While riding her bike along the Azusa Pacific University 800 Block, East of Foothill Boulevard, Julie Farris was struck by a university trolley. She suffered severe brain injury from the accident. What has become evident because of this tragedy is the existence of dangerous conditions on this road where the accident took place.

A very busy road, the 800 block is constantly littered with parked cars, congested traffic, pedestrians, and students on bicycles traveling to class. As the only road that links the East and West campuses, no alternate route is provided for those who want to avoid the daily disorder. In an attempt to ride safely with sufficient space on this roadway, Julie moved to the other side of the street and cycled against traffic. This is when the trolley struck her.

The dangerous conditions present on this road at the time of the accident are unavoidable when pinning down why exactly this tragedy happened. The City of Azusa and Azusa Pacific University had let this road grow out of hand, and seemed to have little concern about the personal injury risks the travelers of this road faced every day. The city was negligent to install any safety signals, lights, bike lanes, barriers, crosswalks, lane designations or warning signs. Instead, the money that was set aside to repair the road was used for another purpose.

Other severe and fatal accidents have preceded Julie's accident, as well. It is very unlikely that the City was unaware of the constant dangers presented by this road, or that it was being used so widely by so much of the public.

Julie sustained disfiguring injuries to her physical body and permanent impairment to her nervous system. This dangerous public property created an environment of personal injury risk, which caused the accident that has changed Julie's life. Damages for her pain and suffering are sought from the City of Azusa.

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.

Student Hit by a Trolley Due to Dangerous Road Conditions is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Two men were hospitalized with injuries after a San Bernardino car accident on the 10 Freeway. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the two-car collision occurred the morning of August 26, 2010, when a BMW sedan and SUV collided in the eastbound lanes of the freeway near Central Avenue. California Highway Patrol officials said both victims were injured and taken to an area hospital. Neither of the victims suffered life-threatening injuries.

I am relieved to hear that no one sustained critical injuries here. I wish both injured victims the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one death and 230 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Montclair. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 263 people were killed and 8,504 people were injured due to car accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

It is unclear from this report what caused this injury crash. There are several questions here. Where were the vehicles at the time of the crash? Was this a rear-end collision? Was one of the drivers speeding or following two closely? Did impairment, distraction, speed or recklessness play a part in this collision? Did one of the drivers make an unsafe lane change? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine exactly what caused this injury collision.

Liability Issues

If the driver of the BMW is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable. If the other driver was at fault, then he or she could be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and other related damages. In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer who will analyze all facets of an incident and ensure that their legal rights and preserved.

What are some of the biggest challenges faced by injured victims and their families 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 Bernardino Car Accident Injures Two is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Donald Halverstadt, 45, was killed in a Sacramento car accident, after his motorcycle crashed into a pickup truck on the Interstate 80. According to a news report in the Daily Democrat, the fatal crash occurred the night of August 22, 2010 in the eastbound lanes of the freeway near Mace Boulevard. California Highway Patrol officials say Halverstadt suddenly swerved his Harley Davidson out of lanes and struck the rear of a 2002 Toyota Tundra. Halverstadt and his 41-year-old passenger, Dana Marie Halverstadt, were ejected from the motorcycle in the collision. Donald Halverstadt sustained fatal injuries while Dana Marie Halverstadt suffered injuries to her hands, knees and hips. The driver of the Tundra, 64-year-old Ronald Chiles, was not injured in the crash. An investigation is ongoing.

My deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of Donald Halverstadt. My thoughts and prayers are also with Marie Halverstadt. I wish her a complete and quick recovery from her serious injuries.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), in 2008, 17 people were killed and 530 people were injured in Sacramento County motorcycle accidents. Also, countywide, 84 people died and 7,874 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Fatal Crash

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear what caused this tragic crash. Officials say Halverstadt swerved suddenly and crashed into the pickup. But it is not clear what caused him to swerve. Was there some type of mechanical problem or vehicle defect in his Harley that led to this accident? Was there debris on the roadway that he was trying to avoid? Was he cut off by another vehicle? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of injured victims and their families to seek the legal counsel of an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and hold the negligent parties accountable. If the crash was the result of an auto product defect, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product can also be held liable. If debris on the roadway caused the crash, then, the driver who dropped it on the roadway could be held responsible. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims and their families about how their car insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault party cannot be located or if that individual does not have insurance coverage.

In your opinion, what are some of the major hazards motorcyclists face on our roadways?

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.

Sacramento Car Accident Kills Motorcyclist is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A subsidiary of Tyson Foods has recalled nearly 172 tons of deli meat sold at Wal-Mart stores because of food poisoning concerns. According to a news report, the meat may have been tainted by deadly listeria bacteria. The tainted deli meat went into numerous sandwiches sold in Wal-Mart, many of which have already been consumed, officials say. This massive food recall comes in the wake of another huge recall involving half a billion eggs for salmonella contamination. So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the contaminated deli meat.

Symptoms of Listeriosis

Listeriosis is potentially lethal. The most common symptoms of Listeriosis are fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. Symptoms may begin a few days after you have eaten the contaminated food. But it may take as a long as two months before signs and symptoms begin. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, you may experience symptoms such as headache, stiffness, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Listeria infection can have devastating consequences for pregnant women. The baby may die unexpectedly before birth or experience a life-threatening infection within the first few days of birth.

Food Poisoning Statistics

Food-borne illnesses have considerably increased over the last five years. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, each year, 5,000 people die after consuming tainted foods and beverages. It is even more disturbing to note that the number of safety inspections has fallen sharply in recent years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspects fewer than 25 percent of food production facilities each year. It is scary to hear that nearly 75 percent of all food facilities have gone five or more years without an FDA inspection. This number only applies to food producers within the United States. Inspections are even more rare or non-existent when it comes to foreign food producers.

Liability Issues

It is very important that, as consumers, we practice safe eating and food preparation to protect ourselves from these outbreaks. Re-washing your greens, buying organic produce and peeling fruits and vegetables are all simple steps we can take to avoid food poisoning. It is also important that you keep your cooking surfaces and kitchen counters clean to avoid cross contamination.

If you have been sickened as a result of negligence on the part of the food producer, processor, distributor or server, you can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, pain and suffering and other damages and losses. An experienced
California personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options. It would also be a good idea to report your illness to your local health care agency.

Have you ever suffered from food poisoning? What are some steps you take to avoid food-borne illnesses?

Wal-Mart Deli Meats Recalled for Listeria Contamination is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Gregory Robert Arnold, 18, was killed in a San Francisco car accident when he drove his 1996 Toyota Camry into opposing lanes of traffic and collided with a 2008 Chevy Silverado pickup truck. According to a news report in the Santa Cruz Sentinel, the fatal crash occurred the morning of August 19, 2010 on San Juan Road near San Miguel Canyon Road. Witnesses report that Arnold’s Camry was weaving in the westbound lane of traffic when it crossed over to the eastbound lane. A 16-year-old passenger in the Camry sustained major injuries as did the 24-year-old driver of the Silverado. Officials are looking into what caused the accident.

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I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Gregory Robert Arnold for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I also wish the two seriously injured victims of this crash the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Car accident statistics

Aromas is the only census-designated place in California that straddles two counties – San Benito and Monterey. According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four people died and 240 were injured in car accidents in San Benito County. During the same year, there were 40 fatalities and 1,470 injuries involving car accidents in Monterey County.

What Caused this Fatal Car Crash

Based on this news report, it appears that the teen driver, Arnold, for some reason, was driving erratically at the time of the collision. I trust officials are looking into whether he was under the influence, distracted, speeding or driving recklessly at the time. I trust they are also looking into whether this accident was the result of a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction.

Fault and Liability

If this crash is determined to have been Arnold's fault, then, the injured victims in this case can file a claim against his estate and liability insurance. When victims sustain major injuries, typically, they or their families are faced with a mountain of medical bills and other expenses such as loss of wages and property damage. Victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, long-term care and other related damages. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options in such cases.

What are some steps you take to reduce the likelihood of your teen driver getting into an 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.

Fatal San Francisco Bay Area Car Accident 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

Seven people were injured in a San Francisco car accident after a 15-year-old with a learner's permit lost control of the station wagon she was driving and collided head-on with another vehicle. According to a news report in the Santa Cruz Sentinel, the injury collision occurred the afternoon of August 12, 2010 on West Beach Street in Pajaro Dunes.

The teen driver allowed a front tire of her 1992 Subaru Legacy to go onto the gravel shoulder of the roadway, overcorrected, before entering opposing lanes of traffic. She then crashed head-on into a 1993 Geo Prizm. The 27-year-old driver of the Prizm and his 44-year-old male passenger sustained fractures and internal injuries. The teen driver of the Subaru, her mother and two other teens in the back seat suffered minor injuries, while another 16-year-old girl sustained major leg injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

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

Teen Driving Statistics

According to a 2008 study released by the Auto Club, car accidents involving teen drivers, ages 15 to 17, costs California about $2.8 billion annually and more than $34 billion nationwide. This is money that includes medical expenses, loss of wages, property damage, loss of quality of life and other related expenses for the year 2006. These numbers were reportedly calculated based on 66,785 crashes that occurred in 2006. That includes 177 fatalities and 27,869 personal injuries, according to the report.

Importance of a GDL Program

In this particular case, officials say the teen did nothing wrong and followed all the rules. But her inexperience proved costly for the two men and a young girl who were seriously injured in this crash. Such accidents remind us of the importance of improving the graduated driver licensing (GDL) program in California. GDL has been a proven measure to reduce injuries and deaths from accidents involving teen drivers. GDL eases teens into driving by requiring them to practice more, and limits their exposure to danger by requiring them, for example, not to drive at night.

