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

A man in his late 40s was injured in a San Francisco car accident when his bicycle was struck at a notoriously dangerous intersection. According to a news report in The San Francisco Examiner, the bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Fell Street and Masonic Avenue in San Francisco, the morning of December 20, 2011. Officials have not released information regarding how the accident occurred, but the crash site has a long history of injury accidents. The bicyclist's injuries do not appear to be life-threatening. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this San Francisco bicycle accident. I wish him the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

San Francisco Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 534 were injured in San Francisco bicycle accidents. During that same year, there were 39 fatalities and 3,405 injuries reported due to San Francisco car accidents.

Intersection Accidents

Based on this news report, it is not yet clear what led to this injury accident. Under California law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. It is unclear from this report as to whether the driver failed to yield the right-of-way to the bicyclist at this intersection. California Vehicle Code Section 21800 (a) states: "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." The report states that there has been a long history of accidents at this intersection and that a renovation in 2008 did not make the situation safer for pedestrians or bicyclists.

Liability Issues

Victims of dangerous intersection accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. A skilled car accident attorney will also 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 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 incident.

Bicyclist Injured at Dangerous San Francisco Intersection is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A 70-year-old man was severely injured in a San Francisco car accident when an SUV struck him as he crossed the street, the morning of November 17, 2011. According to a news report in The San Francisco Chronicle, the pedestrian accident occurred at Geary Boulevard and 10th Avenue in San Francisco. Officials say the victim was in a crosswalk at the time of the collision. He suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash. Officials are investigating the cause of this injury pedestrian accident.

My thoughts and prayers are with this victim who has suffered critical injuries. I wish him the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

San Francisco Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 21 people were killed and 699 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in San Francisco. During that same year, San Francisco car accidents claimed 39 lives and caused 3,405 injuries.

Crosswalk Laws

Based on this news report, the victim was crossing the street at the intersection in a crosswalk when the SUV hit him. Under California law, drivers are required to stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

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

Liability Issues

I trust officials are looking into whether the motorist was speeding, distracted or otherwise negligent at the time of the accident. If the driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for the victim's serious injuries and damages. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition may have 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. Please remember that any personal injury claim against a California public entity must be filed properly within 180 days of the incident.

Pedestrian Seriously Injured in San Francisco Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Aletha Ancometani, 77, of Cotati was injured in a San Francisco area car accident involving a drunk driver with a suspended license. According to a news report in The Rohnert Park Patch, the DUI collision occurred on the Dutton Avenue off-ramp from state Highway 12 in Santa Rosa, the morning of November 8, 2011. Officials say Ancometani was rear-ended by a gold Saturn driven by 20-year-od Jeremy James Anderson. When Ancometani pulled over, Anderson fled the scene of the crash. But he was tracked down and arrested by officials shortly afterward.

Ancometani suffered pain in her head and neck and a passenger in Anderson’s car, 18-year-old Sierra Wandry, suffered minor injuries. Anderson faces multiple charges including felony drunken driving, felony hit-and-run causing injury, driving with a suspended license, and violation of probation.

My thoughts and prayers are with Aletha Ancometani and Sierra Wandry following this hit-and-run car accident. I wish them the best for a complete and speedy recovery.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people died and 88 were injured due to DUI collisions in Santa Rosa. In Sonoma County as a whole, alcohol-related collisions led to 14 deaths and caused 291 injuries, during the same year.

Traffic Violations

Based on this news report, Anderson was under the influence of alcohol when he caused the rear-end collision and left the scene of the crash. 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."

According to California Vehicle Code Section 23136, "it is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years who has a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or greater, as measured by a preliminary alcohol screening test or other chemical test, to drive a vehicle." In addition Anderson fled the scene of a crash, which is not only an inhumane and irresponsible act, but also illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a).

Liability Issues

In cases involving negligence and wrongdoing, injured victims would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and best interests. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also inform victims about how their own 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.

San Francisco Area DUI Collision Causes Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A male motorcyclist was injured in a San Francisco area car accident after his bike collided with a Honda. According to a news report in The Morgan Hill Times, the motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of Crowner Avenue and Monterey Road in south Morgan Hill, the afternoon of November 2, 2011. The motorcyclist was making a turn when a southbound Honda struck him. The victim was ejected from the motorcycle and landed on the shoulder of the road. He sustained major head injuries. It is unclear if the driver involved in this injury accident will be cited for the collision.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this collision. I wish him 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 five injuries reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in Morgan Hill. During that same year, there were 12 fatalities and 279 injuries reported as a result of Santa Clara County motorcycle accidents.

What Caused This Collision?

This news report raises a number of questions. What caused the motorcycle and the Honda to collide at the intersection? Did the car driver have the right of way? Why was the car driver unable to avoid hitting the motorcycle? Was either motorist distracted, speeding, inattentive, or under the influence of alcohol? Did the driver or the motorcyclist run a red light at the intersection? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what led to this major injury crash.

Liability Issues

Victims of motorcycle accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the crash, stay abreast of the official investigation, and make sure that the victim's rights are protected. In cases involving negligence, the at-fault party may be held responsible for all medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, 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.

Motorcyclist Injured in San Francisco Area Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A driver was killed in a San Francisco area car accident when a pickup truck that was involved in a police pursuit struck the victim's BMW. According to an Associated Press news report, the fatal car accident occurred in Concord, the evening of October 25, 2011. Officials say that the driver of a pickup truck, 25-year-old Mauro Gutierrez, refused to stop for police after being spotted talking on his cell phone without a hands-free device. Gutierrez led police on a chase and struck the BMW on Solano Way near Highway 242. The driver of the BMW sustained fatal injuries. Gutierrez attempted to flee the scene of the fatal car accident on foot before being apprehended. He faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, evasion of a peace officer resulting in a death and resisting arrest. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the victim of this tragic Contra Costa County car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), nine people were killed and 575 were injured in Concord car accidents. During that same year, 67 fatalities and 3,366 injuries occurred as a result of car accidents in Contra Costa County.

Was the Police Pursuit Justified?

Based on the news report, this fatal collision occurred after a driver decided to evade authorities. California law provides immunity to police departments that have adopted a "vehicle pursuit policy." California Vehicle Code Section 17004 states: "A public agency employing peace officers that adopts and promulgates a written policy on, and provides regular and periodic training on an annual basis for, vehicular pursuits … is immune from liability for civil damages for personal injury to or death of any person or damage to property resulting from the collision of a vehicle being operated by an actual or suspected violator of the law who is being, has been, or believes he or she is being or has been, pursued in a motor vehicle by a peace officer employed by the public entity."

Liability Issues

It is perfectly understandable that police officers must sometimes get involved in pursuits to stop those who pose a threat to themselves and others. However, this incident stemmed from a cell phone violation. It is unclear if officers had any other information or indication that the driver of the pickup truck posed a threat. I trust the Concord police department will conduct an independent investigation to determine if the officer's decision to pursue this driver was justified. The victim's family in this case would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a California governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Innocent Bystander Killed after Police Pursuit in Contra Costa County is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

James Carte, 46, suffered critical injuries in a San Francisco area car accident after his motorcycle was struck by a limousine. According to a news report in the Napa Valley Register, the major injury collision occurred the evening of October 25, 2011 on Highway 29, at Howard Lane, in Napa. California Highway Patrol officials say Carte was northbound on his Suzuki RS motorcycle, when a limo driven by 53-year-old Rodney McInnis struck the motorcycle. Officials say McInnis was at fault for failing to yield right-of-way to the motorcyclist. An investigation is ongoing.

I sympathize with Carte and his family members for what they are going through at this time. I sincerely hope his injuries were not catastrophic and pray that he recovers quickly and completely.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 15 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Napa. In Napa County as a whole, one person died and 77 were injured due to motorcycle accidents, during the same year.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, the driver of the limousine failed to yield the right-of-way to the motorcyclist. 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."

Fault and Liability

I trust officials are looking into why the limousine driver failed to see the oncoming motorcycle. Was he under the influence, distracted, speeding, inattentive or otherwise negligent? If McInnis is determined to have been at fault, both, he as well as his employer can be held liable for Carte's injuries, damages and losses. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will better advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway or intersection caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roadway can be held liable. Under California Vehicle Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the incident.

Motorcyclist Severely Injured in Napa Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A pedestrian was injured in a San Francisco car accident after being struck by a car while crossing the street, the night of October 15, 2011. According to a news report in The San Francisco Examiner, the pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Fulton Street and 20th Avenue in the Richmond District of San Francisco. Police say the pedestrian was in a crosswalk at the time of the accident. The victim has been listed in critical condition. Officials questioned the driver involved and determined that alcohol and drugs did not play a part in the crash.

My heart goes out to the pedestrian hurt in this San Francisco accident. I wish the victim the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

San Francisco Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 21 people were killed and 699 were injured in San Francisco pedestrian accidents. During that same year, 39 fatalities and 3,405 injuries occurred as a result of San Francisco car accidents.

Pedestrian’s Right-of-Way

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver failed to yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian who was walking in a crosswalk. California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

Liability Issues

I trust officials are looking into why the driver was unable to avoid the collision. If the driver is determined to have been at fault here, then, he or she could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. In these types of accidents, injured victims may pursue compensation to cover losses such as medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy, and other related damages. Car accident victims and their families would be well advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Pedestrian Critically Injured in San Francisco Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Yanet Ramirez, 22, was severely injured in a San Francisco area car accident after she was struck while walking in a marked crosswalk. According to a news report in The Press Democrat, the major injury collision occurred at the intersection of Guerneville and Fulton roads in Santa Rosa. Ramirez was about 15 feet into the crosswalk when she was hit by a turning panel truck, the afternoon of September 6, 2011.

The truck's driver, 50-year-old Rick Casassa, told officials that he did not see the pedestrian in the crosswalk. Officials said Casassa stopped immediately and was the first to render aid to the injured Ramirez. Officials are utilizing a surveillance video from a nearby gas station to determine precisely how the collision occurred. They are also looking for eyewitnesses who may have seen the crash at this busy investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Hirochi Yaguchi at 707-543-3636.

I sympathize with Yanet Ramirez and her family members for what they are going through at this time. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 51 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Santa Rosa. In Sonoma County as a whole, eight people died and 125 were injured due to pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, the driver of the truck made a turn and struck the woman who was in the crosswalk. It is unclear as to why he did not notice the victim and failed to yield right-of-way. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

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

Fault and Liability

Officials do not believe the driver was using the phone or impaired at the time, and are looking for additional eyewitnesses. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, he and his employer could be held liable for the woman's serious injuries. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries and rehabilitation. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

Woman Injured in San Francisco Area Pedestrian Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Five people were injured in a San Francisco car accident involving a minivan and a Ford Mustang, the night of August 24, 2011. According to a news report in The San Francisco Chronicle, the serious injury accident occurred near the intersection of Bayshore Boulevard and Bacon Street in San Francisco. It is unclear at this time what may have caused the two vehicles to collide. A man in the minivan sustained life-threatening injuries and a woman and child in the same vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Of the two occupants in the Mustang, one suffered life-threatening injuries but is expected to survive, while the other suffered relatively minor injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this injury car accident. I wish them all a complete and speedy recovery.

San Francisco Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 39 people were killed and 3,405 were injured due to car accidents in San Francisco.

What Caused This Serious Injury Accident?

There are very few details available at this time regarding how or why this crash occurred. Several questions remain unanswered here. Was one of the motorists distracted at the time of the crash? Was either driver traveling at an unsafe rate of speed? Was one of the motorists fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Since this car accident occurred near an intersection, it is unclear whether one of the drivers failed to yield right-of-way or ran a red light.

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

Injured victims of San Francisco car accidents may seek financial compensation for their injuries by filing a personal injury claim. Damages that may be claimed in a civil lawsuit include medical bills, lost wages, hospitalization, and rehabilitation costs. Victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.

Five Injured in San Francisco Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal