California Injury Blog

The Consumer Attorneys of California along with other groups, including BISNAR | CHASE, strongly support AB 2486 authored by Mike Feuer which will create "social host liability" for persons who knowingly serve alcohol to a minor.

"Social host liability" means that someone who is a "social host," not a person serving alcohol for money like a bar, but someone entertaining in their home, can be held responsible for injuries or death sustained by a person underage involved in an accident and to any third person who also becomes involved. The underage person would have to be leaving the home of the "social host" and get into this accident while under the influence of alcohol served by the "social host."

Continue reading "Why Do We Need a Bill Creating Social Host Liability?" »

A bicycle accident in Petaluma resulted in serious injuries for a 50-year-old man the morning of July 23. KTVU News reports that the man was riding his bike on the shoulder of the Highway 101 near Kastania Road when he was struck by a van that drifted from traffic lanes on to the shoulder. Officials are still trying to determine what caused the driver of the GMC van, 63-year-old Nicolay Pokornyy, to drift over to the shoulder. The bicyclist was taken to a regional medical center with serious injuries.

My heart goes out to this injured bicyclist and his family. I hope he has not sustained major injuries and pray that he makes a speedy and complete recovery.

Continue reading "Man Hurt in San Francisco Area Bicycle Accident " »

A worker sustained fatal job injuries after he was buried under 11 feet of dirt while working at a Los Angeles area construction site. According to an Associated Press news report, the man was buried in a trench during an excavation the morning of July 29, 2010. Skilled rescue workers and 95 firefighters attempted, for three hours, to free the worker. The California Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is investigating the incident.

Continue reading "Worker Fatally Injured in Los Angeles Construction Site Accident" »

If you make it into adulthood without breaking a bone, you are lucky. Most people will break at least one bone at some point in their lives. If you are involved in a car accident, your chances of breaking a bone are even greater.

Various bones can get broken during car accidents, and all are painful and inconvenient while healing. You will have to wear a cast for weeks, take time off work for doctors' appointments, and possibly even undergo painful physical therapy.

Continue reading "10 Of the Most Commonly Broken Bones You Can Suffer in a Car Accident" »

Three members of a Tahoe City family -- Heather Laboie, 42, Donna Howard, 66, Laboie's 6-year-old daughter -- sustained major injuries in a car accident after a suspected drunk driver crashed head-on into their vehicle. According to a news report in the Sierra Sun, the major injury collision occurred on July 21, 2010 on Highway 89. California Highway Patrol officials say 34-year-old Matthew Dubois drove his 1998 Chevy Silverado northbound on the highway and collided with a 2002 Acura occupied by the victims. The impact from the crash caused the Acura to go down an embankment and strike a bicyclist.

Continue reading "DUI Collision Causes Major Injuries" »

A breast cancer diagnosis is devastating on the patient and his or her family members. When you are diagnosed with this disease, you may think it could never happen to you. Now, imagine how you would feel if you later found out that you were misdiagnosed with a cancer that you did not have.

A commonly misdiagnosed form of breast cancer is Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS). More than 50,000 women are diagnosed with this disease each year. Not all of the women diagnosed need to be treated, but suffer through treatment anyway on the advice of their inexperienced pathologist.

Continue reading "Breast Cancer is Often Misdiagnosed: How New Technology Can Prevent This From Happening" »

Misty Duran, 20, sustained major injuries in a DUI collision the afternoon of July 18, 2010 in Willits. According to a report in The Willits News, Kayla Grace Chesser, 21, was driving a 2003 Honda Civic north on Highway 101 at a high rate of speed when she drifted off the road. California Highway Patrol officials say Chesser lost control of the car, crossed over four lanes of traffic and narrowly missed a vehicle before veering off the roadway.

The Civic then went down an embankment and rolled over coming to rest on its roof. Duran, who was the passenger, suffered several serious injuries including a broken neck and pelvis. She was transported to a regional hospital for treatment of those and other injuries. Chesser sustained minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving causing injury.

Continue reading "DUI Crash in Mendocino County Causes Major Injuries" »

Gerardo Rodriguez, 49, was injured in a Ventura car accident after he was struck in a crosswalk by a sport utility vehicle, who witnesses say, ran a red light. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, Rodriguez was using the crosswalk at Oxnard Boulevard and Colonia Road the night of July 25, 2010, when he was hit by the SUV. Those who saw the accident told Oxnard police officials that the SUV went through a red light, struck Rodriguez and then fled the scene of the crash.

Continue reading "Ventura Hit-and-Run Collision Injures Bicyclist" »

The Consumer Attorneys of California believe that you should, and they have been working to protect your interest by sponsoring AB 2039 which is authored by Charles Calderon.

The attorneys at BISNAR | CHASE strongly endorse this bill to revise the California law regarding service of process on people who have accidents in California and then go home, often to areas where service is almost impossible to achieve and is certainly expensive. Basically, this means that if you are in an accident with a non-resident who is driving a rental car, you might have great difficulty exercising your right to sue this person in addition to the rental agency and the insurance company. You may have been seriously injured, yet you cannot start a lawsuit against them. One of the requirements to start a lawsuit is to give notice to the defendant of the suit. If this service cannot be achieved, then the suit is delayed.

Continue reading "Should You Be Concerned About Rental Car Drivers?" »

A 7-year-old girl sustained severe injuries in a dog bite incident the afternoon of July 24, 2010 after a pit bull terrier bit her on the face. According to a Bay City News report, the dog attack occurred at a home on 82nd Avenue. Eyewitnesses told police that the dog owner asked the girl if she wanted to pet the dog just before the attack occurred. Oakland police officials said the girl suffered significant injuries, but that they were not life-threatening. This incident comes two days after a fatal pit bull attack in Concord where a 2-year-old boy was mauled by his step-grandfathers dogs.

Continue reading "Girl Injured in Oakland Dog Attack" »

Medical exams such as CT scans are as common as blood tests these days and not very many people worry about the test itself giving them a medical problem. Unfortunately, this has been the case, when patients have actually lost their hair after this routine test. Apparently, the CT scanner was putting out much more radiation than was the correct amount for a simple test. At the Cedars-Sinai Hospital, patients received EIGHT times the usual radiation of a brain scan because the brain scanner had been reconfigured. The question that springs to mind here is why is there not some type of method for checking how much radiation the scanner is putting out?

Continue reading "Radiation Effects of Medical Tests" »

Michael Williams, chief electrician aboard the Deepwater Horizon, testified Friday at a federal hearing that one of the vessel’s critical alarm systems had been purposefully disabled before the oil rig explosion. The general alarm system about the Deepwater Horizon should have sounded an alarm warning offshore workers to move away from danger. However, the automatic system had been intentionally switched off because Transocean felt it was inconvenient. Turning off the automatic alarm required that the alarm had to be triggered manually if needed. Mr. Williams claims he told her Transocean superiors of his concerns about disabling the alarm.

Continue reading "Deepwater Horizon Alarm System Disabled Before Oil Rig Explosion" »

Authorities in Walnut are looking for a hit-and-run suspect who they say struck and critically injured 23-year-old Kenneth Pak. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the pedestrian crash occurred the night of July 19, 2010 at the intersection of La Puente Road and Flemington Drive. The driver of the vehicle did not stop at the scene.

Officials believe Pak may have been riding a skateboard at the time and that he may not have been in a crosswalk when he was hit, but those details have not yet been confirmed. The accident has left Pak in a coma. Officials are looking for anyone who may have witnessed this collision. Those with information are asked to call Deputy John Rodriguez at 909-595-2264, ext. 3091.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Car Crash Critically Injures Pedestrian" »

A 68-year-old man who was killed in a pedestrian accident in Westminster has been identified by authorities as Kenneth Lindeman. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car crash occurred the morning of July 17, 2010 at the intersection of Westminster Boulevard and Milan Street. Officials say the driver who struck Lindeman fled the scene. No arrests have been made yet. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kenneth Lindeman for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Killed in Westminster Car Accident" »

Steven Mason, 22, was killed in a Bakersfield car accident after he was struck by a vehicle the night of July 12, 2010. According to a news report in the Taft Midway Driller, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred at the intersection of Kern and Eighth Streets, in Taft. Mason was riding a Honda motorcycle east on Kern Street when he hit the vehicle that was making a left turn from Eighth Street on to Kern. Taft police officials say Mason was wearing a helmet, but was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. He died shortly afterward. An investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading "Bakersfield Area Car Accident Kills Motorcyclist" »

Two people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident after their SUV was cut off by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the injury crash occurred the night of July 19, 2010 on the westbound 10 Freeway near Puente Avenue, in Baldwin Park. The suspect apparently pulled ahead of the SUV causing the female driver of the SUV to swerve and lose control.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Car Accident Involves Suspected Drunk Driver " »

Manuel Enos, 80, was killed in a San Francisco car accident after he was hit by a vehicle while walking in a marked crosswalk. According to a news report in the Contra Costa Times, Enos was in a crosswalk at the intersection of California Street and Franklin Avenue in Mountain View the night of July 19 when he was struck by a Toyota Corolla going west on California Street. The driver of the Toyota fled the scene. Investigators however located 46-year-old Keibun Son, identified her as the driver of the Corolla and arrested her on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. Police say alcohol or drugs were not factors. An investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading "Elderly Pedestrian Killed in San Francisco Car Accident" »

Charles Heatherly, 77, sustained major injuries in a San Francisco car accident after his vehicle was struck head-on by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in the Napa Valley Register, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Solano Avenue and Luke Drive in Napa, the morning of July 14, 2010. Police said 47-year-old James Fannin was driving south on Solano when he crossed over the center line and slammed into Weatherly's vehicle that was traveling north.

Continue reading "DUI Collision in San Francisco Causes Injuries" »

A 65-year-old man was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident after he was struck by a suspected drunk driver the night of July 17, 2010. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, officers found the man lying on Alvarado Road near Alvarado Court. The motorist, a 57-year-old woman, had initially left the scene, but returned later and told officials that she thought she had "hit something." Police determined that she struck the man, who sustained head injuries and a broken leg as a result of the collision. Authorities also determined that the accident was alcohol-related. The woman was arrested. An investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading "San Diego Car Accident Injures Pedestrian " »

A 65-year-old man was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident after he was struck by a suspected drunk driver the night of July 17, 2010. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, officers found the man lying on Alvarado Road near Alvarado Court. The motorist, a 57-year-old woman, had initially left the scene, but returned later and told officials that she thought she had "hit something." Police determined that she struck the man, who sustained head injuries and a broken leg as a result of the collision. Authorities also determined that the accident was alcohol-related. The woman was arrested. An investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading "San Diego Car Accident Injures Pedestrian " »

Guest post by DreamLegalTeam.com.

A bit of ironic news today out of The Wall Street Journal. Apparently Shanghai Volkswagon president Liu Jian was killed in an auto accident with three of his fellow executives while on a business road trip. The details as follows:

" Shanghai Volkswagen is a 50-50 joint venture between Chinese car maker SAIC Group and German auto giant Volkswagen AG (VOW.XE).

Continue reading "Volkswagon Executive Dies in Car Accident" »

A man who was killed in a bicycle accident in Newport Beach the morning of July 15, 2010, has been identified as Michael William Nine. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal accident occurred near the intersection of Spyglass Hill Road and Harbor Ridge Drive when a gardening truck apparently pulled into Nine's path. Nine was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officials are looking into who or what caused this deadly collision.

My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved Michael William Nine for their terrible loss. They will be in my prayers.

Continue reading "Newport Beach Bicycle Accident Proves Fatal" »

Authorities have identified a man who sustained serious injuries in a bicycle accident in San Marcos the morning of July 10, 2010 as Paul Michael Terpolilli. The North County Times reports that Terpolilli was found near his mangled bicycle on Twin Oaks Valley Road. He was in cardiac arrest after having been hit by a car. The driver of the car that hit him did not stop at the scene. Terpolilli was taken to an area medical center with serious injuries.

My heart goes out to Paul Michael Terpolilli and his family members during this tough time. I hope he has not suffered catastrophic injuries and pray that he recovers quickly and completely.

Continue reading "San Diego Car Accident Leaves Bicyclist in Serious Condition" »

Mioko Kozaki, 91, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident the evening of July 14, 2010, The Daily Breeze reports. The fatal car crash occurred at the intersection of Hawthorne Boulevard and 182nd Street in Torrance. Police say Kozaki was a passenger in a 2000 Toyota Camry, which collided with a 2000 Toyota Tundra at the street intersection. The impact of the collision sent the Camry off the roadway and onto the sidewalk at the southeast corner of the intersection. Kozaki was transported to a local hospital where she died. The drivers of the Tundra and the Camry were taken to area hospitals with less serious injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

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

A woman was fatally injured in an Anaheim car accident that involved three vehicles the morning of July 15, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car crash occurred at the intersection of East Miraloma Avenue and North Blue Gum Street and involved a 2005 Nissan sedan, a 1997 Chevy pickup truck and a black Honda Civic.

Continue reading "Anaheim Car Accident Proves Fatal for Woman" »

One man was killed and several people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident the night of July 13, 2010, which may have been caused by a suspected drunk driver, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports. Los Angeles Sheriff's officials say that the fatal crash occurred near an overpass between Stimson and Central avenues in La Puente, when a speeding driver going east on Valley Boulevard lost control and struck a vehicle carrying four people. That vehicle collided with two other vehicles.

The driver of the speeding vehicle and his passenger were injured and transported to an area hospital. The male driver of the vehicle that was first struck by the speeding car died on impact. A woman and two children in that vehicle were taken to a hospital with serious to moderate injuries. No one in the other two vehicles was hurt. Officials found open containers of alcohol in and around the suspect's vehicle. An investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading "Fatal Los Angeles Car Accident" »

Over this last week, John Bisnar and Brian Chase of the Los Angeles personal injury law firm, BISNAR | CHASE experienced an exciting adventure which led them through bear inhabited rivers, beautiful lakes, rivers and bays. They were able to catch a number of fish and crab including halibut, salmon, and cod (all of which tasted amazing). The trip was captured through an exceptional collection of photos. You may find the personal injury lawyer's Alaska fishing trip photos by visiting the BISNAR | CHASE website.

Continue reading "Personal Injury Lawyers Go On Alaska Fishing Trip" »

A Sacramento car accident that occurred the evening of July 11, 2010 resulted in two fatalities and three injuries. However, according to a CBS News report, Milton Pastran, the driver of a pickup truck on the Highway 99 that was in the path of a falling Honda Civic, is happy that he and his two young daughters have not sustained major or fatal injuries.

A Honda Civic was traveling at a high rate of speed on Elk Grove Boulevard, lost control and went airborne on the highway. Pastran said he accelerated the pickup. Had he not done that, the car would have fallen on the cab of the pickup crushing him and his daughter. Two people in the Honda Civic, a 44-year-old driver and an 80-year-old passenger died at the scene. An investigation is still ongoing.

Continue reading "Fatal Sacramento Car Accident " »

A 39-year-old man sustained fatal injuries in a Los Angeles car accident the night of July 7, 2010, according to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune. California Highway Patrol officials say that the crash occurred on the westbound 10 Freeway near State Street. The man, an El Monte resident, was found in his 2005 Toyota car, which had rolled over on its roof. A 33-year-old motorcyclist, riding a 2008 Harley-Davidson was involved in the crash, but was uninjured, officials say. The driver of the Toyota was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries shortly after the crash. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to this deceased motorist's family and friends for their tragic and devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

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

A 2-year-old girl was hospitalized after a swimming pool accident in Valencia on July 1, 2010, The Signal reports. Los Angeles County fire officials say the accident occurred in the backyard pool of a home near Mill Valley Road. The toddler was found facedown in the pool. When emergency personnel arrived, the parents were performing CPR and the girl was resuscitated. It is not clear how this accident occurred. The girl was airlifted to an area hospital for treatment.

My heart goes out to the parents of this little girl who nearly drowned. I'm relieved to hear that she regained consciousness. I wish this child the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. She will be in my prayers.

Continue reading "Toddler Injured in Los Angeles Swimming Pool Accident " »

We had a fun day. We spent six hours trying to catch king salmon from our boat in the bay with our captain/fishing guide and deck hand. King salmon are in the salt water in the bay and weigh 20 to 30 pounds. Brian caught a four-pound black bass. The bass is supposed to be excellent eating and is coming home with us. We intend to bring home 100 pounds of fish.

Discouraged with our king salmon fishing, we went halibut fishing. We knew what to do this time, since we did it two days ago. In about an hour, Brian caught two halibut, one of which is our largest fish. I caught a good size one. You'll be able to see them in our pictures.

Continue reading "Large Octopus Gets to Crabs Before We Do on Day Three" »

We started the day at 8 am by loading up in our float-plane with our pilot, two fishing guides, Brian and myself. We flew over some stunning rivers, lakes and valleys, through some canyons and between some mountains to arrive finally at the day’s first fishing spot.

We could see from the plane that two adolescent bears were fishing the spot, which confirmed that salmon were running. As we walked from our plane to the river mouth where the fresh water dumps into the bay we were reassured that we would have no problems from the bears, we were armed with two shotguns.

Continue reading "Second Day's Huge Salmon Catch" »

A car accident in Los Angeles proved fatal for an elderly man and resulted in injuries for five others the morning of July 5, 2010. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the fatal crash happened when a driver ran a red light at the intersection of East Orange Grove and Sierra Madre boulevards. The elderly man, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles, suffered fatal injuries while five others were injured, one of them seriously. Officials are investigating the incident.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this elderly victim. I also wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and full recovery. They will be in my prayers.

Continue reading "Red Light Violation May Have Caused Fatal Los Angeles Car Accident " »

John Titlow, 47, was killed in a motorcycle accident the evening of July 3, 2010, after he lost control of his 2008 Harley Davidson and crashed. According to a news report in The Vacaville Reporter, Titlow was entering eastbound Interstate 80 from northbound Suisun Valley Road, in Fairfield, when he lost control of the motorcycle and drove off the roadway. California Highway Patrol officials say Titlow was thrown off the motorcycle and sustained major injuries. Witnesses stopped to assist the injured motorcyclist, but he died at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of John Titlow for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident" »

We ate breakfast at 7 am. On our fishing boat, we headed out from the harbor to Larsen Bay, passing the hundred-year-old salmon cannery that is still, or again, in operation by 8 am.

Our first stop was still inside the harbor to catch bait. Within 20 minutes, we caught enough bait to set a crab pot and fish all day. Half of the bait is herring that are the size of store-bought farm raised trout. The other half are bigger and substantially bigger cod. If we stopped fishing then, we would have caught an impressive amount of good eating cod.

Continue reading "Day One of John and Brian's Big Adventure" »

A 98-year-old woman sustained injuries in a San Diego car accident after the driver of a pickup truck lost control and crashed into her bedroom. According to a 10news report, the crash occurred the morning of July 6, 2010 at the intersection of Stadium Street and Governor Drive. San Diego police officials said a black Ford F-250 pickup truck, which was westbound on Governor Drive, went out of control, crossed over the median, into oncoming traffic ran over a sidewalk and struck the home. The elderly woman's bed was pushed several feet. She was hospitalized with injuries. The driver sustained injuries. Police say they believe alcohol was involved. An investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading "Elderly Woman Injured in San Diego Car Accident " »

James Martin, 67, died in a San Bernardino car accident on July 6, 2010. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, Martin lost control of his vehicle while driving along Interstate 40. The collision caused his vehicle to leave the roadway and overturn. The cause of this accident is still under investigation.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this fatally injured victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers

Continue reading "Man Fatally Injured In Desert Rollover Accident" »

Matilda Garnica, 43, was killed and her two children were injured in a Los Angeles car accident after a car plowed through a group of spectators who had gathered to watch a fireworks show the night of July 4, 2010. According to a news report in The Signal, a white Infiniti was traveling east on Valencia Boulevard. The driver, a 22-year-old woman, ran a red light at Mall Entrance and crashed into a Dodge Durango SUV that was making a left turn. The impact from the collision caused the Infiniti to crash into a group of people, who were sitting on the south curb of Valencia and watching the fireworks. Garnica was killed instantly and at least seven others, including two of her children, were injured. Her 13-year-old son was critically injured.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Matilda Garnica for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I sincerely hope that her two children and the other injured victims recover quickly and completely. I particularly pray for the two children who saw their mother struck and killed. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

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

Joshua Dubon, 23, and Richard Vasques, 24, were killed in a Los Angeles car accident early morning on July 2, 2010 after their car struck a tractor-trailer on Highway 101 in Agoura Hills. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, the fatal crash occurred in the westbound lanes of the highway between Kanan and Reyes Adobe roads. One more person in the car, 21-year-old Soel Dubon, sustained major injuries in the crash. California Highway Patrol officials say all three victims were from Santa Paula.

Continue reading "Tractor-Trailer Accident in Agoura Hills Kills Two " »

A woman in San Diego is facing murder charges in connection with a fatal DUI collision that killed 95-year-old Benjamin Friedman on April 21, 2010. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that 47-year-old Melanie Rebecca Flores is accused of driving under the influence and causing a multi-vehicle accident in Coronado, which killed Friedman who was a passenger in one of the vehicles.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Benjamin Friedman for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Woman Charged with Murder in San Diego Car Accident " »

Many thousands of elderly persons are victims of nursing home abuse and neglect every year in the United States. Nursing home abuse is surprising because these homes are supposed to be regularly inspected by the state and are supposed to live up to certain staffing standards.

Elder abuse can come in several different forms. There is physical abuse which includes not only physical assaults such as hitting or shoving but also the inappropriate use of drugs, restraints, or confinement. Emotional abuse includes intimidation through yelling, threats, humiliation, ridicule, habitual blaming, scape goating, ignoring and terrorizing the elder.

Continue reading "Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Is a Major Problem in the US" »

A pedestrian accident in Petaluma resulted in serious injuries for a 16-year-old boy the night of June 24, 2010. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports that the injury collision occurred in a crosswalk at the intersection of Healdsburg and Cleveland avenues.

The pedestrian was walking in the crosswalk when a vehicle driven by 18-year-old Michael Petzel hit him. The young pedestrian was transported to an area medical center for treatment of a bloody nose, road rash and shoulder pain. Police suspect the teen driver was at fault for the collision because he apparently failed to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian in the crosswalk.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Accident in Crosswalk Injures Teenager" »

Esther Bautista, 31, sustained injuries in a Ventura car accident after her car was struck by a suspected drunk driver the afternoon of June 15, 2010. According to a news report in the Santa Paula Times, the accident occurred on Highway 126 in Santa Paula, when 47-year-old Efren Carbajal, who was driving 1988 Ford F-350 pickup truck, rear-ended Bautista's 1995 Mercury Villager minivan. Bautista's minivan went off the freeway and rolled over. Bautista was transported to a local hospital. Her two children -- 5 and 7 years old -- who were in the van, were not injured. Carbajal was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI.

Continue reading "Ventura DUI Collision Injures Two" »

Aaron Murdaugh, 24, was killed in a Modesto car accident after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle that was exiting a local shopping center. According to a news report in the Modesto Bee, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred the night of June 22, 2010. A 66-year-old man was leaving the shopping center from one of its north exits, driving a four-door Toyota sedan. Murdaugh was heading east on Briggsmore Avenue. The Toyota crossed the eastbound lanes of Briggsmore to make a left turn onto the westbound lanes. That was when Murdaugh's motorcycle struck the Toyota on the driver's side.

Modesto police say that drugs or alcohol were not factors in this crash. They believe the driver of the Toyota failed to see the approaching motorcycle. No charges have been filed pending an official investigation.

Continue reading "Modesto Car Accident Kills Motorcyclist" »

The incidents of elder abuse, neglect and wrongful death have risen in this country. One of the best ways to protect your loved ones is to be extremely careful when choosing a nursing home. This decision is usually an emotional one and it is also one that all members of the family should partake in, especially the elderly person needing care.

The first step is to determine exactly what level of care your family member needs. Oftentimes the amount of care needed is small and could be provided by a home health aide or in an assisted living facility. The family also needs to determine what the elderly person can afford, what Medicare covers and if there is long-term health insurance or other assets that can be used for this care. A lower priced nursing home is not always a bad one and high priced ones have their share of elder abuse and neglect problems.

Continue reading "How to Avoid Abusive Nursing Homes" »