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

Asencion Placencia, 51, of Perris, was killed in a Riverside car accident after his truck was hit by two vehicles on the 60 Freeway in Beaumont. According to a news report in The Banning-Beaumont Patch, the fatal crash happened the morning of January 14, 2012 on the eastbound 60 Freeway west of Dowling Fruit Orchard. California Highway Patrol officials say that a total of three vehicles were involved in the collision. Two people were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Placencia, who was critically injured, died two days later from injuries sustained in the crash. Officials are still investigating the cause of the accident.

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

Car Accident Statistics

According to the California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 96 were injured as a result of car accidents in Beaumont. In Riverside County as a whole, 203 fatalities and 7,974 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to what caused this multi-car collision. There are still several unanswered questions here. Was this a rear-end collision? Did one of the drivers make an unsafe lane change? Did speed or alcohol play a part in this collision? Was driver fatigue or distraction a factor in this fatal car crash? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here and why.

Compensation for Victims' Families

In such cases, families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. In such cases, the at-fault motorist can be held liable for the damages and losses. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship 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.

Man Killed in Riverside County Car Accident 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

Benito Federico Ruiz-Ruiz, 48, was killed in a San Diego County motorcycle accident after he was struck while crossing the street. According to an NBC San Diego news report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on El Camino Real near La Costa Avenue in Carlsbad, the night of January 7, 2012. The northbound motorcycle struck Ruiz-Ruiz, who died at the scene. Officials suspect that Ruiz-Ruiz may have attempted to illegally cross the roadway. An investigation is ongoing.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Benito Federico Ruiz-Ruiz for their tragic loss. They are in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 26 injuries reported involving pedestrian accidents in Carlsbad. During that same year, 57 fatalities and 937 injuries occurred due to pedestrian accidents in San Diego County.

Pedestrian Right of Way Laws

Based on this news report, it is not clear if the victim was in a crosswalk or at an intersection at the time of the crash. The pedestrian may have crossed the roadway illegally. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

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 motorcyclist is determined to have been at fault here, the victim's family can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking damages for funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship. Victims' families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets 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 or their families.

Pedestrian Killed in San Diego Motorcycle Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A man was killed in a Riverside car accident when he was struck inside a crosswalk, the morning of January 5, 2012. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal collision occurred at the intersection of North Palm Canyon and Racquet Club drives in Palm Springs. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he died. Officials say the Isuzu panel truck was southbound on Palm Canyon Drive when it hit the pedestrian who was in the south crosswalk at Racquet Club Drive. Police are still investigating the cause of this pedestrian accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim of this fatal collision. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 41 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Palm Springs. In Riverside County as a whole, 39 people died and 370 were injured due to pedestrian accidents, during the same year.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, the pedestrian was in the crosswalk at the time. However, it is not clear why the driver failed to yield the right-of-way to him. 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."

The same section also states: "This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk."

Fault and Liability

If the driver is determined to have been at fault here, then, the driver as well as his or her employer can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. In cases where negligence is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, and loss of companionship. Victims' families would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Man Killed in Riverside Pedestrian Accident 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

Michael Campbell, 67, was killed in a Riverside car accident after his car collided with another vehicle at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Desert Sun, the fatal car crash occurred at the intersection of West Racquet Club Road and North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, the night of December 19, 2011. Police say based on preliminary investigations that Campbell drove his Hyundai Elantra through a red light at the intersection and collided with a Ford Expedition SUV. Campbell was ejected and died from his injuries shortly after the crash. The driver of the Ford SUV suffered non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of Michael Campbell for their tragic loss. I also wish the other driver the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Riverside Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Palm Springs car accidents claimed five lives and caused 332 injuries. During that same year, there were 203 fatalities and 7,974 injuries reported involving Riverside County car accidents.

Possible Red Light Violation

Based on this news report, officials suspect Campbell may have run the red light at the intersection before being broadsided by the Ford SUV. 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."

Claim for Compensation

Investigations involving right-of-way issues and red light violations can be extremely complex. In this particular case, if after a complete investigation, Campbell was determined to have been at fault, then, the driver of the Ford can seek compensation from Campbell's estate or liability insurance for injuries and damages sustained in the crash. If on the other hand, the Ford's driver is determined to have been at fault, he can be held liable for Campbell's wrongful death.

I trust officials are also looking into why Campbell was ejected after the crash. Was he thrown out of his vehicle because of a defective seatbelt? If that was the case the automaker or the manufacturer of the defective product can be held liable. An experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer will better advise victims or their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Palm Springs Car Accident Proves Fatal is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Driver, Michelle Reni Cafagna, 20, and passenger Rizelle Cabana Alamares, 24, were fatally injured in a San Diego car accident after their car struck a palm tree, the afternoon of December 15, 2011. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the fatal car crash occurred on El Camino Real near Via Las Rosas in Oceanside. Officials say Cafagna lost control of the sedan before it veered into the center divider and crashed into a palm tree. Alamares died at the scene of the accident, while Cafagna succumbed to her injuries after being airlifted to a nearby hospital. Officials are investigating the cause of this collision.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Michelle Reni Cafagna and Rizelle Cabana Alamares following this tragic accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

San Diego Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), eight people were killed and 728 were injured as a result of Oceanside car accidents. During that same year, there were 217 fatalities and 12,998 injuries reported as a result of San Diego County car accidents.

What Caused this Fatal Crash?

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to what caused the sedan to veer out of control. Was there an auto defect or mechanical malfunction that led to the car accident? Were there other vehicles involved? Did a dangerous condition on the roadway contribute to the collision? Was the driver speeding, driving distracted, driving under the influence of alcohol, or otherwise negligent? I trust investigators are looking into all possible causes of this terrible incident.

Liability Issues

Families of deceased car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and options. In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, financial compensation may be available for the victim's family by filing a wrongful death claim. It would also be in the best interests of the family to preserve the vehicle in its current crashed condition, unaltered, so it can be thoroughly examined for defects, malfunctions, and other related evidence. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Driver and Passenger Killed in Oceanside Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal