California Injury Blog

Dennis Splan, 40, was killed in a San Francisco car accident, which authorities say, was caused by a drunk driver. According to a KTVU San Francisco news report, the fatal DUI collision occurred on Hesperian Boulevard in Hayward the night of January 22, 2011. Splan was a passenger in a Toyota Tundra that was rear-ended by a speeding Toyota Land Cruiser driven by 43-year-old Juan Nunez. The Tundra then hit the center median of the roadway as a result of the impact. Splan died from his injuries in a nearby hospital. The driver of the Tundra suffered minor injuries as did the driver of the Land Cruiser. Nunez has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI as well as two counts of hit-and-run. The hit-and-run charges stem from two crashes that Nunez had fled just prior to the fatal rear-end accident.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Dennis Splan. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 70 were injured in DUI collisions in Hayward. During that same year, there were 34 fatalities and 687 injuries reported due to alcohol-related car accidents in Alameda County.

Continue reading "Manslaughter Charges in Fatal DUI Collision" »

Mark Offeney, 57, was killed in a hit-and-run car accident in San Bernardino, which officials say, was caused by a suspected car thief who was driving the wrong way on a freeway. According to a news report in The San Bernardino County Sun, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred the afternoon of January 22, 2011, when a man who police say stole a truck, drove the wrong way on the 210 Freeway. Police stopped pursuing the suspect as soon as he started going against traffic. As soon as he entered the freeway, the suspect collided with Offeney's motorcycle.

Tragic Hit-and-Run Accident

The suspect fled on foot. When apprehended, he is likely to face auto theft, vehicular manslaughter or even murder charges, officials say. The suspect is described as a Latino man in his mid 20s, 5 feet 6 inches tall, wearing a white t-shirt or a light brown hooded sweatshirt. He was last seen in the area of Second and G streets in downtown San Bernardino. Anyone with information about this suspect is asked to call 911 or San Bernardino police at 909-384-5742.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Mark Offeney for their devastating loss. Please keep his grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Fatal Hit-and-Run Car Accident in San Bernardino" »

David Ruling, 31, was critically injured in a San Diego car accident after he was struck by an SUV. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the major injury pedestrian accident occurred the evening of January 22, 2011 on West San Marcos Boulevard near Johnston Lane in San Marcos. Police say the victim ran into the roadway and hit the driver's side door of a Toyota 4Runner. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with severe head injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to David Ruling. I sincerely hope his injuries were not catastrophic. Please keep this victim in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 12 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Marcos. In San Diego County as a whole, 63 people died and 998 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2008.

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

A 52-year-old woman in an electric wheelchair died in a Los Angeles car accident after she was struck by a car and pinned against a wall. According to a report in the Pasadena Star-News, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the evening of January 27, 2011 on Fair Oaks Avenue near Howard Street in Pasadena.

The vehicle, a Jaguar, had crashed into a wall and the woman in the wheelchair was found pinned between the car and the wall. She died at the scene. Investigators say the Jaguar hit the wall when its driver, a 28-year-old man, swerved to avoid hitting a dark sedan that was backing out of a driveway. Police are looking for the driver of that vehicle.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of this deceased victim. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 90 were injured in Pasadena pedestrian accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 214 deaths and 4,985 injuries happened involving pedestrian accidents during the same year.

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

If you are an offshore worker who has been injured on the job, you may have extensive medical bills. If your maritime employer has asked you to run your medical care through your own private health insurance, instead of offering to pay your “cure” as required under maritime law, you need to think before you act.

Continue reading "Using Private Health Insurance in a Maritime Injury Case" »

A man was seriously injured in a bicycle accident in Fullerton after being hit by an OCTA bus the evening of January 26, 2011. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the major injury bus accident occurred on Euclid Street at West Laguna Road. Fullerton police officials say the man, who was riding a mountain bike, tried to cross Euclid Street at Laguna Road and was hit by a small OCTA bus that was traveling north on the roadway.

The bicyclist, a man in his 60s, was taken to a local hospital with critical injuries. Anyone who witnessed this bus versus bicycle accident is asked contact Fullerton police at 714-738-6715.

My heart goes out to this injured bicyclist and his family members for what they are going through at this time. I wish this man the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 69 were injured in bicycle accidents in Fullerton. In Orange County as a whole, 10 deaths and 1,087 injuries were reported involving bicycle accidents in 2008. Also during the same year, 152 people were killed and 13,414 were injured as a result of Orange County car accident.

Continue reading "Man Critically Injured in Orange County Bicycle Accident" »

The California personal injury law firm, BISNAR | CHASE, along with the nationwide anonymous crime reporting service, WeTip, are asking people to submit anonymous information about an appalling Los Angeles hit-and-run incident that occurred on January 19. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Hit-and-Run Reward Program website, or through the Hit-and-Run Reward hotline (800-6-Hit-N-Run).

A reward of $1,000 is offered to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of a driver who committed a hit-and-run that killed one man in the Hawthorne area of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Times report calls this strange incident "disturbing," as it turned from a single hit-and-run to a double hit-and-run mob beating.

The event took place at 9:30 p.m. on January 19, on busy Crenshaw Boulevard near the 105 freeway. The victim of the accident was first hit by a gray or white minivan that promptly fled the scene and then again by another driver who also fled the scene. A good samaritan woman who witnessed the event ran to the aid of the victim and was then hit by a third vehicle. The driver of the third vehicle got out to help but was immediately assaulted and robbed by a group of angry witnesses before he managed to return to his vehicle and drive away.

Continue reading "Reward for Info Leading to Arrest of Hit-and-Run Driver " »

A 45-minute police chase stemming from minor traffic violations resulted in a Los Angeles car accident, which injured two people the night of January 24, 2011. According to a Fox News report, the incident began in Old Town Pasadena when the male driver of a Volkswagen committed "minor traffic violations" and then refused to stop for police. Officers initiated a pursuit that continued across the San Gabriel Valley and ended at the intersection of Barranca Avenue and East Puente Street in Covina as the Volkswagen broadsided a Mazda.

The driver of the Mazda, a woman in her 20s, was hospitalized with what were described as moderate injuries. The driver of the Volkswagen was arrested on suspicion of felony failure to yield. Officials are also looking into whether alcohol or drugs played a part.

My heart goes out to the injured driver of the Mazda. It is indeed fortunate that she was not catastrophically injured or killed, given the circumstances. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. She will be in my prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were five fatalities and 134 injuries involving car accidents in Covina. In Los Angeles County as a whole 667 people died and 52,229 were injured in car accidents during the same year.

Continue reading "Police Chase Culminates in Los Angeles Car Accident" »

When I see Brian Chase, 17-year law veteran and partner at the California personal injury attorneys of BISNAR | CHASE, sign up to participate in KABC's weekly radio broadcast of free legal advice I can't help but be somewhat dumbfounded. Personal injury attorneys may give a free consultation, but spending two hours on a Saturday to play car accident Dr. Drew is a whole new development. This isn't a no-name attorney; this guy has earned his stripes and is respected throughout the legal community.

Chase, who has litigated dozens of jury trials, has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for his clients, and has the highest rating possible for ethical standards and professional abilities form Martindale-Hubbell, was asked to serve as the show's official and exclusive personal injury expert to field personal injury and product liability questions and to discuss some of his firm's most high-profile cases with "Larry on the Law" listeners. Brian has been actively involved in trying to increase awareness on common auto defects with his book "Still Unsafe at Any Speed", which is available for free at www.bestattorney.com.

If you have legal questions and don't want to spend rent finding out the answers, I suggest tuning in on January 29, 2011, from 3:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PT).

A male pedestrian was seriously injured in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a driver who then left the scene of the accident. According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the major injury pedestrian accident occurred early morning on January 23, 2011 at the intersection of Saticoy Street and Reseda Boulevard. The man, said to be in his 30s, was crossing Saticoy when he was hit. He sustained broken bones among other injuries. The hit-and-run vehicle is described as a white car with front-end damage. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 818-644-8000.

My heart goes out to the injured victim of this hit-and-run car accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 104 fatalities and 2,716 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in the city of Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 214 fatalities and 4,985 injuries were reported due to pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Car Accident Causes Injuries" »

Samuel Bendimez, 23, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say, was caused by a drunk driver. According to a report in The Pasadena Star-News, the fatal car accident occurred the morning of January 21, 2011 on Valley Boulevard near San Gabriel Boulevard in San Gabriel.

A woman, who was driving the pickup truck in which Bendimez was passenger, lost control and rear-ended a parked tour bus that was loading passengers at the time. Another female passenger in the Ford F-150 truck was hospitalized with serious injuries. Several bus passengers were treated for minor injuries. The driver of the Ford pickup was also seriously injured. She has been charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Samuel Bendimez for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. My heart also goes out to the other seriously injured victim in the truck as well as the injured bus passengers. I wish these victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 17 injuries involving DUI collisions in San Gabriel. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 258 people died and 4,832 were injured due to alcohol-related car accidents during the same year.

Continue reading "Man Killed in Los Angeles Car Accident Involving Tour Bus" »

Jim Worsham, a longtime aviation expert and former president of the McDonnell Douglas Corporation was critically injured in a San Bernardino car accident. According to The Victorville Daily Press, the injury car accident occurred on January 13, 2011 in Victorville. The report states that a car broadsided Worsham’s vehicle. Worsham sustained numerous broken ribs and a collapsed lung. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to Worsham and his family for what they are going through at this time. He is apparently well-known in the area for bringing aviation companies as well as an aviation school to Southern California.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 16 people were killed and 266 were injured in Victorville car accidents. During that same year, there were 263 fatalities and 8,504 injuries reported due to car accidents in San Bernardino County.

What Caused This Injury Accident?

The report does not specify how this accident took place. Broadside accidents often involve a driver failing to properly yield right-of-way at an intersection or a driver running a red light. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21800 (a): "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway."

Continue reading "Aviation Expert Jim Worsham Critically Injured in Victorville Car Accident" »

Police have arrested the owners of two dogs that were involved in a dog bite incident in Barstow, which left a 52-year-old woman seriously injured. The victim was walking down Riverside Drive on December 29, 2010 when a Rottweiler and a Rottweiler-pit bull mix lunged at her and bit her on her legs, arms and chest. Neighbor Laura Hamilton saw the dog attack and came to the woman's rescue. She was able to scare the dogs off and rescue the victim with a pickup truck.

Police say that the woman would have died, had Hamilton not rescued her in a timely manner. Police shot the two dogs when they lunged at officers as well. One of the dogs died and another ran away. The severely injured victim is still recovering. The dog owners, 55-year-old Ronald Ferrell and 38-year-old April Hearn, are facing felony charges.

My heart goes out to this injured dog attack victim. Such vicious dog attacks can certainly lead to serious injury or death. I hope this woman's injuries were not catastrophic. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Continue reading "Pet Owners Arrested in Connection with Vicious Dog Attack in Barstow" »

James Austin Withers, 84, was killed in a Mendocino County car accident, which police say, involved a suspected DUI driver. According to a news report in The Press Democrat, the fatal DUI collision occurred on Highway 1 near Fort Bragg the evening of January 15, 2011. Withers was fatally injured when his Volkswagen Beetle was struck head on by a Toyota 4Runner driven by 32-year-old Mary Kotila. Officials arrested Kotila on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and drug possession, and gross vehicular manslaughter.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of James Austin Withers. My thoughts and prayers are with them following this tragic car accident.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 15 people were killed and 70 were injured due to DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of Mendocino County. During that same year, there were 16 fatalities and 83 injuries reported involving alcohol-related car accidents in Mendocino County.

Vehicular Manslaughter

Based on this news report, police have determined that the driver of the Toyota was driving under the influence of drugs. A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges, as Kotila does in this case.

Continue reading "DUI Collision Proves Fatal for Elderly Driver " »

Vanessa Cease, 24 and Alan Reyes, 26 were killed in an Orange County car accident, which police say, was caused by a drunk driver who was going the wrong way on a freeway. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car accident occurred on the eastbound 91 freeway in Anaheim early morning on January 19, 2011.

California Highway Patrol officials say 21-year-old Anthony Louis Fragoso was travelling west in the eastbound lanes when he crashed his 1996 Mercedes-Benz into a 2006 Toyota Scion. The two occupants in the Scion, Reyes and Cease, were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Fragoso sustained major injuries and has been arrested on suspicion of DUI. He may be charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Vanessa Cease and Alan Reyes. My thoughts and prayers are with them following this tragic DUI collision.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), eight people were killed and 181 were injured in DUI collisions in Anaheim. During that same year, there were 62 fatalities and 1,492 injuries reported as a result of alcohol-related car accidents.

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

Patricia Thompson-Yates, 77, was killed in an Irvine car accident after her car was broadsided by a van at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car accident occurred the afternoon of January 18, 2011 at the intersection of Culver Drive and Farwell Avenue. Thompson-Yates was eastbound on Farwell in a Toyota sedan while the van was traveling south on Culver. Thompson-Yates was transported to an area hospital where she died shortly afterward. The other driver's injuries are not known at this time. Officials are looking into which vehicle had the right-of-way at the time.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Patricia Thompson-Yates for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), five fatalities and 840 injuries were reported involving Irvine car accidents. During the same year, 152 people died and 13,414 were injured in Orange County car accidents.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, it is not entirely clear how or why this tragic car accident occurred. However, we do know that it occurred at a street intersection monitored by traffic lights. It is possible one of the drivers ran a red light at the intersection or simply failed to yield right-of-way in this case.

Continue reading "Elderly Driver Killed in Orange County Car Accident" »

Alyssa Leon, 21, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, which police say, was caused by a repeat DUI offender. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the fatal car accident occurred the morning of January 16, 2011 on Valley Boulevard in Lincoln Heights. Officials say Peter Barragon, 24, lost control of his 2007 Saturn Aura while making a turn, hit a curb and a tree. The vehicle rolled over and Leon, who was a passenger, sustained fatal blunt-force injuries. Barragon and two other passengers were hospitalized for minor injuries. Barragon has been arrested for suspicion of murder. Officials say he had a prior DUI arrest.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Alyssa Leon. My thoughts and prayers are with them following this tragic DUI collision.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 105 people were killed and 2,252 were injured due to DUI collisions in Los Angeles. During that same year, there were 258 fatalities and 4,832 injuries reported involving alcohol-related car accidents in Los Angeles County.

Continue reading "DUI Collision in Los Angeles Proves Fatal for Woman" »

Brain injuries are amongst the most debilitating injuries that one can receive, and they can be received through a variety of different forces. Brain injuries that happen after birth are categorized as traumatic brain injuries and acquired brain injuries. Victims of severe brain injuries are usually handicapped for life, having to rely on their loved ones to help them do things that you and I might consider second nature.

Victims of brain damage are not completely helpless. Many survivors are able to perform tasks and overcome obstacles that their doctor's would have thought were impossible under the victim's circumstance. A positive attitude and a passion to live life to its fullest have proven to be powerful allies for those adjusting to their new lifestyle.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

If you received brain damage resulting from a head injury, chances are that it would be categorized as a traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries are usually caused by a direct blow to the head, where the force of the blow can break through the skull and damage the soft brain tissue. This type of TBI can be caused by:

Continue reading "Brain Injuries and How They are Caused" »

Leonard Alexander Cunningham, 33, was killed in a San Diego car accident, which police report, involved a hit-and-run driver the evening of January 15, 2011. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Balboa Avenue near Mount Alifan Drive in Clairemont. Cunningham was struck by a hit-and-run motorist and was then run over by a second motorist. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. An investigation is ongoing.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Leonard Alexander Cunningham. My thoughts and prayers are with them following this horrific hit-and-run car accident.

San Diego Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 23 people were killed and 533 were injured in San Diego pedestrian accidents. During that same year, 63 fatalities and 998 injuries occurred due to San Diego County pedestrian accidents.

Leaving the Scene of a Car Accident

Under California law, it is a felony to leave the scene of a car accident when someone has been injured or killed. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: "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."

Continue reading "Hit-and-Run Car Accident in San Diego Kills Pedestrian" »

Living independently as a senior is a risky endeavor, but many feel that the chances of suffering a serious brain injury is worth living out the remainder of their lives on their own terms. Many families don't want their grandparents put into nursing homes, which is completely warranted considering the constant barrage of news pertaining to elder abuse, but they are burdened with the knowledge that their family member could fall victim to their aging body. If this is your situation, you may have more protective power than you think; informing your loved one of common hazards and how to avoid them could save their lives.

In the U.S., 1.4 million people sustain a serious head injury every year. Seniors are particularly susceptible, which explains why adults over 75-years-old have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths than any other group. With proper precautions, some of these falls and head injuries could have been avoided.

Continue reading "Eight Ways to Keep Our Elders Safe from a Brain Injury" »

Five people were injured, one critically, in a Los Angeles car accident that involved two vehicles. According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the injury car accident occurred in the 6000 block of De Soto Avenue in Woodland Hills near the 101 Freeway, the morning of January 9, 2011. Los Angeles city firefighters extricated one person from a vehicle. That individual is believed to be in critical condition. Four others were hospitalized with injuries, but are expected to survive. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to all five injured victims of this car accident. I wish them all the very best for a quick and complete recovery. The critically injured victim, especially, will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 268 fatalities and 25,588 injuries involving car accidents in Los Angeles. Countywide, car accidents claimed 667 lives and injured 52,229 people during the same year.

Possible Car Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this injury car accident occurred. There are several unanswered questions here. Did one of the vehicles fail to yield right-of-way? Was this the result of a rear-end accident? Did alcohol, drugs, driver distraction, speed or any other form of negligence play a part in this car accident? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here and why.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Car Accident Injures Five" »

A man, who was fatally injured in a car accident in Los Angeles has been identified by authorities as 40-year-old Francisco Renteria. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the fatal car accident occurred the night of January 7, 2011 on the 60 Freeway in Monterey Park.

California Highway Patrol officials say that Renteria, who was driving a Nissan Frontier pickup truck sideswiped a 1996 Acura sedan driven by Melissa Bermudez, 22. Both vehicles were apparently trying to get on to the eastbound lanes of the freeway at the same time. Renteria sustained fatal injuries while Bermudez was taken to an area medical center with neck injuries. It is not clear which one of the drivers was at fault for the car accident.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Francisco Renteria for their devastating loss. This family will certainly be in my prayers.

Car Accidents

There were 667 deaths and 52,229 injuries as a result of car accidents in Los Angeles County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Monterey Park, 195 injuries were reported involving car accidents in 2008.

Continue reading "Fatal Los Angeles Car Accident " »

On December 29th of last year, the Miami Restaurant Chez Anouse Restaurant was temporarily closed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The closure was due to sanitation and safety law violations. According to the inspector who initiated the closure, the restaurant was guilty of having raw sewage in the backyard, fresh rodent droppings in the restaurant, and a live roach in the restaurant as well. These were all obviously deemed to be items not sanitary or safe for a restaurant environment.

Along with the above items, the inspector found that the restaurant held food too old to be distributed to customers, stored food in temperatures that weren't proper for food storage, stored food in dry conditions not proper for food storage, and left food on the floor. These were deemed to be conditions not proper for food storage.

The inspector also noted that the restaurant did not properly sanitize its cooking surfaces, did not provide hot water at the employee hand-washing stations, and did not provide sealed doors at the restaurant bathrooms. Finally, the inspector noted that the restaurant could not provide adequate proof of employee training.

Continue reading "Miami Restaurant Temporarily Closed" »

A 39-year-old woman was injured in an Orange County car accident which police report, involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury pedestrian accident occurred on Warner Avenue near Nichols Lane in Huntington Beach early morning on January 13, 2011. Officers found the woman lying unconscious on the roadway. It is unclear how the accident occurred or who the driver was. Police are looking for the hit-and-run driver. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Huntington Beach Police Department's Traffic Bureau at 714-536-5670.

My thoughts and prayers are with the woman seriously injured in this Orange County hit-and-run car accident. I wish her a complete and speedy recovery.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), five people were killed and 59 were injured in Huntington Beach pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 31 fatalities and 785 injuries reported involving Orange County pedestrian accidents.

Leaving the Scene of a Car Accident

It is illegal to leave the scene of an injury car accident under California law. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: "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."

Continue reading "Orange County Woman Injured in Hit-And-Run Car Accident" »

Trying to keep your kids from suffering a brain injury is a daunting task. Every parent knows that trying to keep your child from hitting their head is like trying to save money at Disneyland. Bumps and bruises are ok -- they're a part of growing up -- but knowing the difference between a love tap and a serious head injury is a vital piece of information for anyone, especially mom and dad.

According to the Franklin Institute, Data from more than 2,300 hospitalized patients of all ages indicate that gender and age influence the outcome of serious brain injury. For children under ten years old, young girls were found to be four-times more likely to die from brain damage than boys. Although most children recover mental abilities quickly, "These kids have incredible learning deficits even when the IQ returns to normal," said Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, a University of Texas Neurologist. Responding to your child's head injury in a quick and effective manner could make all the difference in the world.

Steps to Prevent Brain Trauma

In addition to calling, if you child exhibits any of the following symptoms they should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. The evaluation will determine if there is serious brain trauma and what kind of treatment your child may need.

Continue reading "How to Respond When Your Child Suffers a Brain Injury" »

James Renshaw, 48, was injured in a Ventura car accident after his motorcycle was struck by a teen driver, who officials say turned left in front of Renshaw. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, the serious injury motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of Baldwin Road and Highway 33 in Ojai the night of January 11, 2011. Renshaw was headed southbound on Highway 33 on his motorcycle when a car driven by 17-year-old Whitney Cooke hit him. Renshaw suffered critical injuries when he was thrown to the ground. Police believe that Cooke made a left turn against a red arrow.

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My thoughts and prayers are with James Renshaw following this critical injury accident. I wish him a complete and speedy recovery from his injuries.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were injured in Ojai motorcycle accidents. During that same year, 11 fatalities and 227 injuries occurred due to Ventura County motorcycle accidents.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Injured in Ventura Car Accident" »

With a new year comes a new discovery that may prove to be invaluable for brain injury victims. For years researchers have suspected that males and females may experience concussions in different ways, and they seem to have been on to something. A report, which will appear in the January issue of the Journal of Athletic Training, documents that symptoms experienced by female athletes differ from those of males, and it could have led to countless misdiagnoses.

The study consisted of more than 800 high-school athletes who suffered a head injury in nine different sports over two years. The female athlete's symptoms, the report cautioned, could also lead sports-medicine staff members to attribute them to a different condition. The apparent lack of knowledge on the subject has left parents feeling helpless; how can you protect your kids when misdiagnoses have been the standard of care?

Continue reading "New Reports Allege Different Brain Injury Symptoms for Males and Females" »

Deisi Alaez, 67, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, which police say, was caused by an underage drunk driver. According to The Whittier Daily News, the fatal car accident occurred the night of January 10, 2011 at the intersection of Lambert Road and Gunn Avenue in Whittier. Alaez was killed and the other driver, Brandon Dominguez, 20, was seriously injured in the car accident. Police have arrested Dominguez on suspicion of felony drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Deisi Alaez. My thoughts and prayers are with them following this tragic Los Angeles DUI accident.

DUI Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 42 people were injured in DUI collisions in Whittier. During that same year, there were 258 fatalities and 4,832 injuries reported involving alcohol-related car accidents in Los Angeles County.

Drunk Driving Laws

Police report the 20-year-old driver was under the influence of alcohol. It is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to consume alcohol and drive under California Vehicle Code Section 23136. A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges, as Dominguez does in this case.

Continue reading "Woman Killed in Suspected DUI Collision in Los Angeles" »

Suffering from a debilitating head injury is a serious threat for seniors today. Since many of our elders would rather live independently, they are more prone to catastrophic injury accidents, leaving many seniors bruised and broken in an attempt to live out their days on their own terms. A very respectable battle, considering the mistreatment that many seniors face once they check into nursing homes, but with an aging body and no one to assist, a recipe for disaster can sometimes boil over. Staying alert and informed so that you or your loved one may recognize a hazardous area or situation could prevent a tragic brain injury.

The most common cause of traumatic brain injury in the elderly are falls (accounting for 61% of all TBIs in adults aged 65 and older). These falls can be very serious. In fact, seniors who fall are 4 to 5 times more likely than any other group to be admitted to a long-term care facility for a year or more.

Continue reading "Simple Steps to Prevent Senior Head Injury" »

Viet Le, 44 and Thuan Trieu, 34, were killed in a Los Angeles car accident, which police say, involved an underage drunk driver. According to a news report in The Daily Breeze, the fatal car accident occurred on the 10 Freeway in West Covina early morning on January 9, 2011. Police report Alex Michael Gary, 19, was driving at about 80 mph when he crashed his car into the back of a 2007 Honda Civic which was stopped in halted traffic.

The rear-end collision set off a chain-reaction accident forcing the Honda into a 2006 Toyota Camry which crashed into a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche. Le and Trieu were passengers in the backseat of the Honda. Several others suffered moderate to major injuries as well. Gary has been arrested for suspicion of felony DUI and felony vehicular manslaughter.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Viet Le and Thuan Trieu. My thoughts and prayers are also with the many injured victims of this tragic car accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 60 people were injured due to DUI collisions in West Covina. During that same year, there were 258 fatalities and 4,832 injuries reported involving alcohol-related collisions in Los Angeles County.

Continue reading "DUI Collision in Los Angeles Kills Two" »

Suffering a head injury could be a life-altering event, or a funny story you tell at the office Christmas party, the line that separates the two is thin. Understanding, and being able to implement, the following guidelines may prove to be an invaluable tool if you or a loved one is struck in the head. Due to head injuries being a routine occurrence, it is not unusual for someone who suffers brain trauma to downplay the severity of the situation, increasing the likelihood of permanent damage as a result of non-treatment.

Head injury is a general term used to describe brain trauma but can also incorporate other types of head traumas. A person suffering from a serious head injury could experience contusions (bruising of the brain tissue), a hematoma (blood clot), intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding from the vessels within the brain or its covering), or edema (swelling). Symptoms and effects resulting from head injuries vary and can easily go unnoticed.

Continue reading "What to Do If You Suffer a Head Injury" »

Two people including a bicyclist were seriously injured in an Orange County car accident after two cars crashed and struck a man riding a bike. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury car accident occurred on Pacific Coast Highway at Seapoint Avenue in Huntington Beach, the morning of January 9, 2011. Huntington Beach police say two cars were southbound on Pacific Coast Highway when they crashed and overturned tumbling down an embankment to a bike trail where the man was riding his bicycle. The bicyclist and one of the drivers were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries while the other driver was treated at the scene and released. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to both the seriously injured victims of this Huntington Beach car accident, especially the unsuspecting bicyclist who has been most seriously injured. He was unfortunately in the wrong place at the wrong time. I hope and pray that the injured victims recover quickly and completely.

Bicycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 157 injuries involving bicycle accidents in Huntington Beach. In Orange County as a whole, 10 people died and 1,087 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

Continue reading "Orange County Car Accident Causes Serious Injuries" »

A man was killed in a Los Angeles car accident on the 405 Freeway early morning on January 5, 2011. According to a City News Service report, the fatal car accident occurred on the connector to the southbound 110 Freeway in Carson. The report does not specify if the fatally injured victim was a pedestrian or in a vehicle during the accident. The fatal car accident remains under investigation.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the man killed in this tragic car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 10 people were killed and 447 were injured in Carson car accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, there were 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Fatal Accident?

This early report did not specify how the accident took place or if anyone will be cited or arrested in connection with the car accident. There are more questions than answers in this case. Did alcohol play a factor in the car accident? Was there another driver involved? Was the at-fault driver exceeding the speed limit or driving distracted? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine how or why this fatal car accident occurred.

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

Hugo Robert Solis, 36, was killed in a Long Beach car accident after he lost control of his pickup truck and crashed. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the fatal car accident occurred on the 605 Freeway near Wardlow Road the night of January 2, 2011. California Highway Patrol officials say Solis was driving southbound on the freeway when his 2000 model Chevy Silverado veered onto the shoulder and crashed into a stalled big rig. The pickup truck burst into flames on impact. Solis was also ejected from his vehicle and sustained fatal injuries.

I offer my deepest condolences to everybody who knew and loved Hugo Robert Solis for their tremendous loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 27 fatalities and 1,881 injuries were reported as a result of Long Beach car accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Possible Car Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear what caused Solis to lose control of the Chevy truck. There are still several unanswered questions here. Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the pickup that caused Solis to lose control? Was the big-rig parked or stopped legally on the freeway? Did the large truck have lights on or glow strips? Why was Solis ejected from the pickup truck? Was Solis bucked up or was he thrown off the vehicle due to a seatbelt defect? I trust officials are looking into all aspects of how or why this fatal car accident occurred.

Continue reading "Man Killed in Long Beach Car Accident" »

Esther Weinshenker, 93, was killed in a San Diego car accident when a car hit her as she crossed the street the morning of January 5, 2011. According to a news report in The San Diego Union Tribune, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Jackson Drive near the San Carlos Shopping Center. The police say Weinshenker was trying to cross the road after shopping at a nearby store. She sustained fatal injuries after being struck by a Toyota Tundra in the number one lane. A local worker said that Weinshenker was not crossing at an intersection or a crosswalk but at a location where many local residents choose to cross the road. An investigation is ongoing.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Esther Weinshenker, who was killed in this tragic pedestrian accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

San Diego Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 23 people were killed and 533 were injured in San Diego pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 63 fatalities and 998 injuries reported involving San Diego County pedestrian accidents.

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

A recent study has shown that when a child is prematurely moved from a restraint system, such as a car or booster chair, up to an adult seat, greatly increases the risk of harm to children in an auto accident. That is why it is so important to follow the laws of your state when it comes to child safety seats.

Continue reading "Children & Car Accidents In Washington State: The Laws & The Statistics" »

A 46-year-old man was critically injured in a San Diego car accident, which police report, was caused by a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the serious injury pedestrian accident occurred the night of January 3, 2011 on Broadway in El Cajon. The police have not yet located witnesses to the accident and are still looking for the driver who fled the scene. If you witnessed this accident or have information about the suspect, you may contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers anonymously at (888) 580-7467.

My thoughts and prayers are with the seriously injured victim of this hit-and-run car accident. I wish him a complete and speedy recovery from his injuries.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four people were killed and 43 were injured in El Cajon pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 63 fatalities and 998 injuries reported involving San Diego County pedestrian accidents.

Continue reading "Man Injured in San Diego Hit-And-Run Car Accident" »

What do you do if you're injured in a motorcycle accident on an interstate freeway in San Clemente and the city, county, and state courts all deny you financial restitution? Well, if you're like Miguel Gama Macias, you hire a personal injury attorney to fight for you, in his case, Brian Chase of the BISNAR | CHASE law firm in Newport Beach. Macias suffered devastating injuries due to the accident, and his compensation is greatly overdue.

OC Register Reports

The Orange County Register has reported that, "According to the complaint, Macias was riding south on I-5 about 11 p.m. March 25 when he pulled to the right to make a legal stop on the shoulder. His motorcycle hit what the complaint describes as an unexpected and unmarked raised curb near an asphalt island between the paved shoulder and lanes reserved for on- and off-ramp drivers. The incident occurred about 600 feet south of El Camino Real."

Continue reading "San Clemente Motorcycle Accident on I-5" »

Boon Soon Yang, 71, was killed in an Orange County car accident when she was struck by her own daughter's car, which was involved in a accident with another vehicle. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred in the 7200 block of Melrose Street in Buena Park the morning of January 3, 2011.

Yang was apparently waiting for her daughter, 47-year-old Sung S. Lim, to pick her up when her daughter’s Audi A5 Quattro was struck by a Honda Civic. The Audi was attempting to turn left into a driveway when it was hit by the westbound Honda driven by 19-year-old Priya D. Shah. The impact of the collision forced the Audi onto the sidewalk and fatally struck Yang. No arrests were made as investigators are looking into who was at fault for the car accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to everybody who knew and loved Boon Soon Yang for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I can only imagine what her daughter must be going through following this horrific car accident. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 22 were injured in Buena Park pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 31 fatalities and 785 injuries were reported involving Orange County pedestrian accidents.

Continue reading "Fatal Orange County Car Accident" »

Maria Ponce, 68, was killed in a Riverside car accident when a truck veered out of control on a wet roadway and struck a Nissan Armada in which she was a passenger. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal car accident occurred on El Sobrante Road near Mockingbird Canyon Road in Lake Mathews, the afternoon of December 29, 2010. Officials say 34-year-old Brian D. Lee lost control of his Ford F-150 and struck the Nissan being driven by Claudia Martinez, 36. Five children in the Nissan, as well as the two drivers suffered moderate to minor injuries. Ponce sustained major injuries and died shortly afterward in an area hospital. No arrests were made but police plan on citing the pickup truck driver for travelling at an unsafe rate of speed.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Maria Ponce for their tragic and devastating loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the many injured victims of this terrible car accident. I wish them all the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Riverside Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 121 people were killed and 2,615 were injured due to car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. During the same year, there were 220 fatalities and 8,561 injuries involving car accidents in Riverside County.

Continue reading "Fatal Riverside Car Accident" »

A police officer and a driver were injured in a Huntington Beach car accident when the officer's motorcycle and a car collided at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of Brookhurst Street and Adams Avenue the night of January 1, 2011. The Irvine police officer and the driver of a 2005 Mercedes sustained moderate injuries when their vehicles collided. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with both men injured in this Orange County car accident. I wish them both a speedy and complete recovery from their injuries.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 49 people were injured in Huntington Beach motorcycle accidents. During that same year, there were 35 fatalities and 801 injuries reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in Orange County.

Continue reading "Two Injured in Orange County Accident" »

Dennis Schenk, 55, of Fountain Valley, was killed in a car accident in Orange County after his vehicle crashed into a street sweeper the morning of December 27, 2010. The Orange County Register reports that the fatal car accident happened at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Catherine Avenue in Stanton when Schenk's Hyundai Elantra struck the street sweeper. Officials are still looking into what may have caused this accident.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Dennis Schenk for their devastating loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accidents

There were 152 deaths and 13,414 injuries reported as a result of car accidents in all of Orange County in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Stanton, one fatality and 122 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Causes and Compensation Issues

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this car accident may have occurred. We do not know at what speed Schenk was traveling at the time. This car accident occurred at the street intersection. It is possible that one of the vehicles failed to yield right-of-way to the other.

Continue reading "Fatal Orange County Car Accident" »