Polaris Industries ATV model recalled

In these hard times, having to part with one’s hard earned money is suicide unless it is for investment purposes. Buying a car may be one of those investments.

However, buying a defective car is certainly a liability more than an asset. For buyers of the Polaris’ 2009-2010 models of Sportsman ATVs, their vehicles became a critical and dangerous investment.

Polaris Industries issued a recall order on roughly 8,500 of its ATVS. The recall was prompted by a defective steering knuckle. The front suspension ball joint stem could detach from the steering knuckle causing the driver to lose control.

Polaris advised vehicle owners to stop using them. It also offered free repair for the affected vehicles.

The recall was made with the assistance of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Injuries or deaths resulting from defective automobiles are liabilities of car manufacturers. Consequently, victims can file a personal injury case against them. A product liability attorney may be summoned to recover compensation claims.

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Lev Foundation Gives Away Taxi Ride Vouchers to Prevent DUI Car Accidents

In an innovative approach to curb DUI car accidents this holiday season, a non-profit organization is offering cab vouchers for people to take a taxi instead of driving if they had a little drink.

Lev Foundation, an organization formed by friends and families in the memory of Daniel Levian, is giving away $10 taxi vouchers through December on its Web site.

Daniel Levian was killed in a car accident while riding a car driven by a drunk driver last year. He was just 25 at the time.

It’s a very simple gesture that can come a long way.

Drunk driving is the leading cause of car accidents in the US and every December, a spike in those numbers is always seen.

Blame it on the spirit of celebration, but a lot of Americans choose to get behind the wheel after “celebrating.”

The problem is they do not only put themselves in danger, but those around them as well.

The members of Lev Foundation just have to think of Daniel Levian to remind them of that bitter truth.

For the members of the foundation, if it could at least prevent one person from drinking and driving, then it has already accomplished its goal.

Hopefully even if we do not get free taxi vouchers, we would still avoid drinking and driving.

We just need to look at the foundation and realize that we do not want to cause that kind of harm to other people.

Not to mention the hassle that comes with it.

Aside from putting yours and other peoples’ lives in danger, you also put yourself liable for civil and criminal charges.

Just recently, a DUI driver was sentenced to 20 to life in prison for 2nd degree murder after he caused a car accident that killed one woman in San Diego.

He cried and apologized to the family of his victim calling it an accident and not murder.

However, you always have a choice.

And he chose to drive after getting drunk and he paid for the consequences of his actions.

Nobody wants to end up like him.

So take advantage of this $10 Taxi ride program, you do not know it, but it just might save you and other peoples’ lives.

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Teen Who Killed Sonoma Family in Fatal Car Crash was not Drunk

Authorities were surprised to find that Steven Culbertson, the 19-year-old teen who plowed into a minivan killing a Sonoma family of four, was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

CHP officers could not believe it until they saw the negative results because of the way Culbertson was driving.

The CHP also said that they did not find any evidence that Culbertson has been at a bar before the car accident.

However, not because his DUI test turned out negative does it mean that he is not liable for the death of four members of a family.

Well, he may not be drunk at the time, but it proves that he is completely reckless.

In some ways, this is actually worse.

It means that Culbertson was consciously driving his car at 70-90mph and he also consciously ran the red light that resulted in his car crashing into the family’s minivan last November 28.

Cubertson has died in a hospital later after the crash so he has paid the ultimate price for his reckless and negligent actions.

However, even in death, the family of the victims can still hold him liable to the law.

Or at least civilly liable.

They can still file a wrongful death suit against Cubertson and if they win, they can collect from his car accident insurance policy.

Although no amount of money can replace lost family, they do deserve the damages to be awarded to them by the courts.

They can also take it as recognition from the courts that they have been wronged by Cubertson and he is liable by law for his actions.

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Pedestrian Determined to Be at Fault for University City Collision

San Diego Police has determined that the 59-year-old pedestrian struck by a car in University City yesterday morning was at fault for the collision.

The pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Nobel Drive and Genesee Avenue, and was reported at about 5:37 am.

The pedestrian sustained possible head trauma and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Luckily the pedestrian has health insurance with personal injury protection coverage.

Otherwise his assets may take a hitting from his medical treatment.

It looks like his personal injury claim will be denied if he decides to file it against the driver.

Police deemed that the pedestrian is the one at fault for the accident and the driver was not cited for any infraction, which is strong proof that the driver was not negligent at the time of the accident.

The lawyers of the insurance company that represent the driver will pound on those facts which would not be very good for the pedestrian’s case.

He could still try to talk to some car accident attorney and see if they could find another legal angle to which he can file a personal injury claim.

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Maximum Penalty Slapped on DUI Convict

Finally, justice had been served to the family and friends of Emily Cathleen Dowdy who died from a hit and run accident.

A San Diego court sentenced Alan Lester Mabrey to 20 years to life in prison for Dowdy’s death. The conviction was brought about after finding that Mabrey killed Dowdy while drunk driving. At the time of the accident, Mabrey’s blood-alcohol content registered at 0.22 percent.

The evidence revealed that Mabrey had previous DUI convictions in Texas and Colorado.

For repeated DUI offenders, the maximum penalty provided by law must be imposed. The gravity of the offense and the fact that the offender seemed not to have learned his lessons must be taken into consideration.

Hit and run cases in California are the highest with 7.8 percent. According to the report conducted by the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety, 18 percent of hit and run victims were pedestrians.

For the loss of innocent lives, personal injury laws give the victims’ loved ones the right to sue for compensation. With the help of a hit and run attorney, recovery for damages may be done without delay.

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Snow Saves Pilot and Passenger

A recent plane accident caused by the poor visibility could have been a lot worse if it wasn’t for the snow that the aircraft had landed on.

The pilot and the passenger of a turboprop TBM 850 were unharmed after they crashed onto a pile of snow near the Truckee airport as the pilot had problems on the visibility of the runway.

Plane accidents are almost always fatal. But, gladly, the recent accident didn’t result to any casualties as both the occupants were alive and unharmed.

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Big Rig causes Massive Injuries

The number of accidents involving big rigs colliding with another vehicle or hitting an object on the road have increased recently. In La Mesa, a big rig hit a wall when he was travelling from I-8 connector to SR-125. There were no injuries reported from the accident. The truck had 50-foot steel pipe when it hit a barrier and rolled over. As a result, the pipe it was carrying was dislodged and hit a taxi below.

Accidents like this can be avoided if drivers are careful when they are driving. A big rig can cause so much damage especially if it hits smaller vehicles or even worse, pedestrians. The drive should not drive if he is tired or sleepy.

He should not drive when he is distracted like using his cell phone to text messages or talk to someone. Drivers should not over speed, drive when they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Victims of big rig accidents may file a claim to reimburse all damages from what happened. They should hire a lawyer specializing in this type of case. He should be familiar with the case to handle it well. The lawyer’s fee can be negotiated before the court trial. The claim can reimburse the medical fees, the doctors’ fees, property damages, pain and suffering.

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Dead Driver in Bus Crash Suffered Cardiac Arrest

Fifty seven-year-old Lynne Marie Monson who was driving a City of Gardena municipal bus was said to have died of cardiac arrest in a bus accident wherein she hit a fire hydrant and a couple of power poles before crossing the median and stopping in front of a house.

The four passengers onboard were not harmed but some streets had to be shut down because of the accident.

Monson’s supervisor told authorities that she recently went through a physical exam which shows no medical problem.

Accidents caused by heart attacks and other medical emergencies which stops a person from focusing on the road is very unfortunate. So, if a motorist begins feeling dizzy or uncomfortable, he must park the vehicle on the shoulder lane to avoid troubling other motorists on the road.

This type of fatal collision is unpredictable as a motorist may be fine for one moment and be fighting hard to breathe the next.

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Speeding, Black Ice Cause of Fatal Rollover

Authorities believe that unsafe speed and the slippery road condition have caused the recent fatal rollover accident in San Jose's Almaden Expressway.

Reports indicate that the unidentified man was travelling a two-door Ford Mustang when it went off an embankment and rolled over a couple of times before resting on a nearby parking lot.

During the winter season, drivers must be cautious of their speed as roads are especially slippery because of ice and so they may easily lose control over their vehicles. Also it would be wise to install tire protection chains to have a better grip on roads.

These road accidents are potential causes of catastrophic injuries especially if speed is a factor. So, it is wise to be cautious than suffer the consequences of a personal injury accident.

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4-Year-Old Kid Dragged in Hit-And-Run Accident

Deaths in car accidents are always tragic. What’s even worse is when helpless children become victims of these reckless acts.

Yesterday morning, a four-year-old kid was struck by a car pulling out of a parking lot while he was riding his scooter to Smythe Academy in Sacramento.

What makes this really bad is that the driver did not stop his car, but instead sped away, dragging the poor kid.

The boy was taken to UC Davis Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Under the law, all individuals involved in a car accident are required to stop and exchange information with the other parties involved including their name, address, contact number, insurance provider and policy number.

Aside from exchanging information, we are also required to provide reasonable assistance to those who are injured in the collision.

The law is not asking us to play doctors, but we should assist in ways that we can like calling 911 and arranging transport of the injured party to a hospital.

Sadly, we will never know what would have happened if only the hit-and-run driver stopped and assisted the kid.

What if he stopped? He would not have dragged the poor boy through the pavement. The injuries would not have been as serious, and he could have been given medical attention sooner.

The family are just left to wonder what could have been if he just did not speed away.

Police are now looking for this runaway driver. They described the car as a dark-colored sedan, possibly a Nissan Maxima.

It may also have front-end damage due to the collision.

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Reckless Driving Kill Lives

When driving, it is important to do all necessary safety measures so that no one will be involved in an accident. Wearing a seatbelt, maintaining the speed under the required limit, not driving when intoxicated, placing a child on a car seat and others are some of the actions drivers and passengers can do.

In Irwindale, a car accident took away the life of a woman when she was ejected from the car she was riding. She died on the spot. The car overturned when it turned right on a dirt edge. Police were still baffled on the cause of the accident. The driver had injuries on his left hand and right leg.

Car accidents can be avoided if drivers are careful when driving. A person has only one life and it can never be gained once it is gone. There are traffic rules and regulations implemented by the government to prevent and avoid accidents from happening.

The resulting injuries or deaths caused by a car accident can be devastating to the victims and their families. It can also be very expensive to finance the medical fees not to mention the amount of expenses to repair the car’s damage. The victims have the right to claim for damages.

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Metrolink Engineer Investigated in Nov. 24 Incident

Metrolink has yet to overcome last year’s deadly head-on Chatsworth collision when another incident raised another concern.

In the last November 24 incident, a commuter train engineer ran a red signal as another passenger train approached on a section track.

Upon investigation, California Public Utilities Commission revealed that the engineer declared an “emergency after passing the signal and stopped before going through a switch and onto a section of the train being used by an oncoming Metrolink train.”

Investigators were planning to review video camera to determine any violation of safety rules.

Following the incident, the engineer and conductor were both placed under administrative leave pending investigation.

Train accidents often result in disastrous outcome including deaths and property damages. Just like other accident, train collisions are avoidable if safety rules are only observed.

If a train crash occurs due to negligent operation, a train accident lawyer can help pursue a personal injury case against the party at fault.

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The Real Cause of Tiger Woods’ Car Accident

The car accident that Tiger Woods was recently involved in has attracted a lot of attention. He was fined $164 and had four points against his driver’s license. He collided into a fire hydrant and a three last week. He suffered minor injuries on his face.

Apparently this news has unearthed more dirt on the real reason why he got into a car accident in the first place. One publication reported that he was having an affair that was why his wife was after him with a golf club.

He was not drunk and reportedly did not seem to be involved in a fight with anyone. His injuries were said to be consistent with the accident he got into.

In most car accident cases, the usual reason is the driver’s negligence. He may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, sleepy or tired, over speeding or using his cell phone. These actions can result to a collision. A driver should be alert and focus when he is behind the wheels because it is not safe to be distracted. It may result to a car accident.

If Woods’ real cause for the car accident is one of the actions listed above then it should not be tolerated and done by other drivers.

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Car Manufacturers Deal with Car Defects

There are certain circumstances when the companies who manufactured the car had the mistake of releasing it to the public. It may cause injuries or deaths in a car accident. Product defect is a responsibility of the company who created the product.

They should have inspected it prior to releasing it to the public. It should not have pass through quality control inspection if there were defects because this says a lot about how the company manufacture their products.

Toyota Motor Corp. made a mistake lately of releasing their Lexus and other Toyota models. There were defects on the gas pedals that may result to abrupt acceleration because of the floor mat.

It may lead to a car accident like the Lexus ES 350 which crashed because of the gas pedal that was entrapped by the floor mat. These situations can be avoided if in the first place the quality of the car was well made. But then because they were apparently not inspected thoroughly, someone had to suffer the consequences.

Companies can be sued for damages arising from accidents caused by car defects. What the car manufacturer should do is replace the vehicle or repair all the damages. If they do not then they will face the victims inside a court room. This will ruin their reputation as a company.

In recent years, other car manufacturers had recalled a number of their vehicles. There should be stricter rules and regulations when companies create and release their products and services in the market to avoid encountering problems like this.

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Engine Separates from Car in DUI Accident

A possibly drunken driver, who was also speeding, hit a tree on a center divide while he was heading east on Mira Mesa Boulevard causing his engine to be thrown off the vehicle and hit another car.

The driver of the vehicle had a broken leg while his passenger as well as those from the other vehicle hit by the engine was not harmed.

These vehicular accidents caused by speeding and DUI can be fatal and so these two should never be mixed.

Victims of such DUI accidents should immediately locate a personal injury lawyer who will represent them in negotiations and legal proceedings.

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Drop-Side Cribs Recalled, Fisher-Price Included

The Mattel-subsidized company, Fisher-price, manufactured cribs that are among the 1.2 million cribs to be recalled in relation with the reported deaths of at least four infants when they were suffocated. The defective design of the cribs are said to be responsible for the said deaths.

The said cribs are sold nationwide as well as in Canada. They are said to be manufactured from October of 1994 up to December 2004.

In cases of massive product recalls, product recall insurance or the manufacturer will be responsible in the shipping of the defective product as well as other expenses such as repairs, refunds, or its replacement.

Moreover, this should also cover compensatory damages and other expenses that the family of the victims will try to recover by filing personal injury cases. Families should hire a personal injury lawyer who will represent them and make sure that their expenses are well-compensated for.

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Personal Injury Lawyer Dives, Drowns

A 62-year-old attorney from Terra Linda who has handled personal injury and criminal defense for 33 years died after being surprised with a massive wave while he was abalone diving with his son near Horseshoe Cove.

His son Matthew tried to pull him to safety but was unable to do so.

Brian Dinday was later spotted by authorities floating with his face down.

Even experienced divers like Dinday should never be too complacent and feel invincible from drowning accidents that will take them away from their loved ones. They should always wear protective gears and never overestimate their skills if they are to encounter waves.

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Huntington Beach City Blamed for Junior Lifeguard’s Death

The government is required to protect the welfare of everyone it governs. It may be considered liable if a person dies due to the negligent act of another person.

A wrongful death claim was recently filed against Huntington Beach City relating to the death of an 11-year-old junior lifeguard after she was struck by a boat during a routine exercise in the ocean.

The claim asks for damages in excess of $10,000 for personal injuries, emotional distress and damages connected with the death of Alyssa Squirrell. The clam, which also names all of Alyssa’s family members, asserts that Huntington Beach lifeguard Lt. Greg Crow caused the girl’s death because he operated the boat negligently.

She was participating in a drill wherein junior lifeguards would jump off the back of a boat towards the ocean. Alyssa was in the water but has not joined her group when Crow turned around and hit her. The impact caused her to sustain deep cuts to her hip and leg.

Orange County prosecutors said that no criminal charges will be filed against Crow.

Crow should have been extra careful while operating the boat because he is aware of the ongoing training. On the other hand, this fatal accident may have been avoided if only the girl remained with the group.

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Motorcycle Accident Triggers SigAlert

Road accidents not only cause physical harm but it can also result to heavy traffic or road closure. In fact, a recent motorcycle accident that injured a motorcyclist also caused two lanes on the southbound 57 freeway at East Lambert Road to be blocked.

A SigAlert was issued after a motorcyclist was struck by a black Toyota Sequoia along the area.

According to authorities, the motorcyclist who was identified as Jorge Perez, 39, sustained moderate injuries and was brought to UCI Medical Center. Perez was riding a 2001 Suzuki motorcycle, reports said.

Vehicle divers should always be aware of the presence of other road users. On the other hand, motorcyclists should also exert extra care while moving near other vehicles because they know that they may be unnoticed by drivers.

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Street Racing Results to Crash; Kills Child

A 6-year-old girl was recently killed in a vehicular crash apparently caused by the street car racing of two vehicles.

Lisa Xavier and her mother were reportedly on a vehicle when one of the two racing cars hit them. The mother remains hospitalized after sustaining serious injuries while young Lisa died a day after the hit-and-run accident.

Initial investigations show that the vehicle that hit Xavier’s car was running a red light. After the crash, he got out of the vehicle and rode with the other driver and fled the scene.

This recent accident is especially alarming as cautious motorists were victims of a hit-and-run. It shows how one can never be fully protected from car collisions even if their kids are with them.

The family of the victim can file a wrongful death suit and be compensated for the damages on their part but it can never replace the lost life of a little girl.

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Deadly Defects in Motor Vehicle Accidents

In North Country, two people were killed in a crash when their SUV rolled over as they drove off Interstate 15 near the Deer Springs Road exit.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the SUV went down an embankment when it got off the freeway. A person survived the crash but the survivor’s condition remains unknown. The driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle when one of the SUV’s tires had a blow out causing it to overturn.

Similarly, in Pacifica, an 18-wheeler truck wrecked havoc when it lost its breaks. Although the runaway truck struck down trees, crushed a car and crashed into an occupied home, there was no one injured by the accident.

An important aspect of motor vehicle safety is the proper maintenance of cars and their equipment.

Tire and break failures are the two most common and often deadly, motor vehicle defects.

While tires can be worn out due to overuse, tire tread failure is a common tire defect. Break failure can also occur due to poor maintenance and defective or failure-prone components.

In order to ensure your vehicle’s safety standards, it is always important to get it checked all the time. Having a tire blow out in the middle of a free way is one of the most dangerous things that can happen to you so proper care and vigilance over your own car should be practiced.

But if ,despite the exercise of due diligence in the maintenance of your car, you still get into an accident, the car or equipments manufacturer can be held liable under Product Liability Laws for the injuries you sustain from the accident caused by manufacturing or design defects.

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Repeat DUI Offenders Still Get Licenses in California

Many are now complaining about a provision in the state laws of California which allows repeat offenders of DUI to still secure their driver’s licenses.

The complaints are ignited by the conviction of a 42-year-old man who was found having a driver’s license when he committed his ninth DUI violation.

Reports show that the man hadn’t killed or injured anybody and so he was still granted to have a driver’s license.

Repeat offenders may take advantage of California’s policy on DUI and become increasingly risky drivers that could potentially lead to fatal car collisions.

DUI policies in each state should be reviewed and rewritten in order to fit the present violations and lessen fatalities that could arise from them.

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Maclaren Recalls Strollers after Finger Amputation Incidents

Maclaren has announced a product recall of more than 1 million strollers manufactured since 1999.

The product recall came after the Consumers Product Safety Commission received reports about 12 different cases wherein children’s fingertips were amputated after getting caught in the stroller’s hinge.

The affected models are:

• Volo
• Triumph
• Quest Sport
• Quest Mod
• Techno XT
• Techno XLR
• Twin Triumph
• Twin Techno
• Easy Traveller

Most of the strollers were sold on retail stores like Babies R Us and Target from 1999 until November 2009.

The prices range from $100-360.

Buyers are advised to stop using said strollers.

The family of the injured children should also consult a product liability lawyer to know their legal options in terms of going after the stroller manufacturer.

Under the product liability law, even if the manufacturer did not commit any acts of negligence, if their product has a safety defect that caused injury then they can still be held liable.

For those who are using the said strollers, heed the warning and stop using the strollers.

Do not think that it won’t happen to you because most victims felt the same way before the accident.

If you are using any of the said strollers or if you need more information about the product recall, you can contact Maclaren USA on their USA toll-free numbers 877-688-2326 between 8am to 5pm ET, Monday through Friday.

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Road Rage Leads to Doctor's Conviction

A physician from Los Angeles was recently convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, mayhem, reckless driving, and battery causing serious injury after he swerved in front of two cyclists causing them to crash on the back of the vehicle.

Reports indicate that the 60-year-old emergency room doctor was arguing with the said bikers before the act of violence occurred.

Road rage presents a serious threat to motorists especially when a motored vehicle is intentionally used to inflict injuries and damages to others.

Victims of these acts of violence must immediately hire a personal injury lawyer and avoid having negotiations with the other party without advice from their lawyers as this can greatly compromise possible settlements or litigation that may ensue.

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School Modernization Caused Student to Suffer Crushed Finger

Children often consider schools as their second homes because they spend much of their time there, as well as being the place wherein they are molded to become better and wiser people. Due to the trust that was given by both children and parents to school authorities, the latter are required to make sure that they maintain a learning environment that is free from dangerous hazards.

A former Huntington Beach High School student did not receive this kind of protection and she was hurt in an accident caused by negligence. An amount of $37,000 was given as a settlement after a lawsuit was filed against the school district when a campus door crushed her left index finger.

Angeles Contractor gave a check to Alexina Karsh, 19, to settle a case that lasted for over one year.

The lawsuit that was filed against the school in June 2008 claimed that an open door in the campus was not properly secured and the wind caused it to shut on the victim’s finger. Her mother said that although the finger was not broken, it bled profusely and needed to be stitched.

Officials said that the door was included in the campus remodeling.

Furthermore, the district denied such allegations stating that the girl committed negligence or she was unable to properly use the doors, as stated in the court documents.

Educational institutions are required to provide students proper security against preventable harm. School officials should also make sure that all school facilities are safe to use by students. They can achieve their goal of building a safe learning environment by hiring competent people who will work on school properties.

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Mother Injured, Baby Narrowly Missed when Car Slams into Residential House

Negligent drivers are liable for the injuries and property damages that resulted from their actions. Other road users are not the only ones susceptible to such harm. Even people who are in their houses may suddenly suffer when a car accident happens.

This scenario may be clearly seen in an accident involving a car that crashed, overturned, and slid into a private house in Simi Valley.

The incident occurred in the 3300 block of Royal Avenue. A woman and her nine-week-old baby were in the living room when the vehicle suddenly entered the house, narrowly missing the baby.

Both were brought to Simi Valley Hospital for medical assessment. The mother suffered from a broken leg while the baby was reportedly taken back home by the father.

Authorities said neither alcohol nor drugs was a factor in the accident.

Although the driver will surely receive punishment for the harm his or her actions caused, the penalty will not be too grave because no one luckily died in the incident. This may teach other drivers the importance of driving cautiously especially when they are traveling along residential or school areas.

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Rollover Accident triggers SigAlert

It has become common knowledge that SUV vehicles are more prone to rollovers compared to other vehicles in the occurrence of accidents. The vehicle’s design can make it susceptible to rollovers.

In fact, a black Lexus RX 330 SUV overturned due to an accident that recently happened on I-405 freeway at Beach Boulevard. Four lanes along the southbound area were blocked due to the incident.

SigAlert was issued when the accident happened but it was canceled later on.
Authorities said a Ford Expedition and Honda Odyssey van were also involved in the incident.

The person driving the Honda was brought to Fountain Valley hospital after he was cut out of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the driver of the Lexus was brought to Long Beach Memorial Hospital.

Although no one died in the accident, the seriousness of the issue concerning SUVs and rollovers should not be ignored. Injuries may be sustained or lives may be taken next time this vehicle overturns.

Car manufacturers may be held liable for injuries sustained in rollover accidents caused by manufacturing or design defects. To determine liability in accidents caused by defective vehicles or vehicle parts, a victim must consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

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Prosecution Stresses Defendant’s Drug Use in Fatal Crash

Being accused of operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs is a matter that should not be ignored. If the accusation was proven as true, serious punishments will await the defendant.

In a case that involves drug use as a cause of an accident, the prosecution will use testimonies from experts to prove that the defendant actually took such substance and he or was affected by it.

This is the goal of the prosecution team in fatal accident that occurred on Aug. 29, 2009. Deputy District Attorney Susan Price asked witnesses in a trial at Orange County Superior Court to state that the defendant, Jeffrey Woods, was impaired and under the influence of drugs when he struck Danny Oates.

Oates is a 14-year-old bicyclist who was struck by the defendant while he was on his way to get his school schedule.

Witnesses were called to testify that the defendant had traces of Vicodin and Xanax in his system after the accident.

A former forensic scientist with the police department said both drugs and text messaging would have made it hard for the defendant to maintain his speed, drive in his line, and react to different hazards.

However, defense attorney Scott Well has been continuously saying that his client had a seizure during the accident and had no control over his vehicle.

Wood pleaded not guilty to one felony count of driving under the influence and causing bodily injury and another felony count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated. He will be given a maximum sentence of 10 years in state jail if found guilty.

Complicated legal processes like this one may be easily avoided if only drivers would abide all traffic rules. Following these rules will help in saving lives and avoiding injuries.

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[Blog Action Day] Physical Injury Caused by the Adverse Effects of Climate Change

Climate change is a topic that is widely talked about because its effects can be felt by everyone. Natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons are attributed as some of its known effects that already destroyed properties and taken the lives of people.

A 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia killed hundreds of people and damaged properties. According to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) New York, with additional data from OCHA Indonesia, 809 deaths were already confirmed by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

The earthquake that happened in West Sumatra in September 30, 2009 also caused severe damage to over 133, 739 houses.

In the Philippines, the National Disaster Coordinating Council stated that typhoon Parma and Ketsana killed over 600 people. Aside from the fatalities that resulted from drowning in the water, many people were also killed due to landslide.

Landslide is a disaster involving the breakup and the downward flow of mud, rocks, water, and anything that is caught in its course.

The total number of people who were affected by both typhoons already reached 6.8 million. Typhoon Ketsana hit the country late in September while Parma was felt early in October 2009.

Who is to blame for these natural disasters?

Climate change may be caused by natural forces and human actions. Some of the natural forces that may be responsible for it include ocean currents, volcanoes, continental drift, and meteorites or comets.

On the other hand, human actions may increase the quantity of greenhouse gases. These gases are responsible for letting the rays of the sun enter the earth. However, it also prevents much of the heat from leaving.

If more greenhouse gases were released into the in the planet’s atmosphere, it can cause the greenhouse effect to become stronger. The earth’s climate may unnaturally change if more heat is trapped in the planet.

Two examples of human activities that can cause this to happen are cutting of trees and burning of fossil fuels.

It is up to the people if they want to prevent the different effects of climate change from happening. Simple actions can save millions of lives and properties.

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Driver of Stalled Car Gets Out, Killed, Causes Chain Accident

Magdalena Wojciechowska, 25-year-old, was declared dead moments after she was brought to a hospital for treatments of her injuries she suffered when she was hit by a pick-up truck.

Wojciechowska reportedly got out of her Volvo when it suddenly stopped. The driver of the Toyota Tacoma tried to avoid the Volvo by changing lanes but hit Wojciechowska in the process.

Another vehicle, a Ford Escort, hit the rear of the Volvo which sent it to the right side of the lanes where it burst into flames. The fourth vehicle rear-ended the Escort.

Two other women drivers, along with Wojciechowska, were brought to a nearby hospital where Wojciechowska later died.

In cases of chain accidents, liability will be determined on the extent of the damages that a certain motorist caused. It is wise for Wojciechowska to have gotten off her vehicle but she should have stayed off the road or put warning devices on the back of her vehicle to warn other motorists of its stationary position.

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Student Walking to School Injured by SUV

For most drivers, school zones are considered risky and accident-prone areas because of the presence of students and pedestrians. As expected, drivers should slow down or yield to pedestrians when approaching public places such as schools, hospitals and malls.

On the other hand, students should also be careful while they are walking. They should not endanger themselves by being in an area used by drivers.

A 12-year-old female student who was walking with her friend to school was struck by an SUV when she moved onto the street to avoid being wet from a sprinkler nearby.
According to the mother of the girl’s companion, Kathi Niehaus, both girls when on their way to Ladera Vista Junior High School at Wilshire and Annin avenues in Fullerton when one of them moved onto the street.

Afterwards, she was struck by a white Infiniti SUV.

The girl was not severely injured but was noticed having a splinted ankle. She was then brought to a hospital.

Although the girl made a mistake when she suddenly stepped onto the street, the SUV accident still might not have happened if the driver was more cautious.

Parents should constantly remind their children the importance of walking along a safe area. By doing his, children will learn how to take care of themselves even if they are unsupervised.

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Metrolink to Install Cameras on its Passenger Trains

Metrolink has announced its plans to install video cameras in all its commuter trains to reduce the occurrence of fatal train crashes.

Metrolink currently has the highest fatality rate compared to the other larger rail systems in the US.

The move comes after the now infamous Chatsworth train accident that killed 25 people after a Metrolink passenger train collided head-on with a Union Pacific freight train last September 12, 2008.

Investigations of the train accident show that the Metrolink engineer, Robert Sanchez has been text messaging only seconds before the crash.

Now, one year after the accident, Metrolink will have cameras on all 52 passenger trains pointing into each locomotive cab as well as outside facing forward to record activities in front of the train.

The union that represents train engineers opposes putting cameras in trains, and some safety experts doubt its effectiveness.

However, a lot of people see the potential of this move in decreasing man-made errors that causes accidents.

The union may claim invasion of privacy but under California law, it could only apply if the employee has an expectation of privacy.

Since the Metrolink authorities have provided notice of when and where the cameras will be placed, it may be argued that it already took away the expectation of privacy since they were already informed.

Although providing notice would take away the element of surprise, it would also deter the people being monitored from committing the conduct that is sought to be monitored.

Hopefully this move will greatly reduce Metrolink accidents by keeping their employees focused on their work.

For more information about related laws regarding video monitoring in the workplace, you should consult an employment law attorney for more details.

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Drunk Teen Drivers: After the Crash

Milad Moulayi was 16-years old on the night his schoolmate Mackenzie Frazee died. Mackenzie wanted to go home from the party and Milad, who had the keys to his mother’s Mercedes-Benz, insisted on driving her home even after 10 shots of Sailor Jerry rum.

Despite several warnings from friends not to drive after drinking, Mackenzie got in the car with Milad. She was eager to get home because she did not have the permission to be at the party. But little did she know that getting in the car with the drunken teen was an even bigger mistake than sneaking out to a party.

Their car, which was going in excess of 100 mph down Newport Avenue crashed into a concrete light pole. The strength of the crash sliced the car in two and Mackenzie died from massive blunt force trauma.

Now 18, Milad was recently sentenced by Superior Court Judge Carla Singer to the maximum term of 15 years to life after he was convicted of second-degree murder for the death of Mackenzie. The judge told Milad that he committed a "brutal and violent crime, knowing and understanding that you were not supposed to drive."

Most recently, in Laguna Niguel, a 15-year old boy killed an active US soldier when the car he was driving at a speed of more than 100 mph hit a curb and rolled over down a hillside.

25-year old Nicholas Clayton, an active member of the U.S. Army, was the passenger of the teenager who was driving drunk and without a valid license. He was ejected from the rolling Lexus and his body was found near the intersection of Camino del Avion and Niguel Road.

The accident is still under investigation due to conflicting statements made by the driver. The recent blood tests show that despite the teen’s allegations that he was drunk, his system had little or no alcohol.

The minor has been booked for vehicular manslaughter.

If drinking and driving don’t mix, adding teenagers to the combination certainly spells disaster in all caps.

A lot of kids think they can get away with driving without a license, drinking and driving, speeding, and other dangerous driver behavior simply because they’re too young to go to jail. In short, they think they can get away with anything.

But that is not always the case. When the crime is grave enough, they can’t escape the consequences of their actions and would be tried as an adult under the eyes of the law they sought to circumvent.

They may have survived the accident but when faced with criminal charges, there might not be a lot left of their lives after the crash.

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Guilty Plea for Drunk Driving

Roger Avary may have written great screenplays but certainly what happened in a Ventura County courthouse was not among his masterpiece.

Avary who previously pleaded not guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter and other charges changed his plea to guilty on all counts. Consequently, he received five year probation in addition to 365 days in jail.

The sentence was brought about by Avary’s crashing his Mercedes Sedan into a telephone pole while intoxicated. The collision killed passenger Andreas Zini and injured his wife Gretchen.

Zini’s parents and widow attended the sentencing. The court was informed that Avary had already settled the civil aspect of the case for $4.1 million.

Alcohol impaired drivers could be attributed to almost 14,000 deaths annually or 32 percent of all traffic-related deaths United States.

Authorities already implemented measures to reduce alcohol-related accidents. These measures include:

• Enforcement of 0.08% BAC laws, drinking age laws and zero tolerance for drivers below 21 years old
• Revocation of driver’s license
• Putting up sobriety checkpoints
• Mandatory substance assessment and treatment for DUI drivers
• Implementing multi-faceted community-based approaches

The above measures would be futile if they are not aggressively implemented and observed.

For victims of car accidents, a personal injury lawyer may be employed to pursue compensation claims against the negligent driver.

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Panicky Diver Drowns

Water recreational activities like diving is fun but it can also be deadly considering the risks involved when the person’s body is underwater.

Equipments like tank and weight belt are used to protect divers. However, improper use of these equipment could result in injuries or death.

A situation wherein diving equipment contributed to a man’s death may be seen in the case of Daniel Forchione, a University of Arizona Police Department officer who drowned because he panicked on the water’s surface.

The diver was on vacation with his family along Sunset Cliffs in San Diego. when the drowning accident occurred.

Rich Silanpa, president of Dive Connections in Mission Bay told investigators that Forchione and his two diving companions were on their way back to their chartered boat after doing their second dive when he became separated from them,

According to Silanpa,Forchione removed his tank while he was still wearing his weight belt. The diver may have panicked because of it.

People should always remember that panicking will only make the situation worse. Being calm and thinking rationally may save people when they are in a dangerous situation.

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Doting Mother Killed By Reckless Teen

A recent car accident involving a teen driver who slammed onto a vehicle minutes after a hit-and-run has killed a single mother in San Diego Sunday morning.

Pamela Sue Marabeas, 53, was reportedly on her way to work when her vehicle was hit on an intersection by a reckless 17-year-old girl who was reportedly involved in a hit-and-run earlier that day.

Marabeas died and the girl is still undergoing treatment for her injuries.

This accident supports statistics which shows that teens are more prone to accidents because of their little experience in driving. For this, parents should constantly remind their children of the dangers and responsibilities involved in driving so as to avoid accidents.

The daughter of the victim described her mother as a loving and caring mother who worked two jobs to support her and her brother’s needs. This should be an awakening to all drivers that they can still die from accidents even if they cautious enough on roads.

The victim’s family can seek compensatory damages which would cover the loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and lost wages among others.

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Contractor Falls Head First Onto Concrete Pit

A 48-year-old Boeing Campus contractor Angel Celaya died from injuries after he fell off a scissor lift that is about 15 feet above the ground onto a 6-feet deep concrete pit that is undergoing construction.

The unfortunate accident only proves that companies should provide equipments that would prevent these foreseeable accidents from happening. If it is proven that the company has been negligent in providing care for the contractor, they can face a premise liability case which can taint their reputation and affect their relationship with their workers.

Employers should be cautious and always look after the welfare of their workers to avoid accidents wherein they can be held liable for. This can assure them of a harmonious working relationship with their workers which will benefit the company.

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Dangers on Highway 41

Various factors contribute to a fatal car accident. Driver’s conduct is the most common cause. However, other factors such as road conditions also increase the chances of getting into a car accident.

Highway 41 in Madera County is feared by many motorists like former Fresno firefighter Herman Hamm. Hamm is a motorcyclist who had been to dangerous terrains and treacherous mountains but when it comes to Highway 41, he had different fear.

Highway 41 is a notoriously perilous route as it is full of curves and hills and shoulders. The number of vehicles had increased to 70 percent due to the erection of the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino and the development in the foothill communities of Coarsegold and Oakhurst. Consequently, cars and trucks crammed the two-lane road which was abruptly cut off by walls of rock or precipitous ledges.

According to California Highway Patrol, 47 people have died in crashes and 635 non-fatal accidents happened in 2003 alone. CHP and Caltrans officials said that the innate dangers that the highway brings coupled with the increase in traffic is what makes it treacherous.

Authorities were one in saying that the remedy was to widen the road. Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty said that there are "very realistic" plans to widen the 2 way lane to four lanes. But this plan has to wait for the availability of funds which is more likely to occur decades from now.

If you were involved in an accident in Highway 41 and negligence attended the crash, a car accident lawyer must be consulted to pursue a personal injury case against the party at fault.

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Laws Prohibiting on Phone use while Driving

Laws are enacted for the purposes of compliance and order. Admittedly, people can be very stubborn that they neglect and continue to defy these laws.

A law that has been constantly violated is the law prohibiting cell phone use while driving. It does not take a genius or expert to know the dangers of using a wireless phone while driving.

In United Kingdom, Wales produced a graphic film involving the dangers of texting while driving. The film would be distributed initially at various schools. This was to educate mostly the teenagers of the necessity of avoiding distractions while driving.

In United States specifically in California, two laws were already implemented regarding cell phone use. First, a law that prohibited motorists from using handheld wireless telephone and second, a law that barred drivers under 18 years old from using a wireless telephone or hands-free device.

Recently, the new Wireless Communications Device Law was implemented. This law was aimed at prohibiting the writing, sending or reading text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device while driving.

Despite these laws, car accidents due to cell phone use are still prevalent. This only shows that prevention or minimization of accidents greatly depends on the driver’s themselves.

Drivers who get into accidents due to cell phone use are punished in accordance with the penalties provided under the law. Their victims can file a personal injury case against them after hiring a car accident attorney.

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Tijuana Man Dies of Hit and Run Injuries

Leaving the scene of the accident is penalized especially if you are the driver at fault. Leaving the accident scene leads to a case of hit and run.

In San Diego, a 65 year-old man and his passenger were left to endure their injuries while the man responsible for it ran off.

The victims pulled over to clean their 1988 Chevrolet truck’s windshield near the top of the 28th Street ramp to eastbound SR-94. A man driving 1989 Nissan Sentra hit the truck’s rear end and then hit the victims.

The Nissan Sentra driver pulled in front of the truck and got out of the car just to tell the victims to put the flashers on then ran away in the direction of the 28th Street ramp.

The impact of the crash severed the 65 year-old man’s left leg and almost detached his left leg. He was taken to the hospital but died eventually. The passenger sustained minor cuts to his knees.

The culprit who was facing charges of felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter remained at-large. Police efforts to locate his whereabouts were futile. Authorities impounded the Nissan as evidence.

In several cases of hit and run, drivers speed off with the knowledge that someone got hurt. In this case, not only he had the knowledge that people are hurt but he saw what really transpired and how they were in bad need of medical help.

Moreover, the authorities could bank on the impounded Nissan. They can check under whose name it was registered and start their search from there.

For the victims loved ones, they can only wait for the arrest of the driver. Upon arrest, they can file a wrongful death case and/or damage suit against him. A personal injury lawyer may be asked to pursue the case in their behalf.

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Rollover Crash Seriously Hurts 4 Children and 1 Woman who were Unrestrained

In Pittsburg, Contra Costa, a Chevrolet crashed after the driver failed to overtake a vehicle in front of it and left four children and a woman badly hurt and three other men injured when their vehicle struck a road median and a tree before it rolled over.

The woman, 34 years old, and all four children aged 3, 6, 7 and 9 years old who were sitting in the back seat were unrestrained. Two of the children should have been in child safety seats. Two children and the woman were ejected when the vehicle overturned.

According to the authorities, alcohol was not a factor in the crash and the driver was not cited or arrested. However, the police are now investigating possible child endangerment and the Contra Costa County Child Protective Services have been contacted.

All the children were flown to Oakland Children’s Hospital with serious injuries while the woman is currently in critical condition at the John Muir Medical Center.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a total of 10,182 passenger vehicle occupants died in rollover crashes in 2007. Likewise, 35 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2007 were due to rollover crashes.

Pickups and SUVs have a consistently higher percentage of rollover deaths than cars and unrestrained passengers greatly contribute to the death rate as occupants who are ejected from the vehicle, increase the likelihood of a fatality.

While accidents can be inevitable, there are a lot of things that people can do in order to minimize the damage to themselves and their passengers. The use of proper restraints such as a seat belt can be the best defense in a rollover accident.

The law has also recognized the importance of seat belts in motor vehicle crashes. There are mandatory safety belt laws in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

According to the IIHS, safety belt use is the most effective way to reduce the risk of injury or death in a rollover. Without safety belts, occupants in vehicles that roll can be thrown from the vehicle. In fact, 66 percent of people killed in passenger vehicle rollover crashes in 2007 were unbelted.

Just like the crash in Pittsburg, it could have been just a simple, unfortunate accident. But the fact that the children and the woman were not properly restrained gives rise to criminal liability.

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Authorities Identify DUI Crash Victim

The suspected DUI crash victim was identified as Patrick Michael Elerding, a 34 year old resident of Santee.

Elerding was a passenger in a 1990 Volvo 240 DL station wagon driven by 37-year-old Nico Faulk of San Diego. Witnesses said that Faulk lost control of the car, ran in to the north shoulder of the road, overcorrected then crossed the double lane before it eventually collided head on with a large oak tree.

The wreck was discovered by an off-duty San Diego police officer who reported the matter to the authorities.

Faulk sustained lower back pain injuries and was brought to a hospital. California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Pennings said that Faulk would be charged of vehicular manslaughter and felony driving under the influence upon his release.

Driving while intoxicated is a dangerous act. No wonder it is penalized in most places. In most states, a certain alcohol level should be reached in order to be punished.

Upon scrutiny, however, it is not a question of whether a certain driver is legally intoxicated or not. But it is a question of whether it is safe to drive whenever a driver has consumed any amount of alcohol.

Research shows that impairment starts long before a driver reached the prohibited alcohol concentration level. Just when you think that you are sober, you are not.

For Elderling’s loved ones, they could file a case for wrongful death against Faulk. The suit could be best pursued with the help of a personal injury lawyer.

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Rescuers Safely Tows Flooded Yacht to Shore

For unknown reasons, a luxury motor yacht from Long Beach was flooded while cruising to Catalina Island.

The two people on board the 36-foot Grand Banks named Angel’s Gate were rescued by the joint efforts of the lifeguards and the U.S. Coast Guard. The occupants could not explain why the boat was taking on water.

The rescue crews used several pumps to control the flooding on the yacht as it was being towed back to the harbor.

Incidents like this happen. While no crash was involved, it could be equally fatal had the rescuers failed to save the boat’s occupants on time.

In 2008, a total of 4,789 boat accidents transpired with 709 deaths and 3,331 injured. The statistics only implied that the requirement of utmost care and diligence is equally important in water as it is on land.

If after investigation, it would be found that someone has been negligent, a damage suit could be filed against such person. The assistance of a boat accident attorney could be an advantage.

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5 Died in Fiery Crash

Mere crash could cause a devastating consequence. But a fiery crash could be too much to handle.

In Mission Viejo, five bodies burned beyond recognition were found inside a toppled SUV down a steep embankment on the southbound I-5 freeway at La Paz Road.

Authorities failed to identify the victims due to their condition. However, they revealed that the SUV crashed into a sign post before turning over two to three times down the hill, slammed a fence, hit a tree then engulfed in fire.

A Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigations Team arrived at the scene to conduct an in-depth analysis of the crash.

Unconfirmed report was gathered that the crash could have been due to a tire blow up.

In 2005, out of more than 35,000 fatal car crashes, about 550 involved deaths due to burn injuries while around 3,300 people received non-lethal burn injuries.

As car could catch fire easily, it is advised that you be as cautious as you can to prevent incidents like this.

Should you be involved in a burning car accident, you should hire a personal injury attorney to file a case against whoever is or are negligent.

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Texting Teenager Falls into a Manhole

Some people could do several tasks at one time. But the guarantee that the task is done effectively is slim because the brain cannot multitask.

In walking, you need all your senses to arrive at your destination safely. When you text and walk at the same time, the tendency is that you lose focus on one thing more that the other.

True enough, when Alexa Longueira was walking while sending a text message, she fell on an open manhole at the Victory Boulevard. She sustained injuries.

This incident could have been avoided if she had not been texting. Certainly, she had been negligent. Despite this, Alexa’s mother, Kim Longueira planned to sue.

Kim may seem to have the right to sue.

The government is responsible for making its roads, structures and buildings in safe and good conditions.

Consequently, anything that needs repair should be fixed immediately. Otherwise, it could be held responsible for any resulting harm due to its structures’ dangerous condition. If repair could not be made immediately, the condition must be known to the public by putting warning signs.

For its part, Mercedes Padilla of the Department of Environment and Protection said that its employees turned away briefly to get some cones. The manhole was opened to repair a sewer line.

Negligence could be attributable to both parties. But to determine who was ultimately negligent could be done through evidence in court. Alexa must employ a good personal injury lawyer to pursue her case and claim for compensation.

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Truck left in gear injures man

Non-moving vehicles could cause the same dangers as moving vehicles. This is true at least for a 40 year old employee of Wild Animal Park.

The man was at the truck’s rear end unloading it. Apparently, the truck was left in gear causing it to roll forward. As it rolled, the man tried to get into the truck but he lost footing and fell. Consequently, his leg was run over and he was trapped underneath the truck.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department was called to remove the man who was trapped for almost 30 minutes.

In this situation, negligence is clearly present. When you leave a vehicle, you ensure that all are secured and in their right places. Leaving a truck in its gear is a negligent act. The man can file charges against whoever was responsible for it.

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Santa Monica wildfire

Fire accident is a horrific tragedy which leads to catastrophic loss of lives and property. Even when an individual survives, property damage could climb up to millions.

A distinctive quality of fire is that not only its flame but also its smoke could create devastating and lasting effects especially to humans.

When a single house burns, it could create enormous fire and mountains of smoke. Imagine more than 80 acres dense brush burning for hours.

In Santa Monica, a horrifying scene is currently happening. A stubborn bush fire continues to burn in the Sepulveda Pass forcing the nearby residents to evacuate. The occupants of Getty Center and Mount St. Mary's College already evacuated the vicinity. The brush fire also caused traffic to jam on the 405 Freeway.

Authorities reported that the fire broke out in the 1200 block of Getty Center Drive. Although no injuries were reported and no structures were destroyed, the area continued to burn uncontrollably. Helicopters were already sent to dive into the hillside and drop water.

Fire happens because someone or something causes them. Oftentimes, the cause of fire is due to the negligent acts of people. If fire causes destruction or damage, the party at fault may be indicted for it.

For victims of fire accidents, a personal injury lawyer may help in gathering evidence to seek compensation.

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Long Beach multiple car crash

A simple car collision could result to death, injuries and property destruction. Now, imagine what could result from a multiple car collision?

Of course, injuries are more severe and impact is more destructive. Survival is slim. To those who have left the scene unharmed or with little injuries, luck may have been on their side.

In a multiple car collision that happened in Long Beach, five people sustained minor to moderate injuries while one was critically injured.

According to spokesman Jackawa Jackson, five vehicles were involved in the collision on the freeway of Paramount Boulevard. Firefighters were called on the scene to put out the fire which engulfed one of the vehicles. The driver of the blazed vehicle got out of time. A dozen of firefighters also extricated another passenger from one of the wrecked vehicles.

The California Highway Patrol was still investigating the cause of the accident.

In this incident, someone has been remised in its duty to observe utmost care in driving. For those who had been merely dragged into the accident, they can sue the one who proximately caused the accident. Employing a personal injury lawyer would help them file their claims quickly.

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Famous Fashion Designer Smashes Store Window

People strolling along Girard Avenue, La Jolla was stunned when a Ford Taurus wagon smashed into a Meanley & Son Ace Hardware window.

The incident injured a 42 year old customer at the store who was hit by a table that was struck by the wagon. The victim was treated for minor injuries.

The driver of the wagon was identified as Zandra Rhodes, a famous British international fashion designer. Rhodes known for her colorful hair was not injured and left without comment.

Reports failed to disclose what caused the incident. No charges have yet been filed.

According to statistics, most crashes are caused by driver’s behavior. In this case negligence on Rhode’s part was clear. The accident may have been due to exhaustion as reports confirmed that she had been splitting Del Mar and London for business.

Knowledge on the common causes and outcome of car accidents is necessary. By knowing them, drivers would be more conscientious and proactive in avoiding a serious collision or crash.

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Train accident leaves man severely injured

A man being hit by a car is common. A man purposely going in front of a train is unlikely but possible especially when drunk.

In Fresno, a train hit a man who walked in front of it. Due to the impact, the man suffered severe injuries to his lower extremities and was in critical condition.

According to witnesses, the man got off his bike near Belmont Avenue and Diana Street and proceeded in front of the train.

Alcohol intoxication alters the functioning of the brain. It affects how an individual thinks. The Fresno man might have been severely intoxicated that he had become oblivious to the dangers of walking near a train much more in front of it.

Luckily or unluckily, the man survived. Authorities had not made any statements on filing charges, if any, against the man or the train company.

If a wrongful conduct had been committed, either party could hire a train accident attorney to pursue a case against the negligent one.

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Jury acquits police officer in a road rage case

The case of Frank White had been the topic of several blogs. From the time of the accident up to the time the jury faced lengthy deliberations on their verdict then now to his acquittal.

The case arose when Frank White shot at Rachel Silva and her son during a road rage accident occurred last year. In the witness stand, White and his wife testified that they feared for their lives when Silva tailgated their car and about to ram them.

During the trial, White was on unpaid leave. Now that he has been acquitted, White’s next move was to talk to his chief hoping to get back in active duty.

The jury acquitted White based on the evidence including White’s testimony. The fact that Silva did not take the witness stand might have affected the case.

“Ours is a rule of law and not of men. “ Whether a person accused of something is guilty or not must be proven by rules of evidence. The fact that White was acquitted showed that the jury believed him to be just defending himself from danger that Silva created.

White’s acquittal only showed that not all defendants in road rage accidents or negligent cases are convicted. An expert personal injury lawyer could make a significant difference. If White would not have been represented by a good lawyer, the outcome might have been different.

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Biker for a cause dies of hit and run

Oftentimes, people take their sentiments on the streets to make the government hear them. For a 65 year old Jim Gafney, cross county biking was the way to protest government bailouts.

Gafney was a seasoned biker. As he became fed up of the bailouts, he decided to bike across the country to draw attention to his cause. He already accomplished about 2,000 miles of his 3,000 bike ride.

While biking in U.S. Route 50, Gafney was struck by a suspected drunk driver who hurriedly left the scene. The culprit was later arrested after police officers stopped him for speeding and found the damage to his car.

Sergeant Chris Trame described the road way in the accident scene as “pretty isolated” and “not well lit”.

Sadly, Gafney could no longer complete his journey he called the “Mad As Hell Bike Ride Across U.S.” But for his loved ones the battle is just beginning against the drunk driver who killed him.

Bikers has been the constant victim of hit and run accidents. When accident happens in a poorly lighted road, the chance of being left unaided is higher.

Moreover, bike accidents are prevalent on areas without sufficient bike paths. Clearly, providing more paths or ways is one way of preventing similar accidents.

For the surviving families, personal injury laws could be used as basis for making the negligent driver liable. An aid from a bike accident attorney would make the process easier.

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Children Victims of increasing cases of falling furniture

Appliances and furniture are helpful in making our lives comfortable and convenient. However, the utility they provide entails harm especially to children.

For instance, flat screen TVs have not only revolutionize how we watch our favorite shows but it also contributed to the increasing number of injuries to children.
Statistics revealed that in 2007 alone, 17,000 children were rushed to emergency hospitals after they were injured due to falling furniture including TVs.

Moreover, according to a study published at Clinical Pediatrics, 47% of children injuries were caused by falling furniture. Children 6 years old and below are the common victims.

In 2005, Representative Allyson Schwartz D-PA saw the need to address the problem. She passed a bill requiring the Consumer Product Safety Commission to create stricter standards for furniture with glass surface or have a higher danger of tripping over. But the bill died twice when it was reintroduced in 2007.

With no law to protect consumers, experts suggest to observe the following when owning furniture specifically flat screen TVs:

1. Avoid placing toys and other attractive figures on top of them
2. Flat panel TVs must be secured on stable grounds to prevent them from toppling over
3. Follow instructions on how to properly secure furniture
4. In case of doubt, let professionals do the installation

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Driver Kills Man in Hit and Run

Hit and run accident is killing thousands of Americans every year. It happens when a driver leaves the scene after being involved in an accident.

Leaving the scene of the accident involves various repercussions. It could result to death of the victim, agony of the victim’s family and imprisonment of the party at fault if caught.

However, hundreds of drivers choose to hit and run than to accept responsibility.

Just like the incident that happened in San Diego, wherein a pedestrian was killed. The accident occurred on Meade Avenue at 32nd Street in Normal Heights. The 40 year old victim died due to head injuries.

In California, a driver involved in an accident must stop the vehicle and fulfill certain requirements. Otherwise, he could be punished by a fine or imprisonment or both.

Despite efforts to minimize it, hit and run accident has dramatically increased in years. It has leaped to prominence with a number of disturbing incidents such as the above. Every accident has become part of an alarming trend, a trend which has to stop.

For victims of hit and run accidents, employing the services of a personal injury lawyer could help them and their grieving family.

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Los Angeles to build new bike lanes and pathways

If motorists have at least two lanes where to maneuver their vehicles, bikers have bike lanes, paths and trails.

However, the lanes and paths located in Los Angeles were not enough to accommodate the growing number of bikers or cyclists. A 134 mile of bike paths and 321 miles of bike lanes stretched through the city seemed insufficient to cater the needs of the biking public.

Consequently, bikers or cyclists are forced to share the streets with car and even larger vehicles at their disadvantage.

To address this dilemma, Los Angeles officials gave cyclists a chance to take part in finding the solution. Cyclists were given until June 12 to review and offer suggestions on how the proposed new bike lanes would pass through the city.

City officials distributed proposed maps laying down the locations where these lanes and pathways would be built specifically on the streets in the Westside, in the Valley, South L.A. and downtown.

Bikers are exposed to many dangers. In case of collision, bikers sustain the more serious injuries. Bikers are also in danger of attacks from vicious animals. Hence, there must be a place for them to safely and leisurely ride their bikes.

In case of bicycle accidents, personal injury lawyers may help the victims find all sources of compensation they deserve. Los Angeles is a home to several experienced bike accident attorneys whom they can count on in case of need.

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Traffic deaths increase on Memorial Day Weekend

Holidays make people go out to unwind or travel. Consequently, roads become busier. Busy roads coupled with impatient drivers often spark arguments or lead to accidents.

True enough, during the Memorial Day weekend, traffic deaths reached to thirty one across California including 10 in Los Angeles County. About 1,300 were arrested for drunk driving excluding those made by the city police departments.

California Highway Patrol Jose Nunez said that the statistics were up compared in 2008.

Accidents still occurred despite officers patrolling roadways during the Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) or the three-day holiday. CHP’s MEP was a part of California’s 2009 Memorial Day Next Generation Click It or Ticket mobilization.

Memorial Day and all holidays for that matter could become a safe celebration for everyone. Spoiling it with accidents should be the least of your concern.

If you end up in a hospital instead of the place you want to go, you have the right to sue the careless party who was responsible for your pain and agony.

A personal injury case may be filed against the party at fault. A motor vehicle accident lawyer may be employed to pursue your claim effectively against the defendant.

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Three undocumented immigrants injured in car crash

Roughly, about 2.8 millions of illegal immigrants reside in California.

Most of them choose to work in California as it tends to favor some form of legalization. Hence, illegal immigrants evade being caught while working and applying for a legal status.

Evading patrol agents made three undocumented immigrants sped off and crashed their car against a tree.

When two patrol agents became suspicious of a silver 2005 Ford Taurus at northbound on Sunrise Highway, a brief pursuit ensued when the car refused to stop. Migrant smugglers often used such route to avoid border patrol checkpoint.

The agents ended the chase as the road conditions prevent them from running their patrol car fast. They were informed later that the car struck a tree.

California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Pennings reported that the driver failed to negotiate a curve, struck a tree and a dirt embankment. The driver and two passengers were all taken to the hospitals.

Aside form immigration issues, the driver would be facing other charges for his negligent driving. The victims may consult a personal injury lawyer to help them navigate the intricacies of California personal injury laws should they wish to file a case.

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Two Teens Killed in an Alcohol related Crash

Teen drivers are aggressive, adventurous and carefree. Predictably, reckless driving is one of the causes of death among them.

In a fatal alcohol related crash, two teenagers died and one in critical condition after their pickup truck lost control, skidded, went off the road and struck a tree.

Jacquelyn A. Ardalan and Miles A. Christensen who were ejected from their seats died at the scene. Jared Berggren, the pickup driver, was rushed at UCI Medical Center in Orange for immediate medical attention.

The accident occurred at the eastbound on Coyote Hills Drive, west of Gilbert Street. The Fullerton authorities revealed that the three teenagers were on a drinking spree in a cul-de-sac where remains of alcohol were found.

An alarming statistics revealed that 60% of all teen car accident deaths are due to alcohol.

Authorities have long addressed the problem on drunk driving. Measure’s such as increasing the drinking age to 21 has been adopted by some states. Consequently, teen fatal driving accidents dramatically decrease. Some states even reduced the legally drunk blood alcohol limit from .10 to .08.

Moreover, a program had been implemented on more than 20 states where first-time drunk driving offenders come face to face with a panel of drunken driving victim’s families.

Despite programs addressed to prevent drunk driving, teen drunk driving still exists. It only shows that the responsibility of ensuring our children’s safety not only lies in the hands of the authorities but also from the active involvement of the parents, schools and the teens themselves.

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Bicyclist seriously injured on Highway 9

Highway 9 in Saratoga has been a common site for road accidents. Several fatal incidents had transpired in this major thoroughfare involving motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and joggers.

Ashleigh Jackson, a recent victim of a hit and run on Highway 9, was on her regular riding routine when she was struck and left motionless by a BMV driver.

Jackson and her boyfriend Nelson entered Highway 9 off Bohlman Road and were headed home when the incident happened. The driver momentarily stopped then sped off.

Nelson was unharmed while Jackson was brought to Valley Medical Center for brain trauma treatment. Jackson’s family offered an $11,000 reward for any information on the driver’s identity.

The authorities call on every one to be extra cautious and vigilant when using Highway 9. Despite efforts by local cities and state and county agencies to improve its safety conditions, this major thoroughfare remained an accident prone area. In fact, bicycle lanes from Big Basin Way to Los Gatos Boulevard had been installed in this 4.4-mile stretch highway.

Hit and run victims and their loved ones are powerless to prosecute offenders without any information on their identity. The public’s participation is vital in every hit and run cases. No matter how good the bicycle accident attorney engaged by the victim, the case would still crumble if the assailant’s whereabouts are unknown.

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Tour Bus Accident Claims 5 Lives, Including Driver

Driving big vehicles such as busses and trucks requires extra caution and great driving skills. So, only those experienced and trained drivers should drive them to avoid any road mishaps.

A tour bus which contains a total of 36 people including a Canadian tour guide onboard was overturned on a highway overpass in Soledad last Tuesday.

The accident has killed four of the 34 French tourists and the American driver of the bus. Injuries from other passengers were also accounted.

The driver was initially reported to have survived but was later said to be one of at least three who was thrown out of the vehicle onto the street below. Another two victims were pronounced dead on the hospital while three died on the scene.

This unfortunate event calls for tighter measures on qualifying as a driver of bigger vehicles who would know how to efficiently operate it. Also, there should be safety measures concerning passengers and the construction of busses so that people will face lesser risks of road accidents.

Every motorist should be made aware of the prevention of road accidents and the special condition and difficulty to maneuver bigger vehicles and so they should maintain distance from it.

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Crisis in California Air Control Staffing

Air traffic controllers play a vital role in making planes fly and land safely. They ensure the safe operation of commercial and private aircrafts. They also coordinate the proper movements and distance of air traffic.

Without them, the airport as well as the airspace would be in total chaos. Consequently, aviation accidents would be rampant and predictable.

The delicate and crucial operation of airspace traffic could not be left to inexperienced controllers. However, the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) seems to face this dilemma.

As LAX loss a dramatic number of air traffic controller to retirement, its facilities now are being controlled by inexperienced trainees.

The US Transportation Department expressed its concern regarding the air traffic controller staffing levels at the Southern and Northern California Terminal Radar Approach Control Facilities. These two facilities manage planes arriving and departing California airports.

To bolster California air traffic control staffing, the department suggested variety of improvements. In a 27 page report, the inspector general recommended extensive training of controllers and improving financial incentives as ways of strengthening staffing efficiency.

Plane accidents are mostly caused by human error. If LAX’s ground staffers would continue to be like this, cases of plane crashes or collisions would certainly increase. This matter should be addressed immediately. Otherwise, fatalities and injuries would soar high in numbers.

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Jeep hits 11 year-old girl

Children are the most prone to any road related accidents. The National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) disclosed that nearly 250,000 children are injured every year in car accidents.

What happened to 11 year-old Madeline Greenler was another proof to NCSA’s findings that indeed children are the common victims of road recklessness.

Greenler was struck by a jeep at Cedar and Teague avenues.

The jeep was running through a defective signal light due to a power outage. It was travelling south of Cedar when it struck a Honda mini van heading west on Teague. Subsequently, the jeep spun onto the sidewalk and hit Greenler.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Meanwhile, Greenler remains in critical condition.

Accidents like these are preventable. If only the stop light was working, it could have turn out differently. But lessons are sometimes learned the hard way. In this case a child’s life was put on the line. However, a personal injury lawyer could be helpful in pursuing a case against the negligent parties.

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Reducing Accidents by Being Responsible Drivers

A driver may be considered as negligent when he fails to check if the brakes of his vehicle are properly working and when he does not follow proper weight limits. The grave effects of these negligent acts can be seen through a big rig accident that occurred on the Angeles Crest Highway in La Canada.

The accident ended the lives of Angel Jorge Posca, 58, and his daughter Angelina Posca, 12. The accident also caused three persons to sustain critical injuries.

Reports showed that the big rig driver who was identified as Marco Costa, 43, pleaded not guilty and he is scheduled to show up in court on May 13th. According to a court clerk, he is free on a $200,000 bail.

Although the outcome of the case may be favorable to the family of the two big rig crash fatalities, it will not change the fact that the lives of the two were already lost and they can no longer be among the people they love.

Abiding by traffic laws does not require much effort from drivers but it can greatly prevent accidents from happening.

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A profile of a bad driver

Returning a car borrowed without permission is not a valid excuse to commit speeding. Neither is it a valid excuse to beat a red light, hit someone then run away.

The driver of the car that hit Roger Darryl Guess had that for an alibi. Later on, the offender confessed that apart from speeding he was also intoxicated.

Guess was traveling through west of City Center Drive when he was struck by a Nissan Murano. His car was severely damage that he had to be extricated from its remains. He died at the hospital due to severe injuries.

This particular case is the best example of what drivers should not do: speeding, intoxication and abandoning one’s victim.
Speeding and intoxication are a fatal combination. Its deadly outcome is crystal clear.

Thirty one percent of traffic crashes are caused by speeding. More than half of deadly crashes posted a speed limit of 55 mph or more.

Drunk driving, on the other hand, could be credited for 39% of the fatal car accidents. About 254,000 people were injured in alcohol related accidents.

Hit and run accidents are mostly the result of the acts of a speeding or intoxicated driver.

Ideally, a person involved in an accident must stop to extend help, if necessary, or exchange insurance numbers with the other party. This is prescribed by law as a standard procedure during car accidents, whether the person is at fault or not.

When victimized by a speeding or intoxicated driver, the law gives innocent parties the right to file a damage suit. A personal injury lawyer has to participate to afford the victim an aggressive and fair claim process.

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Veteran Pilot Died in a Fighter Jet Crash

Disaster strikes to anyone no matter how skilled one can get.

On a Wednesday morning, the Air Force community was in shocked when an Air Force F-22 Raptor, the most advanced and expensive fighter jet crashed. The jet was operated by Pilot David Cooley, a 21 year veteran of the force.

The plane was on a test flight .It was the second time an F-22 crashed during a test flight. The pilot safely ejected the first time unlike Cooley who went down with it.
Regarded as the world's dominant fighter, F-22, a twin-engine jet has been commended for its maneuverability, speed and advanced electronics systems. It is designed to sneak into another country's airspace, attack other planes and ground targets as well. It also has sensors that other fighter jets lacked.

It has been combat-ready at the end of 2007 but it has not conducted missions in Iraq or Afghanistan.

With the incident, Pentagon is currently having second thoughts on whether to continue with its production.

The real cause is still unclear but investigation is on its way though.

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A Fiery Smoke

Fire happens due to various reasons. Faulty electrical wirings, defective electric appliance and negligence are some of the causes of fire.

The risk of dying or getting injured in fire is greater. More often than not, victim dies of suffocation and not of the actual fire.

Smoking is the primary cause of fire related deaths. True enough, a fire engulfed a home Wednesday morning due to smoking.

In a fire accident that happened in a San Carlos home; negligence may seemed to be the ultimate cause of the fire. Specifically, a lighted cigarette butt sparked the blazing inferno.

Fire fighters believed that the victim was smoking in bed. He might have gone to sleep and dropped the cigarette on the floor.

The victim was the sole occupant of a bungalow located at Spruce Lake Avenue, just south of Jackson Drive. Neighbors described the deceased retired accountant as a loner.

The fire was extinguished for five minutes but the damage it created was so severe that victim was unable to get out.

The firefighters revealed that the fire was very intense and hot. The materials used in the modern home ignited the fire even more. A typical modern home uses materials with hydrocarbons and plastics.

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Electronic Stability Control System to Reduce Car Accidents

Seeing the fatalities and injuries caused by car accidents, car manufacturers and the government alike have been finding ways to prevent it.

First, cars were installed with seatbelts then with air bags. Seatbelts and air bags have decreased the number of fatalities or serious injuries caused by the impact of a collision or accident.

The government and car manufacturers seemed victorious in their pursuit to further decrease the horrific outcome of accident or in preventing accident itself. By installing electronic stability control systems (ESC) on cars, accidents or injuries dramatically decreased.

In an earlier study, the government calculated that nearly half of the 28,000 fatal vehicle crashes each year involved only a single vehicle. The cause was a car typically losing control and ending up off the road. With the availability of ESC, this type of crash could be prevented.

In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recommended that buyers must consider buying a car with ESC. Moreover, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has called on car manufacturers to incorporate ESC systems in all their vehicles, making them standard features.

By model 2012, new laws would require all car manufacturers to include ESC systems on all passenger cars, sports utility vehicles and pickup trucks.

With the required installation of ESC in 2012, we expect reduction in car accident especially rollover accidents. However, we could not wait for 2012 to be less accident prone. We have to make a move now to prevent any road related accidents.

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