Stephanie Gonzalez, 23, was severely injured in a Ventura car accident after her motorcycle was hit by a pickup truck. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, the motorcycle accident occurred on Thompson Boulevard near Jordan Avenue in Ventura on February 6, 2012. Officials say Douglas Paulin, 57, failed to see the motorcycle when turning from Jordan onto Thompson. Gonzalez was thrown to the sidewalk after the collision. She suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby medical center. The report does not mention if Paulin will be cited here.

My thoughts and prayers are with Stephanie Gonzalez following this horrific motorcycle accident. I wish her the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but 30 injuries reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in the city of Ventura. Countywide, there were 13 fatalities and 192 injuries reported due to motorcycle accidents, during the same year.

Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way

Based on this news report, the pickup truck driver failed to see the motorcycle before making a turn. 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." I trust investigators are looking into why the motorist did not see the motorcycle. Was he distracted? Was he driving fatigued? Was he speeding or driving recklessly? Was he impaired or inattentive at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this incident?

Liability Issues

If the driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, then, he can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. The injured motorcyclist can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Ventura personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Woman Injured in Ventura Motorcycle Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Actor Ryan O’Neal’s son, Griffin O’Neal, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for driving under the influence and injuring another motorist in a San Diego car accident. The crash, which occurred in August 2011 in San Pasqual, injured 45-year-old Sergio Reveles, a restaurant owner and father of two, who testified in the sentencing hearing that his life has been forever changed because of the injuries he sustained in this crash. O’Neal had amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana and Xanax in his system, according to toxicology test reports. O’Neal, 47, pleaded guilty in November to two felony charges – driving under the influence and possession of a firearm by a felon.

He had a previous strike on his record for shooting into an unoccupied vehicle in Los Angeles in 1992. O’Neal had checked himself into a residential rehabilitation facility after he was arrested on New Year’s Eve on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery. The incident, according to his wife, happened when she tried to stop O’Neal from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after he had become intoxicated.

San Diego DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 27 fatalities and 748 injuries involving DUI collisions in San Diego. Countywide, alcohol- and drug-related crashes claimed 103 lives and injured 1,754 people, during the same year.

The Suffering of DUI Victims

O’Neal apparently apologized to Reveles at the sentencing hearing saying that he never intended to hurt anyone. But, Reveles told the judge the crash had affected his attitude to life, his family and his business although he is thankful to be alive. Reveles said he now cannot do the things he was able to do before and is not the father he used to be to his children.

Making the Right Choice

This high-profile DUI crash, which involved a celebrity’s son, is just another example of how devastating one person’s poor judgment and addiction issues can tragically change the lives of innocent victims of drunk driving and their families. This is no doubt a free country. You can choose to drink or even do drugs. That choice affects you and it may affect your family. But the minute you get in a vehicle when you are drunk or high, you are putting innocent people and their families in harm’s way. Driving under the influence is not an accident, but a choice. 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.

Griffin O’Neal Gets Prison for DUI Collision is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Two people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say involved a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Cerritos Patch, the injury collision occurred the evening of February 2, 2012. Officials say, the collision between a pickup truck and a Chevy Suburban occurred on Artesia Boulevard between Bloomfield Avenue and Norwalk Boulevard. A man in a pickup was westbound on Artesia Boulevard when a woman drove her Suburban the wrong way and slammed head-on into the pickup truck. The 77-year-old male driver of the pickup truck suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The woman was also injured. Officials suspect she was under the influence at the time. Blood test results are pending.

My heart goes out to the injured victim of this car accident. I wish him the very best for a quick and full recovery.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 27 were injured as a result of Cerritos DUI collisions. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 204 people died and 4,672 were injured as a result of alcohol-related crashes, during the same year.

California DUI Laws

Based on this news report, the driver of the Suburban was under the influence when she drove the wrong way and hit the pickup truck. 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." Under the same section, it is also illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.

Liability Issues

Victims of DUI drivers can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related expenses. In such cases, victims would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families. 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.

Suspected DUI Collision in Los Angeles Causes Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

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

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