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

Andrea T. Cerda, 9, and Alan D. Cerda, 18, were killed in an Imperial County car accident, which officials say, involved a drunk driver. According to a news report in The Imperial Valley Press, the fatal DUI collision occurred on Fredericks Road at State Route 86 north of Brawley the afternoon of January 21, 2012. Officials say Anthony J. Aubry, 22, was driving an Acura west on Fredericks Road when he failed to yield the right of way to a Honda that was southbound on State Route 86. The Accord rolled over and Andrea T. Cerda and Alan D. Cerda were fatally injured. The driver of the Accord, Manuel A. Cerda, 25, suffered major injuries including a fractured skull, neck, back, hip and arm. Aubry was treated and then arrested on suspicion of causing serious and fatal injuries while driving under the influence of alcohol.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Andrea T. Cerda and Alan D. Cerda following this tragic car accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with Manuel Cerda who has been severely injured. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Imperial County DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), seven people were killed and 38 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of Imperial County. Countywide, seven fatalities and 50 injuries were reported due to alcohol-related crashes during the same year.

Violation of Laws

Based on this news report, Aubry not only failed to yield the right of way to the Honda Accord at the intersection, but was also driving under the influence of alcohol. 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."

Additionally, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under California law. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."

Liability Issues

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. DUI drivers, in addition to facing criminal charges, can also be held civilly liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. 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.

Two Killed in Imperial County DUI Collision is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

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

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

Kari Marks, 53, her 24-year-old daughter Jena Marks, and Patrick Campbell, 27, were killed in a Lake County car accident when the BMW 740 they were in slid sideways into the path of an SUV. According to a report in Lake County News, the fatal car accident occurred on Highway 29 near Spruce Grove Road North in Lower Lake on January 14, 2012. Officials say Michael Wright, 50, of Hidden Valley Lake, lost control of the BMW, which entered into the path of an SUV driven by Steven Beyer, 53, of Clearlake.

Kari Marks, Jena Marks and Patrick Campbell were all pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Wright, Beyer and his wife, 54-year-old Lezley Beyer suffered major injuries. They were flown to out-of-county trauma centers. Officials are still investigating the cause of this tragic collision.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Kari Marks, Jena Marks and Patrick Campbell following this devastating car accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with the injured victims. I wish them all the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Lake County Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 10 people were killed and 254 were injured as a result of car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Lake County. During that same year, there were 10 fatalities and 306 injuries reported as a result of car accidents throughout Lake County.

What Caused This Fatal Accident?

Based on this news report, the BMW slid into the path of the SUV. There are many questions that I trust investigators are asking here. What caused the BMW to go into the path of the SUV? Was the driver traveling at an unsafe rate of speed? Were the tires on the BMW defective? Was this accident caused by an auto defect or mechanical malfunction? Was the roadway slick or wet? Was there water or oil on the roadway? Was the driver impaired, distracted or fatigued?

Liability Issues

If Wright, the driver of the BMW is determined to have been at fault, he can be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses here. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death against the at-fault party seeking damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship. An experienced California personal injury lawyer can better advise injured victims and/or their families about their legal rights and options.

Three Killed, Three Injured in Lake County Crash 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

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

Gerardo Garcia, 19, was killed in a New Year's Eve Riverside car accident, which officials say, involved a hit-and-run driver who has still not been found. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal hit-and-run accident occurred on Lakeshore Drive near Avenue 6 in Lake Elsinore, the night of December 31, 2011. Officials say Garcia was riding a skateboard on the shoulder when a 1994 to 1996 Honda Accord struck him from behind and left the scene of the crash. Garcia succumbed to his head injuries on January 4, 2012. The suspect vehicle is said to have a loud exhaust system. The Honda also likely has damage to its right front side, including the hood, windshield and the roof, officials say. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 951-245-3300.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Gerardo Garcia following this tragic hit-and-run car accident. This grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Riverside Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), five people were killed and 144 were injured in Lake Elsinore car accidents. Throughout Riverside County, 203 fatalities and 7,974 injuries occurred as a result of car accidents, during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Based on this news report, the driver of the Honda struck the teenager and left him lying on the roadway with severe head injuries. What kind of a person would leave a critically injured fellow human being on the street, exposed to further danger. This is an appalling act that shows a callous disregard for the safety of another individual. Not only is leaving the scene of an injury car crash an unconscionable act, but it is also against the law.

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."

Liability Issues

I trust officials will be able to apprehend this driver and soon bring him or her to justice. If you have any information about this accident, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com. Our site allows witnesses to provide an anonymous tip and become eligible to receive a $1,000 reward. Let's join hands to help our law enforcement officials catch these irresponsible drivers and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

Families who have lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will better inform families in such cases about how their own auto insurance policy applies to an incident where the suspect is not found, or, in a crash where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

Officials Asking for Public's Help to Find Hit-and-Run Driver is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal