Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Legal Options for Motorcycle Accident Victims in LA County

Due to the many vehicular accidents in Los Angeles County involving motorcycles, questions may strike the minds of the injured victims. How can I obtain justice? What are the legal options available to recover damages for my injuries? If you are one of those who have been involved in similar scenarios, then read this article carefully.

Legal Options

There are two possible ways in order to get reimbursement for your incurred injuries. First is through the formal filing of a lawsuit against the other party who, you certainly believe, has been careless or negligent and indeed liable for the motorcycle accident. In this type of legal procedure, you will have to prove these case elements to win your fight:

* The other driver has been neglectful in driving
* His neglect was indeed the primary cause of the motorcycle crash
* You have sustained injuries and/or other damages from the accident

Certainly, you also have to establish your blamelessness for the said accident. You should understand that any of your traffic violation or slight negligence might lessen your recoveries or even impede you from obtaining possible restitution for your injuries. Thus, it is always necessary for motorcycle enthusiasts and all other automobile drivers to avoid being imprudent or ignorant on roads to have better chances of being remunerated in case of accident involvement.

On the other hand, your other legal option is through engaging in a mediation process or an out of court settlement. This procedure is very much applicable in cases wherein the other party carries no insurance policy. In addition to this, many victims result in resolving the issue outside the court in order to speed up the case and avoid further complications.

In this legal exercise, both parties will discuss things and calculate the value of the damages. If the injured victim accepted the offer, the defendant will be free from any legal liabilities in the future. If both parties did not arrive in a mutual settlement, the plaintiff then may proceed to bringing the case in court.

Right to Representation

Both of the aforementioned legal options involve complicated laws and method to follow. Therefore, it is always necessary to consult a motorcycle accident attorney in LA County and have your case evaluated to ensure that you are properly guided.

Moreover, legal counsels who specialize in handling motorcycle accidents may even increase your recoveries since they have enough understanding of the lawful techniques on how to have better personal injury claim results. In fact, great majority of the motorcycle accident cases managed by credible attorney have won in courts or have gained favorable out of court settlements.

Hunting Accidents - Causes, Frequency, and Your Legal Rights

Every year there are approximately 800 non-fatal hunting accidents and 100 fatal. When considering the massive amount of hunters nation-wide (appx 20 million), it can be said that hunting is generally safe. Of course, many accidents are unreported because people are not aware of their legal rights. They are often confused about the causes and ramifications of hunting accidents. This article is here to help.

First we will analyze frequent causes of accidents. Then we will look at reliable methods for increasing safety. Finally we will investigate your legal rights if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of dealing with a hunting accident.

Frequent Causes of Hunting Accidents

Even though every incident is unique, there are some common causes of accidents that should be identified.

1. Failure to Properly Identify a Target. There is an extremely exciting moment during hunting when you first see some movement in the distance. You think to yourself 'this is it!' Unfortunately some folks get over-excited and start shooting before they recognize what exactly they are shooting at. Sometimes a rustle in the woods is actually a fellow hunter who has chosen not to wear the blaze orange hunting gear. Remember, as stated above, that there are 20 million annual hunters out there all tracking the same kind of animal for each season.

2. Shooters Swinging on Game. Especially pertinent for bird hunting, swinging on game is when a hunter uses an arc pattern combined with spreadshot in order to shoot over a wide area. Sometimes the arc can get too big and encompass fellow hunters (this is especially true when shooting at game on or near the ground).

3. Negligent or Careless Handling of Firearms. Firearms require constant care and attention. Sometimes hunters get too 'relaxed' with their weapon and begin either waving it around or simply not maintaining a proper eye on where it is pointed. Accidents, in the truest sense of the term, occur when guns are not attended to properly.

4. The Victim is Out of Sight of the Shooter. the forest is thick, no doubt about it. Despite proper preparation and caution, incidental shootings happen. Spreadshot weapons increase the odds of getting caught in the line of fire.

Methods For Improving Your Chances of Accident Avoidance

Many accidents can be prevented by good preparation and etiquette. Here are some common ways you can improve your odds of success during your excursions.

1. Get Properly Educated. You may like the classroom, you may not. Either way, this is one occasion where you should bite the bullet (no pun intended) and attend hunting safety classes. You may be thinking 'I know all about gun safety - look, I just turned the safety on', but there is a lot more to it than that. A good class can make you an educated and safe hunter.

2. Dress Intelligently. The more visible you are to the human eye, the better your chances of not falling victim to one of the above causes of injury or death. Do not hesitate to wear the blaze orange that is so iconic for hunters, especially if you think you are going to be in a highly hunted area.

3. Establish Good Communication. Figure out a method of communicating and locating the other members of your hunting party. A surprisingly large number of hunting accidents occur between family members and friends who have gone out together.

4. Be Diligent With Good Safety Habits. It may be tempting to cut corners or get a bit lazy when it comes to gun safety and maintenance, but don't fall into that trap. Be cautious where the gun is pointed at all times and never point it at anyone playfully.

5. Stay Level Headed. Don't let excitement carry you away. Always try to stay cool and never fire without being sure of what you are firing at. Furthermore, do not let your judgment become impaired by alcohol or other substances.

6. Alert Other Hunters To Your Presence. Hang an orange streamer or vest from the tree you are either shooting from or underneath. This will give other hunters fair warning that any activity or rustling they hear coming from your area is likely not game.

Legal Rights For Those in an Accident

Accidents range all the way from minor injuries to death. Here are some examples of accidents that can occur:

1. Shrapnel From Spreadshot. If someone is shooting near or above you, it is possible to get hurt from the falling debris.

2. Direct Impact From a Bullet. No confusion here - this is when you get shot by another hunter.

3. Fall From a Tree Stand. Sometimes it isn't another hunter who is at fault, but a manufacturer. If you are certain a tree stand failed from design and not your construction, you might have legal rights.

4. Alcohol-Related Incident. If there is alcohol or drugs related to an accident, that can drastically alter the status of your case.

5. Assault and Battery. Disagreements can happen and sometimes it comes to blows.

6. Other Unforeseen Events.

Hunting accidents can be complex as insurance companies get involved and 'he said this / I say that' occurs due to the lack of witnesses. It can be an uphill battle trying to get compensation for hunting accidents on your own. Find a good specialist attorney in your area that will provide you with a free consultation.

Determining Legal Liability For an Accident Or Personal Injury

Have you recently been hurt or injured because of another person or company's failure to exercise reasonable care? If so, it is a smart decision to seem legal counsel from a Seattle injury attorney. Experienced attorneys advise on all legal matters regarding the circumstances of your accident, the extent of your injuries, and its long term effects on your life.

A Seattle personal injury attorney can help you determine whether or not you are entitled to financial compensation for damages. This typically includes medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, permanent disability, and damage to your earning potential.

A Seattle injury lawyer is adept at helping to accurately judge legal responsibility for an accident or injury. The rules for this are often complicated. It's easy to say someone is guilty of causing the accident and must pay for your injuries but determining who was legally at fault is a little more difficult.

Most injuries caused from accidents occur because of the carelessness of another person. The basic rule most attorneys follow is "if one person in an accident was less careful than another, the less careful one is responsible for paying for at least a portion of the damages suffered by the more careful one."

Legal responsibility is determined by this rule of carelessness, as well as one or more of the following simple circumstances:

- If the injured party was where they were not supposed to be, or somewhere they should have expected the kind of activity which caused the accident, the party who caused the accident might not be liable since they had no legal duty to be careful.
- If the person injured was also careless or reckless, their financial compensation may be reduced by the extent that they were also responsible for the accident.
- If the negligent party causes the accident while working for someone else, the employer may also be legally liable for the accident.
- If the accident is caused on a dangerous, poorly built or maintained property, the owner of such property is liable, regardless of whether they actually created the dangerous conditions.
- If a defective product caused the accident, then both the manufacturer and seller of the product are liable.

