skilledCalifornia personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition 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 claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Teenager Injured in Stockton Hit-and-Run Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Two people – identified as John Bushwalter, 67, and Marie Alessandro, 86 – were killed in a San Bernardino car accident, the morning of January 31, 2012. According to a news report in The San Bernardino County Sun, the fatal car accident occurred on the 15 Freeway in Victorville when Alessandro drove her Toyota Corolla north in the southbound lanes near the Bear Valley Road off-ramp. Her vehicle struck a 1993 Cadillac El Dorado driven by Bushwalter head-on.

Tragic Fatality

The impact pushed the El Dorado into another lane where it collided with a Toyota Sienna driven by a 68-year-old man from Memphis, Tennessee. Bushwalter was extricated from his vehicle, but died at the scene. Alessandro was airlifted to an area hospital where she also succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the Sienna was uninjured. California Highway Patrol officials are looking into what caused Alessandro to drive the wrong way on the freeway.

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

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 16 fatalities and 261 injuries involving Victorville 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.

Causes and Compensation Issues

Based on this news report, the driver of the Corolla, Alessandro, was driving the wrong way on the freeway. Officials do not believe that alcohol or drugs were involved. However, several questions remain regarding why Alessandro drove the wrong way. Was she disoriented? Did she have an illness or health condition? Did Alessandro have a valid driver's license? I trust these are some of the issues investigators are looking into at this time.

In such cases the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation from the at-fault party for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and loss of companionship. If the at-fault party is deceased compensation may be available for victims' families through the at-fault driver's estate or liability insurance. 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.

Victorville Car Accident Kills Two is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Have you ever been bitten by a dog?  Most of us have had some type of encounter with a furry friend, and in most cases these bites, or “nips” as people call them, are either friendly play gone awry or an accident which results in no real damage. Other dog bite injuries can be severe.

However, thousands of people each year end up in emergency rooms with “real” dog bites, injuries that are not sustained in “fun” or “play” but are the result of an aggressive animal which has not been properly trained by its owners.  The Center for Disease Control estimates that that there were 4.5 million dog bite victims in 2007, and at least 800,000 of those required medical or emergency room attention.

These are staggering numbers when you consider how many dogs there are in the United States whose owners take good, loving care of them and work hard to make sure they are not a nuisance to the public.  Unfortunately, not all dog owners feel that way.  Many dogs are “turned out” when they become a nuisance or begin to cost money, and these animals can become menaces.  Many of them end up being euthanized in animal control shelters.  Other owners are simply unaware of the danger which can be posed by an aggressive dog, and foolishly allow their dog to engage in behaviors which lead to biting.

While dog bites are a sad reality for both dogs and victims, owners can be held accountable for the bad behavior of their animals.  A California dog bite lawyer will represent you against the owner of the dog if you have been bitten and suffered medical injuries, and will help you to collect the money not only for your medical bills but also for your pain and suffering.

How do you choose the best California dog bite lawyer?  In many respects, choosing any type of lawyer involves the same procedure.  You must find a lawyer who specializes in your particular problem.  While there are many good “general practitioners,” the fact is that a specialist, such as a personal injury attorney, is far more likely to have the expert knowledge and skills needed to handle a special case.  You would not go to your GP doctor for surgery; why would you use a general lawyer to handle a personal injury case?

Besides choosing a specialist, you also want to choose a California dog bite lawyer who understands you and works with you well.  It cannot be stressed enough that the working relationship between a client and his or her lawyer is the most important factor in the successful resolution of a case.  If you do not like or trust your lawyer, it will be very difficult for you to make any headway with a settlement.  You must establish a good relationship with your personal injury lawyer so that the two of you can speak honestly about the merits of your case and when you should settle.

Finally, you should choose an attorney with a good reputation in his or her field.  Personal injury lawyers who have a reputation for being “sharks” or for getting maximum judgments are often relying on a few large settlements to build their reputations.  What you need instead is someone who has a good, steady record of fair and equitable settlements or judgments, so that you know that your California dog bite lawyer will devote the same attention to your case as to any other case.

How To Choose a California Dog Bite Lawyer is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A 16-year-old Chula Vista girl and a 49-year-old El Cajon man were injured in a San Diego motorcycle accident when a 2012 Ducati veered out of control and struck their bicycles. According to a news report in U-T San Diego, the bicycle accident occurred on Japatul Valley Road near Hidden Glen Road in Alpine, the morning of January 29, 2012. Officials say the 36-year-old male motorcyclist lost control while making a right turn and slid into the two cyclists. The girl suffered major injuries and the man sustained moderate injuries. The motorcyclist complained of pain but was able to ride away from the crash. It is not clear if he will be cited for the collision.

My thoughts and prayers are with the two bicyclists who were injured in this collision. I wish them the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

San Diego Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 86 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Countywide, there were six fatalities and 525 injuries reported due to bicycle accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, the motorcyclist lost control of his vehicle while making a right turn. What caused his motorcycle to slide into the bike riders? Was the motorcyclist speeding? Was he properly trained and licensed to ride a motorcycle? Was he distracted or otherwise negligent? Did he lose control of the Ducati because of an auto defect or mechanical malfunction? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

If the motorcyclist in this case is determined to have been at fault, then, he can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused to the victims. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who can help them pursue fair compensation for their losses. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to bicycle accident victims and their families.

Two Injured in San Diego Bicycle Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Holly Foor, 42, of Crestline, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after a 1997 Ford Explorer struck her Honda Civic. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the fatal car accident occurred between upper and lower Old Waterman Canyon Road exits on Highway 18, the night of January 27, 2012. Officials say the southbound Explorer crossed the double yellow lines and hit Foor’s Honda head-on. She was transported to a nearby medical center shortly after the collision. It is not clear why the collision occurred or if the driver of the SUV will be cited for the fatal crash.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of Holly Foor following this tragic car crash. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

San Bernardino Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 83 people were killed and 1,704 were injured as a result of car accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Countywide, car accidents claimed 223 lives and injured 7,870 people, during the same year.

Head-On Collisions

Based on this news report, the driver of the Ford Explorer crossed double yellow lines and traveled into oncoming traffic. Investigators will have to determine why the driver let the SUV enter into opposing lanes of traffic. 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." I trust officials are looking into whether impairment, driver distraction, inattention or some other form of negligence caused this fatal crash.

Liability Issues

If the driver of the Ford SUV is determined to have been at fault, then, he or she can be held liable for Foor's wrongful death. In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, the at-fault driver can be held liable for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future wages, lost benefits, loss of companionship, and other related damages suffered by surviving family members. Families of deceased victims in such cases 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.

Woman Killed in San Bernardino County Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Andrea T. Cerda, 9, and Alan D. Cerda, 18, were killed in an Imperial County car accident, which officials say, involved a drunk driver. According to a news report in The Imperial Valley Press, the fatal DUI collision occurred on Fredericks Road at State Route 86 north of Brawley the afternoon of January 21, 2012. Officials say Anthony J. Aubry, 22, was driving an Acura west on Fredericks Road when he failed to yield the right of way to a Honda that was southbound on State Route 86. The Accord rolled over and Andrea T. Cerda and Alan D. Cerda were fatally injured. The driver of the Accord, Manuel A. Cerda, 25, suffered major injuries including a fractured skull, neck, back, hip and arm. Aubry was treated and then arrested on suspicion of causing serious and fatal injuries while driving under the influence of alcohol.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Andrea T. Cerda and Alan D. Cerda following this tragic car accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with Manuel Cerda who has been severely injured. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Imperial County DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), seven people were killed and 38 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of Imperial County. Countywide, seven fatalities and 50 injuries were reported due to alcohol-related crashes during the same year.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, Aubry not only failed to yield the right of way to the Honda Accord at the intersection, but was also driving under the influence of alcohol. According to California Vehicle Code section 21800 (a): "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway."

Additionally, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under California law. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."

Liability Issues

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. DUI drivers, in addition to facing criminal charges, can also be held civilly liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. 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.

Two Killed in Imperial County DUI Collision is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Five people were injured, three of them seriously, in a Bakersfield car accident, which officials say involved a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Californian, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of White Lane and Akers Road, the morning of January 22, 2012. Officials say a green Saturn coupe driven by a 34-year-old driver was eastbound on White Lane when it failed to stop for a red light. The Saturn broadsided a Pontiac G6. Three people in the Pontiac sustained major injuries, while two occupants in the Saturn suffered moderate injuries. The driver of the Saturn is believed to have been driving under the influence of alcohol.

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

Bakersfield DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 12 fatalities and 163 injuries involving alcohol-related crashes in Bakersfield. In Kern County as a whole, DUI collisions during the same year claimed the lives of 61 people and injured 450.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, the driver of the Saturn was not only under the influence, but also ran a red light at the intersection. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."
It is a serious traffic violation to run a red light. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown."

Victims' Claim for Compensation

In such cases, where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, injured victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. Car accident victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. A knowledgeable accident attorney will also be able to explain how the victims' auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. 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.

DUI Collision in Bakersfield Causes Major Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A 35-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman were killed in a San Francisco area car accident when the Chevrolet Monte Carlo they were in ran a red light and struck a Dodge Durango. According to a news report in The San Francisco Chronicle, the fatal car accident occurred at the intersection of Fremont Boulevard and Delaware Street in Fremont, the afternoon of January 23, 2012. Officials say the Chevy driver made a number of quick turns in an attempt to avoid police, shortly before running through a red light and hitting the Dodge, which in turn struck a Ford F-150 pickup. The Chevrolet continued after the collision and came to rest in a flood control canal.

The man and woman killed in the crash were in the Chevrolet. It is not clear if either was the driver. Two other people in the car, a 30-year-old man and woman were hospitalized with injuries as well. The driver of the Dodge, a 42-year-old Fremont man sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The driver and passenger in the Ford were not hurt.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the two people killed in this tragic Alameda County car accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with the many injured victims of this collision.

Alameda Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), seven people were killed and 710 were injured in Fremont car accidents. In Alameda County as a whole, there were 62 fatalities and 6,337 injuries reported due to car accidents, during that same year.

What Caused This Intersection Accident?

This news report raises many questions. Why did the driver attempt to avoid the traffic stop in the first place? Was the driver under the influence of alcohol or violating the law in any way? Based on this news report, the driver of the Chevrolet did run through a red light right before he crashed.

California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown."

Liability Issues

In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, the at-fault driver can be held responsible for the medical bills, lost future wages, loss of companionship, and other related damages. Victims' families and injured victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

Police Pursuit Culminates in Fatal Fremont Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

As Arizona personal injury attorneys, we weren't surprised to learn about the results of a recent poll that showed that most drivers admit to driving while distracted.  We see a lot of car accidents caused by these types of drivers. According to the Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll, which was included in a news report from Fox 10, a whopping 86 percent of adults admit to eating while driving and 37 percent admit to texting. We want to strongly discourage people from engaging in distractions while driving…it’s just too dangerous.

Distracted Driving Findings

The poll also showed that motorists involved themselves in many other distracting things as well, which can cause car accidents. These include the following:

• Reading a map without pulling over
• Combing and styling hair
• Applying makeup
• Surfing the Internet
• Watching videos

Interestingly, the poll also showed that the very same drivers believe that driving while distracted is dangerous.

Car Accident Statistics

There were 106,177 Arizona car accidents in 2010, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The most common type of car accident was the rear-end collision. The most common driver violation was that the speed was too fast for conditions. One person was killed in Arizona car accidents in 2010 every 11.50 hours. The majority of car accidents happened in broad daylight. Single vehicle crashes accounted for more than 17 percent of all car accidents and more than 41 percent of all fatal car accidents.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

As personal injury lawyers in Phoenix, we know these statistics are scary. If you or a loved one is injured by a distracted driver, contact an attorney immediately so they can begin investigating the case. A skilled lawyer will talk to witnesses, review police reports, and even find surveillance cameras that may have footage of the driver who was responsible for the car accident.

This guest blog post is provided by The Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., a firm that has obtained large personal injury settlements for its clients.

Most Drivers Admit to Driving Distracted is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal