California Injury Lawyers Blog

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" »

In January, our Newport Beach personal injury law firm reported on a 10-car crash that killed three people and injured three others on the Coast Highway. At the time, police said they believed that 27-year-old Julie Allen had been speeding at over 90 mph when her car went into the lane of opposing traffic, striking several vehicles, including a motorcycle, as it went airborne. Authorities were trying to figure out if Allen, who suffered from mental health issues, was medicated when the Newport Beach car crash accident happened.

Allen died from her injuries, as did Laguna Niguel resident Christopher De La Cruz and his mother, Santa Ana resident Linda Burnett. Four months after the catastrophic crash, the Orange County Register reports that police are still waiting to receive a final toxicology report. They do not, however, believe she was on alcohol or drugs.

If medication did, in fact, play a role in causing the accident or if Allen acted in negligent ways that resulted in the collision, her estate could be held liable for Newport Beach wrongful death or personal injury. For example, if she knew that taking the drug would render her too drowsy to drive safely, then the other victims or their families may have a case against her. There also could be other liable parties, such as a doctor (if he /she prescribed the medication but failed to warn of side effects). Or, if unintended acceleration is what caused Allen's car to accelerate out of control, then there also may be reason for a California auto products liability complaint.

Driving while Medicated
There are certain medications that you shouldn't take when you have to drive. Blurred vision, grogginess, slowed movement, dizziness, nausea, and difficulties focusing or paying attention are usually some of the side effects associated with these types of medications. A person that disregards these reactions and decides to get in the driver's seat can be a very dangerous motorist for others to encounter on the road.

Prescription drugs and stuck accelerator emerge as two possibilities in fatal Newport Beach crash, Los Angeles Times, January 18, 2011

Tests still not completed in deadly 10-car NB Crash, OC Register, May 17, 2011

Related Web Resources:
Driving when you are taking medications, NHTSA

Driving Under the Influence - Prescription Drugs the Drowsy Factor

More Blog Posts:
Police Investigating Whether Newport Beach Car Accident Involving 10 Vehicles Was Caused by Stuck Accelerator Pedal, California Injury Lawyers Blog, January 18, 2011

Four Dead, Two Hurt in La Habra Pickup Truck Crash, California Injury Lawyers Blog, April 19, 2011

Woman Charged in Fatal Newport Beach Bicycle Accident Was Drunk and Texting, Say Authorities, California Injury Lawyers Blog, April 16, 2011

Continue reading "Was Driver Accused of Causing Newport Beach 10-Vehicle Crash that Killed 3 and Injured 3 On Medication? " »

Miguel Gama Macias is seeking over $200,000 in Orange County, California personal injury compensation following a San Clemente motorcycle accident he was involved in on I-5 last March. The Santa Ana motorcyclist says that he suffered a head injury, internal bleeding, and a lacerated spleen when his motorbike struck an unmarked raised curve as he was about to make a legal stop.

In his San Clemente injury complaint, Macias is arguing that not only was the curb too steep to allow for safe driving but also the fact that it was unmarked made it a hazardous condition on a public premise. He claims that the defendants should have known or knew that the curb was a hazard that posed a danger not just to the plaintiff but also to the rest of the public. Macias contends that the safety issue was preventable and could have been remedied. He wants Orange County, California premises liability recovery for disability, pain, income loss, medical costs, and mental distress. At the time of the traffic crash, Macias was uninsured.

California Motorcycle Accidents
Contrary to popular belief, not all single motorcycle crashes occur because the motorcyclist was negligent or made mistakes. Some single motorcycle collisions happen because of a defect or debris on the road, a traffic light malfunction, the motorcycle had a defect, or its tire blew out. Poor weather and road conditions can also play roles.

Regardless of the cause of the Orange County, California motorcycle crash, in many cases the motorcyclist will have sustained serious injuries. Remember that except for a helmet and any protective clothing, a rider won't have much else to protect him/her from the impact of a collision. In many cases, the motorcyclist may even be thrown off the bike and onto the road or into a concrete wall, a road barrier, or oncoming traffic.

