Traffic Accident News

The Los Angeles Lakers won their 16th NBA Championship after overcoming a 13 point deficit. The Lakers shot a meager 32% from the field but managed to beat the Boston Celtics in the seventh game of a seven game series. The Lakers, who were down three games to two after five games won the final two games at home in order to win the historic series.

The gut wrenching final game was not decided until the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Going into the final game, many questioned whether the Lakers would be tough enough to keep up with the rough and physical style of the Boston Celtics. However, the Lakers showed that they possess the mental and physical toughness required to be champions.

Continue reading " Los Angeles Laker's 2010 Victory Against Boston Celtics " »

A police officer was injured in a Torrance car accident after his cruiser collided with a vehicle he was trying to pull over. The driver of the other car sped away. According to a news report in the Daily Breeze, the injury collision occurred the afternoon of June 28, 2010 in the northbound lanes of Hawthorne Boulevard near 242nd Street. The officer was attempting to stop the vehicle, hit it and then crashed into a parked car. The officer had to be extricated from the wreckage and transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries, which were not life-threatening. The other driver was apprehended shortly afterward in neighboring Lomita and arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run.

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A woman sustained injuries in a DUI collision in the Penngrove area of Petaluma the evening of June 27, 2010. According to a news report in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, the collision occurred at the intersection of Petaluma Hill Road and Valley House Drive between a Toyota 4Runner SUV and a Toyota Camry. The female driver of the Camry was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. She is expected to survive. The male driver of the 4Runner was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Three passengers in the 4Runner were uninjured.

Continue reading " San Francisco Area DUI Collision Causes Injuries " »

The Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at BISNAR | CHASE have always supported the brave men and woman from the CHP that serve our community. It came as a shock to us when the CHP fatality statistics for 2010 were released. 2010 has marked the deadliest year in over a decade for California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officers. In less than two months five CHP officers have been fatally injured in the line of duty, according to a report in the Mercury News. The deaths from the last two months alone make 2010 the deadliest year since 1996, according to the CHP's website.

Jon Hamm, chief executive for the California Association of Highway Patrolmen said that over the agency's 80-year history 220 officers have been killed in the line of duty. Of these more than half were killed in roadside collisions.

Continue reading " Deadliest Year in Over a Decade for CHP Officers " »

A 58-year-old La Palma man was killed in a Long Beach car accident after his bicycle was struck by a pickup truck. According to a City News Service report, the fatal bicycle collision occurred at the intersection of Carson Street and Woodruff Avenue the night of June 26, 2010. Long Beach police officials say a 70-year-old man driving a 2010 Ford F-150 west on Carson Street crashed into the bicyclist who was also westbound. The bicyclist was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Anyone with information is asked to contact Long Beach police at 562-570-7355.

Continue reading " Long Beach Bicycle Accident Kills Man " »

A woman who sustained fatal injuries in a car accident has been identified by officials as 41-year-old Alice Faye Cross. The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reports that the fatal crash occurred the morning of June 18, 2010 in the Cajon Pass. Cross was traveling south on the 15 Freeway near Oak Hills Road, when she lost control of her vehicle and veered off the roadway, toward the median. Her vehicle then went into traffic lanes on the west side of the road and was hit by several cars. Cross died at the scene.

My heart goes to everyone who knew and loved Alice Faye Cross for their devastating loss. They will be in my prayers.

Continue reading " Woman Killed in San Bernardino Car Accident " »

A woman sustained fatal injuries in a San Francisco car accident the morning of June 23, 2010 near St. Helena, ABC News reports. The victim was driving a Lexus, which was involved in a broadside crash with a Ford pickup truck on the Silverado trail. She was the only occupant of the car. California Highway Patrol officials say the woman was airlifted to an area hospital where she died. Three people in the pickup were also injured and transported to a Napa hospital. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the deceased victim's family and friends. I offer them my deepest condolences. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading " Broadside Car Crash in San Francisco Bay Area Leaves One Dead " »

Jeremy Williams, 24, was killed in a car accident in Los Angeles the morning of June 20, 2010. CBS News reports that the collision involved multiple victims. Williams was ejected to the southbound side of the freeway and was struck by another vehicle. Three people were also injured in the crash. California Highway Patrol officials arrested two on suspicion of drunk driving. Officials are still looking into what caused this deadly car accident.

Continue reading " Vernon Car Accident Proves Fatal for Man " »

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21228, bicyclists and scooter enthusiasts are legally required to ride inside bike lanes when lanes are available. There have been many debates over the importance of bike lanes, and whether they promote or inhibit safety. Here at BISNAR | CHASE we always encourage you to obey the traffic laws and ride your scooter or moped in bike lanes when they are available.

Continue reading " Motorized Scooters Should Use Bike Lanes When Available " »

Robert Garcia Umanzor, 9, was seriously injured in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while riding a scooter in his Baldwin Park neighborhood. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Robert was riding his scooter across Maine Avenue just north of Rexwood Avenue the afternoon of June 21, 2010, when a Toyota Corolla struck him. The driver of the Corolla was unlicensed. Officials cited and released her. Robert was transported to an area hospital with head and leg injuries. Officials are investigating the cause of the accident.

Continue reading " 9-year-old Boy Injured in Los Angeles Car Accident " »

At least two people were seriously injured in a Torrance car accident after a car went through a bakery storefront. According to a news report in the Daily Breeze, the injury collision occurred the afternoon of June 18, 2010 at J.J. Bakery in the 2300 block of Crenshaw Boulevard. A woman who was parking her Mercedes-Benz in front of the bakery, told officials she hit the gas instead of the brake and went through the front door. A man standing near the cash register was pinned against the bakery's cooler while the cashier was pinned between the counter and a back wall. Both victims suffered broken bones and were taken to local hospitals for treatment.

Continue reading " Torrance Car Accident Injures Two " »

Even though the State of California allows electric cars and other low-speed vehicles to operate on public roads, local authorities can still restrict or prohibit their use under certain circumstances. Visit Motor Vehicle Code 21266 to read more on the specific law.

Continue reading " Do You Know the Local Laws for Electric Cars? " »

California Motor Vehicle Code 21281.5 allows personal mobility devices to be used on public sidewalks, on park trails and in bike lanes. Each year there are far too many fatal accidents involving powered wheelchairs and cars. Nearly all of these accidents are avoidable by using a little common understanding and taking extra safety precautions.

Continue reading " Playing it Safe When Operating an Electric Wheelchair or Mobility Device " »

Six people were injured in a Fresno car accident after a driver lost control of her pickup truck. According to a news report in the Fresno Bee, the injury accident occurred the afternoon of June 9, 2010. The driver of the pickup was traveling west on San Jose Avenue near First Street, when she struck a Honda with three occupants.

Continue reading " Fresno Car Accident Injures Six " »

Enrique Aniceto, 47, was killed in an Anaheim car accident after he was struck by another vehicle in the westbound lanes of the 91 Freeway. The Orange County Register reports that Aniceto was standing at the side of his disabled 2010 Honda when he was struck by another vehicle. He died at the scene. It appears that there was an initial collision involving two cars early morning on June 19, 2010, followed by the second fatal crash that was reported in the Fastrak lane of the freeway, near Imperial Highway. An investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading " Anaheim Car Accident Causes Fatal Injuries " »

City streets are extremely busy places. Drivers tend to be in a rush and often forget to look for oncoming cyclists, scooter riders and pedestrians before turning or crossing intersections. By understanding Motor Vehicle Code 21221 and watching for potential dangers, you can decrease the possibility of being involved in an accident with a car or other motor vehicle.

Continue reading " Staying Safe While Riding a Motorized Scooter in California " »

Authorities in Antioch are looking for a hit-and-run driver who they say caused a deadly accident that claimed the lives of two people on a motorcycle. Bay City News reports that the deadly accident occurred on eastbound Highway 4 when the driver of a Ford F-250 truck made an unsafe lane change and caused a Honda driver to lose control and hit the motorcycle. The motorcyclist and the passenger died from their injuries while the driver of the Honda was hospitalized with major injuries. The pickup truck's driver left the scene of the accident.

Continue reading " Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident Proves Fatal " »

A fatal car accident in Riverside killed 69-year-old Roland G. Seneff and injured several others the afternoon of June 10, 2010, the North County Times reports. The car crash happened near Newport Road close to the 215 Freeway when a Hyundai sedan and Mazda van collided. Riverside County Sheriff's officials say the driver of the Hyundai was traveling north on the Interstate 215 and exited Newport Road, but failed to stop at an intersection, hit a center divider and struck the Mazda van. Seneff was a passenger in the van. Four others from both vehicles were also transported to a local hospital with injuries.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Roland Seneff for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading " Car Accident in Riverside Proves Fatal " »

According to Motor Vehicle Code 21224, small motorized scooters and mopeds do not have to be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Larger scooters, such as Hondas and Vespas, do have to registered and licensed with the state. With mopeds and scooters being so similar, and in such great use, there is much confusion over which has to be registered and which does not. So how do you know which type of scooter you own?

Continue reading " Motorized Scooters: Which Ones Must Be Registered with the DMV? " »

Five people, including two children, were injured in a Laguna Niguel car accident when another vehicle turned left in front of a Mazda 626 at a local intersection. The Orange County Register reports that the injury collision occurred the afternoon of June 17, 2010 at the intersection of Street of the Golden Lantern and Marina Hills Drive. Officials say the driver of an Infiniti was headed north on Golden Lantern and turned left in front of the Mazda at Marina Hills. Four of those injured were transported to a nearby hospital. One victim was taken to an area trauma center. An investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading " Orange County Car Accident Injures Five " »

Low speed vehicles are electric powered and similar to large golf carts. According to Motor Vehicle Code 21251, drivers of these vehicles have the same rights and responsibilities on California streets as cars and other larger motorized vehicles. These electric cars are designated as "low-speed vehicles" because they are designed to travel at less than 25 miles per hour.

Continue reading " Operating Low Speed Vehicles on California Streets " »

Bruce Grund, 58, Christina Grund and Amy Bowser sustained injuries in a DUI collision after a suspected drunk driver ran a red light and collided with their car the morning of June 13, 2010, officials said. According to a news report in the Hi Desert Star, 41-year-old Sheila Paderes drove a 2005 Dodge Neon right through the intersection of Park Boulevard and Twentynine Palms Highway, and directly into the path of a 2003 Chevy Silverado driven by Bruce Grund. He, Christina Grund and Bowser were all transported to a local hospital with injuries. Paderes was arrested on suspicion of DUI, driving without auto insurance and driving with a suspended license. Paderes apparently pleaded guilty to two charges of DUI in 2008.

Continue reading " DUI Collision in Joshua Tree Causes Injuries " »

Enrique Jose Salas, 45, was killed in a Ontario car accident after he was struck by a vehicle that was making a left turn at an intersection. According to a news report in the San Bernardino Sun, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred at the intersection of Turner Avenue and Silver Saddle Street the morning of June 13, 2010. Salas was riding a Honda motorcycle south on Turner when he was struck by a Ford Ranger pickup truck, which was attempting to turn left from Silver Saddle to northbound Turner. Salas was transported to a local hospital where he died. An investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading " Ontario Car Accident Kills Motorcyclist " »

California Highway Patrol officials have determined that a motorcycle accident in San Dimas on June 6, 2010 that killed 36-year-old Michael Smith and seriously injured a 11-year-old boy, was not a solo crash, but a hit-and-run collision. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, CHP officials arrested Ryan Ferreira, 39, on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run. Officials say Ferreira made an unsafe lane change near a motorcycle on a transition road between the southbound 57 Freeway and eastbound 10 Freeway.

Continue reading " Hit-and-Run Driver Arrested in Fatal Motorcycle Accident " »

A man was injured in an Anaheim car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while walking in a crosswalk. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the pedestrian accident occurred the morning of June 11, 2010 at the intersection of La Palma Avenue and State College Boulevard. Anaheim police officials say the driver of a Lexus IS 350 was driving west on La Palma Avenue when he made a right turn onto State College Boulevard and collided with the man who was walking in the crosswalk. The man was responsive, but seems to have suffered back injuries, according to the news report. An investigation is ongoing.

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A woman who was seriously injured in a DUI collision in Lake County has been identified as 63-year-old Patricia McFarland. The Record-Bee reports that the car accident occurred on June 5, 2010 at the intersection of Soda Bay and Mission Rancheria roads, when 40-year-old Thomas Mello, who was driving a 1990 Ford Explorer, failed to yield right-of-way and made a left turn in front of a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by McFarland. Mello then left the scene. He was later apprehended and charged with driving under the influence, felony hit-and-run and being under the influence of a controlled substance. McFarland sustained major injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I hope McFarland has not suffered any life-threatening injuries in this crash. I pray that she recover quickly and completely.

Continue reading " Lake County DUI Collision Causes Major Injuries " »

A fatal truck accident on a Napa roadway the morning of June 3, 2010 that killed four people may have been caused by an inattentive trucker who was operating at an unsafe speed, California Highway Patrol officials say. The Napa Valley Register reports that the crash killed four people from the same family -- Matthew Jay Smith, 48, Laura Katharine Smith, 19, Richard Smith, 80, and Sally Smith, 74.

Continue reading " Speed was a Factor in Fatal Truck Accident, Officials Say " »

Liane Gertrud Hocking, 69, was killed in a car accident the evening of June 7, 2010 after her car collided with another vehicle at a street intersection. According to a news report in the Merced Sun-Star, the fatal car accident occurred at the intersection of Bert Crane and Atwater Jordan roads. Hocking was driving a 2000 Mitsubishi Galant north on Bert Crane Road when she stopped at the intersection.

Continue reading " Woman Killed in Car Crash in Merced " »

Phillip Ortiz, 52, a California Highway Patrol officer was critically injured in a Los Angeles car accident after a driver, illegally passing traffic on the right shoulder, triggered a major crash the morning of June 9, 2010. According to KTLA News, the injury crash occurred in the northbound lanes of the 405 Freeway in Culver City. Ortiz had stopped a Honda SUV and was struck by an Infiniti sedan that attempted to pass them on the right shoulder. CHP officials said Ortiz was thrown by the impact and hit the back of the SUV. Ortiz was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Four others were also taken to area hospitals. One of them sustained serious injuries.

Continue reading " CHP Officer Seriously Injured in Los Angeles Car Accident " »

California Motor Vehicle Code 21100.3 states that all persons who are reasonably directing traffic should be respected, regardless of what the law states. If there is a person directing traffic around an accident scene or dangerous construction site, then it is much safer to follow their direction than to ignore it. Obviously, common sense should be used to determine what is reasonable, and all drivers are responsible for exercising due care to other drivers and pedestrians on the roads with or without an authorized traffic control person on scene.

Continue reading " Who Is Allowed To Direct Traffic On California Streets? " »

Four people were injured in a California car accident in Lake County, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to the Record-Bee, the injury crash occurred the morning of June 2, 2010 on Highway 53, near Anderson Ranch Parkway, when 46-year-old Stephen Phipps who was driving a 2002 Ford Ranger pickup truck crossed over the center turn lane and entered opposing lanes of traffic. The Ford truck moved directly in front of a 2000 Oldsmobile van driven by 43-year-old Luisa Enriquez. Both cars crashed head-on.

Continue reading " Four Injured in Lake County DUI Collision " »

Rodney Tate, 50, was seriously injured in a car accident after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle on Highway 99. According to an article in the Lodi News-Sentinel, Tate was riding a 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and was merging on to the highway from Turner Road. California Highway Patrol officials say his motorcycle and a 1991 Acura Integra driven by 31-year-old Maria Serreira, collided the afternoon of June 7, 2010. Tate was transported to a Sacramento hospital with major injuries. He was listed in serious condition. Officials say Serreira does not have a valid driver's license. An investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading " Motorcycle Accident on Highway 99 Causes Major Injuries " »

James Woolworth, 49, was injured in a motorcycle accident after he was struck by a vehicle that was making a left turn at a Napa intersection. According to a news report in the Napa Valley Register, the injury collision occurred the morning of June 3, 2010, at the intersection of Jefferson and Third streets in Napa.

Continue reading " Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Napa Car Accident " »

Authorities have identified an 85-year-old woman killed in a San Francisco car accident the morning of May 29, 2010, as Helen R. Valentine. Lake County News reports that Valentine was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed into another car at the intersection of Highway 29 and Hartmann Road.

California Highway Patrol officials said Valentine was a passenger in a 2001 Toyota Corolla driven by 85-year-old Angelo Accurso. Officials said Accurso stopped at a stop sign at the intersection, but was hit by a 1998 Ford Windstar that was going north on Highway 29 as he pulled away from the stop sign. Accurso was taken to a hospital with injuries. Vidal Montanez, the driver of the Windstar, did not sustain any injuries.

Continue reading " Woman Fatally Injured in San Francisco Car Crash " »

A DUI collision in San Diego caused serious injuries to a motorcyclist the afternoon of May 29, 2010. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the collision between a car and the motorcycle occurred at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Main Street in Chula Vista, when the driver ran a red light, struck the motorcyclist and then fled the scene of the crash.

The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet, suffered several fractures and was taken to a local medical center for treatment. His injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. The female driver was later arrested and charged with DUI causing injury, drug possession and felony hit-and-run.

Continue reading " San Diego DUI Collision Seriously Injures Motorcyclist " »

Two men were killed in a DUI collision after a car and a large hay baler truck collided at a Tulare intersection. According to a news report in the Fresno Bee, the fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Avenue 232 and Road 36 the evening of May 26, 2010. California Highway Patrol officials said Ullses Bello Gomez, 27, was driving a Honda west on Avenue 232 when he tried to make a left turn onto Road 36. He ended up crashing into a truck traveling east on Avenue 232. The truck was driven by 55-year-old Robert Alvarado Jr. Two male passengers in Gomez's car died at the scene. Gomez was transported to a regional hospital with major injuries, but was later charged with DUI.

Continue reading " DUI Collision in Tulare Kills Two " »

Wallace Dunn, 53, sustained major injuries in a car accident in the Merced area after his motorcycle was struck by a car making a left turn on Highway 140. According to a news report in the Merced Sun Star, the injury crash occurred the afternoon of May 27, 2010 west of Arboleda Drive.

Dunn was riding a motorcycle west on the highway while 24-year-old Teresa Ledesma was driving a 1999 Ford Mustang east on the highway near Merced. California Highway Patrol officials said Ledesma then turned left into a private driveway directly in front of Dunn's motorcycle. Dunn was thrown off the cycle and transported to a local hospital with major injuries.

Continue reading " Merced Motorcycle Accident Causes Major Injuries " »

A man was critically injured in a Los Angeles pedestrian accident after he was hit by a McDonald's truck on a roadway in Downey. According to an ABC News report, the major injury accident occurred the night of May 29, 2010, in the 9500 block of Firestone Boulevard, close to Gray Road. The truck driver was questioned by police, but not arrested. The injured victim was transported to a nearby hospital. Officials are still in the process of determining whether or not the pedestrian was in a crosswalk at the time of the collision. An investigation is ongoing.

Continue reading " Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Causes Critical Injuries " »

William Hage, 61, was injured in a San Francisco car accident which officials say involved a driver who made an illegal U-turn at a roundabout and was under the influence. According to a Bay City News report, the injury crash occurred at the intersection of South McDowell Boulevard and Baywood Drive in Petaluma the afternoon of May 27, 2010.

Continue reading " San Francisco Area DUI Car Accident Injures Man " »