If you have suffered a serious personal injury from accident, don't sacrifice your future or what you are owed. A Seattle personal injury attorney can help you receive what you deserve.

Boating Accidents - Statistics and Legal Rights Info

Most boating accidents can be cured by wearing good quality life preservers. That's the biggest takeaway I can provide you with. If you intend to go out on a boat make sure you have vests and other PFD's (personal flotation devices) available.

But let's say you took that precaution, and even other precautions recommended to you during your boating safety training. Despite all of your preparation you still incurred an injury or got into an accident while in the water. What do you do now?

This article is here to share some of the most common statistics regarding boating accidents to help make you an informed boater. In addition, it is going to analyze what you can do from a legal perspective to make sure you are properly compensated for the negligence or incompetence of an outside party that damaged your property or caused injury to you or your loved ones.

Boating Statistics:

When trying to frame the circumstances of your accident, it might help to know some of the common statistics involved in boating accidents every year.

On average, there are appx 700 reported boating deaths every year in the United States. Furthermore, there are appx 4,500 accidents reported every year. Interestingly, it is believed that only 10-15% of all incidences are properly filed.

Property damage involved with these events is disproportionately large when compared to more common land accidents. In 2008 there was an estimated $54 million dollars in damage across the country. For some more interested stats, consider those compiled on commanderbob.com/cbstats.html:

" * Over two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, ninety (90) percent were not wearing a life jacket.

* Only ten percent of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety instruction.

* Seven out of every ten boaters who drowned were using boats less than 21 feet in length.

* Careless/reckless operation, operator inattention, no proper lookout, operator inexperience and passenger/skier behavior rank as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.

* Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 17% of the deaths.

* The most common types of vessels involved in reported accidents were open motorboats (43%), personal watercraft (23%), and cabin motorboats (15%)."

Types of Boating Accidents:

It was touched upon in the statistics section, but let's list some of the most common types of accidents to determine if your situation falls into one of these criteria.

* Boat Collision. Quite simply this entails two or more boats striking each other. However, collision can happen in a variety of places, including crowded docks, narrow passageways, and on the open sea.

* Object Collision. Similar to boat collisions but with objects either at dock or in the open water. Object collision can be the fault of the boat operator, or can be caused by negligent/inappropriate placement objects by other boaters or water officials. Examples include loose buoyees, inner tubes, boat parts, etc.

* Water Skier/Tuber Incident. Water skiing can be extremely exhilarating, but it also has inherent risks. If you went on a skiing or tubing trip and you believe injury occurred due to faulty equipment or driver negligence, you may have a case.

* Driver Error. Many accidents occur due to negligence, intoxication, or lack of education of the boat driver.

* Boat Capsizing/Equipment Failure. A surprisingly small number of accidents occur as a result of equipment failure. However, negligence and lack of proper preparation can cause this to be an issue.

* Cruise Liner Incident. Cruise liners offer a whole different set of circumstances than normal watercraft. All manner of injuries can be sustained on a cruise liner, and if you believe it was caused by the crew or poor conditions, you may be able to pursue the situation legally.

* General Intoxication. Whether it be via the driver, passengers, crew, or whatever, intoxication is a leading cause of drowning and injury on boats.

Filing a Boating Accident Report

Something that goes hand-in-hand with boating accidents is the BAR, or boating accident report. Most boaters are made aware of the federal and state rules regarding accident filing when going through boater safety training. However, when an accident occurs that you believe might require legal involvement, it is important to understand the rules more thoroughly.

According to accidentinfo.com/blog/when-to-file-a-boating-accident-report-bar/, a BAR must be filed when:

"1. A person dies; or

2. A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid, i.e. treatment at a medical facility or by a medical professional other than at the accident scene; or

3. Damage to vessels and other property totals $2,000 or more or there is a complete loss of any vessel; or

4. A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury.

If you experience a boating accident where one or more of these criteria have been met, you must file a BAR within 48 hours if:

1. A person dies within 24 hours of the occurrence; or

2. A person requires medical treatment beyond first aid; or

3. A person disappears from the vessel.

You have 10 days to file a BAR if the damage only involves the vessel and/or property. Be aware that these are the minimum requirements for federal regulation of BARs and individual states may have stricter reporting requirements."

Seeking Legal Compensation

Some accidents are quite simple and only involve you as the boater or passenger. However, if it involves multiple parties or a need for compensation from an external source, it is important to get in contact with a professional boating accident attorney even before you start this process. They will be able to give you proper advice and keep you from sabotaging your own case.

Be sure to find an attorney who is not only skilled at boating accident cases in general, but who is also an expert at your states specific rules. The stringency of boating law varies from state to state and it is critical to make sure you are doing everything you can to prove you were not at fault, or even partially responsible for the incident.

Road Traffic Accidents Legal Proceedings

Even though there have been advancements in road and car safety, road traffic accidents are still common place in our society. Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will be involved in a serious road traffic accident at least once in their lifetime. We will discuss when such accidents may lead to legal proceedings.

If you are involved in a car accident, you should speak to a legal expert who can guide you through the minefield of the legal system and help you to get the compensation you deserve. You may like to get in touch with our advisors on 08000 71 22 71 or click our road traffic accident claims form to get started.

Legal Proceedings After A Road Traffic Accident

Not all road traffic accidents lead to legal proceedings, however if there are no serious injuries, you may be entitled to recover damages for property and other expenses from the other drivers insurance company. The likelihood of legal proceedings will usually rest on the quantum, or the amount of financial damage which has ensued from the accident.

What Causes Road Traffic Accidents?

There are many possible causes for road traffic accidents which are discussed below:

Bad Driving- This is by far the greatest cause of most road traffic accidents. Simple errors in judgement and other mishaps all add up to common poor driving habits such as ignoring traffic signals, speeding, not giving way at the correct times, tailgating and mobile phone usage.
Lack Of Attention- Drivers are oftentimes distracted and can increase the chance of a road traffic accidents. Whether from outside of the car or inside the car its something which we must all become more aware of.

Reading maps or newspapers(!), changing CD's or the radio station, fixing your appearance in the vanity mirror or trying to comfort an upset child are all distractions which can cause road traffic accidents.
Under The Influence- Accidents on the road are unfortunately due to the impaired ability of the driver to concentrate and put both himself and other road users at risk.

Weather Conditions - Bad weather, rain, icy roads, floods all contribute to poor driving conditions from which an accident can occur by impairing visibility. Slippery road surfaces require the driver to take extra care whist behind the wheel. Motorists need to take into consideration these weather conditions whist on the road to avoid causing an accident. Black ice and flash flooding are all unexpected obstacles a driver will have to be prepared for when setting out on a journey, so its important to check the weather report if you suspect harsh road conditions.

Poor Road Design - Government liability can be called upon when confusing, poorly placed signs, barriers, road works or traffic signals are a contributing factor to a road traffic accidents. These can lead to drivers no being familiar with a change in road design and coupled with possible poor driving conditions lead to vehicle collisions and personal injuries.
Roadworthy Vehicles- A road traffic accidents can be caused by a vehicle not being road worthy. Factors such as poor tyres, brakes failing, electrical failure and similar defects can all cause a driver to become involved in an accident. A manufacturing defect, design failure or similar vehicle factory problem can also be a contributing factor.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Teen Dies, Another Injured in Hit-and-Run Accident

Motorists should be careful when driving within residential areas, especially late at night when the darkness and poor visibility make it difficult for them to notice pedestrians walking along or crossing the streets.

A 16-year-old girl, identified as Chanel Lenard, died while her friend was brought to St. Francis Medical Center to be treated for serious injuries after they were hit by a gray minivan along 154th Street recently.

The two teenage girls were apparently walking home past midnight after attending a party when they were hit by the van driven by 22-year-old Compton man Juan Garay who failed a sobriety test when apprehended a few blocks from the accident scene.

Authorities booked Garay on suspicion of drunk driving and felony hit-and run.

