California Injury Blog

The Los Angeles Times published an article this week about the challenges faced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the federal auto safety agency that was created as a response to Ralph Nader's career-making book "Unsafe at Any Speed." Nader's 1965 book highlighted auto product defects and design defects, which plagued American automobiles. The NHTSA was the government's answer to Nader's valid questions.

But the Times article shows how in fact the agency has consistently failed since its inception. It takes the example of the seatback defect issue stating how NHTSA tried to fix the issue, but as always, buckled under pressure exerted by auto industry lobbyists. Like all other important auto product defect issues, the lack of seatback strength in most vehicles (American and Japanese), was also tabled by the NHTSA after auto industry lobbyists raised their meritless arguments.

Continue reading "Federal Auto Safety Agency Did Nothing about Seatback Defects, Report Says" »

A pedestrian was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident after being struck by a vehicle the night of December 27, 2009, in El Cajon. According to a news report in the San Diego Union-Tribune, the accident occurred near the intersection of Greenfield Drive and Peerless Drive. The pedestrian, who has not been identified, was struck by a vehicle, suffered major injuries and was transported to an area hospital, El Cajon police officials said.

My heart goes out to this victim who has been seriously injured in this pedestrian accident. I wish this person the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I hope the injuries were not catastrophic. Please keep this victim in your prayers.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Sustains Serious Injuries in San Diego Car Accident" »

A 35-year-old bicyclist has sustained critical injuries in a Los Angeles car accident, which possibly involved a drunk driver, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports. The bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Temple and Puente avenues, the night of December 26, 2009, when the bicyclist was riding in a crosswalk. He was struck by an SUV driven by 40-year-old Frank Lanning. The bicyclist sustained head injuries and was transported to a local hospital, in critical condition. Lanning was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

My heart goes out to this injured victim and his family for what they are going through right now. I hope and pray that the bicyclist makes it through his critical head injuries and has a complete recovery, although his road to recovery may be long. This injured victim and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Los Angeles DUI Car Accident Critically Injures Bicyclist" »

When estimating what your California personal injury accident is worth it is usually best to consult with an attorney. With that said there are some things that are obvious indicators of how much your personal injury claim is worth.

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Jose Villaneuva, 26, was killed in a San Francisco truck accident after a dump truck backed over him, according to a Bay City News report. Villaneuva was apparently helping a Redwood City dump truck back up near Marine Parkway and Twin Dolphin Drive the afternoon of December 22, 2009, when it struck him. Villaneuva was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police are still investigating the cause of this fatal accident. Anyone who witnessed this accident or has more information is asked to call Redwood City police at 650-780-7100.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family of Jose Villaneuva for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this man. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading "Man Killed in San Francisco Area Truck Accident" »

A man who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident the morning of December 20, 2009, has been identified by authorities as 49-year-old Jamel Kammoun. The Daily Breeze reports that the fatal pedestrian accident occurred when Kammoun was struck by a car driven by a 17-year-old, when he was out on his morning walk on Hawthorne Boulevard. The teen driver, who officials say was speeding, lost control of his vehicle which then jumped the curb and hit Kammoun. The critically injured pedestrian was taken to an area hospital where he died. The 17-year-old could face vehicular manslaughter charges. He has not been arrested pending a police investigation.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jamel Kammoun for their terrible loss. Those who know and love Kammoun say that he was a committed family man and a dedicated math and science teacher at Marymount College, who truly enjoyed his work. His wife and three young children will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Fatally Injured in Los Angeles Car Accident" »

A 43-year-old pedestrian has sustained serious injuries in a Los Angeles car accident, after he was hit by a vehicle at a North Hollywood intersection, the Los Angeles Daily News reports. The vehicle fled the scene of the accident leaving the injured victim on the roadway. The major injury pedestrian accident occurred as the man was crossing at the intersection of Blythe Street and Lankershim Boulevard, the night of December 19, 2009.

Police are describing the hit-and run vehicle as an older model, dark-colored Toyota Corolla and the suspect as a male Latino. The suspect vehicle also has damage to its windshield and was last seen going south on Lankershim Boulevard near Saticoy Street. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Anyone who saw this accident or has information about the hit-and-run driver or vehicle is asked to call LAPD at 818-644-8028 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Car Accident Causes Serious Injuries to Pedestrian" »

A 26-year-old man was killed in an Orange County car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street, The Orange County Register reports. The man was crossing the street near the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Peregrine Street in Anaheim, the night of December 23, 2009, when he was hit. Anaheim police officials say the victim was walking in a crosswalk, but are looking into whether he had the right-of-way at the time. The driver initially fled the scene, but turned around and came back in a few minutes. Police say they are not treating the case as a hit-and-run and have not arrested the driver.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of this pedestrian accident victim for their tragic and sudden loss. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this man. Please keep them in your prayers. I'm also pleased to note that this driver found the courage to return to the scene of the accident despite initially leaving in a panic. He did the right thing.

Continue reading "Fatal Orange County Car Accident" »

An 82-year-old man was fatally injured in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing a street in Santa Monica, the morning of December 15, 2009. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the elderly pedestrian was crossing at 18th Street and California Avenue when he was hit. Santa Monica police officials say the vehicle was heading west on California Avenue. The pedestrian was walking east in an unmarked crosswalk. The driver then made a left turn and struck the pedestrian. The critically injured pedestrian was transported to a local hospital where he died two days later. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this victim. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this man. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading "Elderly Pedestrian Killed in Los Angeles Car Accident" »

A California car accident lawyer can have a big impact on your personal injury settlement. How much an attorney charges varies in price depending on a variety of conditions.

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Jamel Kammoun, 49, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, after he was struck by an out of control car while on his morning walk in Rancho Palos Verdes. According to a news report in the Daily Breeze, the accident occurred the morning of December 20, 2009 as Kammoun was walking along Hawthorne Boulevard, near Alta Vista Drive. A 17-year-old driver was apparently speeding on Hawthorne when he lost control of his vehicle. The driver had two high school age passengers with him at the time.

The car went up the curb, hitting Kammoun, sideswiping several trees and broke a section of a block wall. One of the passengers in the car was hurt. Kammoun was transported to a local hospital where he died shortly after the accident. The teen driver has not yet been arrested, but officials say it's possible that he will face vehicular manslaughter charges. An investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Car Accident Kills Pedestrian" »

Anthony Cole DeWeese, an 8-year-old boy was killed and five others were injured in a San Diego boating accident the night of December 20, 2009, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. The accident occurred after a U.S. Coast Guard vessel responding to an emergency call struck a pleasure boat during the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. The 33-foot Coast Guard boat crashed into the smaller 24-foot boat near Harbor Island. Both boats made it to shore. The child, who was a passenger in the smaller boat, was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Officials said five people on the smaller boat were also taken to a hospital with major injuries. Several local law enforcement agencies as well as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident.

My heart goes out to the family of young Anthony, who has been tragically killed during this holiday cruise, when thousands had come out to witness the lighted boat parade. The news report indicates that the child was the son of Alan DeWeese, the pleasure boat's captain. Tragic! Please keep this grieving family in your prayers. I also wish the five injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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A December 14, 2009 Riverside car accident has left a 20-year-old skateboarder critically injured and fighting for his life. According to a news report in the North County Times, the skateboarder was crossing the street at the intersection of Rancho California Road and Ynez Road in Temecula when he was hit by a 17-year-old female driver in a Honda Accord, who was making a left turn. The girl, who was driving the Accord, was uninjured. She has not been cited or arrested and an investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to everyone who knows and loves this young man. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. This injured victim and his family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Riverside Car Accident Leaves Skateboarder Critically Injured" »

An elderly woman was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident, after she was hit by a car while crossing the street in the Rancho Penasquitos area, the North County Times reports. The pedestrian accident occurred on Aldohia Street the afternoon of December 10, 2009. The woman, who was crossing Aldohia, was struck by a westbound Ford Explorer. She suffered a fractured pelvis and a broken leg. San Diego police officials are looking into what caused this injury pedestrian accident.

My heart goes out to this injured 70-year-old woman who has sustained serious injuries. I wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep this injured victim in your prayers.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Injured in San Diego Car Accident" »

Lucy Solares, 68, was killed in an Orange County car accident, after the van she was riding in crashed into three other vehicles the afternoon of December 16, 2009. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Solares was riding in the back of a specially outfitted used van to transport patients in wheelchairs. She was on her way back from physical therapy when the southbound van crashed into two vehicles leaving the 405 Freeway and making a left onto northbound Euclid Street. The impact spun the van around and caused it to hit a fourth vehicle, before falling over to its side. Solares died at the scene. Three of the drivers were transported to area hospitals with moderate injuries. Witnesses to this accident are asked to call the Fountain Valley Police Department at 714-593-4481.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lucy Solares for their sudden and tragic loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this woman. They will certainly be in my prayers.

Continue reading "Orange County Car Accident Kills Woman in Wheelchair" »

Lillian Biundo, 61, was fatally injured in a Riverside car accident, after the SUV in which she was a passenger collided with a van at a Menifee intersection the morning of December 16, 2009, according to news reports and the Riverside County Coroner's Office. A preliminary investigation by the Menifee Traffic Reconstruction Team determined that a Honda Odyssey van was traveling east on Mapes Road and failed to yield to northbound traffic on Menifee Road.

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If you have been involved in a car accident, you understand the strenuous difficulties that accompany emotional and physical recovery. It is a mistake to think that recovering from injuries incurred from a car accident is solely a physical task. Car accidents can cause severe emotional and psychological damage to the victim. For example, some Utah car accident victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder after a serious accident. This can be highly debilitating, preventing the victim from engaging in social activities and leaving the victim with a deep fear of driving. Some Utah bicycle accident victims suffer from permanent injuries, both physical and emotional.

Continue reading "Utah Pain and Suffering Settlements | Salt Lake City Car Accident Attorney" »

Five people were injured -- one of them seriously -- in a Los Angeles car accident the morning of December 14, 2009, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports. The collision involved five vehicles and occurred on the 605 Freeway near the 10 Freeway, in Baldwin Park. The chain reaction crash began when a black Honda CRV, driven by 53-year-old Rachel Gaytan, veered right, from the fast lane, and into traffic. She hit a Nissan Murano being driven by Heidi Russell, 56. The Nissan was then pushed into a Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Alfredo Santana, 42. The Pontiac in turn, slammed into the rear of a big rig, which was directly ahead. Jose Ruben, 45, the driver of the big rig lost control and hit a Honda Accord driven by 34-year-old Thomas Ly.

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Carmelita Delsol Rayos, 68, was killed in a Long Beach car accident, after she was struck by an SUV while crossing the road. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, Rayos was trying to cross West Willow Street at the corner of Baltic Avenue the morning of December 14, 2009, when a black 2003 GMC Yukon crashed into her. Rayos' body was thrown at least 75 feet from the point of impact and she died at the scene. Long Beach police officials said Rayos was crossing at the intersection although there was no marked crosswalk there. The driver of the SUV, identified only as a 42-year-old man, was uninjured. He was not cited or arrested, pending a police investigation.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Carmelita Delsol Rayos for their tragic, sudden and heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this woman. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading "Long Beach Car Accident Fatally Injures Pedestrian" »

Rosshadi Abauwad, 27, was struck and killed in a Los Angeles car accident by a driver who was attempting to flee the scene of another hit-and-run accident, the Los Angeles Times reports. The tragic incident occurred the morning of December 13, 2009 when 32-year-old Miguel Penayo got into a fight with a group of men and drove his car into the group striking one of the men. He then drove his car on Atlantic Avenue and entered the driveway of a Starbucks near Florence Avenue. Abauwad was hit by Penayo's vehicle as he left the coffee shop and was dragged under the car for a distance and killed. The other victim who was initially hit, sustained minor injuries.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Rosshadi Abauwad for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Here was a man coming out of Starbucks, probably after getting his cup of coffee on a Sunday morning. Unfortunately, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was struck by Penayo, who had apparently just assaulted a man with his vehicle. Please keep Abauwad's family in your prayers.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Killed in Los Angeles Car Accident" »

A Newport Beach motorcyclist who was fatally injured in a Riverside car accident has been identified by authorities as 50-year-old Robert Grice, Jr. The fatal motorcycle crash occurred on the Ortega Highway the morning of December 6, 2009 when Grice was riding his 2008 Ducati motorcycle. At the time, a Toyota Corolla crossed the center line and slammed head-on into the motorcycle. Grice was thrown of his motorcycle and died at the scene. According to California Highway Patrol officials, the Corolla was going at 45 mph, but crossed over the center divide into opposing lanes in order to avoid a slowing vehicle.

This is indeed a devastating loss for everyone who knew and loved Robert Grice Jr. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading "Orange County Man Killed in Car Accident" »

A Newport Beach car accident that occurred the morning of December 9, 2009 has injured a bicyclist, according to The Orange County Register. The accident was reportedly caused by a hit-and-run driver near the street intersection of Jamboree Road and Bison Avenue. The bicycle rider, who was identified only as a man in his mid-40s, has been transported to a local trauma unit, shortly after the bicycle-car collision. The woman motorist involved in this injury crash has since been located by Newport Beach police and arrested for fleeing the scene of the accident. It is not known yet, if other charges have been filed, as the investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Seriously Injured In Newport Beach Car Accident " »

Donald Murphy, 49, died as a result of injuries he sustained in a Newport Beach car accident, when he was struck by a driver while riding his bike on northbound Jamboree Road near Ford Road. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, 37-year-old Patricia Ann Izquieta made an "unsafe turning maneuver" before hitting Murphy the morning of December 9, 2009. She then fled the scene of the accident. However, Newport Beach police located Izquieta minutes after the collision and arrested her on suspicion of hit-and-run.

Continue reading "Victim of Newport Beach Bicycle Accident Fatally Injured" »

A 16-year-old girl has sustained critical injuries in a Los Angeles car accident after she was hit by a work truck while crossing the street. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the accident occurred on Gladstone Street near Enid Avenue the morning of December 8, 2009, when the girl was on her way to school. Azusa police officials say it was still dark out and the girl was not walking in a crosswalk. The 44-year-old man, who was driving the truck, was going within the speed limit and has not been charged or cited, officials said. They also said the driver was distraught over the incident.

My heart goes out to the family of this teenager, who has apparently suffered catastrophic injuries and is fighting for her life due to this pedestrian accident. Officials say it is uncertain if she will survive. I hope and pray that this injured victim makes it through her critical injuries and has a complete recovery. Please keep this young victim and her family in your prayers.

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Theodore A. Beason, 44, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after he was hit by a vehicle on a Malibu street. According to a City News Service report, Beason was walking south on the west side of Corral Canyon Road the afternoon of December 8, 2009, when officials say he stepped into the path of a southbound Honda van. California Highway Patrol officials identified the van's driver as Kathleen Leigh Willie, 69, of Los Angeles. She was not injured and has not been cited or arrested.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Theodore A Beason. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this man. They will certainly be in my prayers.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Car Accident Fatally Injures Pedestrian" »

A motorcyclist sustained serious injuries in a Los Angeles car accident that involved three other cars and a big rig. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the collision occurred the afternoon of December 7, 2009 on the 210 Freeway in Azusa. The motorcyclist, who has not yet been identified, sustained several injuries including a broken leg. He was taken to an area hospital. It is not clear who else was injured in this crash. An investigation is ongoing.

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Two drivers were hospitalized with injuries after an Orange County car accident involving three vehicles occurred at a street intersection in Tustin, California. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the collision involved a red Honda Accord, a black Scion and a gray Mercedes-Benz sedan at the intersection of Tustin Ranch Road and Bryan Avenue the morning of December 3, 2009.

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A man was hospitalized with injuries in a Los Angeles car accident after his bicycle was struck by a vehicle in West Hollywood. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the cyclist was riding south on La Cienega Boulevard after midnight on December 1, 2009, when a vehicle ran into him at Holloway Drive. The extent of the bicyclist's injuries is not known yet. He was taken to an area hospital following the collision. The driver of the vehicle, however, did not stop and fled the scene. Anyone with information about this hit-and-run collision is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at 310-855-8850.

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Authorities are looking for the hit-and-run driver who they say caused a fatal Los Angeles car accident, which killed a motorcyclist the night of November 30, 2009. According to a City News Service report, a white Dodge van was traveling west on 120th Street when its driver sped through a red light and struck the man, who was riding a 2001 Suzuki motorcycle south on Main Street. The van then fled the scene of the accident. Los Angeles police said the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

The suspect vehicle is described as a white, 1980s Dodge van with a blue stripe running down the middle of the vehicle. The driver is described as a black man with short hair, wearing black jeans and a white shirt that also has a blue stripe on the middle. The news story indicates that the motorcyclist may have been a member of the Street Heat Motorcycle Club. Anyone who witnessed this fatal hit-and-run car accident is asked to call the South Traffic Division detectives at 323-290-6063.

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Miguel Ledezma, 37, was killed in a Riverside car accident after a U.S. Postal Service truck hit the bicycle he was riding. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the two vehicles were involved in a head-on crash, which occurred in a left-turn lane that was being shared by traffic from both directions along Florida Avenue. The fatal bicycle accident occurred the night of November 30, 2009 and Ledezma was pronounced dead later that night. Hemet police say the bicycle did have a light, but it was a small flashlight taped to the bike's frame and pointed backward. The mail truck was apparently traveling at about 20 mph.

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Officials in Sacramento are looking for a hit-and-run driver who caused a deadly car accident in California that killed 4-year-old Jonathan Vazquez the morning of November 30, 2009. According to a CBS news report, officials have released video and a description of the vehicle, which they say, struck Jonathan as he was standing outside Smythe Academy and dragged him several feet before speeding away. Jonathan died from his injuries a few hours after the accident in an area hospital.

Continue reading "Toddler Killed in California Hit-and-Run Car Accident" »

If you are wondering how much your car accident personal injury claim is worth, it is very important that you consult with a car accident lawyer in California who will help you determine that amount. The ability to pay of the person who caused the car accident is a big factor in calculating how large your settlement can be. The ability to pay is determined by the person's car insurance policy and assets.

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Bernardino Rincon, 4, was killed in a Ventura car accident after an elderly driver caused a chain reaction crash the morning of November 30, 2009. The Ventura County Star reports that a car driven by 84-year-old Richard Levens struck the Rincon family's minivan. Levens apparently first hit two cars that were stopped at a traffic light on westbound Santa Rosa Road and then spun out and hit the minivan, which was traveling eastbound. California Highway Patrol officials said the van then accelerated going on to the dirt shoulder of the roadway before striking a tree and rolling over. Bernardino, who was thrown from the vehicle and pinned underneath the van, died shortly afterward at a local hospital.

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Three workers for the Department of Water and Power were injured in a Los Angeles car accident after they were hit by a suspected drunk driver while working in Los Feliz. According to a report on KTLA News, the DWP employees were working in the 5800 block of Franklin Avenue early morning on December 1, 2009 when the driver crashed through the work zone and injured the workers. Los Angeles police officials said the car also struck a DWP vehicle. The female driver was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Two passengers in her car were uninjured. The three workers were transported to a local hospital with injuries, but they have been listed in stable condition.

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