California Injury Lawyers Blog

Christos and Lesli Catsouras have settled their Orange County personal injury case with the California Highway Patrol. The Catsouras had sought damages for emotional pain and suffering after car accident photos of their daughter Nicole Catsouras were leaked online. The images, which included shots of Nikki's disfigured remains, became accessible on hundreds of Web sites.

The 18-year-old was nearly decapitated after crashing her dad's Porsche 911 Carrera into a concrete tollbooth on State Route 241 close to Lake Forest on October 31, 2006 while driving at 100 mph. She died instantly.

Not long after her death, her family, who weren't allowed to see Nikki after her death because her body was so badly damaged, began receiving anonymous text messages and e-mails containing pictures from the Orange County, California car accident site, including photos of Nikki's body. The images also started to show up online, including on a bogus MySpace page that at first appeared to be a tribute page but in fact was not. The family says that there was even a time when the photographs could be found on 1,600 Web sites in 50 nations.

The photos had been taken by CHP officers and then e-mailed outside the department. The release of the accident pictures to the public was reportedly not intentional. The family, however, have said that their grief was compounded by the ongoing nightmare of knowing they could pull up the grisly photos of Nikki on the Internet at anytime. They decided to sue the CHP for damages, seeking $20 million. Although many of the pictures have been removed from the Internet, there are some that are still available.

The CHP has taken responsibility for the photo leaks and said that two dispatchers, who didn't realize their conduct was wrong, sent the images to family and friends that Halloween. One dispatcher, Thomas O'Donnell, has been released from the lawsuit. The other dispatcher, Aaron Reich, has filed for bankruptcy. Although O'Donnell was reprimanded, he still has his job. Reich resigned for what he said were unrelated reasons.

A judge had dismissed the family's Orange County, California personal injury complaint in 2008. Later however, an appellate justice panel found it to have merit after a state law was rewritten granting surviving family members' privacy rights as they relate to images of the decedent in certain situations.

"Losing a loved one is hard enough without having anyone compound your pain and suffering further, said Howard Law PC founder and Anaheim Personal Injury Attorney Vincent Howard. "Even if that party didn't directly cause the death, he/she/the entity could be held liable for other acts of negligence."

It can take years, even a lifetime, to heal from the unexpected and tragic loss of a loved one. In addition to the sadness, anger, or loneliness you may feel, there also may be regrets, questions left unanswered, and the void left behind that can never be filled. If you were the one who was injured, there is your pain and suffering to take into account.

"We know that injuries can also be emotional or mental and they can prove just as damaging (if not more so) than physical injuries in their own way," said Orange County, California Personal Injury Attorney Vincent Howard.

Catsouras family settles lawsuit over grisly crash images, OC Register, January 30, 2012

Nikki Catsouras Crime Scene Photos Haunt Deceased Teen's Family, Discovery, May 5, 2009

Family's Nightmare: Daughter's Accident Photos Go Viral, ABC News, July 1, 2008

More Blog Posts:
Another Two Inmates Sentenced for Fatally Beating Inmate at an Orange County, California Jail, California Injury Lawyers Blog, January 27, 2012

Lindsay Lohan Sued for Los Angeles Personal Injury by Pedestrian, California Injury Lawyers Blog, January 25, 2012

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Resigns from Congress to Focus on Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury, California Injury Lawyers Blog, January 24, 2012

Continue reading "Ladera Ranch Family Settles Orange County, California Personal Injury Lawsuit with CHP Over Daughter's Car Accident Photos that Went Viral Online" »

More legal trouble for Lindsay Lohan as she finds herself the defendant of another Los Angeles motor vehicle accident lawsuit. This time, the plaintiff is a woman who claims she suffered serious, disabling injuries when she was struck by the actress's Maserati. Nubia Del Carmen Preza is seeking damages for personal injury, anguish, pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills.

Preza says she was walking through a West Hollywood intersection in September 2010 when the Los Angeles pedestrian accident happened. Lohan's spokesperson says that they haven't seen the complaint yet.

It was just earlier this month that a member of the paparazzi sued Lohan for injuries he claims he sustained in a Los Angeles traffic accident involving Lohan who was the passenger of another car. Grigor Balyan says that while taking pictures of the actress he was hit by the vehicle transporting her as it rushed to leave a Hollywood club. He says he sustained neurologic and orthopedic injuries.

Last year, Lohan settled another Los Angeles car accident lawsuit filed by Tracie Rice, who was riding in a car driven by the mom of Lohan's ex-personal assistant, who had just quit that job. Rice sought damages for infliction of emotional distress and assault after Lohan chased their vehicle in 2007. Rice said she feared for their lives.

Lohan was arrested by police and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing a controlled substance into custody, possession of cocaine, and driving on a suspended license. She later pleaded guilty to drugged driving, drunken driving, and reckless driving.

Meantime, another Los Angeles injury lawsuit against Lohan over the same incident is still pending. Ronnie Blake, Dante Nigro, and Jakon Sutter say Lohan endangered them when she hijacked their vehicle while they were still in it to pursue the other car.

Los Angeles Car Accidents
If you were seriously injured in a Los Angeles car accident, pedestrian accident, motorcycle collision, truck crash, bus accident, or any type of motor vehicle collision, do not hesitate to contact Howard Law, PC today. "With the tens of thousands of people that are injured and killed in traffic crashes, it is important that you know that you have legal options--especially when your injuries result inexpensive medical bills, lost wages, physical and emotional trauma, funeral expenses, or the loss of a loved one," said Los Angeles County Personal Injury Attorney Vincent Howard.

It is important that you not speak with the other party or their insurance company without speaking to a lawyer first. If possible, make sure to get the other driver's contact information and insurance information while documenting your account of what happened. Collect the contact information of witnesses and call a Los Angeles motor vehicle accident lawyer immediately.

"Sometimes victims get intimidated by the process and the other parties involved. With an experienced Los Angeles injury attorney on your side," the steps you need to take to obtain your financial recovery becomes much less daunting and achievable," said Anaheim Personal Injury Lawyer Vincent Howard.

Lohan sued by pedestrian allegedly struck by star, KTRV, January 25, 2012

Sued By Paparazzo Over Car Accident, TMZ, January 10, 2012

Lindsay Lohan settles suit over 2007 highway chase, Boston.com, May 27, 2012

More Blog Posts:
NHTSA Reports 2,715 California Traffic Fatalities in 2010, California Injury Lawyers Blog, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 15, 2011

NTSB Wants All States to Ban Cell Phone Driving, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 13, 2011

Costa Mesa Woman Arrested in Newport Beach Pedestrian Accident May Have Been Intoxicated, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 7, 2011

Continue reading "Lindsay Lohan Sued for Los Angeles Personal Injury by Pedestrian" »

A judge has sentenced 43-year-old Anne Keen to two years behind bars over an Orange County, California car accident that claimed the life of an elderly motorist. Pat Thompson-Yates, 77, died on January 18, 2011.

According to prosecutors, Keen was in Irvine when, because she wasn't paying attention, instead of stopping at the red light at the Farwell Avenue and Culver Avenue intersection she kept driving, which caused her car to CRASH into the vehicle driven by Thompson-Yates, who was making a legal left turn from Farwell Avenue. Keen's vehicle then spun around before again striking the elderly woman's car. Thompson-Yates, who was rushed to the hospital, died from multiple blunt-traumatic injuries.

Meantime, testing showed that Keen had methamphetamine in her system at the time of the collision. She negotiated a deal, pleading guilty to one misdemeanor count of using a controlled substance, the felony crime of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and the infraction of driving as an uninsured motorist.

Distracted Driving
It is imperative that motorists pay attention to the road and other vehicles. Taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds or becoming so preoccupied with a conversation you are engaged in/whatever you are worrying about can prove fatal. Couple any type of distracted driving activity--texting talking on a cell phone, surfing the Internet, eating, putting on makeup, looking elsewhere other than the road, reading a book, watching a movie, or eating--with driving while intoxicated and the consequences can be catastrophic.,

Driving while Intoxicated
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or heavy medication can affect driver attention, cognitive abilities, behavioral skills, judgment, coherence, and the ability to think and react clearly. It is also against the law. Unfortunately, every year, people are killed because motorists weren't paying attention and/or were intoxicated or inebriated. The law takes a harsh stance against motorists that were driving under the influence and often, the impaired driver must face the harsh consequences of jail time, harsh fines, and the knowledge that he/she caused someone else devastating harm.

"In addition to any criminal case filed against a reckless driver, you may be able to file an Irvine car accident claim to recover damages," said Anaheim personal injury attorney Vincent Howard.

It is important that you speak with an experienced Orange County, California motor vehicle crash law firm as soon as possible after the accident. There may be evidence that needs to be gathered and preserved and key witnesses to speak to while their memories of what happened are still fresh.

Distracted driver sentenced in fatal crash, OC Register, January 6, 2012

Irvine woman faces manslaughter charge in red-light crash, Los Angeles Times, September 29, 2011

More Blog Posts:
CHP Employs "Zero Tolerance" Policy with Distracted Driving Crackdown, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 29, 2011

NTSB Wants All States to Ban Cell Phone Driving, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 13, 2011

Huntington Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit Accuses Police Officer of Talking on Cell Phone While Driving, California Injury Lawyers Blog, October 10, 2011

Continue reading "Irvine Woman Sentenced in Deadly Orange County, California Car Accident" »

According to the National Safety Council, about 287 traffic fatalities are expected during the 3.25-day holiday period that runs from 6pm on December 23 through 11:59pm on December 26. (Giving this figure a 90% confidence level, this means there could be anywhere between 220 to 365 traffic deaths in total. About 28,700 injuries requiring medical attention (or between 22,000-36,500 injuries) are expected.

"Although the holidays are among the least likely time when you want to be dealing with the aftermath of a California motor vehicle accident, the sooner you contact an Orange County, Ca personal injury law firm to begin exploring your legal options, the better," said Howard Law PC partner and Anaheim car accident attorney Vincent Howard.

The traffic death estimates for the 2012 New Year's Eve holiday period beginning the evening of December 30, 2011 through 11:59pm on January 2, 2012 include: about 297 traffic fatalities (with 249 to 353 deaths likely) and approximately 29,700 injuries requiring medical consultation expected (with 24,900 to 35,300 injuries likely).

Wearing a safety belt can help prevent traffic deaths. So can other preventive measures:
• Don't drive drunk
• Stay in defensive driving mode
• Pay attention when driving
• Don't follow another vehicle too closely
• Try to avoid traveling during peak traffic hours
• Make sure your car is up to date on all maintenance before driving away in it for the holidays
• Watch out for other drivers who may be impaired
• Avoid texting while driving
• Use a hands free phone if you must make or take a call while driving
• Avoid speeding
• Adjust the way you drive to current traffic and weather conditions
• If you are going to go to an area where there is snow, bring chains and other appropriate vehicle gear
• Avoid driving if you are exhausted or in a food coma

Unfortunately, the holidays, which should be a time for celebration and togetherness, can also be among the more dangerous periods on the road. With people rushing to different parties, clogging up the highways in an effort to visit family and friends, and drunken revelers thinking they are sober enough to drive, the traffic and road conditions can prove deadly.

In an effort to combat some of these conditions, police will be stepping up their efforts to crack down on inebriated drivers. Their attempts will be mirrored nationwide with the 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign. Although nationally the number of drunken driving deaths has gone down, alcohol is still a factor in one in three US traffic deaths.

Christmas Day 2011 and New Year's Day 2012 Holiday Period Traffic Fatality Estimates, National Safety Council

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' Crackdown on Drunk Driving, NHTSA, December 13, 2011

More Blog Posts by Howard Law, PC:
NHTSA Reports 2,715 California Traffic Fatalities in 2010, California Injury Lawyers Blog, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 15, 2011

NTSB Wants All States to Ban Cell Phone Driving, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 13, 2011

Costa Mesa Woman Arrested in Newport Beach Pedestrian Accident May Have Been Intoxicated, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 7, 2011

Continue reading "National Safety Council Estimates 287 US Traffic Deaths During the 3-Day Christmas Period" »

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 2,715 California motor vehicle traffic deaths last year, which is 375 fatalities less than in 2009. These figures are in line with the overall decrease in motor vehicle deaths experienced nationwide. Per the NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, there were 32,885 US traffic fatalities in 2010--the lowest number since 1949 when there were 30,246 deaths.

"Obviously, a decline in motor vehicle fatalities is good news any day of the year, but any death that happens on a California road is one too many," said Anaheim Personal Injury Attorney Vincent Howard. "We at Howard Law, PC, hope this decrease continues."

Safety officials are likely hoping for the same, as law enforcement agencies step up their efforts during this holiday season to crack down on drunk driving. This week, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the country's 'Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over' campaign. While 2010 data reported a decline in drunk driving fatalities last year--there were 791 California alcohol-impaired driving deaths (down from the 924 fatalities in 2009) and nationally, there were 20,228 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2010 (down from the 10,759 deaths in 2009)--alcohol is still a factor in one out of every three traffic deaths in the US. In Los Angeles County alone, during last year's holiday season, 276 people were arrested for possible drunk driving and 197 were arrested for driving under the influence.

In Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County, California, our Huntington Beach motor vehicle crash lawyers are familiar with the devastation that being involved in an accident can cause for those involved and the emotional, financial, and physical toll this can take. We help victims and their families recover compensation for the harm they have suffered.

Other 2010 FARS Traffic Safety Facts:
• 22,187 passenger vehicle deaths
• 529 large truck fatalities
• 4,502 motorcycle deaths
• 4,280 pedestrian deaths
• 618 pedalcyclist fatalities

Except for large truck deaths, which were 30 more than in 2009, and pedestrian fatalities, at 171 more in 2010 than during the year before, the other types of motor vehicle deaths all dropped in numbers. It is important, however, to note that the total number of those injured in US motor vehicle crash injuries went up slightly, with 2.24 million traffic injuries in 2010 (up from 2.2 million in 2009.)

2010 Motor Vehicle Crash Overview, FARS, NHTSA, US Department of Transportation (PDF)

State motor vehicle fatalities, 2010, FARS, NHTSA, US Department of Transportation (PDF)

More Blog Posts:
NTSB Wants All States to Ban Cell Phone Driving, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 13, 2011

Costa Mesa Woman Arrested in Newport Beach Pedestrian Accident May Have Been Intoxicated, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 7, 2011

Deadly Air Bag Defect Prompts Honda To Recall Another 273,000 Autos,
California Injury Lawyers Blog, November 30, 2011

Continue reading "NHTSA Reports 2,715 California Traffic Fatalities in 2010" »

The National Transportation Safety Board is recommending that every state ban drivers from using cell phones and other electronic devices unless there is an emergency. The recommendation comes following the board's finding that a deadly Missouri multi-vehicle pileup last year that killed 2 teenagers and injured 38 others involved a motorist who sent or received 11 texts in an 11-minute time span.

Although the NTSB cannot make the states adopt regulations, lawmakers do seriously consider its recommendations. The board's recommendations come less than a week after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its findings from its national survey on distracted driving. In California, except for school bus drivers and drivers under 18, other motorists are allowed to talk on cell phones as long as they aren't holding the device in their hands. Statewide, no one is allowed to text while driving. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean that there aren't motorists that continue to talk on handheld devices or that they have stopped texting. At Howard Law, PC, our Anaheim car accident lawyers are familiar with the devastation that distracted driving can create in the lives of victims and their families.

According to a government phone survey released last week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• Most drivers don't think it's dangerous for them to text and drive--although they don't think its safe when other drivers are the ones texting.
• Approximately 50% of US drivers in the 21-24 age group admit to having texted or emailed while driving
• At any moment, nearly 1 out of 100 motorists can be found emailing, texting, or doing something else with a handheld device while operating a motor vehicle at the same time. The frequency of these distracted driving activities have gone up 50% more than in 2009
• Most drivers don't see a problem with answering the phone while driving
• Over half of the motorists surveyed said they don't think making a phone call affects their driving performance
• A quarter of them had the same opinion regarding how emailing or doesn't affect their driving
• 90% don't feel safe if they are riding in a vehicle where the driver is emailing or text messaging

6,002 respondents in the 18 and over age group participated in the NHTSA's survey.

The NHTSA says there were 3,092 US distracted driving deaths in 2010. Currently, there are 35 states that have a statewide ban on texting.

"Unfortunately, most people still don't fully comprehend that seemingly harmless behavior, such as making a phone call or sending a text message, is dangerous conduct when done in conjunction with operating a motor vehicle," said Howard Law, PC partner and Orange County, California personal injury lawyer Vincent Howard. "It can take just a few seconds, while one's attention is focused on a PDA or a phone, for a devastating crash to occur."

NTSB recommends full ban on use of cell phones while driving, CNN, December 13, 2011

National Distracted Driving Telephone Survey Finds Most Drivers Answer the Call, Hold the Phone, and Continue to Drive, NHTSA, December 2011

More Blog Posts:
Huntington Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit Accuses Police Officer of Talking on Cell Phone While Driving, California Injury Lawyers Blog, October 10, 2011

Huntington Beach Car Crash Lawsuit: Driver Rear-Ended in Accident That Killed Baby in Crosswalk Sues Distracted Driver, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 29, 2011

Number of California Car Crashes Not Going Down Despite Handheld Cell Phone and Texting while Driving Bans, Says HLDI, California Injury Lawyers Blog, January 30, 2010

Continue reading "NTSB Wants All States to Ban Cell Phone Driving" »

Marnie J. Lippincott has been arrested in the Newport Beach motor vehicle accident that left a teenager with critical injuries. Lippincott, a Costa Mesa woman, is facing charges of DUI and causing injury.

The victim, 17-year-old Crystal Morales, is a high school senior. She is receiving treatment at a Santa Ana hospital where, according to the Daily Pilot, she has been placed in an induced coma. Morales also has been suffering from internal bleeding, brain swelling, head trauma, and other internal injuries.

The Orange County, California pedestrian accident took place on Irvine Avenue as Morales was walking in a crosswalk at Margaret Avenue. Other pedestrian accidents have occurred at this crosswalk.

According to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, school officials have been working with the city of Newport Beach to improve crosswalk safety. A lot of students reportedly cross Irvine Avenue to retrieve their parked cars.

Orange County, California Pedestrian Accidents
Per statistics, between 2000 and 2009 over 47,700 people have been killed and more than 688,000 others were injured in US pedestrian accidents. Are state and federal traffic safety officials doing enough to make sure that crosswalks, sidewalks, and other areas that are designated for pedestrians are safe?

Unfortunately, some accidents do occur because a road was designed in a way that proved more dangerous than safe. In such instances, an injured pedestrian and/or his family may have grounds for an Orange County, California personal injury claim or wrongful death case against the entity or entities involved. Other common causes of pedestrian accidents include pedestrian error, distracted driving, speeding, running a red light, failure to stop in time, failure to obey traffic signs, poor visibility due to weather or road conditions, drunk driving, drugged driving, and other forms of driver negligence.

You want to work with a Newport Beach personal injury law firm that is experienced in handling Orange County, California pedestrian accident cases.

Pedestrian injuries can be incredibly debilitating and potentially life-altering. Broken bones, traumatic brain injury, head trauma, spinal cord injury, fractures, disfigurement, internal injuries, emotional trauma, and mental anguish are just some of the serious injuries that can occur.

Remember that California is a pure comparative fault state. This means that even if the injured party played a role in causing his/her injuries, the victim still may be entitled to a partial recovery of any damages awarded according to the percentage of blame allotted to any other parties. There may be more than one party that should be held liable.

Student hit in crosswalk remains in critical condition, Daily Pilot, December 7, 2011

Driver suspected of hitting teen held on $100,000 bail, OC Register, December 7, 2011

More Blog Posts:
Huntington Beach Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit Accuses Police Officer of Talking on Cell Phone While Driving, California Injury Lawyers Blog, October 10, 2011

Huntington Beach Car Crash Lawsuit: Driver Rear-Ended in Accident That Killed Baby in Crosswalk Sues Distracted Driver, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 29, 2011

Los Angeles Car Accident: Lawsuit Blames the County, the City of Santa Clarita Over Woman's Wrongful Death While Watching July 4 Fireworks, California Injury Lawyers Blog, June 24, 2011

Continue reading "Costa Mesa Woman Arrested in Newport Beach Pedestrian Accident May Have Been Intoxicated " »

A Riverside County wrongful death lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the three minor children of Angela Marie Wright. The defendants in the case are the City of Menifee, the City of Canyon Lake and its manager Lori Mass, the county, and the security firm that represents Canyon Lake Property Owners Association.

Wright, 39, was involved in a fatal Riverside County car crash early on December 22, 2010 when her car slid off a flooded road into Salt Creek and then the East Bay. It wasn't until several hours later that a dive team recovered the vehicle with her body in it.

The Riverside County wrongful death complaint contends that the tragic accident could have been avoided if only Goetz Road had been closed down that night. The county and the two cities are in joint possession and control of that area of road and should have/did know of the dangers posed by the creek when the dry riverbed by the road gets flooded with rain water.

The California civil lawsuit blames Canyon Lake manager Lori Moss for failing to protect the public from this road hazard by not implementing better safety measures from the flood. It wasn't until the day that Wright died and after her Riverside County motor vehicle crash that county officials decided to permanently close Goetz Rd. south of the East Gate to traffic.

Wright's children are claiming loss of love, companionship, society, affection, comfort, financial support, and moral support, as well as funeral costs. Although minors are generally not allowed to file California civil claims over personal injury or wrongful death, a guardian or another adult can submit one for them on their behalf.

The surviving spouse, kids, and surviving issue of the decedent's deceased children can "jointly and severally" file a single Riverside County wrongful death lawsuit seeking damages. In line after that are the parents of the deceased, his/her siblings, kids of deceased siblings, grandparents, and their descendants. Also in line are minors that was receiving 50% support from an was living with the person that died (as part of the victim's household) for at least 180 days prior to the death.

An experienced Riverside County wrongful death law firm can help you with your case. If you have grounds for a civil lawsuit, your case may get settled prior to trial. If not, a jury generally will determine how much (if any) you are owed. Jury members will consider a number of factors when ruling on a verdict, including loss of financial support and the right to receive it, the age of the victim, the age of any heirs, the life expectancy of heirs and the decedent, and the earning capacity of the deceased.

Working with an experienced Riverside County personal injury lawyer can increase your chances of recovering the maximum amount possible.

City slapped with wrongful death lawsuit, The Friday Flyer, September 1, 2011

Flood victim's families demand answers, The Press-Enterprise, December 10, 2010

More Blog Posts:
Bureau of Land Management Sued Over 2010 Off-Road Race in the Mojave Desert that Killed 8 and Injured a Number of Others, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 23, 2011

Woman Files Laguna Beach Bicycle Accident Lawsuit Against the City, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 7, 2011

Trucker Charged with Murder in 2009 La Cañada Flintridge Truck Accident Files Los Angeles County Personal Injury Over Angeles Crest's Allegedly Unsafe Road Conditions, California Injury Lawyers Blog, March 31, 2011

Another Orange County, California personal injury lawsuit has been filed in the Huntington Beach traffic crash death that killed a baby in a crosswalk last. Caryl Johnson says she became permanently disabled and sustained emotional scars when driver Anthony Cesares crashed his Chevrolet Tahoe into Johnson's truck, which was stopped in front of the pedestrian lane at the intersection of Springdale Street and Croupier Drive. She is suing Cesares and the city of Huntington Beach for negligence.

Johnson's 2006 Toyota Tundra slammed into baby Ruby Rose Gould in her stroller, her mother Renee Gould, and her 11-year-old cousin Daisy Chuntz. The impact of the crash caused the nearly 4-month-old infant's body to be thrown some 40 feet. She died of head trauma. Meantime, her mother sustained a fractured vertebrae and her cousin Daisy broker her leg. Daisy's 7-year-old brother did not suffer physical injuries but he saw the crash happen. Ruby and her Mom, both Australian nationals, were in the US visiting family.

Police reports show that Cesares became distracted when his laptop, which was in the passenger seat, slipped out of its carrying case. As he quickly looked down to keep the laptop from falling to the ground, he failed to notice Johnson's vehicle in front of him.

Cesares's vehicle was moving at a speed of about 40 mph at the time. Although he stepped on the brakes, he could not stop in time. He has since pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and his now on three years informal probation.

Ruby's loved one's have already filed their Huntington Beach, California wrongful death and personal injury complaints. Her parents spent three years trying to conceive her. Also named a plaintiff in Johnson's complaint is her husband Ronald, who is claiming loss of consortium because his wife is not able to performer her spousal duties and services.

Following the tragic Huntington Beach pedestrian accident, residents in the area complaint that the zone where it happened was not safe, poorly marked, and that vehicles drove swiftly through the area. If more could have been done by the city to ensure that the pedestrian lane was safer so that the collision that killed Ruby and injured her family wouldn't have happened, the city may owe damages over what happened.

Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is dangerous. Texting while driving, reading a magazine, talking on a cell phone, trying to calm down the dog in the back seat, picking up items that have fallen off the passenger seat can all cause serious injuries and deaths not just for the driver but for those that happen to be in the area should an accident happen. Motorists can be held liable for Huntington Beach personal injury if their distracted driving behavior hurts others. Sadly, these drivers likely never intended to do anything to hurt anyone. However, this does not mean there aren't real life consequences that they must deal with as a result of their actions.

Baby's crosswalk death sparks another suit, OC Register, September 29, 2011

Distracted Driving, US Department of Transportation

More Blog Posts:
Latest Orange County, California Claims Filed in Baby Pedestrian Death Blame Huntington Beach for Crosswalk Deficiencies, California Injury Lawyers Blog, March 30, 2011

$40M Huntington Beach Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims Seek Damages From City Over Fatal Orange County, California Pedestrian Accident that Killed 3-Month-Old Girl, California Injury Lawyers Blog, February 18, 2011

Number of California Car Crashes Not Going Down Despite Handheld Cell Phone and Texting while Driving Bans, Says HLDI, California Injury Lawyers Blog, January 13, 2011

The federal government is a defendant in a number of lawsuits alleging California personal injury and wrongful death in the 2010 off-road race in the Mojave Desert at the California 200 event last year. Eight people died and at least 10 others sustained injuries when a modified Ford Ranger truck flew off the course when making a jump and crashed into a crowd of watchers lining the off-road track. More civil complaints are expected. BLM and the other defendants are accused of failing to keep proper control and management of the race.

The accident occurred in an area owned, maintained, and supervised by the Bureau of Land Management. In addition to the BLM, other defendants include Ford pickup truck driver Brett Sloppy, MDR Productions, and Mojave Desert Racing.

The plaintiffs contend that BLM did not follow the recreational permit process for letting the race take place on federal land. They also blame the government agency for failing to make sure that spectators would be safe. BLM policy specifies that areas for watchers need to be delineated with temporary fencing. When Sloppy's truck landed in the crowd of viewers, there was no guardrail to serve as a barricade that could have protected them.

Also, rules of conduct for spectators, warnings that they stay out of the pits, and accident risk information also needs to be posted on large signs when event weekends are taking place. The plaintiffs say that none of this was done on the weekend of the California 200. They believe that because these elements were missing, BLM should have taken away the event permit or canceled the race. (The government agency has admitted that it did not follow its own policies when admitting and monitoring this race). Hundreds of people attended the California 200 race that day.

Also suing BLM, Mojave Desert Racing, and MDR Productions is Sloppy's mom, Lynne Sloppy. She is claiming California personal injury for the distress she experienced when she saw her son's truck go off the racetrack, flip over, and land in the crowd. She contends that watching the entire accident unfold was traumatic, including seeing all the injuries happen and then watching people become aggravated toward her son while he was still stuck in his vehicle. She wants punitive damages for negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

California Personal Injury
As you can see with all different allegations and claims being made over this incident, there may be numerous plaintiffs and a number of defendants in a California injury accident of this magnitude. Different grounds may be cited for negligence depending on the roles defendants allegedly played. Defendants may even become plaintiffs themselves--or, in this case, Sloppy's mom is also choosing to sue for her emotional injuries.

Wrongful-Death Suit in Off-Road Race Crash, Courthouse News, September 19, 2011

8 more lawsuits in fatal off-road race crash, SignonSanDiego, September 14, 2011

Related Web Resources:
Bureau of Land Management

Mojave Desert Racing

More Blog Posts:
California Off-Road Race Kills 8 and Injures 12 in Mojave Desert, California Injury Lawyers Blog, August 17, 2011

Toddler Attending Los Angeles Lakers Game Dies After Falling 50 Feet from Staples Center Luxury Seats, California Injury Lawyers Blog, November 22, 2011

Trucker Charged with Murder in 2009 La Cañada Flintridge Truck Accident Files Los Angeles County Personal Injury Over Angeles Crest's Allegedly Unsafe Road Conditions, California Injury Lawyers Blog, March 31, 2011

Continue reading "Bureau of Land Management Sued Over 2010 Off-Road Race in the Mojave Desert that Killed 8 and Injured a Number of Others " »

Police in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach are trying to figure out why a huge tree fell on Thursday afternoon, causing it to fatally crush Haeyoon Miller, a 29-year-old Tustin woman. At the time, Miller was in her car, which was stopped at a red light. The fatal Orange County, California accident took place on Irvine Avenue at the edge of Costa Mesa's city limits.

The tree was 50 to 70 feet tall with a 3-foot truck. Officials say the tree was pruned less than six months ago and did not exhibit any diseases. It also wasn't very windy on the day that it fell.

Following the accident, the woman was conscious for the first few minutes but by the time firefighters arrived she had lost consciousness. Some witnesses say that the firefighters that started lifting the large tree trunk "dropped" it back onto the vehicle, which did further crush damage to the auto. Firefighters, however, dispute this account.

Authorities report that chainsaws were used to separate the rest of the trunk from the portion that was on the car. Airbags were then used to lift the section ,which weight 9,000 pounds, while two braces were placed on the vehicle to prevent the truck from rolling. As the section was being lifted, the tree "resettled," and it dipped some 4-6 inches back onto the car. However, they maintain that Miller did not sustain additional injuries from the rescue efforts. A crane arrived within the hours to help lift the trunk section.

During the rescue attempt, a paramedic hooked her up to an IV. Unfortunately, Miller died at the Orange County, California car accident scene.

Some are speculating whether the 3.5 earthquake that occurred that morning caused the tree to come loose. If, however, negligence on the part of Newport Beach or Costa Mesa caused the tree to become a hazard that it was at risk of falling down, then Miller's family may have reason for filing an Orange County, California wrongful death complaint against one or both cities. A lot would depend on which city was in charge of maintaining the tree and its surroundings and where the tree was located. Some media outlets are saying that the tree was located in Costa Mesa but that Newport Beach was responsible for maintaining the median where it had been planted. Other sources say that the tree was located on the Newport Beach-Costa Mesa border. Another possible defendant in this type of wrongful death case would be any third party hired to maintain, inspect, or treat the tree prior to last week's fall.

According to Newport Beach officials, all 104 trees located in the median where the one that fell had stood are inspected about every six months. West Coast Arborists is the City's tree maintenance contractor. Newport Beach also has an arborist.

City to Inspect CdM Eucalyptus Trees After Fatality, Coronado del Mar Today, September 18, 2011

Driver dies after tree falls on car, Daily Pilot, September 15, 2011

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Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Teen's Parents Sue Over Fatal Ecstasy Overdose at '10 Electric Daisy Carnival, California Injury Lawyers Blog, September 12, 2011

Huntington Beach Premises Liability Claim Seeks $500K from City Over Hemet Boy's Burn Injuries from Fall Accident into Fire Pit, California Injury Lawyers Blog, August 18, 2011

$17M Los Angeles Wrongful Death Verdict Awarded to Mother of Blind Compton Man Who Fell in Opening Between Metro Blue Line Rail Cars in 2009, California Injury Lawyers Blog, August 2, 2011

Continue reading "Newport Beach and Costa Mesa Authorities Investigate Orange County, California Death of Woman Struck in Her Car by Fallen Eucalyptus Tree" »

Vicki Renteria, who is the mother of 11-year-old Taylor Holman, is seeking Orange County, California wrongful death damages from Newport Beach resident Teresa O'Brien. Holman died from injuries she sustained during a Santa Ana car crash on March 20, 2008.

Per court documents, Renteria and Holman were traveling on Harbor Boulevard in their 1995 GEO and making a left turn when they were struck by O'Brien's 2008 Mercedes Benz SUV, which severely damaged the passenger side of the victims' car. The impact of the Orange County, California car crash killed Holman. Renteria also contends that when she started to make that left turn O'Brien's vehicle was still some 20 car lengths away.

Renteria's Santa Ana, California wrongful death lawyer has accused the defendant of failing to comply with California Vehicle Code section 21801(b), which addresses the responsibilities of both the drivers that are turning left and the motorists who are approaching as these turns are being made. Renteria contends that O'Brien did not yield the right of way to the GEO. She is seeking general and compensatory damages.

Orange County, California Car Accidents
Unfortunately, practicing safe driving and obeying all the rules may not be enough to prevent you and your loved ones from becoming involved in an Orange County, California motor vehicle crash. If you are at the wrong place at the wrong time, you could still end up the victim of a collision that was caused by another party's negligence, recklessness, or inexperience.

It is a good idea to speak with a Santa Ana motor vehicle lawyer as soon as possible so that you can start pursuing California personal injury or wrongful death damages from the responsible party. Also, there will likely be evidence that needs to be examined as soon as possible.

Medical bills, funeral expenses, motor vehicle repairs, and other damages and costs may start to pile up, which can add unnecessary stress to what may be an already devastating situation. By working with an experienced Orange County, California injury law firm, you will have someone fighting for your financial compensation, which you can use to help pay for these bills and cover wages you've lost from having to take time off.

California Wrongful Death of a Child
California law does limit how much a parent can claim for a child's death. Recoverable compensation is limited to the damage or loss sustained by the child prior to death, as well as punitive or exemplary damages that the child would have been entitled to had he/she survived. Damages for suffering, pain, and disfigurement are not included.

Losing someone you love is never easy. While suing for Santa Ana, California wrongful death damages won't make up for your loss, it can hold the responsible party or parties accountable.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

California Department of Motor Vehicles

More Blog Posts:
$4.5M California Spinal Cord Injury Settlement Reached in Case of Girl Injured While Being Rescued by CHP Following 2006 Car Crash, California Injury Lawyers Blog, June 13, 2011

Irvine Teen Sustains Fatal Traumatic Brain Injury in Orange County, California Car Accident, , California Car Accident, California Injury Lawyers Blog, May 31, 2011

California Wrongful Death: Parents of Cal Poly Student Killed in '10 Pedestrian Accident Sue Caltrans, Doctor, and San Luis Obispo, California Injury Lawyers Blog, May 31, 2011

A Los Angeles County personal injury settlement has been reached between Felipe Medina and the county. Medina was injured in a Lynwood car accident on I-105 in 2007 when the car he was in was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by a Department of Mental Health employee. The collision caused a chain reaction involving three vehicles. The case is Medina v. County of Los Angeles and Duckworth (Case No. TC022146).

Medina, 53, sustained neck, shoulder, and back injuries that have ended his career as a maintenance supervisor. He also has had to undergo a number of back operations, get several epidural injections, take prescription pain meds, and wear a back brace. Despite all this, his Los Angeles personal injury lawyer says that Medina will likely experience pain for life. Also, due to Medina's age, the fact that he cannot take on manual labor, and his lack of education, finding other work will prove tough from now on.

The Los Angeles County car crash occurred on December 20, 2007. Medina was sitting in stalled traffic when his vehicle was struck by a van driven by county employee Willie Duckworth. Police say that Duckworth, who has admitted to failing to stop in time, was operating his vehicle at an unsafe speed. The impact of the crash forced Medina's Saturn into another vehicle, which then struck another auto.

Los Angeles Car Accidents
Getting seriously hurt in a car crash can have far-reaching consequences for those involved. Not only may an injury victim have to laid up for weeks or even months, while he or she recovers, but there also may be surgeries and other medical treatment to undergo, as well as rehabilitation. This can all prove very costly for the injured party, who likely may have to take time off work, which can mean lost wages, lost benefits, and loss of employment. In some cases, the injuries may be so serious, such as with a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury, that the Los Angeles auto accident victim may require 24-hour care for life. In addition to adjusting to all these life-altering changes and trying to pay for general living expenses, the injured party will likely have to contend with costly medical bills.

Seeing as your injuries, damages, and losses may be substantial, you will want to work with an experienced Los Angeles car accident law firm that knows how to determine who was responsible and what parties should be held liable. For example, if the driver that struck you was doing his/her job when the accident was happened, then you may be able to recover Los Angeles injury compensation from both him/her and his/her her employer. If the other factors were involved, such as poor road conditions or an auto defect, there also may be other liable parties.

While obtaining your Los Angeles car accident damages may not make you physically whole again or restore your life to what it was before the crash, it can help you to move forward with your life, while offering some financial relief, and allow you to hold the parties responsible liable for your pain, suffering, and other damages and losses.

Read the Los Angeles County Claims Board's Recommendation in Medina v. County of Los Angeles and Duckworth, LA County, (PDF)

Car Accidents Caused by Negligence, Nolo

California Department of Transportation

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Brea Man Files Huntington Beach Car Accident Lawsuit Blaming the City, California Injury Lawyers Blog, July 7, 2011

Los Angeles Car Accident: Lawsuit Blames the County, the City of Santa Clarita Over Woman's Wrongful Death While Watching July 4 Fireworks, California Injury Lawyers Blog, June 24, 2011

$4.5M California Spinal Cord Injury Settlement Reached in Case of Girl Injured While Being Rescued by CHP Following 2006 Car Crash, California Injury Lawyers Blog, June 13, 2011

Three women are dead and two others are being treated at an Orange, California hospital after a Buena Park car crash that occurred on the I-5N Freeway on Monday night. The single-auto crash occurred as the group was driving back from Garden grove where they'd attended a service at the Crystal Cathedral.

The California Highway Patrol says that the Ford Excursion, which was moving at high speeds, went out of control to crash into a guard rail before rolling over multiple times, landing on its side, and bursting into flames. Some of the occupants were ejected from the vehicle. The police don't think the women were using seat belts.

The driver of the Ford, a 41-year-old woman, and a 16-year-old passenger are being treated at UC Medical Center. The deceased include 40-year-old Sara Flores, 24-year-old Elda Nada-Mayo, and 49-year-old Angela Cid-Del Prado. They were pronounced dead at the Orange County, California car collision site.

Rollover Accidents
Vehicle rollover crashes continue to be the cause of serious personal injury and wrongful death for many occupants. Driver error and carelessness can play a role in causing rollover crashes. However, unfortunately, some vehicles are designed in a way that can increase the chances of a vehicle rolling over during an accident. Rollover accidents can also occur because of road defects, such as a soft-road shoulder or uneven ground that can cause a motor vehicle to "trip." Other common causes of rollovers include speeding--especially when turning a corner or going around a bend--tire defects, potholes, poor weather condition, and auto malfunctions that can cause the driver to lose control of the car.

There also may auto component failures that can contribute to serious injuries during a rollover crash. For example, a faulty seat belt can cause a passenger to be ejected or crash his/her head against the ceiling. Poorly constructed vehicle roofs can also fail to protect passengers during a rollover accident.

SUV rollover crashes can result in devastating injuries, including head injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, disfigurement, burn injuries, organ damage, paralysis, and death. An experienced Orange County, California rollover crash law firm can help you determine whether or not you have grounds for an injury case against a driver, an auto manufacturer, and/or another responsible party. The sooner you get legal help, the better.

Your Buena Park personal injury lawyer can make sure your vehicle is properly stored so that the evidence it exhibits is preserved, talk to all witnesses, including paramedics and police, go through accident reports and police data, work with accident investigators and experts to examine the crash site, and deal with other matters related to your case.

3 women killed, 2 hurt in fiery crash ID'd, OC Register, August 9, 2011

3 Returning From Crystal Cathedral Service Perish in Fiery Crash, OC Weekly, August 9, 2011

Related Web Resources:
Rollover, PBS

Safercar.gov

More Blog Posts:
California SUV Rollover Lawsuit: US Supreme Court Rejects Ford Appeal Over $82 Million Auto Products Liability Verdict, California Injury Lawyers Blog, December 3, 2009

Anaheim 15-Passenger Van Rollover Accidents Can Result in Spinal Cord Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries, California Injury Lawyers Blog, October 21, 2010

Brea Man Files Huntington Beach Car Accident Lawsuit Blaming the City, California Injury Lawyers Blog, July 7, 2011

Continue reading "3 Downey Residents Killed, 2 Others Seriously Injured in Buena Park Car Accident on I-5N" »

Robert Walker, a 51-year-old Brea man, is suing the city of Huntington Beach for Orange County, California personal injury. Walker developed facial palsy after his right eye was injured in a Huntington Beach traffic accident with a Public Works vehicle that ran a red light and slammed into his Porsche on January 4.

The impact of the crash totaled his Porsche and damaged his right eye. Walker has already racked up $10,000 in medical expenses that will likely grow because he isn't done getting medical treatment from specialists.

Although the city of Huntington Beach has denied responsibility, Walker's California car accident lawyer contends that the city should be held liable because the driver other Public Works truck was driving a city vehicle at the time of the crash.

If you or someone you love was injured by a driver who was working for his/her employer at the time of the Orange County, California car crash, you may have reason for filing a claim against both parties. Employers have been held accountable because an employee ran a red light, was speeding, drunk, or talking on a cell phone and a collision happened as a result.

The Federal Tort Claims Act allows the government to be held liable for personal injuries stained in accidents caused by government workers, hazardous road conditions, and vehicles owned by the government. If you are filing a California personal injury case against a city, you will need to file a claim before you file a lawsuit and wait for them to respond. If they deny your claim, you can then file your complaint.

There are a number of steps that your Huntington Beach, California attorney will need to take to help you obtain the recovery you are owed. It is important that you not speak with the other party or his/her insurer and let your legal team handle all communications.

Driver of wrecked Porsche files second claim against Huntington, OC Register, March 29, 2011

Related Web Resources:
Federal Tort Claims Act

Bell's Palsy, NIH

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Trucker Charged with Murder in 2009 La Cañada Flintridge Truck Accident Files Los Angeles County Personal Injury Over Angeles Crest's Allegedly Unsafe Road Conditions, California Injury Lawyers Blog, March 31, 2011