Even a minor California car accident can have a huge impact on your life. A serious accident can change everything. Injuries or deaths are common in serious car accidents, and this devastation has long-reaching consequences for victims and families.

If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, your earning potential may have changed significantly. You may be faced with tremendous medical bills, and you may have injuries from which you will never fully recover.

Worst of all, you may have lost a loved one to a serious car accident. This loss can never be repaired, and may be compounded by the fact that the victim was the breadwinner in your family, which can impact your whole family’s future. Even if the victim was not your sole means of support, nothing can replace the loss of a family member.

While money will not solve these issues or make the hurt go away, it is only right that if someone has injured you or caused the death of a loved one that the person should make restitution to you and your family. A personal injury lawyer has one mission—to get you the compensation to which you are entitled following a serious car accident.

In California, the law regarding personal injury allows you to file suit against the at-fault driver and his or her insurance company, as well as any other entities which may be liable in the accident. It is often the case that multiple people or organizations can be held liable in a single accident. A personal injury attorney can obtain this information from the accident report and make a professional determination as to how to handle your suit.

California has a statute of limitations, or a time limit in which you must file your personal injury lawsuit in order to have it heard in court. According to the California Code of Civil Procedure, Section 335.1, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury suit. The statute of limitations may be affected by many factors, however, so it is best to talk to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

A large settlement will not ease your grief and pain or bring your loved one back. However, obtaining justice from those who have injured you will help you to get your life back to normal in the shortest time possible. To receive your free consultation from skilled California car accident lawyers please call us today at 1-800-561-4887.

Life After a Serious California Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A 20-year-old Roseville woman was seriously injured in a Placer County car accident when her Honda slid on a fuel spill and crashed into another vehicle. According to a KCRA news report, the truck accident occurred on Roseville Road, between Whyte Avenue and Cirby Way, in Roseville, the morning of November 29, 2011. Officials say the Honda drove over the fuel spill before veering into oncoming traffic where it collided head-on with a box truck. The driver of the car was extricated from her vehicle and transported to the hospital with major injuries. The 47-year-old Sacramento man driving the truck was not injured. It is not clear what the source of the fuel spill was or for how long the spill was on the roadway.

My heart goes out to the woman injured in this horrific car accident. I wish her the very best with a complete and speedy recovery. I sincerely hope she has not suffered catastrophic injuries in this crash.

Placer County Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), six people were killed and 567 were injured due to car accidents in Roseville. During that same year, Placer County car accidents caused 23 fatalities and injured 1,329 people.

Dangerous Roadways

Based on this news report, the Honda veered out of control after it went over a fuel spill on the road. I trust investigators are trying to determine who was responsible for the spill, and how long it had been on the roadway. It is illegal under California law to dump any type of debris on a roadway.

California Vehicle Code Section 23112 (a) states: "No person shall throw or deposit, nor shall the registered owner or the driver, if such owner is not then present in the vehicle, aid or abet in the throwing or depositing upon any highway any bottle, can, garbage, glass, nail, offal, paper, wire, any substance likely to injure or damage traffic using the highway, or any noisome, nauseous, or offensive matter of any kind."

Liability Issues

The individual or the entity responsible for dumping the debris that caused an accident can be held liable for injuries and damages sustained. If the responsible party is not found, the victim can seek compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of his or her auto insurance policy. These types of situations remind us why it is important to purchase uninsured motorist insurance in California. While liability insurance coverage protect other motorists, uninsured motorist coverage ensures that you and your family are compensated in case you are injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, a hit-and-run driver, or, if you are ever involved in a roadway debris accident where the at-fault party cannot be identified. An experienced California personal injury attorney will be able to advise injured victims in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Fuel Spill on Roadway Causes Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Five adult special education students sustained injuries in a school bus accident after the bus in which they were passengers, collided with a tractor in a rural area near Sacramento. According to an Associated Press news report, the injury collision occurred the morning of October 12, 2011 on Hackman Road, close to Dixon.

Officials say the tractor was driving at about 20 mph with its hazard lights on when the school bus driver tried to pass it by crossing a solid yellow line on the left. As the bus driver was passing the tractor, the tractor began to make a left turn. The bus driver ended up hitting the tractor's left tire, which caused the bus to overturn. The bus driver suffered moderate injuries, while the five students were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

My heart goes out to the students who were injured in this crash. I'm relieved that none of them suffered life-threatening or catastrophic injuries. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

School Bus Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 1998 and 2008, 1,564 people have died in accidents involving school transportation vehicles. On an average, 19 school-aged children die in school bus accidents each year in the United States. Totally, 142 people of all ages die in school bus crashes each year. Most of the people who lost their lives in such crashes – about 72 percent – were occupants of other vehicles. Occupants of the school buses themselves accounted for 8 percent of the fatalities.

Possible Unsafe Pass

Based on this news report, the driver of the bus, which was contracted by Dixon Unified School District through Michaels Transportation Service, attempted to pass the tractor in an unsafe manner. California Vehicle Code Section 21751 states: "On a two-lane highway, no vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction."

Fault and Liability

If the bus driver is determined to have been at fault, both, the driver as well as his or her employer, the transportation company, can be held liable for the students' injuries. Bus companies – whether they are public or private carriers – owe the utmost duty of care to their passengers. That means that they are responsible for the safe transport of their passengers. Injured victims or their families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Special Education Students Injured in California School Bus Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Dave Taylor, a Chevron oil field worker, sustained fatal injuries on the job after falling into a sinkhole near Taft. According to a KGET news report, the fatal accident occurred the morning of June 21, 2011. Chevron officials say four workers including Taylor were doing routine work when the ground suddenly opened up and the man fell in. Other employees tried to save him from falling into the 30-foot hole, but were not successful. No other injuries were reported. KGET reports that the sinkhole was filled with smoldering oil. Chevron officials are calling this tragedy "a freak accident" and are saying that they had no prior knowledge that the sinkhole existed.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers who knew and loved Dave Taylor. The report states Taylor was married with children. What a tragedy for his family! They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Oil Field Accidents on the Rise

According to an Associated Press report, at least 598 oil and gas field workers died on the job between 2002 and 2007 nationwide. The statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also show that the number of deaths per year rose by about 70 percent – from 72 victims in 2002 to 125 in 2006. This increase has been attributed to the nation's thirst for energy resources and an increase in drilling activities around the country.

What Caused This Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not clear what caused this tragic workplace fatality. There is no question that working in an oilfield is inherently risky and has the potential for catastrophic injuries. At the same time, there are many safety measures oil companies are required to take. Experts are blaming the high incidence of fatalities and injuries in this industry to a dramatic increase in drilling; an influx of new, inexperienced workers hired to do the work; a high-pressure environment where workplace safety lapses occur commonly; and the rampant use of drug and alcohol among workers.

Protecting Victims' Rights

Industry observers say that workers at these oil fields are often surrounded by heavy machinery that can kill or maim a worker in an instant. About 50 percent of fatal accidents in oil and gas fields occur when workers are struck by some type of equipment. Others fall from catwalks, are crushed by falling loads, burned in explosions or become tangled in chains and cables.

In this particular case, Chevron is brushing aside this tragic death as a "freak accident." The company is saying it had absolutely no knowledge of that sinkhole. If I were a member of Taylor's family, I would want to find out if that was in fact true. How many more oilfield workers are at risk here? Chevron has powerful legal defense teams on its side. Who is protecting the rights of the deceased worker's family?

Not only would this family be entitled to workers compensation benefits, but they may also be able to file a "third-party claim" seeking additional compensation. The deceased worker's family would be well-advised to get an experienced California personal injury lawyer on their side who will fight for their rights and look out for their best interests.

Lost a family member in a California on-the-job accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Taft workplace accident. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE California wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

Chevron Oil Field Worker Killed On the Job is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Following major defective product recalls involving millions of pieces of toxic children's jewelry, California has passed a new law creating a new standard for cadmium in children's items ahead of promised federal action. According to an Associated Press news report, cadmium became a substitute for lead in children's metal jewelry after the U.S. Congress banned the use of lead. The Associated Press' investigation earlier this year showed that Chinese manufacturers started resorting to cadmium, a known carcinogen, to put the shine in children's jewelry.

There was concern -- rightly so -- that young children who suck on or bite cadmium-tainted jewelry could suffer long-term adverse health effects including bone damage and kidney damage. Research has also shown that cadmium poisoning could harm brain development in children.

Cadmium Poisoning is a Serious Safety Issue

Cadmium-tainted jewelry has become an important consumer safety issue, which the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is also investigating. Cadmium is an extremely dangerous metal, which ranks seven on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) priority list of the 275 most hazardous substances in the environment. According to CDC's website, cadmium exposure can cause kidney, lung or bone damage in children. There is no question that cadmium has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries and long-term health problems in children.

New Law to Protect Our Children

Now, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law a bill that will limit cadmium content in jewelry for children under 6. Manufacturers can use no more than three-hundredths of a percent starting in 2010. One of the pieces of jewelry tested by AP during its investigation had 91 percent cadmium content. Other than California, Connecticut, Illinois and Minnesota have also passed similar laws.

I'm glad that California and a few other states have taken the lead in passing this important law. It is something we absolutely need to protect our children from dangerous substances in toys that are imported from abroad. It will be interesting to see how this law is enforced in California and if it is enforced, given the volume of goods, especially toys, that we get from China. This is a matter of great concern, especially with the holidays just around the corner.

Protecting Your Children's Rights

If you believe your child has suffered from cadmium poisoning, please get help from a medical professional right away. Diagnostic and lab tests are absolutely essential to make sure that your child has not suffered long-term damage. If your child has been injured, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will advise you about how to pursue your legal rights.

Seriously injured in a California product defect case? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a defective product related injury. Call 1-800-554-9082. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.

Do you have any cadmium-based jewelry in your home? What are some of the major concerns you have about toy safety?

The law firm that sponsors this blog has agreed to provide a free, confidential consultation to any of our readers who were injured in this or a similar accident. The offer applies to the family of the accident victims as well.

At the time this article was posted, none of the parties mentioned in this article were represented by any of our sponsoring law firms. The source of our information is cited in the article. No independent investigation was conducted unless specifically mentioned in the article. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein; get a comprehensive consultation with a reputable law firm.

New California Law Imposes Limits on Toxic Cadmium in Jewelry is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

When children are involved in car accidents, there is no question that they are a lot safer in a car seat. Child safety seats save lives. According to a new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study, fewer children died in car accidents last year than compared to fatality numbers for 2008. NHTSA's 2009 data still found that motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death last year for children ages 3 to 14. Also in 2009, an average of four children, age14 and younger, were killed and 490 were injured every day, nationwide.

This being Child Passenger Safety Week, the Department of Transportation is encouraging parents and caregivers to have their child safety seats checked at one of thousands of safety seat inspection stations across the country. September 25, 2010 is National Seat Check Saturday when all parents and caregivers are urged to make sure that they have installed their safety seats properly.

The Importance of Booster Seats

Safety officials are saying that children who "graduate" too soon from their safety seats are prone to catastrophic injuries or even death. The recent NHTSA study about use of booster seats found that only 41 percent -- less than half -- of 4- to 7-year-old children ride in booster seats. Restraint use for children ages 1 to 3 increased from 92 percent in 2008 to 96 percent in 2009. That number remained unchanged for all children under age 13 at 89 percent. The study also shows that staying in a booster seat rather than switching to adult seatbelts for children 4 to 8 resulted in fewer injuries. Child safety seats are a requirement in California and all states and booster seats are required in 47 states.

Safety Seats Protects Child in Orange County Car Accident

A recent news report about an Orange County car accident stated that the infant who was involved in the car accident escaped unhurt because of a child safety seat. According to The Orange County Register, the two-vehicle crash occurred on the westbound 22 Freeway near the 57 Freeway, the morning of September 23, 2010, when a Toyota Corolla went out of control and slammed into another car. The driver of the Corolla had a baby in the car seat. California Highway Patrol officials are saying that it was the baby's car seat that helped protect the baby from serous injuries.

The Newport Beach personal injury lawyers of BISNAR | CHASE also represent the families of children who have been seriously injured as a result of defective child safety seats. There is no question in my mind, that any car seat is better than no car seat at all. Your child belongs in a car seat and it is the duty and responsibility of every parent or caregiver to ensure that a safety seat is installed in the right manner. To find a child safety seat inspection location near you, please visit NHTSA's web site: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm.

Have you had your child safety seat inspected for proper installation?

The law firm that sponsors this blog has agreed to provide a free, confidential consultation to any of our readers who were injured in this or a similar accident. The offer applies to the family of the accident victims as well. Call 866-456-5235 for assistance.

At the time this article was posted, none of the parties mentioned in this article were represented by any of our sponsoring law firms. The source of our information is cited in the article. No independent investigation was conducted unless specifically mentioned in the article. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein; get a comprehensive consultation with a reputable law firm.

Child Safety Seats Save Lives is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

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

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

A pedestrian accident in Baldwin Park caused major injuries to 9-year-old Robert Garcia Umanzor the afternoon of June 21, 2010. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the boy was riding his scooter across Maine Avenue near Rexwood Avenue when a Toyota Corolla hit him. Robert was taken with major leg and head injuries to a local hospital. Officials say the female driver of the Toyota was not licensed. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to this boy and his family for what they are going through now. According to family members, Robert's knee is "in two pieces" and he has also sustained head injuries. I wish this little boy the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Robert and his family will be in my prayers.

There were four fatalities and 289 injuries involving car accidents in Baldwin Park, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Dangerous Condition on the Roadway?

Based on this news report, not only do Robert's family members, but also other neighbors say that they have repeatedly talked to the police department and the city about the dangers on that roadway, primarily speeding cars. But it has not resulted in any changes. Residents say they have asked for speed bumps and stop signs to slow down cars in that residential neighborhood, but officials have not been receptive.
Injured victims may be able to file a claim against the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the dangerous roadway. Under the provisions of California’s Government Code Section 835, a public entity or government agency is liable for personal injury or death because of a condition of public property when the affected party proves that: There was a dangerous condition on the public property at the time of the injury or death; the injury was proximately caused by the dangerous condition; and the dangerous condition created a reasonably foreseeable risk of injury of the kind that occurred and
Government Code Section 835.4 also states that a public entity may absolve itself from liability for creating or failing to remedy a dangerous roadway condition by showing that it would have been too expensive, impractical or unreasonable for the agency to have done anything else but what it did or did not do. In addition, Governmental Code Section 830.4 states that a dangerous condition cannot be the absence of traffic control or warning signs alone.

Liability Issues

In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will advise them about how to pursue their legal rights. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within six months of the accident or injury.

Do you have a problem with speeding vehicles racing through your neighborhood? Please share your concerns with us.

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.

Baldwin Park Pedestrian Accident Leaves Boy Critically Injured is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

An SUV rollover accident in San Diego killed 25-year-old Neydi Arely Ramirez the morning of June 1, 2010 and left two others seriously injured. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the fatal collision occurred when Ramirez's Ford Explorer SUV crossed over to opposing lanes of traffic and struck a Chrysler PT Cruiser and a Jeep driven by a U.S. Border Patrol official. Both the driver of the PT Cruiser and the Border Patrol vehicle were transported to area hospitals with injuries. Ramirez died at the scene.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Ramirez for their devastating loss. I also wish the two injured victims the very best for a quick and full recovery. These victims and families will be in my prayers.

Rollover Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), each year in the United States, at least 10,000 people are killed in rollover accidents. A number of these involve SUVs and light trucks. Rollover accidents account for nearly 25 percent of all traffic accident fatalities in the United States. They also cause thousands of catastrophic injuries each year.

SUVs and Rollovers

It's tough to tell from this report why Ramirez lost control of the SUV. But officials say she did not seem to have been impaired. The article also does not state if Ramirez was fatigued or distracted. The question arises if there was a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the SUV that caused this tragic collision. Ford SUVs are particularly notorious for their instability and poor crashworthiness. Our firm has done extensive crash testing on several models of Ford SUVs and found them to be unstable and dangerous vehicles. Their high center of gravity and narrow track width causes them to tip over even at normal speeds.

Victims or their families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who will make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. In any car accident case, it is a good idea to preserve the crashed vehicle so it can be examined by an expert for evidence of vehicle defects or malfunctions.

What are some of the biggest challenges victims and their families face 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 Diego Woman Killed in Ford Explorer Rollover Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal