A 17-year-old girl who was injured in a bicycle accident early morning on August 25, 2010 has been identified by authorities as Harley McDaniel. The Tehachapi News reports that the teenager was riding her bicycle on Highline Road near Water Canyon Road when a car hit her. The driver of the car, Philip Waterstadt, apparently told officials that he was not able to see the girl in time to avoid the collision. Authorities suspect visibility may have been one of the problems that caused this crash. The teen was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

I hope Harley McDaniel has not sustained catastrophic injuries in this crash. I pray that she recovers quickly and completely from her injuries. Please keep this girl in your prayers.

Accident Statistics

There were three fatalities and 130 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Kern County in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, countywide, 103 people died and 3,460 were injured as a result of car accidents in during the same year.

Causes and Compensation Issues

It is not clear from this article what caused the accident. It is also not clear where exactly Harley McDaniel was riding her bike on the roadway. I trust officials are looking into whether the driver was distracted, inattentive or speeding at the time. They have ruled out the involvement of alcohol or drugs.

If the driver is determined to have been at fault for this collision, he could be held liable for the girl's injuries. If a dangerous or defective roadway is determined to have caused this accident, the city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable as well. Please remember that any personal injury claim against a public entity in California must be properly filed within six months of the incident. The best California personal injury lawyerswill always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for bicyclists in your city or neighborhood?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Bicycle Accident Leaves 17-year-old Girl Injured is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Two men were hospitalized with injuries after a San Bernardino car accident on the 10 Freeway. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the two-car collision occurred the morning of August 26, 2010, when a BMW sedan and SUV collided in the eastbound lanes of the freeway near Central Avenue. California Highway Patrol officials said both victims were injured and taken to an area hospital. Neither of the victims suffered life-threatening injuries.

I am relieved to hear that no one sustained critical injuries here. I wish both injured victims the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one death and 230 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Montclair. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 263 people were killed and 8,504 people were injured due to car accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

It is unclear from this report what caused this injury crash. There are several questions here. Where were the vehicles at the time of the crash? Was this a rear-end collision? Was one of the drivers speeding or following two closely? Did impairment, distraction, speed or recklessness play a part in this collision? Did one of the drivers make an unsafe lane change? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine exactly what caused this injury collision.

Liability Issues

If the driver of the BMW is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable. If the other driver was at fault, then he or she could be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and other related damages. In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer who will analyze all facets of an incident and ensure that their legal rights and preserved.

What are some of the biggest challenges faced by injured victims and their families in the aftermath of a car accident?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

San Bernardino Car Accident Injures Two is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Two people were injured in a Ventura car accident, after two pickup trucks crashed on the Highway 101 the afternoon of August 29, 2010. The Ventura County Star reports that the injury collision occurred in the southbound lanes of the freeway. One of the trucks was turning out of La Conchita to head south on the 101, when the collision occurred. One of the trucks rolled over and two people sustained moderate injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the two people injured in this car accident. I wish them both the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 21 fatalities and 632 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. Also, in Ventura County as a whole, 63 people died and 3,785 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Right-of-Way Issues

It is unclear from this initial report who was at fault for this injury collision. It is possible that one of the drivers failed to yield right-of-way to the other while making that turn. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21800: "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."

Liability Issues

I trust officials are also looking into whether either one of these drivers was impaired, distracted, driving recklessly or otherwise negligent at the time. In such cases, the at-fault driver can be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages.

A skilled Ventura personal injury lawyer can also help determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the collision. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

What precautions do you take at street intersections or highway entrances to avoid collisions?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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

A male driver sustained injuries in a Los Angeles car accident the night of August 24, 2010. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the rollover crash occurred on the 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles near the West Gage Avenue off-ramp. The driver was partially ejected and trapped under his overturned car. Officials do not believe that the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. An investigation will be needed to determine what caused the car accident. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the driver following this injury car accident. I wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery. He will be in my prayers.

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 268 fatalities and 25,588 personal injuries were reported as a result of Los Angeles car accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people were killed and 52,229 were injured due to car accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Accident?

It is not clear at this time what caused this rollover accident. Was there a vehicle defect, design defect or mechanical malfunction, which led to the crash? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the accident? Were there any other vehicles involved? Based on this news report, it appears that the driver was partially ejected from the vehicle. It is not clear if he was wearing his seatbelt. I would be interested to find out if his ejection and subsequent injuries were the result of a defective seatbelt.

Liability Issues

In such cases, it is important that the vehicle involved in the crash be preserved in its current, crashed state, unaltered, so it can be thoroughly examined by an expert for vehicle defects, malfunctions, design issues and other evidence. If it is determined that the accident and/or injuries were caused by an auto product defect, then, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product can be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims about their legal rights and options.

A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine if an unsafe condition on the roadway was a factor in the collision. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could 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 accident and injuries.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways in your city or neighborhood?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Rollover Accident in Los Angeles Injures Driver is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Donald Halverstadt, 45, was killed in a Sacramento car accident, after his motorcycle crashed into a pickup truck on the Interstate 80. According to a news report in the Daily Democrat, the fatal crash occurred the night of August 22, 2010 in the eastbound lanes of the freeway near Mace Boulevard. California Highway Patrol officials say Halverstadt suddenly swerved his Harley Davidson out of lanes and struck the rear of a 2002 Toyota Tundra. Halverstadt and his 41-year-old passenger, Dana Marie Halverstadt, were ejected from the motorcycle in the collision. Donald Halverstadt sustained fatal injuries while Dana Marie Halverstadt suffered injuries to her hands, knees and hips. The driver of the Tundra, 64-year-old Ronald Chiles, was not injured in the crash. An investigation is ongoing.

My deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of Donald Halverstadt. My thoughts and prayers are also with Marie Halverstadt. I wish her a complete and quick recovery from her serious injuries.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), in 2008, 17 people were killed and 530 people were injured in Sacramento County motorcycle accidents. Also, countywide, 84 people died and 7,874 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Fatal Crash

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear what caused this tragic crash. Officials say Halverstadt swerved suddenly and crashed into the pickup. But it is not clear what caused him to swerve. Was there some type of mechanical problem or vehicle defect in his Harley that led to this accident? Was there debris on the roadway that he was trying to avoid? Was he cut off by another vehicle? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of injured victims and their families to seek the legal counsel of an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and hold the negligent parties accountable. If the crash was the result of an auto product defect, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product can also be held liable. If debris on the roadway caused the crash, then, the driver who dropped it on the roadway could be held responsible. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims and their families about how their car insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault party cannot be located or if that individual does not have insurance coverage.

In your opinion, what are some of the major hazards motorcyclists face on our roadways?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Sacramento Car Accident Kills Motorcyclist is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A subsidiary of Tyson Foods has recalled nearly 172 tons of deli meat sold at Wal-Mart stores because of food poisoning concerns. According to a news report, the meat may have been tainted by deadly listeria bacteria. The tainted deli meat went into numerous sandwiches sold in Wal-Mart, many of which have already been consumed, officials say. This massive food recall comes in the wake of another huge recall involving half a billion eggs for salmonella contamination. So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the contaminated deli meat.

Symptoms of Listeriosis

Listeriosis is potentially lethal. The most common symptoms of Listeriosis are fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. Symptoms may begin a few days after you have eaten the contaminated food. But it may take as a long as two months before signs and symptoms begin. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, you may experience symptoms such as headache, stiffness, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Listeria infection can have devastating consequences for pregnant women. The baby may die unexpectedly before birth or experience a life-threatening infection within the first few days of birth.

Food Poisoning Statistics

Food-borne illnesses have considerably increased over the last five years. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, each year, 5,000 people die after consuming tainted foods and beverages. It is even more disturbing to note that the number of safety inspections has fallen sharply in recent years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspects fewer than 25 percent of food production facilities each year. It is scary to hear that nearly 75 percent of all food facilities have gone five or more years without an FDA inspection. This number only applies to food producers within the United States. Inspections are even more rare or non-existent when it comes to foreign food producers.

Liability Issues

It is very important that, as consumers, we practice safe eating and food preparation to protect ourselves from these outbreaks. Re-washing your greens, buying organic produce and peeling fruits and vegetables are all simple steps we can take to avoid food poisoning. It is also important that you keep your cooking surfaces and kitchen counters clean to avoid cross contamination.

If you have been sickened as a result of negligence on the part of the food producer, processor, distributor or server, you can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, pain and suffering and other damages and losses. An experienced
California personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options. It would also be a good idea to report your illness to your local health care agency.

Have you ever suffered from food poisoning? What are some steps you take to avoid food-borne illnesses?

Wal-Mart Deli Meats Recalled for Listeria Contamination is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Two people identified as Jesus Heredia Calixto, 18, and Candice Ann Bustamante, 32, were killed, along with another woman, in a Long Beach car accident, which officials say, was caused by street racing. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the fatal accident occurred when a 2003 Ford Mustang and a 1997 Ford Taurus were possibly racing each other on the Long Beach Peninsula just past midnight on August 22, 2010. The two cars struck each other near 55th Place and Ocean Boulevard. The Mustang spun out of control due to the impact of the collision and hit a stone marker.

The Mustang's passengers were ejected. Bustamante, Calixto, the driver, and another female passenger died at the scene. Another 19-year-old man was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. The two occupants of the Taurus, which was determined to have been stolen, were uninjured, but fled the scene of the crash. They were later arrested and several charges are pending against them, officials said.

My heart goes out to the families and friends of the deceased victims in this horrific crash. I also wish the critically injured teen the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these victims and their families in your prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 27 people were killed and 1,881 were injured in Long Beach car accidents. That same year, 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Los Angeles County.

The Law Relating to Street Racing

Racing on a public roadway is not only dangerous, but it is illegal in the state of California. According to California Vehicle Code section 23109 (a): "A person shall not engage in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway. As used in this section, a motor vehicle speed contest includes a motor vehicle race against another vehicle, a clock, or other timing device. For purposes of this section, an event in which the time to cover a prescribed route of more than 20 miles is measured, but where the vehicle does not exceed the speed limits, is not a speed contest." It is also a serious crime to leave the scene of an accident under California Vehicle Code 20001 (a).

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is apparent, the at-fault parties can not only face criminal charges, but can also be held civilly liable for the wrongful deaths and personal injuries caused. Victims or their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Is street racing a common problem in your community? What steps do you think should be taken to eradicate this problem?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Fatal Long Beach Car Accident Possibly Caused by Street Racing is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Gregory Robert Arnold, 18, was killed in a San Francisco car accident when he drove his 1996 Toyota Camry into opposing lanes of traffic and collided with a 2008 Chevy Silverado pickup truck. According to a news report in the Santa Cruz Sentinel, the fatal crash occurred the morning of August 19, 2010 on San Juan Road near San Miguel Canyon Road. Witnesses report that Arnold’s Camry was weaving in the westbound lane of traffic when it crossed over to the eastbound lane. A 16-year-old passenger in the Camry sustained major injuries as did the 24-year-old driver of the Silverado. Officials are looking into what caused the accident.

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I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Gregory Robert Arnold for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I also wish the two seriously injured victims of this crash the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Car accident statistics

Aromas is the only census-designated place in California that straddles two counties – San Benito and Monterey. According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four people died and 240 were injured in car accidents in San Benito County. During the same year, there were 40 fatalities and 1,470 injuries involving car accidents in Monterey County.

What Caused this Fatal Car Crash

Based on this news report, it appears that the teen driver, Arnold, for some reason, was driving erratically at the time of the collision. I trust officials are looking into whether he was under the influence, distracted, speeding or driving recklessly at the time. I trust they are also looking into whether this accident was the result of a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction.

Fault and Liability

If this crash is determined to have been Arnold's fault, then, the injured victims in this case can file a claim against his estate and liability insurance. When victims sustain major injuries, typically, they or their families are faced with a mountain of medical bills and other expenses such as loss of wages and property damage. Victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, long-term care and other related damages. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options in such cases.

What are some steps you take to reduce the likelihood of your teen driver getting into an accident?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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

Two people were injured in an Orange County car accident after one vehicle rear-ended another on the 5 Freeway. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the crash occurred when a Toyota pickup truck hit the back of a Chevy Express Van near State College Boulevard, in Orange, the morning of August 17, 2010. The pickup was equipped with a toolbox that burst open upon collision and paint containers opened and sprayed over the roadway and the victims. The driver of the Toyota pickup and a passenger in the truck were injured and transported to an area hospital.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this freeway crash. I wish the injured victims a speedy and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were nine fatalities and 823 injuries involving car accidents in Orange. In Orange County as a whole 152 people died and 13,414 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Car Accident Laws

It is difficult to tell from this report what caused this accident. Rear-end accidents are often caused by drivers following too close behind another vehicle or by distracted drivers. California Vehicle Code section 21703 states: "The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway." California Vehicle Code section 21704 also states that the driver "shall keep the vehicle he is driving at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear of any other motor vehicle subject to such speed restriction which is preceding it."

Fault and Liability

If the driver of the Toyota pickup truck is determined to have caused this accident, he could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. The injured victim in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages because of inability to work, pain and suffering, property damage and so on. Injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will thoroughly analyze all facets of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. Please remember that in cases where the at-fault party is on-the-job, his employer can also be held liable.

What are some precautions you take on the freeway to avoid following vehicles too closely?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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

A 2-year-old boy died in an Orange County swimming pool accident while under the watch of his grandmother the afternoon of August 18, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the accident occurred when the grandparent was watching several of her grandchildren including two mentally challenged teenagers at a home in the 12500 block of Safford Street in Garden Grove. The teens were playing in a backyard swimming pool enclosed by a wrought iron fence when the 2-year-old was in his own plastic pool outside the gate.

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Police officials believe the teenagers left the gate open when they got out of the pool to go into the house. Officials do not believe the toddler was supervised at the time. Family members took the child out of the pool and tried to resuscitate him, but were unsuccessful. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. An investigation is ongoing.

The Importance of Supervision

This is no doubt a tragic reminder of the possible consequences of leaving children unsupervised around a swimming pool. I offer my deepest condolences to the parents of this child. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

It is extremely important that you do NOT leave your infant, toddler or young children unsupervised - even for a moment. It takes just a few seconds for your children to slip under water. Near-drowning incidents often result in catastrophic injuries including irreversible brain damage. You can never be too careful, too vigilant or too safe. Remember, if a neighbor’s child or a child visiting your house drowns in your swimming pool, you could be held liable for the death of that child.

Liability Issues in Swimming Pool Accidents

These deaths and serious injuries are entirely preventable. There are many measured parents and caregivers can take. Always keep your eyes on the children who are under your case. Have several layers of protection around your pool. If you have a gate, keep it locked at all times.

If your child has been injured, or, if you have lost a child as a result of someone else's negligence, please contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer to get more information about your legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families.

Do you have a swimming pool in your backyard? What steps do you take to protect your children against drowning?

Orange County Fatal Swimming Pool Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal