Southern California Car Accident Lawyer Blog

A 60-year-old man who sustained fatal injuries in a San Bernardino car accident has been identified as Timothy Adams. The San Bernardino Sun reports that the fatal rollover accident occurred after Adams, who was driving a 1979 Jeep CJ6 in Landers, lost control of his vehicle and crashed the night of January 23, 2010.

The Jeep rolled over and Adams was pinned under it. A friend, who was a passenger in the car, helped free him. Adams declined medical treatment on scene and went to his friend's home in Landers. Adams was found unresponsive the next morning and was pronounced dead by emergency personnel. The cause of his death is still under investigation, but it is believed that the injuries from the rollover accident proved fatal for Adams.

Continue reading " Fatal San Bernardino Car Accident " »

A Los Angeles car accident that involved two suspected drunk drivers left three people injured, the Los Angeles Times reports. The DUI accident occurred the morning of January 23, 2010 when a car traveling east on Sherman Way was making a U-turn in the 13800 block and was hit by an eastbound pickup truck. The car then crashed into a parked SUV. The truck's driver and passenger ran away from the scene of the crash. The driver was, however, arrested shortly afterward on suspicion of felony drunk driving. The female driver of the car and her two passengers were injured. Police are investigating the female driver also, for driving under the influence.

It is indeed fortunate that no one was killed in this horrific accident, given that there were two, possibly, drunk drivers involved. I hope none of the injuries was major or catastrophic.

Continue reading " Los Angeles Car Accident Involves Drunk Driver " »

Michelle Cordova, 15, was fatally injured in a San Francisco car accident after a driver struck her as she was walking in a marked crosswalk. According to a news report in The Press Democrat, Michelle was crossing West College Avenue at Link Lane in Santa Rosa, the evening of January 27, 2010, when a vehicle driven by 22-year-old Orion Swank, struck her. Swank said he did not see Michelle and her cousin in the crosswalk. The force of the collision threw Michelle about 30 feet from the point of impact. She was taken to an area hospital where she died. Police said speed or alcohol were not factors in this fatal pedestrian accident. Michelle's cousin, who was walking ahead of her, was uninjured.

My heart goes out to the family of young Michelle Cordova for their tragic, untimely and devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved her. They will certainly be in my prayers.

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

Two people -- 17-year-old Whitney Madruga and 18-year-old Kenneth Yates -- were in critical condition after a car accident in Hanford, California, when they were rear-ended by an SUV. According to a news report in the Hanford Sentinel, the accident occurred the night of January 25, 2010. Madruga, Yates, 20-year-old Daniel Corral, 18-year-old Lauren Knight and 17-year-old Sarah Barton were all occupants of a Chevy Cavalier, which was hit from behind by a GMC Yukon SUV at 70 mph on Highway 198.

Madruga sustained a concussion and a broken neck and Yates suffered massive head injuries. Both are listed in critical condition. Corral suffered a broken skull and cuts to his face, while Barton suffered a broken arm and facial trauma. Knight was the only occupant of the Cavalier who did not suffer serious injury. She still suffered back and neck injuries. The 17-year-old driver of the SUV was uninjured and could face charges, officials said.

Continue reading " Four Injured in Rear-End Crash " »

Robin Rae Udey, 54, was killed in an Oregon car accident after a truck driver lost control of his big rig, crossed into opposing lanes of traffic and collided head-on with her SUV. According to a KTVZ news report, 63-year-old Ronald Lewis Jory was pulling two tankers on the eastbound Highway 26 in Bend, Oregon, the morning of January 25, 2010. Jory lost control of the rig as he went downhill. The rig slid into the westbound lane where it collided with Udey's 2004 Toyota 4Runner. Udey was ejected from her SUV and died at the scene. Investigators believe that she was wearing her seatbelt.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Robin Rae Udey for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. They will certainly be in my prayers.

Continue reading " Oregon Car Accident Fatality May Have Been Caused by Seatbelt Failure " »

Many California car accident victims make the mistake of believing that an insurance adjuster is on their side. This, unfortunately, is not the case. Insurance adjusters do what is best for their company. An insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, not you.

Why Do Insurance Companies Limit Payouts

Continue reading " Why Did My Insurance Company Limit My Personal Injury Payout? " »

Brian Ewalt, 33, sustained critical injuries in a Bakersfield car accident after a suspected drunk driver collided with his vehicle. According to a news report in The Bakersfield Californian, the accident occurred just past midnight on January 22, 2010. Robert Helfrich, 22 was going west on State Route 58 near Tehachapi Boulevard when he lost control of his 2002 Ford pickup truck, crossed over the center median into opposing lanes of traffic and crashed into an eastbound Mitsubishi SUV.

Brian Ewalt was the driver of the SUV. His wife, 29-year-old Kimberly Ewalt and son, Orson, 1, were passengers in the SUV. Brian Ewalt sustained major injuries in the accident and was transported to an area hospital. Helfrich suffered minor injuries and was arrested at the scene on suspicion of felony drunk driving.

Continue reading " Bakersfield Area DUI Car Accident Causes Major Injuries " »

David Reid, 50, was killed in a San Diego car accident after his Dodge Caravan was struck head-on by a Ford Mustang the afternoon of January 22, 2010. According to a 10news report, 18-year-old Andrew Bellatti, the driver of the Ford Mustang was traveling at a high rate of speed on Campo Road in Spring Valley – about 80 mph – when he veered into the wrong side of the road and caused the head-on collision. Reid died at the scene and his 17-year-old son, Garrett, sustained major injuries. Bellatti and his 16-year-old female passenger were also hospitalized with major injuries. CHP officials apparently found the wrecked Mustang's speedometer stuck at 80 mph. Drugs or alcohol was not a factor in this fatal car collision, officials say.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of David Reid for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. This family not only lost a beloved member in such an untimely manner, but they also have to deal with the major injuries suffered by his young son. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers. I also wish all the injured teens here, the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Continue reading " San Diego Head-On Collision Kills One, Injures Three " »

A man sustained injuries in an Orange County car accident after his motorcycle was struck by two vehicles on the 5 Freeway in Santa Ana. The Orange County Register reports that the injury crash occurred the morning of January 15, 2010 on the southbound 5 Freeway near the 55 connector. California Highway Patrol officials say that the accident involved the motorcycle, a Toyota Prius and a GMC van. No one else suffered injuries in this multi-vehicle crash.

I hope the motorcyclist did not sustain serious injuries in this accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. This injured victim will be in my prayers.

Continue reading " Orange County Car Accident Leaves Motorcyclist Injured " »

A woman who was killed in a car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver has been identified as 38-year-old Sylvia Ziranda. According to a news report in the Visalia Times Delta, Ziranda was the passenger of a Nissan pickup truck, which was traveling south on Road 204 near List Avenue, in Exeter. The Nissan, driven by 42-year-old Andres Rubio Soltero, was struck head-on by the driver of a 1991 Honda who lost control and went into opposing lanes of traffic. The driver of the Honda, 23-year-old Tomas Hernandez, was arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving. Ziranda was taken to an area hospital where she died. Soltero sustained minor injuries and Hernandez was taken to a hospital with critical injuries.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sylvia Ziranda for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this woman. They will be in my prayers. I also hope that Soltero recovers quickly and completely from his injuries.

Continue reading " Fatal California DUI Car Accident " »

Police investigators are recommending a charge of misdemeanor manslaughter against a driver who they say ran a red light and caused a fatal San Diego car accident, killing 69-year-old Willie Robinson. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the accident occurred October 13, 2009 when the driver of the silver Infiniti going north on Ninth Avenue ran a red light and struck a silver Acura going east on E Street. The Infiniti continued on to the sidewalk colliding with Robinson, who was in his wheelchair. Witnesses had to lift Robinson from under the wreckage. He was in the hospital and underwent several surgeries for a month before he passed away on November 29, 2009.

Continue reading " Driver in San Diego Car Accident Could Face Misdemeanor Manslaughter Charge " »

Guadalupe Regalado, 21, was killed and two others sustained major injuries in a Fresno car accident after they were struck by a big rig on the Highway 99. According to a news report in the Fresno Bee, Regalado was a passenger in a car driven by 23-year-old Christine Naranjo early morning on January 10, 2010. California Highway Patrol officials say Naranjo was in the slow lane when she lost control of her vehicle, crossed two other lanes and crashed into the center divider. Then, her car was hit by 36-year-old Carlos Munoz after which they were struck yet again, this time by a tractor-trailer driven by 53-year-old Bryan Miller.

Regalado was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other passengers in Naranjo's car -- 19-year-old Lelianna Apodaca and 18-year-old Crystal Andrade -- sustained major injuries. Another passenger, Ariceli Regalado, suffered minor injuries in the crash. Munoz, his passenger and Miller were not injured.

Continue reading " Fresno Car Accident Kills One, Seriously Injures Two " »

Ten people were injured in an Orange County car accident involving three vehicles, which officials say was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the crash occurred the evening of January 14, 2010 at Lewis Street and Metropolitan Drive in the city of Orange, when a minivan going north on Lewis collided with a blue Honda Civic that was traveling east on Metropolitan. The van then crashed into an OCTA bus with 15 passengers on board.

Continue reading " Orange County Car Accident Caused by Drunk Driver, Officials Say " »

So Yon Bothe, 60, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after the car she was a passenger in was involved in a collision on Highway 58 the night of January 17, 2010. According to a news report in the Desert Dispatch, a 2002 Lexus was traveling west on Highway 58 near Lenwood Road, when its 47-year-old driver turned the car to the left for unknown reasons.

The car crossed over into the opposing traffic lanes and was struck on its right side by a 2002 Honda Civic. Bothe, who was the right front passenger in the Lexus, was transported to a local hospital where she died. The drivers of both cars as well as a passenger from the Civic were taken to the hospital with major injuries.

Continue reading " Fatal San Bernardino Car Accident Also Causes Major Injuries " »

Two people were killed in a Los Angeles car accident after two vehicles collided on a Pomona street, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reports. Police officials say a 2005 Nissan Frontier pickup truck exited the westbound 10 Freeway the night of January 14, 2010. The pickup truck then ran a red light and struck a 2006 BMW 325i heading north on Towne Avenue. Both cars overturned and one of them was fully engulfed in flames. Both drivers died at the scene.

My heart goes out to the families of the deceased victims in this case. I offer my deepest condolences to them. These grieving families will certainly be in my prayers.

Continue reading " Fiery Los Angeles Car Accident Kills Two " »

Two people sustained injuries in an Orange County car accident, which officials say was caused by a driver going the wrong on Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. The Orange County Register reports that the accident occurred the morning of January 12, 2010, when man driving a Mitsubishi sedan caused a multi-vehicle crash near the intersection of St. Ann's Drive. He then tried to flee the scene of the crash and was shot by police. He was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Continue reading " Wrong-Way Driver Causes Orange County Car Accident " »

An Orange County car accident left a woman with injuries after her car was hit from behind by an SUV, the morning of January 12, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, a Nissan sedan was rear-ended by a Mitsubishi SUV on the eastbound 91 Freeway near Raymond Avenue, in Anaheim. The woman was taken to an area hospital for treatment of unknown injuries.

I hope and pray for the victim of this car accident. I sincerely hope her injuries were not major. She will be in my prayers.

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

Young Ko, 64, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident the morning of January 13, 2010 at a street intersection in Lakewood, The Orange County Register reports. The fatal car accident involved several cars and happened at the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue and Centralia Street. Ko was a passenger in a car, which struck a pickup truck and a light pole during the early morning hours. Young Ko was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Young Ko for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My thoughts go out to everyone who knew and loved this woman. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading " Car Accident in Los Angeles County Causes Fatal Injuries " »

Jane Lagman, 26, sustained moderate injuries in an Orange County truck accident that occurred January 13, 2010 after her Toyota Celica became lodged underneath a big rig on the 5 Freeway in Anaheim. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Lagman had to be extricated by firefighters. California Highway Patrol officials say they are not clear exactly how Lagman's vehicle became pinned under the large truck on the southbound 5 Freeway near Magnolia Avenue. Lagman was transported to an area hospital with moderate injuries.

My heart goes out to this woman who seems to have suffered serious injuries. I truly hope Lagman's injuries are not critical. I wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep this injured victim in your prayers.

Continue reading " Woman Injured in Orange County Big Rig Accident " »

At least two people were injured in an Orange County car accident caused by a speeding wrong-way driver on the Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach the morning of January 12, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, a male driver of the 2006 Mitsubishi tried to drive away from the scene of a multi-vehicle accident near the intersection of St. Ann's Drive. That's when Laguna Beach police shot him. The driver sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to an area hospital.

Continue reading " Laguna Beach Car Accident Causes Injuries " »

Eight people, including one baby, sustained injuries in a Los Angeles car accident the evening of January 10, 2010 after a collision on the 60 Freeway, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports. The accident occurred on the westbound 60 Freeway near Azusa Avenue in the City of Industry. California Highway Patrol officials say the crash involved a minivan and a sedan. The minivan caught fire on impact. Eight passengers in the minivan suffered minor to moderate burns. The infant girl was the most seriously injured victim. She suffered second- and third-degree burns. The driver of the sedan was treated and released at the scene. Thankfully, none of the injuries was life-threatening. CHP officials are looking into what caused this crash.

My heart goes out to everyone who was injured in this car accident, especially the little girl who suffered the most serious burn injuries. I hope and pray that she makes a speedy and complete recovery from her injuries. It is indeed fortunate, given the nature of this accident, that no one was catastrophically or fatally injured. Please keep these injured victims in your prayers.

Continue reading " Fiery Los Angeles Car Accident Injures Eight " »

Two people were killed in a Los Angeles car accident after their vehicles collided head-on early morning on January 9, 2010, the Los Angeles Times reports. The accident occurred on Devonshire Street near White Oak avenue in Northridge, Los Angeles police officials said. Both drivers, a man said to be in his mid-20s and a woman in her 40s, died at the scene. The female driver of a 2005 Cadillac CTS was apparently speeding in the westbound lanes of Devonshire when she lost control and crashed head-on with an eastbound Nissan Altima. Officials are looking into whether drugs or alcohol played a part in this fatal car crash.

My heart goes out to families of both these deceased victims for their sudden and untimely loss. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved these victims. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading " Fatal Los Angeles Car Accident Claims Two " »

One person was critically injured in a Los Angeles car accident after two vehicles collided at a Rowland Heights street intersection the night of December 31, 2009. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the car accident, which also injured two others, happened at the intersection of Pathfinder Road and Gallio Avenue. The most critically injured victim was transported to an area hospital. The two other injured victims were also taken to the hospital with moderate injuries. According to California Highway Patrol officials, two of the victims had to be cut from the mangled wreckage.

I sympathize with those who sustained injuries as a result of this car collision. I wish the critically injured victim the very best for a quick and full recovery. I also hope and pray that the other two injured victims make a speedy recovery. These injured victims will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading " Three Injured in Los Angeles Car Accident " »

A Cathedral City police officer and at least three other people were injured in a Riverside car accident after a police car crashed into another vehicle at the intersection of Ramon and Crossley in Palm Springs. KESQ reports that the accident occurred the evening of December 31, 2009, when a police car slammed into a Hyundai at the street intersection. An eyewitness told reporters that the officer struck the other car while attempting to catch up with another police car.

The witness said the officer actually ran the red light at the intersection and was traveling at a high rate of speed right before he struck the Hyundai. The police officer sustained a broken leg and the reserve officer who was riding with him suffered minor injuries. The people in the Hyundai escaped with cuts and bruises, officials said.

Continue reading " Injuries in Riverside Car Accident Involving Police Vehicle " »

Four people, including a San Diego Sheriff's Deputy, were injured in a San Diego car accident after the patrol car crashed into an SUV at a street intersection. According to an NBC news report, the accident occurred the night of January 6, 2010 in Lakeside, near the intersection of Mapleview and Ashwood streets. California Highway Patrol officials say the deputy was responding to an armed robbery at a liquor store. However, he did not have his lights or sirens on. It was then that a white SUV made a turn in front of the deputy's patrol car. Officials say the driver of the SUV did not realize how fast the deputy was going. Firefighters had to extricate the three injured occupants from the white SUV. The deputy was injured as well. Fortunately, there were no life-threatening injuries. California Highway Patrol officials are investigating the accident.

I sympathize with those injured in this crash including the deputy, who was in the process of doing his job. I hope no one sustained major injuries in this car accident. I wish all the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete victory. They will be in my prayers.

Continue reading " San Diego Car Accident Involving Police Car Injures Four " »

Three people have died in a Bakersfield car accident, which was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in the Bakersfield Californian, Herculano Hernandez, 23, was speeding east toward Delano on Highway 46 in a 2000 Ford the morning of January 1, 2010 when he rear-ended a Honda driven by 21-year-old Richard Jung. The Honda then crossed lanes into the path of a 2008 Chevy pickup driven by Carl Logan, 71, and the two vehicles crashed head-on. Jung and his mother, Hyun Kim, 49, who was a passenger in the Honda, both died at the scene. Logan and his wife Vivian Logan, 69, were taken to a hospital in critical condition. Carl Logan died later. Vivian Logan remains in serious condition with major injuries. Hernandez has been arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter. He was uninjured.

I offer my deepest condolences to the families here that have lost their loved ones apparently due to the negligence and recklessness of one person. My heart goes out to the families and friends of Carl Logan, Hyun Kim and Richard Jung for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep these victims and their grieving families in your prayers.

Continue reading " DUI Car Accident in Bakersfield Leaves Three Dead " »

Police are still looking for a hit-and-run driver who they say caused a Los Angeles car accident that killed one and seriously injured two others. According to a report in the Whittier Daily News, the fatal car accident occurred early morning January 3, 2010 on the 10 Freeway, in El Monte. California Highway Patrol officials said a 2005 BMW was speeding when it rear-ended a 1998 International truck. The impact of the crash caused the truck to roll over. The front passenger in the BMW who was identified as 20-year-old Paul Michael Stout, suffered fatal injuries. The truck's driver and another passenger in the BMW were also injured. The hit-and-run driver is still at large.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased victim, Paul Stout, for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I also hope the injured victims were not badly hurt and recover quickly. Please keep these victims and their families in your prayers.

Continue reading " Officials Looking for Driver Who Caused Fatal Los Angeles Car Accident " »

A Buena Park police officer was seriously injured in an Orange County car accident after his motorcycle collided with another vehicle at a city intersection on January 2, 2010. The Orange County Register reports that the 30-year-old victim, who has nine years experience as a police officer, was southbound on Knott Avenue and near San Bruno Drive, when his motorcycle struck a Nissan Sentra. His department-issued motorcycle caught fire and was completely destroyed. The officer is said to be in the intensive care unit, but his injuries do not appear to be life-threatening. No one else was injured in this accident. California Highway Patrol officials are investigating the cause of the crash.

My heart goes out to this officer, who was apparently on-the-job when this accident occurred. I'm pleased to hear that his injuries were not critical and that he is recovering. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. This police officer and his family will certainly be in my prayers.

Continue reading " Police Officer Hurt in Orange County Motorcycle Accident " »

Elaina Luquis-Ortiz, 21, was killed in a San Diego car accident early morning January 1, 2010, after a suspected drunk driver crashed into her vehicle while she waited with her two friends for help, on the 805 Freeway, according to a 10news report. The fatal accident occurred shortly after Luquis-Ortiz had pulled over her Mazda RX7 to the right shoulder of the freeway, near the Home Avenue exit, and behind her friends' Mitsubishi Spider that had a flat tire. All three sat inside the Mazda as they waited for the tow truck, California Highway Patrol officials said.

That's when a 2006 Chevy Tahoe driven by 40-year-old Joseph Venegas, crashed into the Mazda. Luquis-Ortiz, who was six months pregnant at the time, died at the scene. Her two friends were transported to a local hospital with major injuries, but are listed in fair condition. Venegas was arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving.

Continue reading " San Diego DUI Car Accident Kills Pregnant Woman " »

An 18-year-old man was killed in a Riverside car accident the morning of December 27, 2009 has been identified by local authorities as Geovanni Maciel. The Press Enterprise reports that this fatal rollover car accident occurred after Maciel lost control of his Honda Accord west on Lincoln Street in Lake Elsinore. Maciel was ejected from the car and crushed under it. Officials said the vehicle rolled over several times. Maciel was taken to a local hospital where he died shortly after the car accident.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of young Geovanni Maciel for their tragic, heartbreaking and untimely loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. This victim's family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading " Teen Killed in Riverside Rollover Accident " »

A man who was killed in a San Bernardino car accident the evening of December 26, 2009 has been identified as James Harris, 60, of Pinon Hills. The San Bernardino Sun reports that Harris was involved in a head-on collision with another car, as he was heading east on Highway 18 near Colorado Road, in his 2008 Pontiac G6. San Bernardino Sheriff's officials say a driver who was going west struck Harris' car while attempting to pass another vehicle. Harris was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. The incident is being investigated by California Highway Patrol officials.

My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved James Harris. I offer my deepest sympathies to his family members and friends for whom this must have been a devastating loss. This family will be in my prayers.

Continue reading " San Bernardino Car Accident Kills Man " »