Southern California Injury Lawyer Blog

Man in wheelchair fatally injured

Administrator — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:51:32 +0000

A 60-year old man, was crossing the intersection of Grove Avenue and Ninth Street in Upland when he was hit by a Toyota Corolla. Paramedics took the injuried man to a nearby trauma center where he was pronounced dead.

The Upland Police Department is investigating the accident and determined that the driver of the Toyota was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The family of the man that died may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if the driver of the Toyota is found to be at fault.

California Vehicle Code 467(a) defines, “Motorized wheelchair users as pedestrians, with all the same rights and restrictions as someone walking along a roadway. Vehicles are required to yield to them, and that the wheelchair users are to stick to sidewalks or shoulders and crosswalks.”

I offer my deepest sympathies to the man’s family and friends. I hope the family contacts an experienced Personal Injury attorney who will make sure the negligent party is held accountable for this tragic loss.

Pedestrian killed in car accident

Administrator — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 19:01:34 +0000

A 20-year old man, was killed by a pickup truck while crossing a street in San Bernardino recently. The driver, a 20-year old man drove away from the scene leaving a critically injured victim.

According to California Vehicle Code 2001(a), “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.” In addition, California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) states, “Driving under the influence is also a serious crime.”

Authorities caught up to him and arrested him on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter and felony drunk driving. I would like to extend my condolences to the family of the man for their tragic loss. I hope the family contacts an experienced San Bernardino Personal Injury attorney who will make sure the negligent party is held accountable for this fatal accident. The family would be wise to file a wrongful death claim seeking medical and funeral expenses along with loss of a loved one.

California Motor Vehicle Code Information

Administrator — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:48:52 +0000

It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle if it is loaded with cargo or people and interferes with driving safely or obstructs your view in anyway, according to California Motor Vehicle Code 21700. The law requires you to be able to see your mirrors and be able to see out of each window.

If you are stopped, you can be ticketed and the fines can be severe. Overloaded vehicles cause hundreds of accidents every year. If you are involved in an accident with a vehicle that was overloaded with people or things, you may be able to be compensated for your injuries. Drivers who overload their vehicles could be guilty of negligence and face criminal charges. It would be wise to contact an experienced Personal Injury attorney and find out what your rights are under California law.

Fatal Victorville accident

Administrator — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:47:02 +0000

On the morning of August 10, a 45-year old woman, lost control of her automobile as she exited Orange Show Road. Apparently she drove through the intersection at the end of the off ramp, became airborne, flew over a wall and fell 30 feet. She died at the scene.

Officials are investigating to determine why she did not stop at the intersection and why she lost control of her auto. They are checking to see if the vehicle had a mechanical malfunction or if something was in the road that caused the accident.

I believe it would be in the best interests of the woman’s family to contact an experienced Personal Injury attorney to investigate this accident for them. Perhaps the accident was a result of an auto product defect and if so, the manufacturer could be held responsible. I extend my condolences to the family of the woman for their tragic loss.

Off-road racing proves fatal

Administrator — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 23:25:13 +0000

It has been all over the news. Eight spectators to off-road racing were killed in a remote San Bernardino County desert near Victorville last Saturday. The race had just started when a modified Ford Ranger lost control and plowed into a crowd standing close by.

According to the California Highway Patrol, rules say that spectators must stand at least 100 feet back from the road, but evidence shows that this rule was not enforced for this race. It was reported that tens of thousands of people lined the course for the race. Barriers keeping people away from the fast-moving vehicles did not seem to be present. Federal investigators said it was too early to determine if gross acts of negligence took place and if criminal charges would be filed.

If you were injured at this race or worse, knew someone who was killed, I would suggest you contact an experienced Personal Injury Attorney who can advise you what to do next.

More and more dog bite attacks reported

Administrator — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 04:14:51 +0000

Statistics show that close to one million Americans are in need of medical attention every year because of dog bite attacks – more than 50% of these victims are young children. The Center for Disease Control indicated that from January to June 2010, there have been 16 fatal dog attacks – 14 of these cases were family dog attacks.

The most dangerous dogs are the Pit Bull, Rottweiler and Siberian Huskie. Recently, two incidents were reported in San Bernardino – a 3-year old and a 2-year old – attacked by family Pit Bulls. For additional information, visit http://www.lawondogbites.com

If you or a family member has been bitten by a dog, the strict liability laws in California hold the dog’s owner, in most cases, liable for injuries. In order to learn what your legal rights are, contact an experienced San Bernardino Personal Injury Attorney right away.

Motorcycle accident kills a 35-year old man

Administrator — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 04:02:59 +0000

California Highway Patrol reported that last week a 35-year old man, was riding his motorcycle on Highway 18 near Cody Road when he sideswiped a pickup truck turning right. Upon impact, he was ejected and hit by another pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The motorcyclist had three children, ages 15, 13 and 12. A memorial service was set for him. According to his mother, everyone loved him and he will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family, especially his three children.

California Highway Patrol is investigating this fatal accident.

Motorcycle accident injures Lucerne Valley resident

Administrator — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 03:43:02 +0000

Lucerne Valley was the scene of two motorcycle accidents recently. A post office employee, was riding his motorcycle on Custer Avenue when he attempted to pass two vehicles in front of him by crossing a double yellow line. As he attempted to pass, one of the vehicles turned left into a driveway and the post office employee crashed into it.

The post office employee was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center with a broken leg and an injured pelvis. Doctors performed surgery on him and his condition is improving.

California Highway Patrol is investigating this accident to determine fault. I hope the individuals involved contact an experienced Personal Injury Attorney to determine who is responsible and compensation involved.

Father and son killed in Redlands auto accident

Administrator — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 05:03:11 +0000

A 51-year old father and his 31-year old son, were killed the other evening when, the father who was speeding through a residential area, lost control and crashed into a tree and parked vehicle. The San Bernardino County coroner’s office said they both died at the scene.

The Redlands Police Department is investigating the accident to see why the father lost control. My condolences go out to the family of this father and son.

Hit-and-run boat crash on Lake Havasu

Administrator — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 04:42:31 +0000

Those enjoying the lovely climate in Lake Havasu recently got more than they bargained for. A 29-year old Huntington Beach man, was enjoying the water by sitting in an inner tube and being pulled by a boat. Something caused him to fall out of the tube. While waiting for the boat to return and pick him up, another boat, traveling about 40 mph hit him.

The boat fled down the lake without stopping. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is asking any witnesses to this incident to come forward by calling the Colorado River Sheriff’s Station at 760-326-9200. The boat is described as red, about 30 feet long with white stripes. The driver is a heavy-set man with a mustache, wearing a baseball cap. A blond-haired woman was a passenger.

Paramedics took the man to Havasu Landing Marina, where he was pronounced dead. My sympathies go out to the family of the man that died.