Motorcyclist sues city, county, state over I-5 accident, The OC Register, January 4, 2011

Read the Complaint (PDF)

Related Web Resources:
Motorcycles, NHTSA

California DMV Announces New 2011 Laws, California Department of Motor Vehicles

Continue reading "Santa Ana Man Files Orange County, California Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Against the County, the State, and the City of San Clemente " »

The rains have kept coming and already, a number of Orange County, California car crashes have occurred where poor weather and road conditions played contributing factors. That said, our Anaheim injury lawyers want to remind motorists that heavy rains and poor visibility won't exempt them from liability should negligence, carelessness, or driver error cause them to be involved in a motor vehicle collision where someone ends up dying or getting hurt.

Here are a Number of Safety Tips for Driving Through the Rain (Sources include AAA and SMartMotorist.com):

• Drive a reduced speed. Cars need three more space and more time to stop when the roads are slippery.
• Keep a six to eight second distance from the auto in front of you.
• Drive with your headlights on so others can see you.
• Pay attention to the road and traffic.
• Don't talk on the cell phone or text message.
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel.
• Don't drive when drunk.
• Don't step on the brakes if your auto starts to skid. Instead, ease off the accelerator.
• Don't accelerate when driving through standing water or you may end up hydroplaning.
• If you can, stay in the middle lanes where water is less likely to pool.
• Stay in the tracks of the vehicle in front of you.
• Don't assume that other drivers can see you--especially when the weather is poor.
• Don't drive when drowsy.
• If you aren't comfortable driving in the rain, avoid doing so.
• Don't lose your temper on the road. Remember that everyone is just trying to safely arrive at their destination and is also dealing with the same delays and frustrations.
• Make sure that the your windshield wipers are in proper working condition.
• If you can't see the ground, avoid driving through moving water.
• Avoid driving through a puddle where the height of the water goes above the bottom of your car's doors.

No one wants to start or finish the year with an Orange County, California accident, but sometimes this ends up being the case. Do not hesitate to contact our Anaheim car accident law firm to start exploring your legal options. The sooner you do this, the better.

Wet roads: Slow down or this could be you, OC Register, December 29, 2010

Tips For Driving In Rain, SmartMotorist

Related Web Resources:
Orange County Traffic Map, SigAlert

The Weather Channel

According to Allstate Insurance Company, more Californians crash their motor vehicles on December 15 (when there is a 23% jump in the number of accident claims above the daily average) than on any other day of the year. Allstate says it reached this conclusion after reviewing its auto insurance claims in the state over the last four years.

According to Robert Feldman, a Los Angeles Allstate agency owner, holiday shopping, weather, travel, and other distractions may be causing this rise in California car crashes. Allstate says the other worst days of the year for California car accidents are February 14, October 13, December 18, and September 5.

There are ways to decrease the chances of an Orange County, California car accident while driving regardless of the day of the year, including:

• Don't text message
• Don't talk on a handheld cellular phone
• Stop playing with the radio dial or fidgeting with the iPod
• Don't drive drunk
• Don't speed
• Adjust your driving to the traffic and weather conditions
• Don't drugged drive
• Obey the traffic laws
• Don't drowsy drive
• Don't distracted drive

To show you that a decrease in traffic fatalities is possible even when the odds are against it, the California Highway Patrol reported 11 traffic crash deaths during the first 60 hours of the Thanksgiving holiday period--that's 8 less deaths than during the same period for 2009. Thanksgiving is the holiday that is considered the most dangerous for US motorists.

Unfortunately, negligent motorists are not the only parties that can cause an Anaheim car crash. Trucking companies, auto manufacturers, and the state or local entity in charge with maintaining a street and its traffic devices have all been known to cause catastrophic injury accidents because of negligence or carelessness.

December 15 is Most Dangerous Day for California Drivers, PR Newswire, December 6, 2010

Thanksgiving traffic deaths down this year, The OC Register, November 27, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Allstate

California Highway Patrol

Continue reading "Allstate Says 12/15 is Day California Car Accidents are Most Likely to Occur " »

Two new studies show that as more young motorcyclists get on their bikes without wearing helmets, the more likely they are to sustain long-term disabilities and serious head injuries, and that this, in turn, results in significant medical bills. The findings can be found in Pediatrics. While one study examines young riders and their head injuries and related medical expenses, the other looks at the effect that having a mandatory helmet law can have on riders.

Currently, only 20 US states, including California, and Washington DC have mandatory universal helmet laws. Other states have age-specific helmet use laws. Recently, however, the National Transportation Safety Board, called on all US states to adopt a mandatory universal helmet law regardless of age. According to study author Harold Weiss, several studies in the past have shown that when there are "youth-only laws" regarding helmet use rather than universal helmet laws, there is a significant drop in helmet use among young motorcyclists.

Weiss notes about 25% of all motorcycle-related traumatic brain injuries involving young riders under the age of 21 led to long-term disabilities. Also, patients with serious head injuries had an at least 10 times greater chance of dying in hospitals than those who hadn't sustained this type of injury. Per hospital discharge data from 38 states during the 2005 to 2007 period, in the 12- to 20-year-old age groups in 2006 motorcycle accidents were the cause of 3% of their injuries that warranted hospitalization.

More findings from the studies:
• 1/3rd of the 5,662 motorcycle accident victims under age 21 that ended up in the hospital in 2006 sustained TBIs. 91 of them died.

• About 50% of those who were hurt or killed belonged to the 18 to 20-year-old age groups. 90% of them were males.

• Head injuries resulted in lengthier hospital stays, costlier medical bills, and other motorcycle crash-related injuries.

California Motorcycle Accidents
Our Anaheim motorcycle crash lawyers are familiar with the devastating injuries that can affect anyone who has been hurt in an Orange County, California motorcycle accident . Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, and burn injuries can irrevocably alter a person's future and lead to costly medical expenses. This is not the type of injury case that you want to pursue without legal help.

It was just today that coroner officials were able to identity the man killed in an Ortega Highway motorcycle crash on Sunday morning as Kenneth Brant. The 61-year-old Anaheim man was injured when his motorcycle collided with a BMW going in the opposite direction at the mile marker 125 located about 20 miles west of Lake Elsinore. The BMW driver sustained serious injuries during the collision. Per an initial investigation, the car driver appears to have crossed onto the opposite side of the road for an unknown reason. Manslaughter charges may be filed.

CHP investigating manslaughter charges in fatal crash, OC Register, November 29, 2010

Young Motorcycle Riders Suffering More Brain Injuries, Bloomberg Businessweek, November 19, 2010

NTSB calls for helmet laws nationally, Examiner.com, November 16, 2010

Related Web Resources:
National Transportation Safety Board

Current US motorcycle and bicycle helmet laws, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Pediatrics

Continue reading "More Young Motorcycle Riders Suffering Traumatic Brain Injuries Because of Inadequate Helmet Laws " »

Nearly five years after 23-year-old Ryan Dallas Cook was killed in a Santa Ana car crash, his family and Hyundai have agreed on the terms of their Orange County, California wrongful death agreement. Cook died on October 19, 2005, after a vehicle driven by then-Hyundai executive Youn Bum Lee struck the motorcycle he was riding on the Costa Mesa Freeway (I-55). Cook, who was thrown off his motorcycle and onto the pavement, was then run over by other cars. Lee, who was drunk and driving without his lights on, then fled the crash site.

In their Santa Ana wrongful death complaint, Cook's relatives sued the automaker and Lee for Cook's California wrongful death. Not only did they accuse Hyundai of encouraging employees to drink excessively while at company functions, but also, they contend that Hyundai executives tried to help Lee avoid police.

After leaving the Santa Ana, California car accident site, Lee parked his car in the Hyundai parking lot outside its Fountain Valley offices. He then left the country for South Korea. He was eventually extradited back to the United States where he later pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and leaving a crash site. Last year, Lee was sentenced to nine years in prison.

The terms of the Santa Ana wrongful death settlement are confidential.

Orange County, California Wrongful Death
There may be more than one party who should be held liable for your loved one's death. Granted, filing a Santa Ana wrongful death complaint won't bring your family member back, but it can cover costs, losses, and damages incurred. Your civil case would be unrelated from any criminal case. This means that even if the negligent party isn't convicted of a crime for causing your loved one's passing, you still may be able to hold them accountable through the civil court system.

Hyundai settles over death of motorcyclist, OC Register, September 17, 2010

Settlement Reached in Hyundai Exec's DUI Case, NBC LA, September 17, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Orange County, California Wrongful Death Trial Awaits Former Hyundai Executive For Fatal Santa Ana Motorcycle Crash, Californiainjurylawyersblog.com, December 9, 2010

The California Driver's Handbook

The latest 2009 statistics show that the number California motor vehicle accident deaths went down last year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in its 2009 Traffic Safety Facts Research Note, says there were 3,081 California traffic crash fatalities in 2009. That's 353 less traffic fatalities than in 2008.

More California Traffic Fatality Facts:
• 950 DUI-related traffic deaths in 2009 (down from 1,025 California DUI deaths in 2008)
• 394 California motorcycle crash deaths in 2009 (down from the 560 motorcyclist deaths in 2008)

California DUI grants, a poor economy, and better motorcycle training are some of the reasons attributed to why the number of California traffic fatalities has gone down for the fourth year in a row.

Nationally, there was also a significant decline in traffic fatalities. The NHTSA says that there were 33,808 motor vehicle traffic crash fatalities in 2009--a 9.7% decline from the 37,423 traffic deaths in 2008. This the lowest number of traffic deaths since 1950 when 33,186 people reportedly died.

Other 2009 US Traffic Crash Facts:
• 2,217,000 Total traffic injuries
• 503 large truck collision deaths
• 17,000 truck crash injuries
• 4,462 motorcycle crash deaths
• 90,000 motorcyclist injuries
• 4,092 pedestrian deaths
• 59,000 pedestrian injuries
• 630 pedalcyclist deaths
• 51,000 pedalcyclist injuries

Obviously, any traffic death or injury that occurs is one too many. Many motor vehicle crashes could have been prevented if only the other party involved hadn't been negligent. Drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, traffic violations, road defects, poor travel conditions, and auto defects continue to be among the common crashes of California traffic accidents.

In Orange County, San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County, and Riverside County, our Anaheim car accident attorneys represent clients and their families that have suffered injuries and deaths because of a negligent driver, auto manufacturer, or another liable party.

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces Lowest Traffic Fatalities in Six Decades, NHTSA, September 13, 2010

Highlights of 2009 Motor Vehicle Crashes, NHTSA (PDF)

Related Web Resource:
Stats show drop in California traffic fatalities, Visalia Times-Delta, September 11, 2010

California Office of Traffic Safety

A multi-vehicle collision in the express toll lanes of the 91 Freeway has claimed the life of a 47-year-old Sun City man. Enrique Aniceto was standing by his disabled car at around 5:15 am on Saturday when he was hit by another vehicle. Another vehicle was also reportedly involved in the Anaheim car accident.

Aniceto, who police say appears to have died instantly, wasn't the only one to lose his life from injuries he sustained on a Southern California freeway this weekend. An Irvine motorcyclist died from injuries he suffered early Sunday on the southbound 55 connector to the southbound I-5 when his bike veered of the road. The biker was thrown off his motorcycle, and he was then struck by a number of vehicles.

Also on Sunday, Compton resident Brandon Davis Brown was pronounced dead on the I-405N after his Toyota Tercel rear-ended a sport utility vehicle that witnesses say was stopped in the carpool lane close to the Culver City exit. The driver of the SUV then left the Los Angeles car accident site without rendering aid. Police are looking for the missing motorist.

Unfortunately, freeway accidents are not uncommon in Southern California, where traffic can get congested and people are often rushing to and from their destinations. Common causes of highway accidents can include:

• Speeding motorists
• Drivers who are not keeping up with the pace of traffic
• Motorists that wait too late to merge from the carpool lane to the exit lane
• Drunk drivers
• Stopping on the freeway without getting into the emergency lane
• Pedestrians attempting to run across a busy freeway
• Distracted drivers
• Motorists who text or talk on a cell phone while driving

Driver Killed In Crash On FasTrak Lanes In Anaheim, CBS22, January 19, 2010

Motorcyclist Killed In Crash On Tustin Freeway, CBS2.com, June 20, 2010

Fatal accident snarls 405 Freeway through the Westside, Los Angeles Times, June 20, 2010

Related Web Resources:
California Highway Patrol

California Department of Motor Vehicles

Continue reading "Anaheim Car Accident on FasTrak Lanes Kills Sun City Man " »

Taylor Tolleson, a former professional cyclist, is suing driver Thomas John Legan for California personal injury. Tolleson, 25, claims that his career was ruined when Legan, also 25, allegedly struck him on July 23 during a hit-and-run car crash. Tolleson was riding a motorcycle at the time and he broke his vertebra and sustained a traumatic brain injury. Also named as a defendant in the California motorcycle accident lawsuit is Legan's dad, Thomas Louis Legan, who is the owner of the Audi suspected of striking Tolleson.

Fortunately, another driver called 911 and Tolleson was flown to a hospital. Police discovered the Audi about two hours later and impounded it. While searching the car, they say they found two prescription drugs in the younger Legan's name.

Legan turned himself in to the authorities later that month and he was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run. He has not been criminally charged but the case may be reopened. Last December Legan was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of reckless driving. He also has several speeding tickets. Tolleson, In his California motor vehicle crash lawsuit, accused Legan of being a drug addict.

Tolleson was expected to fully recover form his injuries. However, he continues suffer from mood swings and memory loss, has a hard time concentrating, and experiences pain in his L1 vertebra if he is hunched over a bike for too long. Tolleson says that pro cycling was both his passion and livelihood before it was taken away from him during the California motorcycle crash.

Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents claim too many lives and cause injuries to tens of thousands of people each year. In the event that a rider is thrown from a bike, pinned under a vehicle, or propelled into a wall or another nonmoving object, he or she is at risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other catastrophic injuries.

It is so important that the drivers involved in collisions involving motorcyclists contact 911 immediately. The sooner the victim receives medical help the greater the chances of recovery.

Former pro cyclist sues over hit-and-run that ended his career, Mercury News, May 14, 2010

Pro Cyclist Taylor Tolleson Injured in Hit-and-Run, TPGOnlineDaily, August 1, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Race Results for Taylor Tolleson, USA Cycling

Motorcyclist Facts, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety

NHTSA

According to preliminary figures provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety, the number of traffic fatalities in California, went down last year compared to 2008. While there were 3,401 California traffic deaths in 2008, there were just under 3,100 California traffic fatalities last year. In Orange County, California, 155 people were killed in 2009, while 162 died in 2008.

According to the California Highway Patrol, increased enforcement, a slower economy (prompting people to drive less), and safer vehicles being made are some of the reasons why traffic deaths in the state have gone down. Also, 540 CHP officers have been hired since 2006.

Having gone down 29% over three years, the California traffic death rate, says the CHP, is at its lowest ever. That's approximately 700 less fatalities and 19,000 less injures in areas that the CHP patrols.

Our Anaheim car accident law firm applauds all successful efforts made to decrease the number of injuries and deaths on state and local roads. In the work that we do, every day we are faced with the catastrophic consequences that can impact someone who was injured in an Orange County, California motor vehicle crash. The more that can be done to make sure that people stop getting hurt in traffic collisions, the better.

In the meantime, the traffic collision injury and death count for 2010 continues to go up. Just today, someone died in an Orange County, California car accident after a Honda Civic drove off the side of the southbound 57 freeway.

Last month, a woman died after she was injured in a Santa Ana pedestrian accident. The victim, Maria Rivera-Garcia was hit by a pickup truck while she was in a crosswalk. Police say that the driver ran a red light. In another Orange County traffic crash, a pregnant woman had to be taken to the hospital after she was involved in 3-vehicle collision on the north bound 55 freeway. All three autos were in the slow lane when the Costa Mesa car crash happened.

Fewer people dying in traffic accidents, OC Register, May 5, 2010

California traffic deaths head toward all-time low, SFGate.com, April 15, 2010

Woman hit by pickup truck dies, OC Register, April 25, 2010

Pregnant woman hospitalized after crash, April 29, 2010

Related Web Resources:
California Office of Traffic Safety

California Highway Patrol

Continue reading "State Reports Approximately 155 Orange County, California Traffic Deaths in 2009" »

A Los Angeles Triathlon volunteer who became a paraplegic after he sustained a spinal cord injury while helping officiate the bicycle segment of the 2007 race in has settled his California personal injury lawsuit with the city of LA for $7 million. Steve Albala was in the hospital for over two years following the 2007 Los Angeles motorcycle accident.

Albala was flung some 20 feet from his motorcycle when he was struck by a vehicle that had entered an intersection, per a traffic officer's guidance.The then-60 year old fractured his vertebrae and had to undergo numerous surgeries. Police blamed the traffic collision on Albala, who they say was speeding.

The city also settled a Los Angeles injury case with the race official who was riding with Albala for $250,000. The motorist that struck Albala has settled his Los Angeles car accident case with the city for $500,000.

Spinal Cord Injuries
Motorcyclists are at risk of sustaining serious injuries during a collision. A SCI can lead to permanent disability and paralysis, and the injured biker may become a quadriplegic or a paraplegic. A person with an SCI may also experience bowel problems, sexual dysfunction, bladder control issues, respiratory issues, pneumonia, osteoporosis, heterotopic ossification, spasticity, decubitus ulcers, autonomic dysreflexia, deep vein thrombosis, cardiovascular disease, syringomyelia, and neuropathic pain.

Losing the ability to use the lower and/or upper half of your body can be traumatic, and the SCI patient will likely require costly, ongoing care and specialized equipment for life. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, just 15 days in a hospital can cost an SCI patient about $140,000. A lifetime of medical care for a serious SCI costs approximately over $1,000,000.

While many people wrongly believe that all motorcycle riders tend to be careless or reckless, this is often not the case.

L.A. settles accident lawsuit for $7 million, Los Angeles Times, March 9, 2010

Possible complications, SpinalInjury.net

Related Web Resources:
Motorcycle Accident Overview, Justia

City of Los Angeles

National Spinal Cord Injury Association

Findings from a new study by the Highway Loss Data Institute are raising questions over whether distracted driving laws that ban texting and the use of handheld cellular devices while driving is having any effect. The answer may be no.

The HLDI examined insurance claims from car crashes in California, Washington DC, New York, and Connecticut after such bans became laws. Not only did claims rates not go down but also there was no noticeable change in patterns when findings from these states were compared to nearby states where bans have not been instituted.

HLDI says it is gathering more information to find out why there has been no improvement in car crash rates in the wake of the cell phone and/or texting while driving bans. It said that one reason may be that more drivers are using handsfree phones now that handheld devices are off limits.

Contrary to earlier misconceptions, talking on a handsfree cell phone while driving is actually quite dangerous and can also lead to distracted driving car accidents. On January 12, the National Safety Council announced that at least 1.6 million US car crashes each year involved drivers texting or talking on their cell phones.

Our Anaheim car accident lawyers are concerned about the number of Orange County, California car crashes that continue to happen because drivers are texting or talking an a cell phone. Fortunately for the injury victim and his/her family, there are ways to obtain recovery from liable parties.

Meantime, the federal government continues to take steps in its bid to win the fight against distracted driving with a national ban that now makes it illegal for commercial bus and truck drivers to text while driving. Recent findings show that texting increases a commercial truckers' crash risk by up to 23 times.

Study: Distracted driving laws don't stop crashes, Washington Post, January 29, 2010

U.S. Bans Texting by Truck and Bus Drivers, BusinessWeek, January 26, 2010

National Safety Council Estimates that At Least 1.6 Million Crashes are Caused Each Year by Drivers Using Cell Phones and Texting, National Safety Council, January 12, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Cell Phone Laws, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Distraction.gov, US Department of Transportation

Continue reading "Number of California Car Crashes Not Going Down Despite Handheld Cell Phone and Texting while Driving Bans, Says HLDI" »

A 24-year-old Orange, California motorcyclist is dead after he was involved in a Garden Grove motorcycle accident with two autos on Tuesday. David Tanner was riding on Orangewood Avenue when he was involved in a collision with a BMW sedan that made a left turn in front of him onto Mac Nab Street.

Tanner and his bike went down and that was when he was struck by a Ford Mustang. He died at the Orange County, California motorcycle crash site. Police are investigating the cause of the fatal collision.

Motorcycle riders are always at a disadvantage when involved in a California motor vehicle crash. They only have their helmet and protective clothing to cushion them from impact. In many instances, this is not enough to prevent catastrophic injuries or death. While motorcycle crashes can occur because of rider error, many motorcycle injuries and deaths happen because the other driver was careless or reckless or did not see the motorcyclist.

Nolo.com lists the most common cause of motorcycle accidents:

• Head-on crashes
• Autos making left-hand turns
• Lane splitting
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Collisions involving fixed objects
• Road hazards, including road defects and potholes
• Motorcycle defects
• Red light running
• Rear end crashes

Our Garden Grove motorcycle crash attorneys know how upsetting it can be to have the course of your future irrevocably altered because another party was negligent. The consequences of becoming the victim of an Orange County, California motorcycle accident can wreak havoc on many aspects of one's life, which is one of the many reasons that it is so important that you obtain compensation for the harm you have suffered.

Motorcycle rider hit twice, killed, OC Register, December 30, 2009

Motorcycle Accidents: Common Causes, NOLO

Related Web Resources:
Motorcycle Helmet Use and Head and Facial Injuries, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (PDF)

Summary of the Hurt Report

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