Jessica Chavez, 25, was killed in a Hawthorne car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. According to a news report in the Daily Breeze, the pedestrian accident occurred on 120th Street near Crenshaw Boulevard the night of January 22, 2012. Police say Nataly Morales, 24, of Gardena was driving a Chevy Venture minivan when she hit Chavez who was outside of a crosswalk. Morales remained at the scene. Officials said alcohol was not a factor. But, she was arrested because she did not have a valid license. Chavez died from her injuries. Police are asking anyone who witnessed this fatal accident to contact 310-349-2701.

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

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 47 were injured in pedestrian accidents in Hawthorne. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 179 fatalities and 4,918 injuries were reported due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, police suspect that Chavez was not using a crosswalk at the time of incident and may have been jaywalking. They are still looking for eyewitnesses to provide information. California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Liability Issues

If the driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, then, she can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. A knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this crash. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a California governmental entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

Woman Killed in Los Angeles Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

January 24, 2012--Los Angeles, CA--one person is dead and two others are serious injured after the car in which they were riding crashed into a deep ravine and Saturday afternoon.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's authorities say that the car dropped 500 feet into a chasm off the Angeles Crest Highway in Angeles National Forest.  Vigen Sarisyan, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene after one passenger managed to escape the LA car accident and summon help.  Two other passengers were taken to area hospitals and treated for serious injuries.

There is no official word yet on the cause of the crash.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the victim and I wish the survivors a speedy recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

Although there are few statistics showing exactly how many people are killed each year in ravine-type accidents, it is clear that deep ravines can be deadly for drivers who lose control of their vehicles.  Those driving in the mountains should use extra caution when negotiating steep hills and sharp curves, to avoid plunging off the roadway.  It is also the responsibility of the local authorities to maintain the roads in safe conditions, with heavy-duty guardrails and other equipment.

What Happened In This Accident

Authorities are in the early stages of investigating this car accident, and it may be some time before the true facts are known.  There could be several important factors in this wreck, including driver negligence or inattention, unsafe road conditions, and mechanical defects in the car itself.

Until the investigation is completed, no one will know the truth.  However, as there are surviving witnesses from the accident, it is to be hoped that authorities will soon be able to reconstruct what happened in this unfortunate and deadly accident.

Liability Issues

There are several liability issues surrounding this accident.  First, if the driver was negligent due to aggressive or careless driving, there is a great likelihood that the liability could attach to him or her.  Authorities have not stated whether the driver was the victim killed in the accident; if so, it does not mean that liability could not attach to that person’s estate.

On the other hand, the driver could have no liability if the accident was caused by faulty road conditions or other hazards.  Even though the road is in a national forest, there can still be liability issues if the authorities failed to maintain the roadway properly, provide the proper safety equipment such as guardrails, or if there was an uncleared hazard in the road.

The injured accident victims in this case would be well advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer. A skilled lawyer can help to ensure that a maximum recovery is received.

One Dead, Two Injured After Ravine Crash is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Joseph Parra, 40, was killed in a Los Angeles County car accident after a vehicle struck his bicycle at a street intersection. According to a report in The Whittier Daily News, the fatal bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Whittier Boulevard at Rockne Avenue in Whittier, the morning of January 13, 2012. Officials say Parra was riding across the street with another cyclist near the intersection. The other bicyclist made it across the street but a Dodge Magnum hit Parra. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. An investigation into the cause of this fatal collision is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Joseph Parra following this tragic car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 33 injuries reported as a result of bicycle accidents in the city of Whittier. During that same year, there were 22 fatalities and 3,725 injuries reported as a result of bicycle accidents in Los Angeles County.

What Caused This Fatal Collision?

Based on the news article, officials are still investigating how and why this accident occurred. Bicyclists who ride their bike through an intersection have the same right-of-way privileges as motorists. There are still several questions that remain here. Why was the car's driver unable to avoid the collision? Was the motorist distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent? Did the car's driver fail to yield the right of way to the bicyclist?

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."

Liability Issues

If the driver is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held liable for Parra's wrongful death. In cases where negligence is involved, the family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship. Victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

Bicyclist Killed in Whittier Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Dakota Demott, 19, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident when the vehicle in which he was travelling left the roadway and struck a tree. According to a news report in The Signal, the fatal car crash occurred near the intersection of Sand Canyon and Alamo Canyon roads in Canyon Country, the night of January 10, 2012. Officials say the driver, Colt Doherty, 19, of Canyon Country lost control of a Ford Mustang while taking a curve at "extremely high speeds." The Mustang crossed oncoming lanes of traffic before striking a tree. Demott was ejected from the car and pronounced dead at the scene. Doherty has been listed in critical condition.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Dakota Demott following this tragic car accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. I also wish the injured driver here the best for a complete and fast recovery.

Los Angeles County Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), six people were killed and 592 were injured in Santa Clarita car accidents. During that same year, 554 fatalities and 50,817 injuries occurred involving Los Angeles County car accidents.

What Caused This Fatal Accident?

Based on this news report, Doherty was exceeding the speed limit just before he crashed his car. According to California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law): "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property." I trust investigators are also looking into whether the driver was intoxicated or otherwise negligent at the time as well.

Liability Issues

In this particular case, if Doherty is determined to have been at fault, he can be held liable for Demott's wrongful death. In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, the family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims or their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Teenager Killed in Canyon Country Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A 14-year-old Glendora boy was injured in a Los Angeles car accident when a van struck his bicycle. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the bicycle accident occurred on Covina Boulevard near Charter Oak Park in Covina, the evening of January 3, 2012. Officials are searching for information from anyone who may have witnessed the crash. The young victim says that he was struck from behind while riding next to the curb and the 53-year-old San Dimas man who was driving the van claims that the bicycle suddenly pulled in front of him. The teen bicyclist suffered non-life-threatening injuries, including an injured ankle and abrasions to both hands. It is unclear if the driver will be cited for the collision.

My thoughts and prayers are with the young bicyclist following this injury accident. I wish him the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but nine injuries reported as a result of bicycle accidents in Covina. During that same year, there were 22 fatalities and 3,725 injuries reported due to bicycle accidents in Los Angeles County.

What Caused This Bicycle Collision?

Based on this news report, it is not clear if the bicyclist rode into traffic or if the motorist failed to yield the right-of-way to the bicycle rider. I trust officials are looking into whether the motorist was distracted, speeding, fatigued or otherwise negligent. Under California law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles.

Liability Issues

If the driver is determined to have been at fault in this case, he can be held liable for the teen's injuries. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, hospitalization and rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Bicycle accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Boy Injured in Los Angeles Bicycle Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A 30-year-old man in a blue Chevrolet Suburban and a 40-year-old man in a white Lexus were injured in a Los Angeles car accident that occurred at a street intersection. According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the serious injury accident occurred at the intersection of Woodman Avenue and Sherman Way in Van Nuys, the afternoon of December 31, 2011. Officials have not released information regarding how or why the accident happened. The driver of the SUV suffered critical injuries, while the driver of the Lexus sustained moderate injuries. It is not yet clear if either motorist will be cited for the crash.

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

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 227 people were killed and 25,043 were injured in car accidents in the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, there were 554 fatalities and 50,817 injuries reported as a result of car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Injury Accident?

Based on the news article, it is not yet clear what led to this intersection accident. The street intersection where this crash occurred is monitored by traffic lights. Did one of the drivers run a red light here? Was one of the drivers distracted, inattentive or otherwise negligent? Was either motorist under the influence or exceeding the speed limit? Did one of the drivers fail to yield the right-of-way?

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."

Liability Issues

In such cases, at-fault motorists can be held liable for injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

Van Nuys Car Accident Causes Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Five people were injured, one critically, in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say involved four vehicles. According to a news article in the Los Angeles Times, the injury crash occurred early morning on December 28, 2011 in the southbound lanes of the 405 Freeway near Getty Center Drive. California Highway Patrol officials report one person was severely injured, while four others were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials are investigating the cause of this major injury collision.

My heart goes out to everyone who was injured in this car accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Los Angeles Crash Statistics

According to the CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, there were 227 fatalities and 25,043 injuries involving Los Angeles car accidents. Countywide, car accidents claimed 554 lives and injured 50,817 people, during the same year.

What Caused This Car Accident?

Based on this news report, the circumstances of the crash are not entirely clear. Officials say there were four vehicles including an SUV involved in the collision. But there are still many questions remaining. Who was at fault here? Was this a rear-end crash? Did one of the vehicles make an unsafe lane change? Were alcohol, drugs, speed, inattention or reckless driving factors in this crash? Was one of the vehicles following another too closely? Was distracted driving a factor? Given the fact that this crash occurred during the early morning hours, did fatigue or drowsy driving contribute to the accident? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine how or why this crash occurred.

Contacting an Experienced Injury Lawyer

In such cases, the at-fault motorist can be held liable for injuries and damages caused. However, in an accident that involves multiple vehicles and victims, it is important that victims refrain from speaking with insurance adjusters or attorneys for other parties. If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle collision, please contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will fight for your legal rights and protect your best interests. Please do not rush into a settlement or sign an agreement before you have discussed your case with a skilled injury lawyer.

Los Angeles Car Accident Causes Critical Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A man in his 30s was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after a vehicle hit his motorcycle, the afternoon of December 19, 2011. According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of Ventura Boulevard and Penfield Avenue in Woodland Hills. Officials say the circumstances of the crash remain under investigation. The motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries the following morning, while the driver of the car was treated for minor injuries. Officials are still investigating the cause of this motorcycle crash.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of this accident victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), motorcycle accidents in the city of Los Angeles claimed the lives of 35 people and caused 1,248 injuries. Countywide, there were 83 fatalities and 2,719 injuries reported due to motorcycle accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Fatal Accident?

Based on the news report, investigators are trying to determine what led to this intersection accident. The collision occurred at Ventura Boulevard and Penfield Avenue, which is a T-intersection. Through traffic on Ventura is not required to stop. But those turning from Penfield onto Ventura have a stop sign. It is not clear if one of the vehicles failed to stop for the stop sign at this intersection.

California law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a stop sign and proceed with caution. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21802 (a): "The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop as required by Section 22450. The driver shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have approached from another highway, or which are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety."

Liability Issues

If the driver of the vehicle is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held liable for the motorcyclist's wrongful death. A knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway 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 or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be filed within six months of the incident.

Motorcyclist Killed in Woodland Hills Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

December 19, 2011--A multi-car accident in the Leimert Park area of Los Angeles on Sunday resulted in injuries to ten people. Paramedics transported victims to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical.

The Los Angeles car accident took place at the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Vernon Avenue, beside Leimert Park. Officials confirmed that a person had to be extracted from one of the vehicles with the “Jaws of Life,” but did not give details on who the victim was.

The accident took place when a pickup truck from Colorado collided with the rear of a Chevy sedan and a Ford SUV, causing a chain reaction which eventually involved nine vehicles. The truck, driven by an unidentified female, was apparently traveling at a high rate of speed.

The driver of the truck suffered a broken ankle, and four other victims were hospitalized with their injuries.

No criminal charges have been filed at this time.

Car Accident Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a decrease in total fatalities for 2010, with 32,885 people dying in car-related accidents for the year. However, distracted driving accidents and deaths have increased, with 3,090 people killed due to accidents in which texting or talking on cell phones played a role. This number may underestimate the actual total, due to the reluctance of many drivers to admit to distracted driving when questioned by police.

California experienced an 11% drop in car fatalities in 2010, possibly due to better safety features on cars, such as side airbags and antilock brakes, which are standard now on many cars.

What Caused This Crash

According to current reports, the police have not filed charges against the driver, so it remains to be seen if distracted or impaired driving contributed to the crash. It is already known that excessive speed was a factor.

It is possible that mechanical conditions, such as failed brakes, contributed to the crash. It is also possible that the driver was distracted and simply failed to stop in time to avoid striking the cars ahead.

Liability Issues

Police will continue to investigate the causes of the crash, and will likely uncover evidence which shows the conditions leading up to the accident. It is very important to preserve all the vehicles involved in the crash so a determination as to liability can be made. In a multi-car crash, it is possible that liability rests with only one person, with more than one person, or with an outside agency.

A personal injury attorney can look at the evidence and make a determination as to liability. If the driver was at fault, then the driver and her insurance company can be held liable for the accident. If the problem was due to a defective mechanism, such as faulty brakes, the manufacturer of the brakes, brake pads, or other parts of the system may be liable. If the accident occurred due to roadway hazards, the City of Los Angeles may be held liable. Other drivers may also be partially liable for the accident if they were following too closely or otherwise engaged in dangerous behavior.

If you have been injured in an LA car accident you may have a claim for compensation. To schedule your free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer please call 1-800-561-4887.

Multi-Car Accident in Leimert Park Leaves Two Critically Injured in Los Angeles Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Rara Kelian Antekelian, 17, of Granada Hills was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after his vehicle veered off the freeway. According to a City News Service report, the fatal car crash occurred on the 118 Freeway in Granada Hills, the night of December 10, 2011. Officials say the vehicle drifted off the shoulder before crashing. It is not clear what caused the vehicle to drift or if he was ejected from the vehicle. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.

My heart goes out to the family members and friends of Rara Kelian Antekelian for their terrible loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Los Angeles Crash Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 227 people were killed and 25,043 were injured in Los Angeles car accidents. During that same year, there were 554 fatalities and 50,817 injuries reported as a result of Los Angeles County car accidents.

What Caused This Crash

Based on this news report, the driver let his vehicle drift off the roadway, but it is unclear why this crash occurred. Did the driver lose control of his vehicle because of an auto defect or mechanical malfunction? Was the young driver fatigued, speeding or distracted? It is important here to examine all possible causes of this tragic accident. Were other vehicles involved? Did a dangerous roadway condition cause or contribute to this car accident? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

The family of a victim killed in a single-vehicle accident would be well advised to preserve the vehicle intact so it can be thoroughly examined for vehicle defects, malfunctions and other evidence. Victims' families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

If an auto defect caused the accident, then, the automaker can be held liable for the damages. If a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the crash, then, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held accountable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Teenager Killed in Los Angeles Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal