California Injury Blog

Brittany Yost, 22, was killed in an Orange County car accident the morning of August 30, 2009 after the car she was driving struck a guardrail on the 5 Freeway and rolled over, The Orange County Register reports. Yost died at the scene of the car accident, according to the Orange County Coroner's office. California Highway Patrol officials have not yet determined the cause of this rollover car accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of young Brittany Yost for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Yost. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading "Orange County Car Accident Kills Woman" »

A police officer who was putting an arrestee into his car was injured in a San Diego car accident that officials say was caused by a suspected drunk driver the morning of August 27, 2009 in Chula Vista, California. According to a news report in the San Diego Union Tribune, the officer was stopped on Fourth Avenue near D Street when a car heading south drifted toward the patrol car. The driver ran over the officer's left foot and the car's right side mirror struck the officer in the back. He was taken to a hospital with injuries. The 41-year-old driver, who fled the scene, was located a short distance away and arrested. Officials said they easily spotted the hit-and-run driver because the broken mirror was still hanging on the side of the vehicle. The driver will face felony hit-and-run as well as driving under the influence charges.

I'm relieved that the police officer was not seriously injured in this California car accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He will be in my prayers.

Continue reading "San Diego DUI Car Accident Injures Police Officer" »

When a doctor told him that back injuries sustained in a car accident could turn into a prolonged problem, Jason decided it was time to consult a Los Angeles car accident lawyer.

Continue reading "Injured Man Finds Expert Help with Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers" »

The California auto product liability lawyers of Bisnar | Chase have filed a product liability wrongful death lawsuit against Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Sales, USA. The case stems from the death of Jeffrey Bachman in a rollover accident in April last year. The lawsuit alleges that Bachman's 1998 Toyota 4Runner SUV was improperly designed and failed to protect the young father during the car accident. Bachman left behind a loving wife and four children.

Bachman was driving his Toyota 4Runner on Interstate 95 when, attempting to simply change lanes, the SUV over-steered and caused the vehicle to rollover. This also led to a SUV roof crush which partially ejected Bachman. Bachman suffered open skull fractures, fractured vertebrae, multiple facial fractures and other injuries. He died just hours after the car accident.

Continue reading "California Auto Products Liability Lawyers File Wrongful Death Action Against Toyota" »

A 32-year-old man was hospitalized with injuries he sustained in an Anaheim car accident the morning of August 24, 2009 after he was struck by the driver of a city truck at a local park. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the man was napping under a tree in Modjeska Park in Anaheim, California, when a maintenance worker driving an Anaheim Parks and Recreation pickup truck, cut across the grass towards a trash can and struck the man. The driver reportedly felt the collision and stopped his vehicle to find that he hit and injured the man. City officials, who are investigating the incident, are trying to determine whether there was a "visual obstruction" that could have caused or contributed to the pedestrian accident.

I'm relieved that the city truck did not cause catastrophic or life threatening injuries to the victim. This car crash could certainly have been a lot worse. I wish the injured victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He will be in my prayers.

Continue reading "Anaheim Car Accident Injures Man" »

Toyota has announced a defective auto product recall involving about 95,700 Toyota Scions and Corolla that were sold in 19 U.S. states where cold weather could trigger a brake-related problem. According to a CBS news report, the recall affects some 2009 and 2010 Corolla and Corolla Matrix models as well as 2008 and 2009 Scion xD vehicles. If the cars are driven in extremely low ambient temperatures, there is a possibility that the condensed moisture from the positive crankcase ventilation port may seep into the brake system vacuum port and freeze, according to a company statement.

This ice build up in the brake system vacuum port can ultimately plug the vacuum port. As a result, power assist to the brakes would gradually decrease and lead to lengthened vehicle stopping distances. Owners of the recalled Toyota cars will begin to receive their safety recall notifications by mail next month. When the recall begins, Toyota dealers will install a newly designed air connector, which relocates the brake system vacuum port, for free. No other Toyota, Lexus or Scion vehicles are involved. So far, no injuries have been reported as a result of this vehicle defect.

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The California auto defects lawyers of Bisnar | Chase have filed a product liability injury lawsuit against Ford Motor Corporation, Continental Tire Corporation, TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Chino Hills Ford, and Beceril Tire Shop.

The product liability injury lawsuit stems from injuries sustained by Griselda Bernardino during an August 2007 rollover car crash. Griselda was driving a 2003 Ford Expedition SUV when the car's left tire tread separated from the tire. This caused the Expedition to oversteer and eventually roll over. Griselda suffered severe and permanent spinal and head injuries while her passengers Ayari Martinez, Alonso Martinez, Diana and Bianca Orozco (both minors) and Maleni Elizardi (also a minor) were all seriously hurt.

Continue reading "California Auto Defects Lawyers File Product Liability Case Against Ford" »

Susan Herman, 60, was killed in a Ventura car accident the evening of August 24, 2009 after she was struck by a teen driver while walking her dog, the Ventura County Star reports. Herman was hit on Shoreline Drive near Surfers Point, Ventura police said. She was not far from a crosswalk and was apparently headed for a walk along the beach with her dog when she was struck. Herman was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Her dog died at the scene. The 16-year-old driver remained at the scene. Police say he did not appear to be speeding, but an investigation is ongoing. Officials say the segment of the road where the accident occurred, curves as drivers head westbound and the teen driver may not have seen the woman in time to avoid the collision.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Susan Herman for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. They will be in my prayers.

Continue reading "Ventura Car Accident Kills Woman and Her Dog" »

The California auto defect lawyers of Bisnar | Chase recently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Toyota Corporation and Courtesy Toyota of Brandon, Florida. The case stems from the death of Elisa Obediente in a May 2009 rollover crash.

The car accident occurred when Elisa, a loving wife and mother of four, lost control of a 1998 Toyota 4Runner SUV that had been sold by Courtesy Toyota. According to the lawsuit, Elisa was trying to avoid another vehicle when her SUV over steered.

"We're alleging that the lateral instability of the 4Runner made it impossible to regain control of the SUV by anyone but a professional driver," said John Bisnar of the Bisnar | Chase auto defects law firm.

Continue reading "Auto Defect Lawyers File Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Toyota" »

Jesus Reyes, 63, was killed in an August 21, 2009 hit-and-run San Bernardino car accident after a driver struck the bike Reyes was riding in Rialto, California. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Rialto police officials arrested 44-year-old Julio Romero two days after the fatal car crash, on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in death. Romero is suspected of driving the van that hit and killed Reyes near North Acacia Avenue and East Madrona Street. Romero left the scene of the accident, officials said. Police say Romero could face additional criminal charges if he is found to be at fault in the collision.

Police apparently tracked Romero after speaking with his wife, Alejandra Romero. She is the registered owner of the purple 1999 Plymouth Voyager that her husband was driving at the time. The van was found several blocks away from the accident scene with a broken windshield and other damage "consistent with being" in a car accident. Romero reported the following morning that her vehicle was stolen. Police say they will recommend that prosecutors file charges against Alejandra Romero for making a false police report and being an accessory to a crime.

Continue reading "Hit-and-Run San Bernardino Car Accident Kills Bicyclist" »

One person died and several others were injured in a Los Angeles car accident after a tractor-trailer rig lost its brakes and crashed on the southbound 5 Freeway near the Grapevine. According to a CBS news report, the fatal truck accident occurred the evening of August 23, 2009. At least three people suffered head injuries and one person was killed, California Highway Patrol officials said.

My heart goes out to all the victims who were injured as a result of this Los Angeles truck accident. I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased car accident victim. Please keep them in your prayers. I also wish the other injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Continue reading "One Killed, Several Injured in Los Angeles Truck Accident" »

Two children were injured in an Orange County car accident after an SUV ran into a McDonald's the morning of August 20, 2009. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, a 77-year-old woman backed her Saturn Vue into the side door of a McDonald's restaurant in the 700 block of North Euclid in Anaheim, California. An infant and a child inside the restaurant were struck and taken to the hospital with injuries. The SUV's driver complained of pain, Anaheim police officials said. The woman may have been backing out of a handicapped parking spot across from the side door when the crash occurred.

I'm relieved that no one sustained life-threatening injuries in this Anaheim car accident that certainly could've turned out a lot worse. I wish the two injured children the very best for a quick and complete recovery. I hope their injuries were not serious. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading "Orange County Car Accident Injures Two Children" »

As California personal injury lawyers, we strongly believe in the rights of consumers to seek compensation for injuries that are caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another. Be it an individual who drove drunk and injured someone or a large corporation that manufactured a dangerous and defective product, we believe that they should be held accountable for the injuries, damages and loss caused to unsuspecting victims.

Continue reading "Famed Tort Reformer Files Civil Lawsuit over Parking Dispute" »

A 11-year-old boy suffered critical injuries in an Orange County car accident after he was struck by a car while crossing the street with another 8-year-old boy the evening of August 18, 2009, in Costa Mesa, California. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the two boys were crossing Wilson Street near Fordham Drive when they were hit by a blue Toyota Matrix. The 11-year-old was rushed to an area hospital with critical head injuries. The other boy complained of pain, but was not seriously injured, Costa Mesa police said. Newport Beach resident Ariel Claudio Mendoza, 35, the driver of the Toyota, was reported not to be under the influence of any drugs or alcohol in this car accident.

My heart goes out to the young boy and his family. I hope and pray this child pulls through his serious injuries and wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He will certainly be in my prayers.

Continue reading "Boy Critically Injured in Orange County Car Accident" »

Eddo Robbiyarto Accettola, 23, was killed in an August 16, 2009 San Francisco car accident after his motorcycle collided with a minivan that was pulling out of an overlook near Lake Sonoma, The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports. California Highway Patrol officials said alcohol was not a factor in the motorcycle crash. However, investigators are looking into whether Accettola was driving at an excessive speed at the time of the accident.

Continue reading "Fatal San Francisco Area Car Accident" »

Gail Connelle, 64, was killed the night of August 13, 2009 in an Orange County car accident while crossing Beach Boulevard in Stanton, California. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Connelle was on her way to work at a Walgreens in Stanton. She was crossing Beach near Chapman Avenue when a 65-year-old man in a Lexus heading north on Beach, struck her. Connelle had just been dropped off by a bus across the street from her job, according to her brother Michael Caserta.

Connelle was hit when she began crossing the street eastbound. Police are currently looking into whether Connelle was walking in the crosswalk when she was hit by the car. Caserta says he cannot imagine his sister would try to cross Beach Boulevard, which an extremely busy street, at the hour, outside a crosswalk. Connelle sustained severe injuries and was taken to an area hospital, where she died shortly after the accident. No citations were issued, or arrests made, pending a police investigation.

Continue reading "Orange County Fatal Pedestrian Accident" »

Leland Lloyd, 53, of Lancaster, California, was killed in a motorcycle accident in Washington City, Utah, on August 8, 2009, according to a news report in The Salt Lake Tribune. A suspected drunk driver in a Ford Explorer reportedly made an illegal left turn in front of Lloyd causing him to crash and strike his head on the SUV. Officials said Lloyd, who was wearing a partial helmet, died from massive head injuries at the scene of the car accident. John Hanson, 54, the driver of the SUV, has been arrested on suspicion of automobile homicide, driving under the influence, open container and improper left turn.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Leland Lloyd for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Apparently, he was in the area visiting family at the time. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Lloyd. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Man Killed in Utah Motorcycle Accident" »

Charlotte Lorraine Winn, 73, was killed in a August 10, 2009 San Diego car accident after she lost control of her 2001 Ford Explorer SUV and crashed on Route 79, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Winn was heading north on the highway when she lost control of the Explorer, which ran off the pavement and rolled over several times. The SUV came to rest against a tree on the west side of the road, California Highway Patrol officials said. Winn was airlifted to an area hospital where she died. Her 68-year-old husband, who was a passenger in the SUV, reportedly suffered moderate injuries.

Continue reading "San Diego Car Accident Involves Ford Explorer Rollover" »

Christa Balch, 40, suffered major injuries and her 4-year-old son, Sebastian, was killed in a California car accident involving a suspected drunk driver the night of August 9, 2009. According to a news report in the Monterey Herald, Balch's car was hit by a 2006 Dodge truck driven by 31-year-old Dion Gussner. California Highway Patrol officials say Balch has stopped in the right lane at River and Las Palmas roads in Salinas when Gussner crashed into the car. Sebastian died at the scene while Balch and her 2-year-old daughter were taken to a San Jose hospital with major injuries. Gussner was charged with felony drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter.

Continue reading "Fatal California Car Accident Involved Drunk Driver" »

The Orange County car accident lawyers at Bisnar | Chase know and understand the shock and distress anyone goes through when they get in a car crash. That's why we designed an Insurance & Registration Organizer where drivers can have their car documents handy and readily accessible. I have personally found this organizer to be invaluable -- even when you get involved in a fender bender.

Continue reading "Orange County Car Accident Victim Puts Glove Organizer to Good Use" »

Eight people, including five young children -- Carlos Eric Salazar, 8; Jochelyn Grace Salazar, 7; Monique Janae Salazar, 4; Michael Alexander Salazar, 3; and Sienna Rose Salazar, 1 -- were killed in a
California car accident after a driver fleeing police crashed into a 1997 GMC pickup truck. According to an Associated Press news report, the car accident occurred the afternoon of August 8, 2009 in Dinuba, California. Police were pursing a Dodge Neon that was carjacked near Fresno, California, when the fatal car crash occurred. Four children were ejected from the truck. Officials say none of the children in the truck was wearing seat belts or were restrained in car seats.

Continue reading "Eight Killed in California Car Accident During Police Chase" »

Manuel Garcia, 33, was killed in a hit-and-run Los Angeles car accident the night of August 5, 2009, CBS News reports. The pedestrian-car collision occurred near the intersection of Guthrie Avenue and Corning Street in Culver City, California. Police arrested 21-year-old Miguel Martinez. Officials say Martinez fatally struck Garcia and fled the accident scene. Martinez has been arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. Garcia suffered severe head injuries and was declared dead in an area hospital.

Continue reading "Driver Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run Los Angeles Car Accident" »

Brian Chase, Senior Partner at Bisnar | Chase, has been named as a top Orange County personal injury lawyer by OC METRO magazine. The magazine has released lists of top lawyers in several categories based on Avvo rating. Avvo is a national organization that evaluates attorneys in specific regions. A good Avvo rating is an evaluation of the lawyer's background that is calculated using a mathematical model which takes into consideration the lawyer's profile, years of experience, disciplinary history, professional accomplishments and industry recognition.

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Four people--Jose Menjivar, Wilfredo Lopez, Angel Nunez and Nelson Nunez--were killed in a fatal California car accident after their 1990 Honda got wedged under the trailer of a big rig that had run a stop sign. According to a report on KMPH News, 23-year-old Concepcion Lopez was the only survivor of the car-truck accident in Fresno County, California, the morning of August 3, 2009, which killed four of her family members.

The driver of the truck was identified as 35-year-old Hernesto Escalante, an employee of Panella Trucking. Eyewitnesses say Escalante who was hauling tomatoes in the truck, ran a stop sign and caused the crash. The impact of the collision apparently sheared the roof of the Honda. California Highway Patrol officials say Escalante then unhitched his trailer and drove away. He was later arrested in Modesto, California.

My heart goes out to young Concepcion Lopez and the families and friends of these deceased victims, for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. They have suffered a tremendous blow in a single instant. I offer them my deepest condolences. They will certainly be in my prayers.

Continue reading "California Car Accident Kills Four" »

A little over a year ago, Barbara Meinke was involved in a car accident. Although injured, the thought of consulting a lawyer never crossed her mind. After all, the car accident clearly was not her fault and her insurance company assured her that they were there to take care of the messy details. "In my mind, I thought I really didn't need to have an attorney to help me," she said in a car accident client testimonial.

However, when her injuries turned out more serious than she thought, Barbara realized that she needed more help. Never having been in this sort of situation before, Barbara had to take matters into her own hands and do her own research. Scouring the Internet for a California car accident lawyer, Barbara found what she was looking for and is more than glad that expert advice and a sympathetic ear were just a click and a phone call away.

Continue reading "California Car Accident Lawyer Comes to the Aid of Orange County Woman" »

Public Justice is a group of more than 300 law firms that fights on behalf of those who have suffered injustice or serious personal injury as a result of using dangerous or defective products. According to their Web site, the group's Access to Justice Campaign just won a significant victory against pharmaceutical giant, Wyeth, after a federal court judge granted public access to reams of evidence that the drug maker "ghostwrote" medical journal articles promoting its own dangerous and defective drugs.

Continue reading "Wyeth's Ghostwritten Articles Camouflage Dangerous Drug Side Effects" »

Sara Cisneros, 48, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident on Aug. 2, 2009, after the car she was driving was struck by a suspected drunk driver in Redlands, California. According to a news report in the Redlands Daily Facts, the fatal car crash occurred when 26-year-old Ryan Christopher Wheatley, who was traveling north on Orange Street in a Ford F-150 pickup truck, drifted off the roadway and struck an irrigation pipe. He then swerved back onto the road and into oncoming traffic colliding with a 1992 Nissan Sentra driven by Sara Cisneros. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Wheatley suffered minor injuries while a passenger in his truck was uninjured.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Sara Cisneros for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. They will certainly be in my prayers. I also hope the suspected drunk driver, Wheatley, is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Continue reading "San Bernardino Fatal DUI Car Accident" »

Five people were killed the morning of August 4, 2009 in a fiery Orange County car accident after their SUV reportedly blew a tire and rolled over a steep embankment on the southbound 5 Freeway in Mission Viejo, California. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, officials could not determine the age, identity or gender of the car accident victims because their bodies were burned beyond recognition. The single-vehicle car crash involved a Chevrolet Tracker, a small SUV, which veered off the freeway, hit a signpost before rolling over and catching fire.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of all these victims who were killed in this horrific Mission Viejo car accident. We don't know yet whether these victims were all adults or whether there were children involved or if they were all members of the same family. I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of these deceased victims. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading "Orange County Car Accident Kills Five In Mission Viejo" »

Two women, Karla Castillo and Cindy Luna, were killed and four others were injured in a Los Angeles car accident early morning August 2, 2009, the Daily Breeze reports. The fatal car crash occurred when the driver of a 1998 BMW 328i coupe traveling on the 110 Freeway, attempted to take the Glenn Anderson 105 Freeway eastbound exit, but passed the off ramp, California Highway Patrol officials said. The 20-year-old Downey woman then turned her car sharply to the right and crossed over the raised gore point causing the vehicle to roll over several times. Los Angeles fire officials declared two women dead at the scene. They had been ejected from the car, officials said. Four other young women were taken to hospitals with serious to critical injuries.

I offer my deepest condolences to the families of Karla Castillo and Cindy Luna who were killed in this car accident. I also wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Fatal Car Accident" »