In 1998, the state of California enacted a new law requiring all new teen drivers to go through a three-step process in order to get a driver's license. This includes going through 50 hours of supervised driving. However, in this particular case, the accident happened in spite of the fact that all rules were followed. This clearly shows more needs to be done to ensure the safety of our youngest drivers and others with whom they share the roads.

Victims' Claim for Compensation

Victims of such accidents would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer to get more information about their legal rights and options. Victims and their families could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, long-term care and other related damages.

What steps do you take as a parent to ensure that the teen drivers in your home are safe?

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 Francisco Bay Area Car Crash Injures Seven is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

The Salinas, California-based salad company, Fresh Express, is recalling some of its products because of food poisoning concerns. According to a CBS news report, the company, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has announced a voluntary recall of 2,825 cases of Veggie Lovers Salad because random testing revealed the presence of the bacteria in their products. Just last month, the company pulled some of its salads from stores because of E. coli contamination. Fresh Express also recalled several types of ready-to-eat salads in May after salmonella was found in a package tested by federal officials.

Were Food Safety Standards Violated?

It is cause for concern that the products made and distributed by the same company tested positive for three different strains of lethal bacteria that are transmitted through food – all within a space of three months. There are several important questions to be asked here. Is there a breakdown in food safety and handling procedures at this company's manufacturing and processing facilities? How often are these facilities being inspected? How many violations have FDA officials found at these facilities? Are they being allowed to function in spite of various violations? If that is the case, what is the point of food safety inspections?

Deadly Food-Borne Illnesses

E.coli and salmonella are food-borne illnesses, which could result in serious personal injuries including organ damage or even death. Listeria is a type of bacterium, which can cause an infection known as Listeriosis, which can also result in serious and long-term adverse health problems.

The most common symptoms of Listeriosis are fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. Symptoms may begin a few days after you have eaten the contaminated food. But it may take as a long as two months before signs and symptoms begin. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, you may experience symptoms such as headache, stiffness, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Listeria infection can have devastating consequences for pregnant women. The baby may die unexpectedly before birth or experience a life-threatening infection within the first few days of birth.

Liability Issues

Please remember that if negligence on the part of the food manufacturer or distributor causes your illness, then they could be held liable for any injuries or damages caused. Those affected by these food-borne illnesses can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, diagnostic tests, pain and suffering, emotional distress and other damages. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Have you ever suffered any type of food poisoning? We would like to hear about your experiences.

Fresh Express Recalling Salad Products for Listeria Risks is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A suspected DUI collision has left an elderly man seriously injured in Irvine. The Orange County Register reports that the major injury collision occurred the night of August 10, 2010 at the intersection of East Yale Loop and Briarwood. Police determined that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. But charges have not yet been filed. The victim sustained fractures and head injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I hope the 64-year-old victim has not suffered catastrophic injuries in this crash. I pray that he recovers quickly and completely from whatever injuries he has suffered.

Drunk Driving Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one fatality and 68 injuries were reported as a result of DUI collisions in Irvine in 2008. In Orange County as a whole, 62 people died and 1,492 were injured as a result of car accidents involving alcohol or drugs during the same year.

Fault and Liability

Based on this news report, it appears that the district attorney is considering whether to file charges against the motorist. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal under California Vehicle Code section 23152 (a). If a victim dies as a result of injuries suffered in a collision involving a drunk driver, the driver in that case could face vehicular manslaughter charges as well. In addition to criminal charges, drunk drivers can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses they cause.

Victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will analyze all facets of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway caused the accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

Are you in favor of the state requiring Ignition Interlock Devices in the vehicles of first-time DUI offenders? Do you think this will help reduce the number of DUI collisions in California?

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.

Man Critically Injured in Suspected DUI Collision is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A young mother and her infant son who were killed in a DUI collision in Sacramento have been identified as 23-year-old Nancy Naranjo and 9-month-old Joshua Bonton. News10 reports that the fatal collision happened at the intersection of Orange Avenue and Stockton Boulevard the morning of August 8, 2010 when Naranjo's Honda Accord was stopped at a red light. A Toyota 4Runner driven by 22-year-old Xieng Her rear-ended Naranjo's Honda pushing her vehicle at least 200 feet. Both Naranjo and Joshua were instantly killed, officials say. Her was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Nancy Naranjo and Joshua. Please keep their loved ones in your prayers.

DUI Statistics

In Sacramento County, 39 deaths and 856 injuries were reported involving of DUI collisions in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, countywide, during that same period, 84 people died and 7,874 were injured as a result of car accidents.

DUI and Vehicular Manslaughter

It is illegal to drive in California under the influence of drugs or alcohol under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges.

California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

Liability Issues

Victims in such cases would be well-advised to consult an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who can help them fight for their rights and protect their best interests. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can also advise families about how their auto insurance policy might apply to a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, please visit MADD's web site at www.madd.org.

Have you been personally injured and affected by a drunk driver?

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.

Fatal DUI Collision in Sacramento Claims Two Lives is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal