California Injury Blog

A 92-year-old man was severely injured in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say, involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the injury pedestrian accident occurred the evening of February 27, 2011 at the intersection of Victory and Reseda boulevards. The vehicle, which struck the man, was described as a blue or black sedan. The driver fled the scene. The elderly man was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to this elderly man who is fighting for his life following this hit-and-run car accident. I pray that he gets through these injuries and makes a complete recovery.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

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 Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County, 214 people died and 4,985 were injured in pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Car Accident

Based on this news report, it appears that the man was crossing at the intersection when he was struck and injured. What kind of person strikes a 92-year-old man and leaves him lying on the street without care or medical attention? This motorist's action of leaving the scene of the car accident was not only cruel, heartless and inhumane, but also illegal.

Continue reading "Elderly Pedestrian Injured in Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Car Accident" »

Johannes Gysen, 61, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after his Dodge minivan was broadsided by another vehicle at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Riverside Press-Enterprise, the fatal car accident occurred at the intersection of La Contenta and Highway 62 in Yucca Valley the morning of February 18, 2011. Gysen was driving his minivan north on La Contenta when he was hit by a Dodge Ram truck driven by 40-year-old Kimberley Melendez, who was eastbound on Highway 62. Gysen died from his injuries. Melendez was transported to a local hospital and is being treated for seven broken ribs. An investigation is ongoing.

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

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 66 injuries involving car accidents in Yucca Valley. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 246 people died and 13,527 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Continue reading "San Bernardino Car Accident Kills Man" »

Johnny Contreras, 52, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident when a car struck him as he crossed the street. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of North Mt. Vernon Avenue and West Olive Street in San Bernardino the evening of February 18, 2011. Contreras was crossing the street when the car hit him. He died from his injuries in a nearby hospital. An investigation is ongoing.

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

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 80 were injured in San Bernardino pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 39 fatalities and 432 injuries reported as a result of San Bernardino County pedestrian accidents.

Continue reading "San Bernardino Car Accident Fatally Injures Pedestrian" »

The Somali pirates arrested after the killing of four Americans on board their yacht could face the death penalty if they stand trial in the United States. 15 male maritime pirates are accused of killing Jean and Scott Adam, from California, and Phyllis Macay and Robert Riggle, from Seattle. The four were shot onboard a yacht, the Quest, in the waters off Oman after being hijacked by pirates. The bodies of the victims were taken aboard the USS Enterprise and are expected to be taken to the U.S.

Mr. and Mrs. Scott, from Marina del Ray, had been living onboard the 58-foot Quest since December 2004, and were hoping to keep travelling. The Adams were Catholic missionaries, reaching out religiously while sailing the world, distributing Bibles to remote villages around the world. The couple had the Quest custom-built to carry the heavy amount of Bibles. They were joined by crewmembers Miss Macay, and Mr. Riggle last year.

Continue reading "Somali Pirates Accused of Murdering Four Americans May Face US Death Penalty" »

Chris Caldwell, 26, and Luciano Cervantes, 44, were both killed in a Riverside car accident involving a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal car accident occurred at the intersection of Cornell Street and Stetson Avenue in Hemet the early morning of February 23, 2011.

Police say Shane Albatross Stanscheit, 25, was driving at about 60 mph when he ran a stop sign and crashed his Chevrolet Silverado pickup into another Silverado pickup. Caldwell was a passenger in Stanscheit’s vehicle and Cervantes was the driver of the second vehicle. Both were killed. Cervantes’ wife and three children all sustained relatively minor injuries. Stanscheit fled the scene and was later arrested on suspicion of two counts of felony vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run. He could face murder charges if prosecutors determine that the incident occurred during the commission of a felony.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Luciano Cervantes and Chris Caldwell following this hit-and-run car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. I particularly sympathize with Cervantes' wife and children. I wish them a speedy and complete recovery from whatever injuries they have sustained.

Continue reading "Fatal Riverside Hit-And-Run Car Accident" »

The following article on California Injury Blog is a guest post by from the Texas Personal Injury Lawyers at maafirm.com.

If you've been hurt in an accident, there are probably a multitude of things running through your mind. You're probably wondering where to go for medical treatment and how long it's going to take for you to feel better. But one of the first questions Texas personal injury lawyers get is, "How do I pay for all of my medical bills?"

Continue reading "How to Wreck Your Texas Personal Injury Claim" »

Errol Barriere, 59, was injured in an Orange County car accident, which police report, may have involved a drunk driver. The Orange County Register reports the serious injury DUI collision took place early morning on February 22, 2011 on the westbound 91 Freeway near Knott Avenue in Buena Park. Barriere was driving a Nissan Altima when a 2003 Porsche driven by Yechiel Farzan, 30, crashed into it. Barriere sustained moderate injuries in the accident. Farzan was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

My thoughts and prayers are with Errol Barriere following this DUI collision. I wish him a complete and speedy recovery from his injuries.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 45 were injured in Buena Park DUI collisions. During that same year, there were 62 fatalities and 1,492 injuries reported involving alcohol-related crashes in Orange County.

Continue reading "Orange County Car Accident Involves Suspected Drunk Driver" »

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A driver and a passenger were critically injured in an Orange County truck accident involving a big rig. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the major injury accident occurred at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Imperial Highway in La Habra the early morning of February 21, 2011. The two injured victims had to be removed from their white Ford Mustang after it was crushed in an accident with a TAMO, Inc. truck. Both victims sustained critical injuries. It is unclear what caused this accident or if either driver will be cited for the accident.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this car versus truck accident. I wish them both a speedy and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 255 were injured in La Habra car accidents. During that same year, there were 152 fatalities and 13,414 injuries reported due to Orange County car accidents.

Continue reading "Orange County Truck Accident Causes Injuries" »

Dadream Patrice Thomas, 28, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, which police report, involved a drunk teen driver. According to a news report in The Press-Telegram, the fatal DUI collision occurred on the 110 Freeway near the 105 Freeway in South Los Angeles early morning on February 18, 2011. California Highway Patrol officials say Thomas was involved in a crash with her Dodge Intrepid. Shortly after that initial accident the Dodge was struck by a Honda travelling at about 65 mph and driven by an 18-year-old driver. Thomas died at the scene of the accident while a teen passenger in the Honda suffered moderate injuries. The female driver of the Honda was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Dadream Patrice Thomas following this tragic DUI collision. My thoughts and prayers are also with the injured victim. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

DUI Statistics

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

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

Two people were critically injured in a three-vehicle car accident in Riverside, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the injury car accident occurred on the Highway 60 at Valley Way in Rubidoux the night of February 11, 2011. California Highway Patrol officials said two of the vehicles involved in the accident were burned and two individuals sustained critical injuries. Officials attributed the accident to a "possible felony DUI." Two people were taken to area trauma centers and five others were transported to local hospitals with unspecified injuries.

My heart goes out to everyone in this car accident who has been injured. I wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 52 people died and 426 were injured as a result of DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Also, countywide, 101 deaths and 1,090 injuries were reported involving alcohol-related car accidents in 2008.

Continue reading "DUI Collision in Riverside Leaves Two Critically Injured" »

Parents are constantly on the look out for how to keep their children safe. Kids, on the other hand, believe themselves to be brave and unstoppable, and often make daring moves that end in minor injuries. Sometimes, more serious brain injury results from a variety of situations children are involved in. Parents can consider the following to help avoid accidents that cause brain damage.

Remember to teach your children how to act around or inside vehicles. When crossing streets, talk about the steps of stopping, looking both ways before crossing, and using crosswalks. Teach them to be aware of their surroundings, especially the actions of nearby vehicle. Inside cars, babies and young children must be harnessed in car seats, and older children must wear their seatbelts. Before operating the vehicle, make sure everyone is "strapped in."

Continue reading "Keep Your Kids Safe: Avoiding Brain Injury" »

Janel Smith, 44, was killed in a Riverside car accident after the vehicle in which she was a passenger made a sudden left turn and crashed into an oncoming car. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal car accident occurred the morning of February 11, 2011 on Grand Avenue in the unincorporated Lakeland Village area, near Lake Elsinore. Smith was riding in the back seat of a 1990 Thunderbird whose driver, 56-year-old Edward Temple, pulled into the two-way center lane on Grand and turned directly in front of an oncoming Oldsmobile driven by 29-year-old Luke Argeanton.

Smith was partially ejected through the rear window of the Thunderbird. She was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead. Four others suffered moderate injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 121 fatalities and 2,615 injuries were reported involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Also, in Riverside County as a whole, 220 people died and 8,561 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Continue reading "Woman Killed in Riverside Car Accident" »

One person was injured in a Los Angeles car accident after a high-speed collision on the 134 Freeway the night of February 16, 2011. According to a City News Service report, the injury car accident occurred on the freeway near San Fernando Road when a Nissan Maxima travelling at more than 100 mph crashed into the center divider and then struck an SUV. The SUV flipped over and one person was hospitalized with unknown injuries. California Highway Patrol officials are investigating the cause of this car accident.

My heart goes out to the injured victim of this car accident. I sincerely hope he or she makes a speedy and complete recovery, and that the injuries are not major or catastrophic.

Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 725 injuries involving Glendale car accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured in car accidents during the same year.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Car Accident Causes Injuries" »

A Riverside car accident, involving a hit-and-run driver traveling at more than 100 mph, resulted in injuries, The Press-Enterprise reports. California Highway Patrol officials say the hit-and-run car accident occurred on the Columbia Avenue off-ramp of southbound Interstate 215 in Riverside the night of February 14, 2011. Witnesses observed a silver or dark grey Ford F-150 travelling erratically at a high rate of speed and crash into a car on the off ramp.

The car struck by the Ford pickup overturned and the occupants suffered injuries. It is unclear how many people were in the vehicle or how severely they were hurt. Police are searching for the hit-and-run driver and the Ford truck involved in this accident. The pickup was last seen just north of Box Springs Road outside Moreno Valley.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this Riverside hit-and-run car accident. I wish them the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Riverside Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 19 people were killed and 1,618 were injured in Riverside car accidents. During that same year, 220 fatalities and 8,561 injuries occurred involving car accidents in Riverside County.

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

Manuel Alba, an 85-year-old Ramona man, was killed in a San Diego car accident after he was struck by a pickup truck while crossing the street. According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's report, the fatal car accident occurred the morning of February 11, 2011 at the intersection of Main Street and 7th Street in Ramona. Alba was crossing the street at the intersection when a truck pulling a wood chipper hit him. The critically injured pedestrian was transported to a local hospital where he died. An investigation is ongoing.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Manuel Alba for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 13 people were killed and 80 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. During that same year, there were 63 fatalities and 998 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in San Diego County.

Continue reading "85-Year-Old Man Killed in San Diego Pedestrian Accident " »

Car accidents are a daily occurrence that often result in serious injury or even death. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 42,000 people lose their lives per year and millions more suffer some type of injury as a result of car accidents. Costs associated with car accidents in America, ranging from property damage to medical bills to losses in productivity, are estimated to be an astounding 230 billion dollars per year. Dallas car accident lawyer Michael Grossman offers this article to help elucidate why car accidents are such an epidemic on America’s highways.

Continue reading "The Causes of Car Accidents" »

Gabriel Pomona, 36, a U.S. Forest Service fire captain, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after a pickup truck making a left turn struck his motorcycle at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred the evening of February 11, 2011 at the intersection of North Shore Drive and Tinkerbell Avenue in Big Bear. Officials say the pickup truck driver turned in front of the oncoming motorcycle. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest sympathies to Gabriel Pomona's wife, Summer, his other family members and friends. Pomona had apparently been a crew captain for the Big Bear Hotshots since 2008. He was also involved with the community and participated in Christmas bike drives for Inland Empire children. This is certainly a tragic loss! Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but two injuries in the Big Bear Lake area due to motorcycle accidents. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 34 people died and 532 were injured in motorcycle accidents during the same year.

Continue reading "Off-Duty Fire Captain Killed in San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident" »

The Following article on California Injury Blog is a guest post from KeepingUsSafe.org.

Last fall, I received a telephone call from a very troubled and frustrated young lady ("Mary"), pleading that I provide her with some resolution to what has developed into a family battle.

The battle involves a family debate over the driving abilities of their 83-year-old father. Mary says her family has become completely divided on the issue, some thinking her father is fine to continue driving, and some afraid that he is going to cause a terrible accident if he doesn't stop driving immediately.

Continue reading "Family Dynamics and the Older Driver" »

A 42-year-old man was killed in an Orange County car accident after he was struck by an SUV while crossing a roadway. According to a City News Service report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the evening of February 5, 2011 near the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and McFadden Avenue in Santa Ana. The pedestrian was crossing Harbor when a white Chevrolet Suburban hit him. He died at the scene. Officials say the man was not in a crosswalk at the time of the accident, and that alcohol or drugs were not a factor. An investigation is ongoing.

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

Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 123 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Santa Ana. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people died and 785 were injured in pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Continue reading "Orange County Pedestrian Accident Proves Fatal" »

A 22-year-old man was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident when the driver of a Toyota sedan hit his bicycle. According to a 10News report, the bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Fir and Dale streets the afternoon of February 5, 2011. Police believe the bicyclist may have rode through a stop sign before being struck by the Toyota. The victim suffered major injuries including a dislocated shoulder and internal bleeding. Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured bicyclist in this San Diego accident. I wish him a complete and quick recovery from his injuries.

San Diego Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 512 were injured in San Diego bicycle accidents. During that same year, there were seven fatalities and 959 injuries reported involving San Diego County bicycle accidents.

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

A 60-year-old man was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident, which police say, involved a hit-and-run driver the evening of February 4, 2011. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the injury pedestrian accident occurred on Nutmeg Street near Fountain Place in Escondido. The victim was crossing the street when a full-size white pickup towing a black flatbed trailer struck him. He suffered skull and facial fractures. Police are still searching for the driver responsible for this San Diego hit-and-run accident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Escondido police at 760-839-4470.

My thoughts and prayers are with the 60-year-old man injured in this hit-and-run car accident. I wish him a complete and speedy recovery.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four people were killed and 55 were injured in Escondido pedestrian accidents. During that same year, 63 fatalities and 998 injuries occurred involving pedestrian accidents in San Diego County.

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

Apparently, questions about the authenticity of taco meat aren't the only thing fast food joints have to worry about. The BISNAR | CHASE Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers are giving them a run for their money, obtaining a very substantial settlement to compensate for a premises liability victim's death. With a little luck, this lawsuit will help fast-food restaurants go the extra mile to keep their consumers safe whilst on their property, at least when it comes to their handrails.

It wasn't that long ago when the victim decided to visit this recently built Del Taco. Having been restricted to a wheelchair, her son was accompanying her down the wheelchair ramp to leave when they were suddenly struck by disaster. The lack of handrails and a sharp drop off to the parking lot--not visible from her son's vantage point--prevented her son from properly negotiating the ramp and she fell out of her wheelchair.

Continue reading "Del Taco Dishes Settlement to Family of Wrongful Death Victim" »

Two police officers were injured in a Los Angeles car accident involving a hit-and-run driver. According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the hit-and-run car accident occurred on Fairfax Avenue near Whitworth Drive in Los Angeles the night of February 8, 2011. The LAPD patrol vehicle was struck from behind by a Mitsubishi. The vehicle was found a few blocks east of the accident, but its two male occupants are yet to be apprehended. The officers did not suffer life-threatening injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the two officers injured in this hit-and-run car accident. I wish them both a speedy recovery from their injuries.

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 268 people were killed and 25,588 were injured in Los Angeles car accidents. During the same year, 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries occurred involving Los Angeles County car accidents.

Hit-And-Run Accidents

It is a serious crime under California law to leave the scene of 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 "Police Officers Injured in Los Angeles Hit-And-Run Car Accident" »

A motorcyclist was killed in a bus accident in Los Angeles when he collided with a bus the afternoon of February 7, 2011. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the fatal bus accident occurred at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Mountain Avenue in Claremont. The motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries. There were no passengers in the bus and the driver of the Foothill Transit bus was uninjured. An investigation is ongoing.

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

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were injured in Claremont motorcycle accidents. During that same year, there were 114 fatalities and 2,934 injuries reported due to motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles County.

What Caused This Fatal Accident?

The report does not give any specifics as to how this fatal accident occurred. There are more questions than answers here at this point. Did the bus driver attempt an unsafe turn without looking for oncoming motorists at the intersection? Did one of the motorists fail to properly obey traffic lights at the intersection? Was either driver impaired, speeding or driving distracted? Did the bus driver make a dangerous lane change? Did one of the vehicles fail to yield right-of-way at the street intersection?

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Killed in Los Angeles Bus Accident" »

The lawyers of BISNAR | CHASE have a new section on their website called The Law Library. In The Law Library, visitors can peruse titles that offer different kinds of legal advice and information. The best part of The Law Library? All of the books are free!

Brian Chase's "Still Unsafe at Any Speed: Auto Defects That Cause Wrongful Deaths and Catastrophic Injuries" gives readers the often unknown details of auto defects and the way they can affect peoples' lives. Complete with accounts from victims of auto defect disasters, Chase's book can help consumers considering vehicles for purchase as well as people who may be dealing with liability claims.

The Law Library offers other books that deal with motor vehicle accidents as well, including "The Ten Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Washington Accident Case," "Washington Injury Law: A Reference Guide for Accident Victims" and "7 Potholes That Can Wreck Your Kentucky Accident Case." These books discuss the problems that consumers and victims of car accidents encounter when trying to seek a fair resolution after an accident.

Continue reading "BISNAR | CHASE Law Library" »

A teenager was seriously injured in a San Diego car accident after being struck by a car while riding a bicycle. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the injury bicycle accident occurred on Jamacha Boulevard in Spring Valley the night of February 6, 2011. The teenager suffered major injuries in the accident. The driver involved in this car accident left the scene of the accident without contacting the authorities. At this point, there is no suspect or vehicle description available. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the teenager following this hit-and-run car accident. I wish this young person a complete and speedy recovery.

San Diego Bicycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 75 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. During that same year, there were seven fatalities and 959 injuries reported due to bicycle accidents in San Diego County.

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

Marberry Ben Acree, 60, was killed in a bicycle accident in San Diego after he was struck by a box truck the morning of February 5, 2011. According to the San Diego Medical Examiner's office, Acree was riding a bike east on Friars Road near the Interstate 15 off-ramp when he collided with a box truck that was exiting the freeway. The truck pulled over. The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Marberry Ben Acree for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

San Diego Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 512 were injured in San Diego bicycle accidents. During the same year, there were seven fatalities and 959 injuries reported as a result of bicycle accidents in San Diego County.

What Caused This Tragic Bicycle Accident?

Not many details about this fatal bicycle versus truck accident have been released yet. There are several unanswered questions here. Was the bicyclist on the shoulder or in the lane of traffic? Did the truck veer out of a lane of traffic and strike the bicyclist? Was the box truck driver speeding, distracted or fatigued? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this fatal accident? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here and why.

Continue reading "San Diego Bicycle Accident Proves Fatal" »

Evelyn May, a 19-year-old Utah woman, was injured in a Ventura car accident when her vehicle went down a highway embankment. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, the injury car accident occurred on Highway 33 near Shell Road the morning of January 28, 2011. Police report that May drifted off the highway, went down a dirt embankment and hit a tree head-on. May suffered a broken leg, fractured ankle and dislocated collarbone. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with Evelyn May following this serious Ventura car accident. I wish her a complete and speedy recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 21 people were killed and 632 were injured in car accidents that occurred in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. During that same year, there were 63 fatalities and 3,784 injuries reported as a result of Ventura County car accidents.

What Caused This Car Accident?

Investigators will have to determine what caused the driver to veer off the roadway and down the embankment. Did an auto defect or mechanical malfunction contribute to the crash? Did a dangerous roadway cause the vehicle to veer out of control? Was the guardrail inadequate to prevent the vehicle from sliding down the embankment? Was there a guardrail at that location? Did another motorist force the vehicle off the road and then leave the scene of the accident? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here and why.

Continue reading "Teenager Injured in Ventura Car Accident" »

Riverside County Sheriff's officials have made an arrest in connection with a hit-and-run car accident in Norco on January 24, 2011, which left 18-year-old Tyler Rosen in a coma. The Press-Enterprise reports that officials arrested Andrew Murvine after receiving a tip. Investigators say Murvine was driving a pickup truck, which struck and critically injured Rosen in the 2500 block of Norco Drive. The driver, now identified as Murvine, had fled east on Norco. Police are looking for additional information about this car accident. Anyone with information is asked to call the Norco Sheriff's Office at 951-270-5673.

My heart goes out to young Tyler Rosen and his family for what they are going through at this time. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from these serious injuries. Rosen and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatal pedestrian accident in Norco. In Riverside County as a whole, 30 people died and 338 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same time.

Continue reading "Arrest Made in Riverside Hit-and-Run Car Accident" »

David Wayne Plumb, 30, was killed in a Sacramento car accident the night of January 29, 2011. According to a news report in The Sacramento Bee, the fatal car accident occurred on Highway 99 south of Laguna Boulevard in Elk Grove. A vehicle entering the freeway lost control and struck Plumb’s Dodge minivan, which carried a total of seven occupants. The minivan rolled on the highway and Plumb was ejected from the vehicle. Plumb died from his injuries. The other six occupants suffered minor to moderate injuries in the accident. An investigation is ongoing.

My deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of David Wayne Plumb following this tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with the many injured victims of this accident.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four people were killed and 366 were injured in Elk Grove car accidents. During the same year, 84 fatalities and 7,874 injuries occurred involving Sacramento County car accidents.

Continue reading "Man Killed in Sacramento Car Accident" »

A police officer was injured in a San Francisco area car accident after his motorcycle was rear-ended by another vehicle the evening of February 1, 2011. According to a report in the San Jose Mercury News, the motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of San Pablo Avenue and 43rd Street in Emeryville. The officer was stopped at the intersection while pedestrians crossed the street. At that moment a northbound vehicle failed to stop and struck him from behind. The officer was transported to an area hospital, but his injuries are not considered to be life threatening. Police say the motorist failed to even slow down while approaching the intersection. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured police officer following this Emeryville motorcycle 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), 14 people were injured in Emeryville motorcycle accidents. During that same year, 14 fatalities and 495 injuries occurred involving Alameda County motorcycle accidents.

Continue reading "Police Officer Injured in Motorcycle Accident" »

Yihng Ma, 19, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after she was hit by a vehicle while crossing the street. According to a KTLA news report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred the night of January 31, 2011 near the intersection of Walnut Grove Avenue and Marshall Street in Rosemead. The driver of the vehicle that struck Ma did not stop. Ma died at the scene. Witnesses to the hit-and-run accident describe the suspect vehicle as a newer white or gray van or SUV. Anyone who saw this accident or has information about the suspect is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Yihng Ma for their tragic, untimely and devastating loss. 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), there were no fatalities, but 10 injuries reported involving pedestrian accidents in Rosemead. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 214 people died and 4,985 were injured due to pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Continue reading "Hit-and-Run Car Accident in Los Angeles Kills Teenager" »

A man from Planada was killed in a Merced County car accident, which police report, involved a drunk driver who left the scene of the accident, the morning of January 29, 2011. According to a news article in The Merced Sun, the fatal DUI collision occurred on Bear Creek Drive near Plainsburg Road in Planada. Police say that Everado Soriano, 23, was under the influence of alcohol when he lost control of his 1991 Honda Accord. The car veered off the roadway before overturning in an irrigation canal. Soriano got out of the vehicle and left his passenger the scene of the accident. It is unclear at this time if the fatally injured passenger died in the accident or from drowning after not being able to get out of the vehicle. Soriano has been found and arrested on suspicion of felony DUI, hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter.

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

Drunk Driving Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 14 people were killed and 75 were injured in DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of Merced County. During that same year, there were 17 fatalities and 136 injuries reported due to alcohol-related car accidents in Merced County.

Continue reading "Fatal DUI Collision also Involves Hit-and-Run Driver" »