The lost of a young life could have been prevented if only the driver was wise enough not to drink and drive and assisted the victims who needed immediate medical care.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Young Women Die in Crash Caused by Speeding and Intoxication

Young drivers often get involved in fatal accidents because of their inexperience and aggressiveness.

Three young women recently died when their vehicle was hit by a wrong-way driver along Weedpatch Highway around midnight. The 19-year-old negligent driver, identified as Leonel Nunez Jr., was said to be speeding and was found to be intoxicated at the time of the crash.

Nunez was said to be driving a 2000 Pontiac Trans Am on the southbound lane with 20-year-old Ricardo Parra and 18-year-old Vincent Alvarez when he suddenly shifted to the northbound lanes where the women’s vehicle was attempting to turn from Reynolds Avenue.

The driver of the 1997 Plymouth Breeze was identified as 20-year-old Esmeralda Soriano. Soriano was with Marilupe Madrigal, 18, and 17-year-old Giselle Madrid at the time of the accident. The three young women died on the scene.

Nunez sustained only a cut on his arm while his passengers sustained minor injuries. He was arrested and may possibly face two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing injury as well as three felony counts of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Lake Elsinore Councilman Admits Guilt in DUI Charges

All drivers and motorists are required to follow traffic rules. Those who choose to ignore their responsibility will receive a punishment that corresponds to the graveness of the offense that they committed.

In fact, a Lake Elsinore councilman was recently sentenced to three years of probation and six days in custody after he pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor DUI.

Reports stated that Thomas Buckley, 44, was pulled over by the authorities in November after they noticed that his vehicle does not have a front license plate.

It was determined later on that the he had a blood-alcohol level of .08.

According to Buckley’s attorney, the councilman will likely serve his six days of custody in a work release program.

Reports said Buckley was also required to join a first-time drinking driver program and pay a fine amounting to $1,582.

People in high positions should set a good example and avoid doing negligent actions that other people may follow. Drivers will continue to disobey traffic rules if the people whom they look up to also disregard them.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

ATV Accident Seriously Injures Motorist

All-terrain vehicle riders should be aware of their driving restrictions and the different traffic laws that prevent them from travelling on roads where they may cause accidents because of the speed and ability of their vehicle.

A recent accident involves a woman who sustained major injuries to the head and upper body after being thrown from her ATV on Highway 20 in Williams.

The 21-year-old Mariel Cervantes was reportedly riding her ATV with a trailer in tow when she tried to make a left turn when she was hit by a 2002 Dodge Durango that was trying to pass the slow-moving ATV.

Cervantes was broadsided and thrown off the ATV. She probably sustained major injuries as she wasn’t wearing protective gears such as helmet or pads when the accident occurred.

These protective equipments are important to riders as they help save the riders life by minimizing possible injuries that can be sustained.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Blown Tire Causes Four-Vehicle Accident in Pasadena

Drivers are expected to maintain the good condition of their tires and check if they are already worn out because failure to do so can suddenly result to a tragic road accident.

In fact, a big rig with a blown tire had apparently caused injury to three people when it triggered a four-vehicle accident along the Foothill (210) Freeway in Pasadena.

According to reports, two people sustained serious injuries while another one is now under a critical condition. All of them were brought to a hospital to receive treatment for their injuries.

Police said two drivers needed to be extricated from two different vehicles, which include one that rolled over.

All westbound lanes were closed by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for hours after the incident.

Avoiding accidents caused by blown tires requires little effort from drivers. They should always remember their obligation of checking the condition of their tires not only for their own sake, but for the safety of all road users.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Man Struck and Killed by Car While Fleeing from Robbery

All road users, including pedestrians, are required to follow traffic laws and avoid any kind of distraction that can result to road accidents. However, some distractions may be unavoidable and can suddenly end an innocent person’s life.

This is exactly what happened to a male teenager who was struck and killed in Canoga Park after failing to see an approaching car because he was focused on fleeing from a “would-be robber.”

According to reports, authorities found Miguel Alvarenga, 18, unconscious along the 20600 block of Sherman Way.

Investigators said a bicyclist approached the teen and tried to rob him.

Alvarenga was hit by a vehicle while he was running into the street, away from the bicyclist. He was brought to a local hospital where he was announced dead after a day because of his injuries, said reports.

Authorities are still trying to locate the whereabouts of the bicyclist and are asking for public assistance in accomplishing this goal.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Metrolink Crash Resistant Train Cars Arrives

Finally, the first two crash resistant train cars have arrived and will be replacing the older models used by Metrolink.

Metrolink is still reeling from the massive Chatsworth train accident that resulted in 25 deaths and millions of dollars in settlement.

The new train cars are in line with the series of actions being taken by Metrolink to improve passenger safety.

The new cars use “crush zone” technology to absorb the impact of the collision.
It will go a long way in reducing the injuries that may be sustained in case of a train crash.

Other measures taken by Metrolink include the placement of video cameras to monitor train and employee activities.

Chatsworth was allegedly caused by a train engineer who did not notice a red signal because he was texting.

One of the leading causes of train accidents is negligence. It could be operator error like that of Chatsworth or just the simple lack of warning signs and safety measures in their railroad crossing.

Hopefully, Metrolink will address all these safety concerns and not just the issue of reducing the impact during a collision.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Authorities Request Public Assistance in Locating Simi Valley Hit-and-Run Driver

Many drivers who were involved in an accident try to flee an accident area despite knowing that running away from the scene is illegal.

Another driver who fled after hitting a man in the parking lot of Taco Bell located along Tapo St. in Simi Valley is now being searched by the authorities.

According to reports, a Mercedes dragged a 50-year old man who was holding the driver door. The victim released it after several feet and landed on a pavement.

The Mercedes driver then backed up and hit him with the vehicle’s rear end before fleeing the accident area.

Reports said the victim was brought to Simi Valley Hospital to receive treatment for cuts along his right arm and a bump on his head. He was released after being treated.

Authorities are now looking for the hit-and run driver’s vehicle that is probably a 2006 or 2007 model of a black or dark colored four-door Mercedes Sedan with a shattered taillight.

The driver was described as a Middle Eastern or Hispanic man who is around 25-years-old.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

El Sereno Head-On Collision Kills One and Injures Another

A head-on collision in El Sereno killed one motorist and injured another the other night.

According to the LAPD’s Central Traffic Division, the 2-vehicle crash happened on Eastern Avenue, 100 yards north of Klamath Place and just south of Huntington Drive.

The police did not specify the details of the car accident so we do not know the cause of the crash.

What we do know is that one of the drivers involved died at the scene while the other sustained minor abrasions and was brought to a nearby hospital.

The important information that needs to be figured out is who between the 2 drivers drifted to the other’s lane.

With modern traffic implementing the two-direction system (southbound and northbound, westbound and eastbound) the occurrence of head-on collisions has been greatly decreased.

However because of reckless and impatient drivers, this type of accident still occurs.

According to studies, the impact of a head on collision between two cars moving at 50 mph is approximately equal to the impact of a car hitting a wall at 100 mph.

That is how dangerous it is.

Whoever drifted to the lane of the other driver can be charged both civilly and criminally.

So even if you are stuck in traffic, resist the temptation of going to the other lane.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Two People Hospitalized after Two-Car Collision

A collision is a type of road accident that often results to injuries because of the tremendous impact between moving vehicles.

At least two people were brought to Community Regional Center after being injured in a two-car collision along Grantland and Shaw avenues in west of Fresno.

According to reports, the accident caused Shaw’s eastbound lanes to be partly blocked.

The extent of the sustained injuries was not immediately available.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the collision.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

2 Pedestrian Accidents Involving Government Vehicles Killed One and Seriously Injures Another

In a bizarre turn of events, two separate pedestrian accidents involving government vehicles killed one and seriously injured another at almost the same time in San Francisco.

The first vehicle accident happened in Ocean Avenue at about 1:40 pm when a water department truck struck a woman who was crossing the street.

The woman was pronounced dead on the scene.

Police are trying to find out if the woman was on a crosswalk when she was struck and why the truck was not able to see her.

The driver of the truck had worked for the city for 23 years.

At almost the same time, a second incident happened in San Bruno Avenue when a Muni Bus struck a woman who was also crossing the street.

There are no stoplights or stop signs in San Bruno but there were crosswalks for pedestrians.

The woman was hit on the right side and was thrown about 15 feet.

A witness called 911 and emergency personnel responded to the scene.

The injuries of the woman was said to be life-threatening.

Both drivers will be tested for alcohol and drugs as part of procedures involving these kinds of incidents.

The family of the first victim and the woman in the second accident could file a wrongful death and a personal injury suit against the city.

The city has a duty to take reasonable measures to keep its citizens from harm.

The claimants could argue that the drivers were not exercising the highest level of care and that the city has neglected some of its roads by failing to put adequate stop signs or stop lights.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Irvine City Blamed in Fatal Collision

Lack of road signs can cause drivers to be technically “blind” because it prevents them from seeing possible dangers they might face on the roads.

This stands as the primary reason why the family members of a motorcyclist killed in an accident last July have filed a $10 million wrongful death claim against Irvine city, alleging that inadequate road signs along a public roadway had resulted to the death of their loved one.

The absence of road warnings or signage on Walnut Avenue allegedly resulted to a deadly accident involving David Dietrich, a Mercedes-Benz driver who made an illegal left-turn in front of 23-year-old Michael Edwards.

It was reported that Edwards was driving a motorcycle along the opposite side of the road when the accident happened. He collided with the Mercedes after failing to stop his motorcycle on time, and was announced dead at the area.

The claim stated that at the time of the incident, drivers moving westbound may not have clearly understood that they are prohibited from making a proper left-hand turn going to Wisteria because of insufficient signage.

Dietrich pleaded guilty to the charges of failure to obey traffic signs and vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

San Diego Pedestrian Injured in Accident

A pedestrian accident in San Diego recently resulted to serious injuries after an intoxicated pedestrian reportedly stepped right into the path of oncoming traffic.

Reports indicate that the pedestrian was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol when he emerged between two parked vehicles and got directly into the path of a Jaguar driven by an unidentified man near Euclid Avenue recently.

The pedestrian remains to be in critical condition after sustaining head injuries in the accident that occurred in Federal boulevard.

Drinking while on the road has proven to be fatal to pedestrians and motorists who are not able to exercise their good judgment in situations that confront them because of the negative effects of alcohol in their system.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Car Tossed into a Tree when Tornado Hit Ventura

Comprehensive car insurance coverage will shoulder all repair costs or it may replace the policyholder’s vehicle and properties inside it if they were lost or damaged due to different factors like flood, fires, and tornados, among others.

This insurance coverage may be useful for the owner of a vehicle that was lifted into a tree in Ventura County.

The National Weather Service (NWS) stated that the damage left in the area was brought by a tornado. NWS also said that the tornado “was the smallest category class.”

Aside from lifting the car, the tornado also hurled a fence into a pool, downed power lines, and caused some shingles to be ripped off the rooftops.

Vehicle owners should anticipate the danger they may face and the accidents they may be involved in when availing car accident insurance coverage. By doing this, they will be provided with financial help if an accident happens or if their vehicle was destroyed by natural or other forces.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Chrysler Announces Product Recall Due to Break Failure

About 24,177 vehicles will be affected by the product recall of Chrysler.

According to the bulletin posted by the NHTSA, the product recall was made due to reports of brake failure.

The bulletin said that the vehicles affected may have been produced with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip.

NHTSA added that the safety defect may cause brake failure without warning that could lead to a car accident.

The following models are affected:

• Chrysler Sebring, 2010
• Dodge Avenger, 2010
• Dodge Nitro, 2010
• Dodge RAM , 2009-2010
• Jeep Commander, 2010
• Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2010
• Jeep Liberty, 2010.

For more information about the recall, you can call Chrysler at 800-853 or NHTSA at 888-327-4236

If you have been injured due to the said safety defect, you should also consult a product liability attorney to know your legal options.

Hollywood Crash Ended Police Chase

An 18-minute chase ended up in a vehicle collision after a man hit another car at a Koreatown intersection recently.

Authorities say that the chase begun when the man allegedly pulled out a gun on police officers who were riding on an unmarked vehicle.

No one was reported with serious injuries though the speeding vehicle ran red lights and drove on the sidewalks which could have easily resulted to a pedestrian accident wherein he will also be accountable for.

Officials say he may be booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon against a police officer.

Aside from this charge, he should face other traffic-related charges for endangering the lives of pedestrians and other motorists in the area by being a negligent driver.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Eleven-Year-Old Boy Causes Fatal Tulare Crash

Only persons aged 16-years-old and above are permitted by law to operate a vehicle. An age requirement was imposed because younger persons are presumed as incapable of driving properly and responsibly and they may endanger the lives of many in the event of an accident.

True enough, an 11-year-old driver caused an accident in Tulare County that ended the lives of three people, including his own, and injured another.

According to authorities, Jose Silva was driving a 1993 Honda eastbound on Avenue 168 and ran a stop sign along Road 152. The Honda, which was carrying four occupants, all from Woodville, was then hit broadside by a 1999 Ford headed southbound.

The Ford driver who was identified as Charles Seguin, 44, from Porterville, sustained minor injuries and received treatment at the accident area. Meanwhile, Froylon Gonzales, 34, one of the Honda’s passengers, sustained life-threatening injuries and was brought to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.

Jose, his 6-year-old sister named Elizabeth, and his mother Maria were all killed in the incident.

Parents should not let their children drive because young ones are not yet aware of what their actions can cause. In addition, children are not yet physically and mentally ready to handle the pressures that they may face while out on the roads.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Motorcyclist Dies in Crash

A motorcycle accident recently killed a rider in San Diego after he lost control of his vehicle and hit an oncoming westbound Honda Accord.

The 49-year-old Virgil Frank Garrett apparently lost control of his motorcycle on a curve before swerving in front of the Accord driven by the 23-year-old motorist.

Garrett died before rescuers were able to transport him to a hospital.

The recent vehicle collision proves how difficult it is to maneuver motorcycles and so riders should be extra cautious and manage the speed of their vehicle.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Police in Search of Lakeside Hit-and-Run Driver

Although the law prohibits drivers from leaving the scene of an accident, many drivers still try to escape to avoid liability by running away especially if the incident had resulted in injury or death to another.

This is what happened in the case of a 63-year-old woman who was critically injured in a hit-and-run incident in Lakeside.

According to authorities, the woman was hit while she was crossing Old Highway 80, east of Los Coches Road.

She sustained severe head injury and broken legs.

The vehicle was described by witnesses as a dark-colored Ford Expedition.

The woman’s family will have trouble recovering damages because the unidentified driver fled the area without assisting the victim. Because of this, the driver may face graver punishments once caught as escaping has only worsened the offense he had committed.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Drunk Driver Ran Away in Fatal Crash

A multiple car crash in Santa Ana has taken the life of an 18-year-old Anaheim woman who was riding on a vehicle hit by a drunk driver who fled the scene after the accident.

The 36-year-old Robert Charles Serrano was later arrested at a relative’s house while the teen, Corbin White, died at a hospital a day later after the crash.

Reports indicate that after leaving a bar, Serrano hit a Toyota Scion, where White was a passenger, which was stopped by the traffic light. The impact caused the Scion to hit a Chevrolet Malibu that was making a turn to the southbound lanes of Main. The BMW driven by Serrano then spun and hit the vehicle at the back of the Malibu.

The driver of the Scion, including White were both taken to the hospital to be treated for serious injuries. The other two drivers were unharmed while Serrano was apparently well enough to flee the scene on foot.

Serrano is detained and faces felony charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and fleeing an accident scene.

A young life is once again senselessly taken away because of the negligence of a drunk driver who doesn’t care enough to just take a cab home after drinking so as not to endanger other motorists.