California Injury Blog

David Matthews, 38, sustained critical injuries in a San Bernardino car accident, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver. The San Bernardino Sun reports that the major injury collision occurred the morning of March 8, 2010 when 19-year-old Ryan Inglesby, who was driving a 2005 Chevy pickup north on Sunset Road in Joshua Tree, ran a stop sign on Highway 62 and broadsided a 1999 Dodge Caravan. Matthews, who was the driver of the Dodge, sustained critical injuries and was taken to a local hospital. Police arrested Inglesby on suspicion of felony DUI.

I hope David Matthews did not sustain any catastrophic injuries in this collision. I wish him the very best for a quick recovery. Please keep this injured victim in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "San Bernardino DUI Collision Causes Critical Injuries " »

A driver who caused a Fresno car accident that killed a family -- Donald Fisher, 77, his wife Arlene, 74, and their son, Brian Fisher, 55 -- is likely to face criminal changes. According to a KFSN news report, the fatal accident occurred March 9, 2010 when 32-year-old Manuel Casillas crossed into opposing traffic lanes on Jensen Avenue and struck the Fishers' vehicle head-on. Officials are still looking into what caused Casillas to go over the center divide of the roadway.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Fishers who were apparently very active and popular in their community. Tragic! My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved the Fishers. Please keep this grieving family and community in your prayers.

Continue reading "Fresno Car Accident Kills Three" »

San Rafael police have arrested a Novato man in connection with a hit-and-run San Francisco car accident in which a teen pedestrian was injured. According to a CBS News report, two girls -- ages 15 and 16 -- were crossing Second Street in San Rafael, in a marked crosswalk, the evening of March 8, 2010, when a maroon van southbound on B Street, hit them. One of the girls sustained leg injuries. The driver did not stop and continued east on Second Street.

Hit-and-Run Suspect Apprehended

However, a witness wrote down the van's license plate number and reported it to authorities. A Marin County Sheriff's deputy driving north on Highway 101 near Lucas Valley Road, spotted the suspect vehicle, and arrested 48-year-old Gbayere Germain Any on charges of felony hit-and-run and failure to yield to a pedestrian, which is an infraction, a much lesser crime.

I hope and pray that neither of the two young victims was seriously injured. I wish the injured girl the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

Continue reading "Man Arrested in San Francisco Area Hit-and-Run Car Accident" »

Khuong Nguyen, 42, was injured in an Orange County car accident after he was struck by an out-of-control car in the parking lot of a Garden Grove hotel. According to a news report in The Garden Grove Journal, the incident occurred at the Ramada Inn Plaza on Garden Grove Boulevard, the night of March 5, 2010, when a Jeep Liberty SUV that was being driven into the hotel parking lot by 58-year-old Dzung Truong, hit Nguyen.

Truong told police officials that he tried to stop, but his brakes failed and that the car continued forward, striking Nguyen and pushing him against a wall. Nguyen sustained major leg injuries. He was transported to a local hospital. Police do not believe alcohol or drugs were involved. No citations have been issued pending a police investigation.

I sympathize with Nguyen, who has apparently been seriously injured in this collision. I hope he has not suffered any catastrophic injuries and wish him the very best for a quick and full recovery. He will be in my prayers.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Injured in Orange County Car Accident" »

Steven Anthony Kelley, 18, was killed in a San Diego car accident after he was struck by a two cars while crossing El Camino Real, in Carlsbad, the night of March 5, 2010. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the second driver waited at the scene, but the driver who initially struck Kelley drove away. The following day, a woman called police and told them that she may have struck Kelley. She told officials she drove away because she thought she had "struck an object" and did not realize that she may have hit a person. Kelley was crossing the northbound lanes of El Camino Real, near Camino Vida Roble.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Steven Anthony Kelley for their tragic and untimely loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "San Diego Car Accident Kills Pedestrian" »

Michael Harris, 67, of San Carlos was one of two people killed in a Los Angeles car accident that occurred the evening of March 3, 2010 on the northbound 605 Freeway in Cerritos. According to a news report in The Press-Telegram, a Ford van containing seven people was going north in the number two lane and was near the Artesia (91) Freeway, when the van tried to move into the carpool lane nearly hitting a Mitsubishi Lancer traveling in the number one lane.

Continue reading "Two Killed, Five Critically Injured in Los Angeles Car Accident" »

Steven Kroff, 75, was killed in a car accident after his vehicle crashed into a large truck at an intersection in Gilroy. According to a news report in the Gilroy Dispatch, Kroff was driving his Sebring convertible south on No Name Uno. California Highway Patrol officials said he stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of Buena Vista and then pulled into the intersection in front of an oncoming Chevy Silverado pickup truck driven by a 40-year-old woman. The woman did not have a stop sign. Kroff died at the scene. Officials believe he may have been on his cell phone at the time of the collision based on the time of his last call. The driver of the truck was not seriously injured.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Steven Kroff for their tragic loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Man Killed in Car Accident at Dangerous Gilroy Intersection" »

A couple has been arrested on suspicion of murder and hit-and-run in connection with a San Bernardino car accident that killed 19-year-old Thomas Joseph Meeks and critically injured his 15-year-old stepbrother Christopher. According to a news report in the San Bernardino Sun, the couple -- Heriberto Eddie Solis, 25, and 20-year-old Glory Maria Gurrola -- was trying to escape after attempting to steal a car stereo from a vehicle at a nearby parking lot. It was during their getaway that they struck the brothers who were double-riding across the street on a bicycle.

The couple was arrested when they came into the police station to collect their 1991 Toyota Camry, which was the suspect vehicle in the Feb. 19 hit-and-run collision. Solis and Gurrola admitted to hitting the brothers, but said that they fled the scene because they were scared.

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

Ashlynn Anderson, 4-year-old daughter of reality TV show star Jesse Browning, was the victim of a fatal dog bite incident February 28, 2010. According to an Associated Press news report, Ashlynn was found by her mother badly injured on their lawn in Astoria. The girl had been attacked by one of the family's own Rottweilers. Ashlynn was transported to a Portland hospital where she was pronounced dead. This tragic dog attack occurred just four months after animal control officers had taken a Rottweiler from the same home after it bit an adult family member. The two Rottweilers at the home have been quarantined. There is no word on whether any criminal charges will be filed against Ashlynn's parents in this case.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved little Ashlynn for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest condolences to her family members. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading "Toddler Mauled to Death in Dog Attack" »

Authorities have identified an off-duty police officer who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident the evening of February 25, 2010, as 37-year-old Jacqueline Montalvo. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the accident occurred when Montalvo's vehicle crossed a median and careened into oncoming traffic. Three other vehicles were involved. One man was taken to a hospital in serious condition while three others sustained minor injuries. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jacqueline Montalvo for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep this family in your prayers during their time of grief. I also wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

Continue reading "Fatal Los Angeles Car Accident" »

A man was killed in a Los Angeles car accident involving a hit-and-run driver on the 10 Freeway. According to a CBS News report, the fatal car accident occurred the night of February 18, 2010 in the westbound 10 Freeway in West Covina near Azusa Avenue. The victim, a West Covina resident, died at the scene. Police are still searching for two suspects who California Highway Patrol officials say, fled the scene of the crash.

I offer my deepest condolences to everybody who knew and loved this man. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of grief.

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

Gabriel Lanusse, 40, was injured in a San Francisco car accident after a teenager accused of driving under the influence, rammed head-on into his family's minivan. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports that the accident occurred the night of February 20, 2010 in Petaluma, when Lanusse was stopped at a light on Lakeville Highway and Frates Road. The teen lost control of her car as she drove on Lakeville Highway, crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the minivan occupied by Gabriel Lanusse, his wife Kristine and two children.

Thankfully, Kristine Lanusse and the two children were not injured although the minivan was totaled and Gabriel Lanusse sustained a broken arm. The teenager suffered head injuries and was taken to a local hospital. Officials found an empty tequila bottle in her car, determined she had been drinking and arrested her on suspicion of felony DUI.

Continue reading "San Francisco Area Car Accident Caused by Suspected Drunk Teen Driver" »

Authorities in Santa Maria have identified a man who was seriously injured in a car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver, the night of February 21, 2010, as 26-year-old Santos Quiros. According to a news report in the Santa Maria Times, 36-year-old Raymundo Reyes was driving north on Blosser Road when he struck Quiros who was walking eastbound on the roadway, near Donovan Road. Quiros sustained a fractured pelvis, multiple cuts and scrapes and was taken to a local hospital. Reyes was uninjured and later arrested on suspicion of DUI causing injury.

I sympathize with Quiros and his family. I wish Quiros the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from his serious injuries. Please keep him in your prayers.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Accident Caused by Suspected Drunk Driver" »

Michelle Garcia, 20, was killed in a San Diego car accident the morning of February 20, 2010 involving a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in the North County Times, Garcia was in a 2006 Lexus driven by George Reyes traveling eastbound on Avenue S in Escondido. California Highway Patrol officials say Garcia allowed his vehicle to drift over to the right shoulder. He veered back to the left, but lost control. The Lexus crossed the median, rolled over and came to rest on its roof. Garcia was ejected from the Lexus and died at the scene. CHP officials reported that she was not wearing her seatbelt. Reyes sustained major injuries, but was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Michelle Garcia for their devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading "Woman Killed in San Diego DUI Collision" »

Brian Chase of the BISNAR | CHASE (www.bestattorney.com) Southern California personal injury law firm has been named a Super Lawyer and Top 50 Orange County Attorney by Orange Coast Magazine. This is the 5th year in a row Chase has received this recognition.

Since Brian graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law, where he was the associate editor of the Pepperdine Law Review, he has been in the public eye as a superior personal injury lawyer for over 17 years. He has tried dozens of jury trials and has recovered seven- and eight-figure amounts from a variety of automobile manufacturers on behalf of people who have suffered catastrophic injury from auto defects.

Continue reading "Brian Chase Continues to Be a "Super Lawyer"" »

A bicyclist who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident the morning of February 15, 2010, has been identified by local authorities as 40-year-old Ovidio Morales. KTLA News reports that Morales was hit near the intersection of Compton Boulevard and Dwight Avenue by a driver who was possibly distracted by a cell phone. Those who witnessed the accident told police that the driver while talking on the cell phone, ran a red light, struck the victim, quickly examined the victim and drove away from the scene. Police are now looking for this hit-and-run driver. The vehicle they are looking for is a 1990s silver or gray Ford passenger van, likely an Aerostar. If you have information, please contact 310-605-6500.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Ovidio Morales for whom this must be a devastating loss. I offer my deepest condolences to his family. Please keep them in your prayers.

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

A man was killed in a San Francisco car accident the evening of February 15, 2010 after he was hit by a vehicle while crossing the street. Claycord.com, a news web site, reports that the man was walking in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Clayton Road and Barbis Way in Concord when he was struck by a Buick sedan. Police are not clear whether drugs or alcohol may have played a part in this fatal pedestrian accident.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to everybody who knew and loved this man. His grieving family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

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

Myrtle Harmon, 68, was killed in a Sacramento car accident after a driver crossed over the center line into the path of her vehicle, causing a head-on crash. According to a news report in the Chico Enterprise Record, 53-year-old Juanita Maldonado was driving a Honda Civic north on the Highway 99 the afternoon of February 14, 2010 when she crossed over the center line and hit Harmon's 2005 Ford Focus, which was southbound. California Highway Patrol officials said Harmon died at the scene.

Maldonado and one of her grandchildren -- 15-year-old Erica Aguirre -- sustained serious injuries. Her 11-year-old grandson, Miguel Aguirre, suffered minor injuries. CHP officials said Maldonado was traveling about 40 to 45 mph when the Honda drifted to the right. She swerved back to the left causing the car to cross over the center line. Drugs or alcohol are not believed to be factors in this accident.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Myrtle Harmon for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. I also wish Maldonado and her injured grandchildren the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these injured victims and their families in your prayers.

Continue reading "Fatal Sacramento Area Car Accident" »

A woman was killed in a San Diego car accident after she was struck by a vehicle in Lakeside, 10News reports. The woman was hit by a Ford Mustang the morning of February 16, 2010 in the 9400 block of Los Coches Road, California Highway Patrol officials said. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was not arrested or cited pending an investigation.

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

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

Cara A. Lee, 20, was killed in a Costa Mesa car accident after the driver of a Toyota pickup truck ran a red light and broadsided the vehicle in which Lee was a passenger. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car accident occurred early morning on February 14, 2010 at the intersection of Sunflower Avenue and Sakioka Drive. Police said the driver of the Tundra pickup truck, 22-year-old Gustavo A. Vega, was fleeing an earlier traffic collision in Santa Ana.

Continue reading "Orange County DUI Car Accident Kills Woman" »