Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Doctors Say ATVs are Causing Serious Injuries to Children

Janice — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:48:41 +0000

All-terrain vehicles are causing catastrophic injuries to children and teenagers in the United States, a new study has found. According to an in-depth study conducted by the Campbell Clinic-LeBonheur Medical Center in Memphis, 28 percent of all ATV-related injuries in 2008 involved children younger than 16. There were an estimated 135,000 injuries for ATV riders of all ages. A majority of these ATV injuries were caused by the vehicle tipping or overturning. Many were also caused by improper use.

Injuries on the Rise

Consumeraffairs.com reports that ATVs have gained in popularity especially in states such as California where the weather is excellent year-round. What many fail to remember, however, is that ATVs are not toys. On the contrary, these are high-velocity machines that can weigh between 300 and 600 pounds and run on average between 25 and 60 mph. Some of these ATVs even reach speeds of 75 to 100 mph.

The Memphis clinic apparently treated 4,483 children in the United States who were injured in ATV accidents over several years. Of those children, 7.4 percent had spinal cord injuries. Also, 76 percent of the patients were male. Their average age was about 13 years. Doctors also noticed that there was a greater incidence of injuries when the ATVs could carry multiple riders.

Products Liability Issues

Yamaha Rhinos, the utility terrain vehicles that caused numerous injuries with their defective design, also featured high on this hospital's list of high-risk vehicles. Doctors say that the Rhino vehicles with well-known product defects posed a greater risk of limb amputation. Many victims who rode in these vehicles that can carry several passengers also suffered more broken bones compared with other single-rider ATVs.

Doctors are recommending that the government require a mandatory safety training session before these vehicles can be operated. It is important not only for young riders to get an education here, but also their parents. It is extremely important that parents realize that these are not vehicles anyone can drive. If your child does not have a driver's license and appropriate training to ride an ATV please do not allow him or her to ride one. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer to get more information about your legal rights and options.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

Doctors Say ATVs are Causing Serious Injuries to Children is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Los Angeles Car Accident Kills Pedestrian

Bob — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:38:25 +0000

A 19-year-old man was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a vehicle in Hacienda Heights. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the accident occurred the night of March 7, 2010, near the intersection of Gale Avenue and Angelcrest Drive. The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital where he died. California Highway Patrol officials are investigating the fatal injury accident. Officials say the pedestrian may have been jaywalking at the time of the collision.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this young man for their tragic, untimely and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were 35 fatalities and 295 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 214 deaths and 4,985 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Car Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not exactly clear where the pedestrian was walking at the time of the car accident. There are reports that he was jaywalking, but there has been no confirmation that the pedestrian was at fault. It appears the pedestrian was crossing at an intersection. Was there a crosswalk there? Was the pedestrian in a crosswalk?

Laws and Liability Issues

California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.” The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk “shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.”

Pedestrians also have a responsibility to walk only in designated areas and yield right-of-way to oncoming vehicles. I trust officials are looking into who failed to yield right-of-way here – the pedestrian or the driver. If there was a dangerous condition on this roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable as well. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Los Angeles Car Accident Kills Pedestrian is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Man Killed in Los Angeles Motorcycle Crash

Bob — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:15:24 +0000

Martin E. Simon, 47, was killed in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident the morning of March 7, 2010 after he lost control of his bike while traveling on a Newhall roadway. According to a news report in The Signal, Simon was northbound on Bouquet Canyon Road on a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle when he lost control and fell in the southbound lane along with his motorcycle. Another driver, 46-year-old Douglas Ross, who was heading south in a 1998 Nissan Sentra tried to avoid Simon but couldn't, and ran over his legs. Simon was removed from under the Sentra. His injuries proved to be fatal. Ross was not injured.

My heart goes out to Simon's family and friends for their tragic and untimely loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were five fatalities and 44 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Santa Clarita. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 114 people died and 2,934 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents in 2008. Also, countywide, 667 deaths and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear what caused this fatal motorcycle crash. The report does not state Simon was traveling at a high rate of speed or driving recklessly at the time. Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the motorcycle which caused the crash? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway or debris on the roadway, which caused Simon to lose control of the motorcycle? I trust officials are looking into exactly what led to this tragic accident.

In such cases, families of victims may be well-advised to contact a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases. If an auto product defect is suspected, the vehicle must be preserved carefully in its current, damaged condition, unaltered, so it can be carefully examined by an expert for evidence of product defects or malfunctions. If this accident was caused by a dangerous or defective roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any such claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Man Killed in Los Angeles Motorcycle Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

San Francisco Area Car Accident Injures Pedestrians

Bob — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:15:30 +0000

Two pedestrians were injured in a San Francisco car accident after they were hit by a car while walking down a road in San Martin. The Morgan Hill Times reports that the injury accident happened the evening of March 4, 2010 on Harding Avenue. A Toyota Camry, which was traveling north struck two pedestrians who were also walking in the same direction. A woman suffered cuts and abrasions while a man sustained broken bones cuts and lacerations. Both victims were transported to area hospitals. A dog, belonging to one of the pedestrians, suffered minor injuries as well.

Car Accident Causes

Apparently, the driver of the Camry remained at the scene. Officials say the driver was not impaired. However, they are still looking into what may have caused the accident. Officials say the driver may not have been paying attention to the roadway at the time. But it is not clear in what way the driver was distracted.

I sympathize with the two individuals who were injured in this accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. They will be in my prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There were no fatalities, but five injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Morgan Hill, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Santa Clara County as a whole, 22 deaths and 466 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

Victims' Claims for Compensation

If the details of this news report are accurate, officials believe that this accident may have been caused by the Camry driver's inattention. The news report also states that this happened on a dark roadway, which was not properly lit. That could have in some way contributed to the Camry driver failing to see the pedestrians on the roadway.

In such cases, the injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer who will examine all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. If there was a dangerous condition on this roadway, which caused or contributed to this accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Any such claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within six months of the accident or injury.

San Francisco Area Car Accident Injures Pedestrians is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

"The Best of Los Angeles Law": BISNAR | CHASE

admin — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:11:57 +0000

Newsweek recently featured the Los Angeles personal injury law firm BISNAR | CHASE in their "The Best of Los Angeles Law." The article was written to draw attention to the law firms in the Los Angeles area that specialize in certain areas of litigation like personal injuries and wrongful death due to accident, defective products liability and negligence.

The feature was part of a larger December of 2009/January of 2010 Newsweek issue which dedicated its subject to "people who matter most." According to the magazine, in-depth Q&A were conducted with prominent figures from Hillary and Bill Clinton to Henry Kissinger, Bill Maher to Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com. The "Best of Los Angeles Law" section allowed John Bisnar and Brian Chase, partners of BISNAR | CHASE, to talk about their legal achievements and innovative approaches to helping personal injury victims.

Newsweek asked BISNAR | CHASE to be a part of the "Best of Los Angeles Law" issue because of their reputation as a leading personal injury law firm. It was a timely request as both John and Brian have both been acknowledged for their accomplishments by being chosen as 2010 Southern California Super Lawyers by Orange Coast Magazine. It was John's third consecutive appointment and Brian's fourth consecutive appointment.

Yet the recognition BISNAR | CHASE has received does not begin there; in 2009, Avvo.com, an online attorney rating service, gave John a "perfect 10" and "superb" ratings for his background, experience, successful track record, reputation with clients and peers, and professional accomplishments within the realm of personal injury law. Brian also is AV rated with a "Preeminent 5 outo f 5" by Martindale-Hubbell and "Superb 10 out of 10" by Avvo, the highest rating possible. He was 2004 Trial Lawyer of the Year by Orange County Trial Lawyers Association in the area of defective products and was named as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the American Trial Lawyers Association in 2007.

Brian and John represent catastrophically injured accident victims, or the families of victims, of serious injury accidents involving defective products and negligence. BISNAR | CHASE has won numerous tough personal injury and defective product cases and is composed of experts who are phenomenal at fighting and winning cases against negligent insurance companies, governmental agencies and Fortune 500 corporations.

"Being entrusted with clients' legal rights and economic futures is a serious responsibility the success of which is measured by how many clients we help and how well we help them," said John Bisnar, founder of BISNAR | CHASE. "We very much appreciated the opportunity to be able to communicate our dedication to personal injury victims, our expertise in personal injury law and the successes our firm has achieved through Newsweek, one of the most respected news publications in the U.S. and abroad."

For more information please see Newsweek Features BISNAR | CHASE in "The Best of Los Angeles Law". Stay current with BISNAR | CHASE press releases .

"The Best of Los Angeles Law": BISNAR | CHASE is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Orange County Car Accident Injures Pedestrian

Bob — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:06:21 +0000

A woman sustained injuries in an Orange County car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while she was crossing a Fullerton street. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the woman was crossing Yorba Linda Boulevard the morning of March 5, 2010 at the northbound 57 off-ramp, when a Ford Edge struck her. She was hospitalized with injuries, but they were not life-threatening. The driver was not cited or arrested pending an investigation.

I hope the woman's injuries were not serious. I wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 45 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Fullerton. In Orange County as a whole, 31 deaths and 735 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not entirely clear how or why this pedestrian accident occurred. There are several questions here that need to be answered. Where was the woman crossing the street at the time? Did she have the light? Was she in a crosswalk? Was the driver of the vehicle impaired, distracted, or negligent in any other way at the time of the collision?

Laws and Liability Issues

If this accident is determined to have been the driver's fault, then he or she could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to this accident, then the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.

Orange County Car Accident Injures Pedestrian is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Orange County Car Accident Injures Driver

Janice — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:22:59 +0000

A man sustained serious injuries in an Orange County car accident after he lost control of his Ford Ranger pickup truck and crashed. The Orange County Register reports that the crash occurred the morning of March 3, 2010. The blue Ford Ranger apparently struck a light pole near the street intersection of Orangewood Avenue and Los Alamitos Boulevard, in Los Alamitos, and caught fire. Fire officials said no major injuries were reported. However, the victim's mother who commented on the newspaper's Web site says that her son was transported by ambulance to a trauma center.

I hope and pray that the driver has not sustained catastrophic injuries. He will be in my prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), in 2008, there were two fatalities and 72 injuries involving car accidents in Los Alamitos. In Orange County as a whole, car accidents claimed 152 lives and injured 13,414 people during the same year.

How Did This Accident Occur?

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why the driver lost control of the Ford Ranger. Was there a vehicle defect or a mechanical malfunction in the Ranger that caused him to lose control? Was speed a factor in this crash? Were other vehicles involved in the accident? For example, was the Ranger clipped by another vehicle or was the pickup run off the roadway by another vehicle? Was there a dangerous or defective condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this injury accident? These are issues that need to be examined in order to determine what exactly happened here.

Defective Product Issues

If an auto product defect was involved in this case, then the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product can be held liable. In such cases, it would be vital to preserve the vehicle in its current, crashed condition - unaltered, so it can be carefully examined by an expert for vehicle defects, malfunctions or other evidence. Experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who have successfully handled auto product liability cases will be able to guide injured victims and their families through what can be a complex legal process.

Orange County Car Accident Injures Driver is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

San Francisco Bay Area Car Accident Injures Teenager

Janice — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:06:38 +0000

A teenager was critically injured in a San Francisco car accident the night of February 27, 2010 after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing a road in Fairfield. According to a CBS news report, the teenager was crossing Sunset Avenue just south of East Travis Boulevard. Apparently, he and a friend had been walking along the railroad tracks just before they decided to cross the street.

One of the boys was hit by a vehicle driven by a 22-year-old Sacramento resident. He was transported to an area hospital in extremely critical condition. Police said physical evidence and eyewitness statements show that speed or alcohol was not a factor in the collision. Officials also said that the boy and his friend were wearing dark clothes at the time. If you saw this accident or have any information, please call the Fairfield Police Department at 707-428-7524.

I hope and pray that this boy did not sustain catastrophic injuries as a result of this collision. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this young victim in your prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but 32 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Fairfield, California. In Solano County as a whole, four deaths and 106 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly where the boys were crossing the roadway. Were they in a crosswalk or at an intersection? Were they simply darting across traffic lanes? Was the driver of the vehicle distracted or negligent in any way? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway such as obstructions of lack of sufficient lighting that may have prevented the driver from seeing the boys crossing the road?

In such cases, if the motorist caused the accident, he or she could be held liable for injuries sustained by the victim. The victim (or his family) in such cases, can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, therapy or even long-term care. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused the accident, then the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable as well.

According to California Governmental Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. The best San Francisco personal injury lawyers will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

San Francisco Bay Area Car Accident Injures Teenager is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Elderly Bicyclist Critically Injured in Los Angeles Car Accident

Bob — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:01:07 +0000

An 86-year-old bicyclist sustained severe injuries in a Los Angeles car accident the afternoon of March 1, 2010 in Torrance. The Daily Breeze reports that the bicyclist was hit in the 2900 block of Sepulveda Boulevard, near Maple Avenue. He was apparently riding his bicycle north across the street and was not in a crosswalk when an eastbound car hit him. The bicyclist was transported to an area hospital and is said to be in critical condition.

I hope and pray that this elderly man makes it through his serious injuries and makes a complete recovery. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 47 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Torrance. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 33 deaths and 3,315 injuries were reported in 2008 as a result of bicycle accidents. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 667 lives and injured 52,229 people during the same year.

Fault and Liability

Based on this news report, it appears that the bicyclist may have been at fault. If the details of this news report are accurate, the bicyclist rode across lanes of traffic when he was hit. However, if I were a member of the victim's family, I would want to find out whether the driver of the vehicle was impaired, distracted, speeding or driving recklessly at the time of the collision.

Under California law, bicyclists are subject to the same rights and responsibilities as the driver of any other vehicle on the roadway. California Vehicle Code Section 21200(a) states: "Every person riding a bicycle has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division."

If there is any reason to believe that this accident was caused by a dangerous condition on the roadway, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, in such cases, will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Elderly Bicyclist Critically Injured in Los Angeles Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Fatal Ventura Car Accident

Janice — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:09:41 +0000

Raymundo C. Vasquez, 36, was killed in a Ventura car accident the morning of February 27, 2010 after he lost control of his SUV, which crashed and was then struck by a train. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, the fatal car accident occurred on Highway 101, near Santa Barbara Avenue, when the SUV drifted to the right shoulder of the rain-slicked highway. Vasquez attempted to overcorrect before veering back and hitting a curb. The SUV then rolled over, went down an embankment and came to rest on train tracks. Moments later, it was hit by an Amtrak train, whose operator could not stop in time to avoid a collision. Vasquez died at the scene, but a passenger was able to escape uninjured.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Raymundo Vasquez for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. It's indeed fortunate that his passenger survived this horrific crash. I hope he was not injured, as the article states. Please keep Vasquez's grieving family members in your prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, there were 21 fatalities and 632 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 63 lives and caused 3,785 injuries during the same year.

Car Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not clear what caused this fatal car accident. Why did Vasquez initially lose control of the SUV? The article does not state that he was impaired, distracted or fatigued at the time. Was there a vehicle defect in the SUV that caused it to go out of control? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which caused the vehicle to drift away? Was speed a factor in this accident? Were any other vehicles involved in this accident? I trust investigators are looking into these and other factors in trying to determine exactly what happened here.

Auto Product Liability Issues

Victims' families in such cases, would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto product liability cases relating to SUVs. If an auto product defect or design defect is suspected in this case, the SUV must be preserved in its current condition so it can be carefully examined by an expert for malfunctions, vehicle defects and other evidence. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families.

Fatal Ventura Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal