Traffic Accident News

Gregg Wiles, 51, was killed in an Orange County car accident, which officials say, may have involved a red light runner. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car accident occurred the afternoon of January 30, 2011 at the intersection of Portola Parkway and Pauling in Lake Forest. The car accident involved a Chrysler and a Nissan Altima. Wiles, who was driving the Chrysler sedan, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The other driver, a 56-year-old woman, sustained minor injuries. Police say alcohol or drugs were not factors, but that one of the drivers went through a red light.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Gregg Wiles for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 169 injuries involving Lake Forest car accidents. In Orange County as a whole, 152 people died and 13,414 were injured in car accidents during the same year.

Continue reading " Possible Red Light Violation Leads to Fatal Orange County Car Accident " »

Sally Rae Paskin, 69, was killed in a Long Beach car accident after she was struck by a car while crossing the street. According to a City News Service report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Willow Street between Long Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach the evening of January 22, 2011. Police say Paskin was hit by a vehicle as she was crossing the roadway. She was transported to a local hospital where she died. No charges have been filed pending an official investigation.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Sally Rae Paskin for their tragic and devastating loss. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), six people were killed and 234 were injured in Long Beach pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 214 fatalities and 4,985 injuries reported as a result of Los Angeles County pedestrian accidents.

Continue reading " Long Beach Car Accident Kills Pedestrian " »

Two people were injured in a San Bernardino car accident after the vehicle in which they were traveling was hit by an SUV at a street intersection. According to a news report in the Victorville Daily Press, the injury car accident occurred on Highway 395 at Phelan Road the morning of January 24, 2011. Police say a silver Toyota was traveling north on the highway when a Ford SUV made a left turn into the Toyota's path. The two vehicles collided. Two people from the Toyota were transported to a local hospital. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the injured victims of this car accident. I hope their injuries were not catastrophic. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 107 fatalities and 1,925 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Also, countywide, 263 people died and 8,504 were injured as a result of car accidents during that same time.

Continue reading " Two Injured in San Bernardino Car Accident " »

Three people were hospitalized with injuries following a Long Beach car accident involving two vehicles. According to a news report in The Press-Telegram, the injury car accident occurred on Spring Street near the 605 Freeway in Long Beach the afternoon of January 26, 2011.

A 27-year-old female driver and a 9-year-old boy sustained minor to moderate injuries when their 1992 Toyota Cressida was cut in half after the accident. The male driver of the other car, a 1998 Corvette, sustained moderate to serious injuries. Officials say preliminary investigations show that the driver of the Corvette was traveling at about 100 mph when he went through a red light on Spring at the northbound entrance to the 605 Freeway. The Corvette struck the Toyota, which was entering the freeway on-ramp. Witnesses apparently told officials that the Corvette was racing with another car shortly before this horrific accident. No arrests have been made pending an official investigation.

It is indeed a miracle that the woman and her son survived this car accident despite what occurred. This could have turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. I wish them both the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 27 people were killed and 1,881 were injured in Long Beach car accidents. During that same year, there were 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries reported as a result of Los Angeles County car accidents.

Continue reading " Three Injured in Long Beach Car Accident " »

Two people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident involving a Metro Orange Line bus. According to a City News Service report, the injury bus accident occurred on Woodley Avenue near Victory Boulevard in Van Nuys the morning of January 25, 2011. Police say a southbound Toyota Corolla may have gone through a red light before colliding with the bus. The severity of the injuries suffered in this car accident is not known at this time. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this Los Angeles bus accident. I wish them a complete and speedy recovery.

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 268 people were killed and 25,588 injured in car accidents in Los Angeles. During that same year, 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries occurred due to Los Angeles County car accidents.

Continue reading " Los Angeles Car Accident Involves Red Light Runner " »

A bizarre Los Angeles fatal hit-and-run incident occurred recently, and the BISNAR | CHASE law firm is urging people with tips about the event to help.

According to information from the LA Times report, on January 19, near the 105 freeway on Crenshaw Boulevard, a pedestrian was hit by a gray or white minivan. The driver of the minivan fled the scene and the victim, who was still sprawled out on the ground, was then hit by a second driver who also fled the scene. A woman came to the attention of the victim and was hit by a third driver who promptly stopped and came to her aid. Angry bystanders proceeded to assault and rob the third driver until he managed to drive away in his car.

A reward of $1,000 is offered to anyone who can submit anonymous information about this hit-and-run incident through the Hit-and-Run Reward Program website or hotline (800-6-Hit-N-Run). Supported by BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm and the anonymous crime reporting service, WeTip, the Hit-and-Run Reward program allows people who have information about hit-and-run accidents to share their information confidentially and aid the finding and conviction of criminals who flee the scenes of crimes.

Continue reading " One-Thousand Dollar Reward Offered for Information Leading to the Arrest of a Hit-and-Run Driver in Disturbing Los Angeles Incident " »

A woman was injured in a Riverside car accident, which officials say, involved a head-on collision between two vehicles. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the injury car accident occurred on Gilman Springs Road near Alessandro Boulevard in Moreno Valley the evening of January 24, 2011. It is unclear at this time why the two vehicles crashed head-on into one another. The condition of the injured victim is also not known at this point. The car accident remains under investigation.

My thoughts and prayers are with the woman injured in this Riverside car accident. I wish her a complete and speedy recovery from her injuries.

Riverside Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), five people were killed and 629 were injured in Moreno Valley car accidents. During that same year, there were 220 fatalities and 8,561 injuries reported involving car accidents in Riverside County.

Continue reading " Riverside Car Accident Injures Woman " »

Brian Chase, a personal injury lawyer in Newport Beach and a 17-year law veteran and partner at the California personal injury attorneys of BISNAR | CHASE, has been invited by Larry Elder, best-selling author and KABC radio talk show host, to serve as the official and exclusive on-air personal injury expert of the new "Larry on the Law Show" airing Saturdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PT) on 790 KABC FM Los Angeles beginning January 29.

Issues such as tort reform and prop 51 are important to the field of law, and Brian Chase will discuss them along with the latest personal injury news on the show.

Chase, who has litigated dozens of jury trials, has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for his clients, and has the highest rating possible for ethical standards and professional abilities from Martindale-Hubbell, was asked to serve as the show's official and exclusive personal injury expert to field personal injury and product liability questions and to discuss some of his firm's most high-profile cases with "Larry on the Law" listeners.

Super Bowl Sunday, February 6 this year, is on the horizon and the media frenzy surrounding it is beginning. To spotlight alcohol’s negative effects on a person physically, a group of Oregon traffic safety entities are holding an event demonstrating alcohol impairment.

The Insurance Information Institute says that Super Bowl Sunday has traditionally been second only to New Year’s Eve as the deadliest alcohol-related traffic accident day of the year.

At the special event being held on February 2 in Kaizer, Oregon, volunteers will drink differing amounts of alcohol at the “Super Bowl HVE Media – Wet Lab”, and police officers will give them field sobriety tests to demonstrate how alcohol may affect their driving. The volunteers will be tested with field sobriety tests that are given during traffic stops, such as the one-leg stand test, the walk and turn test, and the horizontal gaze nystagmus eye test.

When: February 2, 2011/12 to 4:30pm
What: Volunteers will start drinking alcohol at 9:30am and field sobriety tests will begin at 1pm
Where: Keizer Civic Center, 930 Chemawa Road NE, Keizer, OR

Oregon will be increasing traffic enforcement activities across the state during Super Bowl Weekend February 5-6. To help focus attention on the national “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” campaign, these Oregon organizations are supporting this special event: Oregon Governor’s Advisory Committee on DUII, Oregon Dept. of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Dept., Keizer Police Dept. and Oregon State Police.

Continue reading " Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk " »

A pedestrian was injured in a Riverside car accident, which police say, involved a hit-and-run driver, the night of January 23, 2011. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the hit-and-run car accident occurred on Temescal Canyon Road near Lassen Avenue and north of Lake Elsinore. The victim was struck on Temescal Canyon by a southbound vehicle. Officials found the victim lying in traffic lanes. The driver had apparently fled the scene of the injury car accident. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victim of this Riverside hit-and-run car accident. I sincerely hope the pedestrian has not been seriously injured and wish him or her a complete and speedy recovery.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), seven people were injured in Lake Elsinore pedestrian accidents. During that same year, 30 fatalities and 338 injuries occurred due to Riverside County pedestrian accidents.

Hit-And-Run Accidents

It is against the law in California to leave the scene of an injury car accident. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Continue reading " Riverside Hit-and-Run Car Accident Injures Pedestrian " »

At least one person was injured in a Los Angeles car accident on the 405 Freeway the night of January 22, 2011. According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the injury car accident occurred on the 405 Freeway in Van Nuys near Burbank Boulevard. A vehicle that had apparently stalled in the number three lane of the freeway was rear-ended by a second vehicle. The first vehicle burst into flames on impact. Its occupant sustained injuries and was transported to an area hospital. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this Los Angeles car accident. I wish the injured victim a complete and speedy recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 268 people were killed and 25,588 were injured in Los Angeles car accidents. During that same year, 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries occurred due to Los Angeles County car accidents.

What Caused This Rear-End Accident?

A comment left on the newspaper's website states the driver of the first car had to stop because of dangerous debris on the freeway. The commenter also indicates the second driver in an Audi was exceeding the speed limit at the time and therefore could not avoid the rear-end accident. Investigators are no doubt determining what caused the first vehicle to stop in a lane of traffic and why the second motorist was unable to avoid the accident. It is important here to establish if there was any negligence involved.

Continue reading " One Injured in Fiery Los Angeles Car Accident " »

A woman was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after she was hit by a car the evening of January 16, 2011. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred near the intersection of Azusa Avenue and Colima Road in Rowland Heights. California Highway Patrol officials say, the pedestrian, a woman in her 50s, was hit by a blue van. She died from her injuries. CHP officials are investigating the cause of this fatal car accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased car accident victim. Please keep her grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 35 fatalities and 295 injuries reported due to pedestrian accidents in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Also, countywide, 214 people died and 4,985 were injured in pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Possible Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this tragic pedestrian accident occurred. There are several unanswered questions here. Was the woman crossing the street or walking along the side of the road? Was the driver of the van under the influence, distracted, speeding or negligent in any other way? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine what precisely occurred here and why.

Continue reading " Pedestrian Killed in Los Angeles Car Accident " »

Shih-Yang Lin, 24, and Johnson Giang, 23, were killed in a Los Angeles car accident early morning on January 15, 2011. According to a City News Service report, the fatal car accident occurred on the westbound 60 Freeway near Downey Road. California Highway Patrol officials said 18-year-old Michael Diaz was driving a 2002 Ford Excursion and 23-year-old Benjamin Young was driving a 2006 Lincoln Navigator when the two vehicles crashed. Both vehicles were in the westbound lanes.

The Navigator, carrying seven passengers, overturned and ejected four people. Officials say those passengers were not buckled up. Both Lin and Giang were ejected and died at the scene. Two other passengers who were ejected were transported to an area hospital with moderate injuries. Diaz and four passengers in the Excursion were treated for minor injuries. Police arrested Young on suspicion of driving under the influence.

I offer my deepest condolences to the families and friends of Shih-Yang Lin and Johnson Giang for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I also wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

DUI Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 105 fatalities and 2,252 injuries involving DUI collisions in Los Angeles. During the same year, 258 people died and 4,832 were injured as a result of alcohol-related car accidents in Los Angeles County.

Continue reading " DUI Collision in Los Angeles Kills Two " »

Two 15-year-old boys sustained critical injuries in an Orange County car accident, which officials say was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the major injury car accident occurred the afternoon of January 20, 2011 on Beach Boulevard at the 5 Freeway overpass in Buena Park. Police say 53-year-old Gilbert Armando Gonzalez was driving a Chevy Astro van near the intersection of Beach and Auto Center Drive when the van jumped the curb and hit the two boys. Both pedestrians were transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Police believe Gonzales suffered a seizure, but he is also expected to be arrested on suspicion of DUI after he is released from the hospital.

My heart goes out to the two teenagers who have suffered major injuries in this suspected DUI collision. I wish them both the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these victims in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 22 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Buena Park. In Orange County as a whole, 31 people died and 785 were injured in pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Continue reading " DUI Collision in Orange County Critically Injures Teen Pedestrians " »

Denise Marie Ieye, 48, was injured in a car accident in Shasta County after her motorcycle was hit by a car making a U-turn. According to a news report in The Redding Record Searchlight, the injury motorcycle accident occurred on Bechelli Lane in Redding the afternoon of January 18, 2011. Ieye was riding her motorcycle behind Erin Beth Louis, 30, when Louis decided to make a U-turn. Ieye struck the car and sustained injuries. Police say they will issue a citation to Louis for making an unsafe U-turn. Ieye's injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

My thoughts and prayers are with Denise Marie Ieye following this motorcycle accident. I wish her a complete and speedy recovery from her injuries.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 49 were injured in Redding motorcycle accidents. During that same year, four fatalities and 104 injuries occurred involving motorcycle accidents in Shasta County.

Unsafe U-turn

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver did make an unsafe U-turn causing the motorcycle to strike the vehicle. California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states:

Continue reading " Motorcyclist Injured in Car Accident " »

Do you know the correct way to use your vehicle lights on Oregon roadways when driving in poor visibility? Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) are issuing an important safety reminder.

Fog lights are designed to be used when you are driving at low speeds in heavy mist, fog or snow, or whenever your ability to see ahead of you is significantly diminished. Vehicle manufacturers mount fog lights low on vehicle fronts, and aim them at an angle that will light up the road surface. After sunset and whenever visibility is low, drivers are required to turn off their fog lights when another vehicle is approaching them head-on. Fog or auxiliary lights shouldn’t be left on all the time, especially not during times of normal visibility.

It can distract a driver when an oncoming car has their fog or auxiliary lights on. Oregon law requires that auxiliary and/or fog lights be used like a car’s high beams - drivers must switch them off within 500’ of oncoming vehicles and when they are following within 350’ behind another vehicle. The color of fog lights have to be either amber (yellow) or white.

Oregon Department of Transportation recommends that drivers know how to control their vehicle’s auxiliary lighting before they start driving in conditions with low visibility.

Continue reading " Using Vehicle Fog Lights Correctly in Oregon for Increased Visibility and Safety " »

At least one person was injured in a car accident in Anaheim after four cars collided at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury car accident occurred the morning of January 18, 2011 at the intersection of State College Boulevard and Orangewood Avenue. The four vehicles that were involved in the accident were a Ford E250 van, a Jeep Cherokee, a Dodge Dakota and a Dodge Caravan. One driver was transported to an area hospital for treatment of unknown injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I sincerely hope the victim did not suffer any catastrophic injuries in this four-car accident. I wish this victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 21 fatalities and 2,018 injuries involving Anaheim car accidents. During the same year, 152 people were killed and 13,414 were injured as a result of Orange County car accidents.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this injury car accident occurred. But officials say it happened at a major intersection. It is not clear if there were right-of-way issues here. Did one of the drivers fail to yield right-of-way at the intersection? Did one of the motorists run a red light?

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

Sherree Lindborg, 52, was killed in a San Francisco area car accident, which officials say, involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in the San Jose Mercury News, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Solano Way near Avon Avenue in Concord the night of January 16, 2011. Lindborg was walking her dog when she stepped onto the roadway and was hit by a car driven by a 17-year-old driver.

A second vehicle then struck the victim who was down on the roadway and drove off. Lindborg and her dog were killed in the accident and the teen driver who remained at the scene of the accident has not been cited. Police are searching for the driver of the second vehicle. They believe the man is in his 20s, has brown hair and drives a four-door hatchback.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Sherree Lindborg. My thoughts and prayers are with them following this tragic hit-and-run car accident.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 36 were injured in Concord pedestrian accidents. During that same year, 13 fatalities and 241 injuries occurred due to Contra Costa County pedestrian accidents.

Continue reading " Hit-and-Run Car Accident Kills Woman " »

A 41-year-old woman was injured in a San Diego car accident when a car drove onto the sidewalk to pass traffic. According to The San Diego Union-Tribune the injury car accident occurred at the intersection of Home and Fairmount avenues in San Diego the afternoon of January 15, 2011. Police report a 26-year-old man drove his Mitsubishi Montero on the sidewalk in an attempt to pass traffic on Home Avenue and hit a Ford F-150 that was turning right on Fairmount Avenue. The F-150 pickup truck overturned and rolled onto the hand of its female occupant. Police do not believe that alcohol played a factor in the accident. They are investigating the cause of this injury car accident.

My thoughts and prayers are with the woman injured in this San Diego car accident. I wish her a swift and full recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 81 people were killed and 6,123 were injured in San Diego car accidents. During that same year, there were 246 fatalities and 13,527 injuries reported as a result of car accidents in San Diego County.

Continue reading " Woman Injured in San Diego Car Accident " »

Fayette Baird, 59, was killed in a Riverside car accident after the Mercedes-Benz C240 in which she was a passenger went off the roadway and struck a tree. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal car accident occurred the afternoon of January 10, 2011 on Riverwalk Parkway near Flat Rock Drive in Riverside. The Mercedes crashed after its driver lost control. The 52-year-old male driver of the Mercedes had to be extricated from the vehicle. The extent of his injuries is not known.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Fayette Baird for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 19 fatalities and 1,618 injuries reported as a result of Riverside car accidents. In Riverside County as a whole, 220 people died and 8,561 were injured in car accidents during the same year.

Continue reading " Fatal Riverside Car Accident " »

Elsa Mireya Rostro Rodriguez, 23, was killed in a San Diego car accident after the vehicle in which she was a passenger crashed off state Route 54. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the fatal car accident occurred near the 805 Freeway early morning on January 10, 2011. The Honda Civic carrying Rodriguez and three others was westbound on the highway. California Highway Patrol officials say the vehicle was "speeding and swerving" right before going out of control and crashing into a tree. Rodriguez died at the scene while three others were transported to local hospitals with injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to everybody who knew and loved Elsa Mireya Rostro Rodriguez for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I also wish the other injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 81 fatalities and 6,123 injuries involving car accidents in San Diego. Countywide, 246 people died and 13,527 were injured in car accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Fatal Car Accident

Continue reading " Fatal San Diego Car Accident " »

A 39-year-old Redondo Beach man was seriously injured in a Los Angeles car accident after his motorcycle went underneath a truck. According to a news report in The Daily Breeze, the motorcycle accident occurred on Sepulveda Boulevard near Rosecrans Avenue in Manhattan Beach the morning of January 12, 2011. The motorcyclist was traveling on Sepulveda when a truck made a left turn in front of him on to Sepulveda from a stop sign at Valley Drive. The motorcycle went under the truck and the rear wheels of the truck rolled over the man crushing his pelvis.

I am relieved to hear that the motorcyclist survived this truck accident. I wish him the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities and one injury as a result of Manhattan Beach motorcycle accidents. During that same year, there were 114 fatalities and 2,934 injuries reported due to motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles County.

Continue reading " Los Angeles Car Accident Injures Motorcyclist " »

Two people were injured in a car accident in Willits, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to a report in The Willits News, the injury car accident occurred on Sherwood Road the night of January 10, 2011 when a Chevy Blazer driven by 42-year-old Ricky Brackett passed a slower moving Expedition pulling out directly into the path of an oncoming minivan and colliding with it head-on.

The Toyota Sienna minivan, driven by Graciela Gaona, 43, rolled over on impact. The Blazer tipped over to its side. The driver of the Expedition, 34-year-old Adam Tyler, was not injured. Brackett and Gaona had to be extricated from their respective vehicles and sustained injuries. Brackett was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI causing injury.

My heart goes out to Gaona, who appears to have been seriously injured when her vehicle rolled over. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. It is indeed fortunate that the other driver, Tyler, was uninjured.

DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 26 fatalities and 439 injuries in Mendocino County as a result of all traffic accidents. Of those, 16 deaths and 83 injuries were attributed to DUI collisions.

Continue reading " Multi-Vehicle DUI Collision Causes Injuries " »

Gary Talbott, 68, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident, which officials say, involved a head-on collision. According to a news report in The Victorville Daily Press, the fatal car accident occurred on Hesperia Road in Victorville the morning of January 10, 2011. Talbott was killed when two vehicles crashed into each other north of Seneca Road. The condition of the other driver is not known at this time. It is unclear why one of the vehicles veered into oncoming traffic.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Gary Talbott following this tragic car accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with the other driver who had to be extricated from the vehicle.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 16 people were killed and 266 were injured in Victorville car accidents. During the same year, there were 263 fatalities and 8,504 injuries reported due to San Bernardino County car accidents.

What Caused This Fatal Head-On Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not clear which driver was at fault here. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21651 (a): "Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful…to drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section."

Continue reading " San Bernardino Car Accident Proves Fatal " »

A 25-year-old woman was killed in a Los Angeles car accident when a vehicle struck her on the 110 Freeway. According to a CBS news report, the fatal car accident occurred in the northbound lanes of the freeway near downtown Los Angeles early morning on January 10, 2011. Police say the Van Nuys woman pulled over to the side of the freeway when her car broke down. She was hit while stepping out of her vehicle by a car driven by a 31-year-old Diamond Bar woman. An investigation is ongoing.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the woman killed in this tragic car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 268 people were killed and 25,588 were injured in Los Angeles car accidents. During that same year, 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries occurred involving car accidents in Los Angeles County.

Continue reading " Los Angeles Car Accident Proves Fatal for Woman " »

Frank Yarborough, 41, was killed in a hit-and-run accident after his motorcycle was struck by a big rig the night of January 7, 2011. According to a news report in The Desert Sun, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of Varner and Ramon roads in Thousand Palms when the tractor-trailer, which was traveling south on Varner, made a U-turn. Yarborough, who was riding near the large truck, attempted to take evasive action, but was run over by the big rig.

The white colored truck and trailer did not stop at the scene and was last seen heading northbound toward the 10 Freeway on Varner. Anyone with information about the hit-and-run driver or the truck is asked to contact California Highway Patrol officials at 760-772-8900.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Frank Yarborough for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accidents

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 13 fatalities and 132 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Also, countywide, 32 people died and 581 were injured in motorcycle accidents in 2008.

Continue reading " Riverside Hit-and-Run Accident Kills Motorcyclist " »

At least one person was hospitalized with injuries after a Los Angeles bus accident on the 5 Freeway the morning of December 31, 2010. According to a CBS News report, the injury car accident occurred on the 5 Freeway at the 110 interchange when a car rear-ended the Greyhound bus, which was carrying 45 passengers. One person was taken to a local hospital with unknown injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the injured victim of this bus versus car accident. I hope he or she did not sustain catastrophic injuries. Please keep this individual in your thoughts and prayers.

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 268 deaths and 25,588 injuries involving Los Angeles car accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Continue reading " Los Angeles Greyhound Bus Accident Causes Injuries " »

One person was killed in a Fresno area car accident, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Fresno Bee, the fatal DUI collision occurred the night of January 2, 2011 on Highway 198 near Visalia. California Highway Patrol officials say the 19-year-old driver, Joel Mark Mathy was eastbound in a 1991 Oldsmobile when he drifted off the road and overcorrected. The car then hit a tree and the passenger, a 45-year-old man, was killed. Mathy sustained major injuries as well, but was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased car accident victim. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

DUI Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one fatality and 57 injuries were reported due to DUI collisions in Visalia. In Tulare County as a whole, 21 people died and 214 were injured in alcohol-related car accidents during the same year.

California Drunk Driving Laws

Driving under the influence is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."

Continue reading " Fresno Area DUI Collision Proves Fatal " »

Tien Chou, 85, was fatally injured in an Orange County car accident after he was struck by a vehicle the evening of December 30, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred in the 2400 block of West Broadway near Hampton Street in Anaheim. Chou was crossing the street when a Honda sport utility vehicle in the eastbound lanes hit him. He was transported to an area trauma center where he died shortly after the accident. Police are investigating the cause of this fatal pedestrian accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tien Chou for their tremendous loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 73 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents in Anaheim. In Orange County as a whole, 31 fatalities and 785 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Continue reading " Elderly Pedestrian Killed in Anaheim Car Accident " »

Fountain Valley speed traps have become as common and annoying as the amount of Starbucks I see on my way to work. I mean really, who needs to stop every two blocks to get another cup of coffee? I've had enough of the city climbing into my pocket to pull out cash that I don't have because I am trying to get to work on time and refill that pocket. If you were to ask Cypress law enforcement why they are cracking down so hard, they will probably tell you it is to keep the streets safe from dangerous motorists.

Truth be told, they might have somewhat of a point. In 2006, statistics compiled by the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) showed that four people died and 476 people were injured in Fountain Valley car accidents. Supposedly, setting up speed traps discourages drivers from exceeding the speed limit in areas that are prone to catastrophic injury. Either way, I think there are a few too many bushes with radar guns sticking out of them, and when you come to the following bushes it would be wise to slow your roll.

Heil Avenue between Harbor Boulevard and Newhope Street Speed Trap

According to speedtrap.org, the speed limit drops from 45 to 25 mph due to the school zone. An officer waits on either side of the street, usually in the mornings, before school starts. Eleven users have confirmed that this is a speed trap.

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Continue reading " Steering Clear of Fountain Valley, California Speed Traps " »

Donna Miller, 53, was killed in a car accident in Mendocino County when the vehicle in which she was a passenger, was T-boned by a Land Rover. According to a report in The Willits News, the fatal car accident occurred at the intersection of Highway 162 and Charlie Hurt Highway in Covelo the night of January 2, 2011. Police say that Jimmy Allen, 25, failed to stop his 1996 Hyundai at a stop sign and drove into the path of a Land Rover driven by Stewart Fuzzell, 42. Miller was a passenger in the Hyundai. She was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Allen and another passenger in the Hyundai, Adam Azbill, 20, sustained major injuries in the crash. The two occupants of the Land Rover were not injured.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Donna Miller. My thoughts and prayers are with them following this tragic car accident.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 25 people were killed and 357 were injured due to car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Mendocino County. During that same year, there were 26 fatalities and 439 personal injuries reported as a result of car accidents in Mendocino County.

Continue reading " Car Accident in Mendocino County Involves Possible Stop Sign Violation " »

Since the recession hit, Cypress speed traps are as hard to find as a casino on the strip. It seems as if Cypress police officers are hidden behind every bush on every corner, but the question that plagues motorists is why. Many believe, with good reason, that these are simply ways to increase revenue; pulling over every motorist going slightly over the speed limit amounts to a substantial amount of cash migrating from locals pockets into the state's. If you were to ask a local officer, he would probably tell you that it is to protect motorists from those who willfully disregard the safety of others.

According to the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) in 2006, 4 people were killed and 172 were injured as a result of Cypress car accidents. Law enforcement is claiming that speed traps are set up in areas that are prone to injury accidents and that their presence has created a warning to those who could end up being a factor in future accidents. No matter what the reason, it would be wise to avoid the following areas if you drive over the posted speed limit.

Holder Street Near Cerritos Avenue Speed Trap

According to speedtrap.org, a motorcycle police officer parks at the west end corner of Holder Street right before Cerritos Avenue. Nine users have confirmed that this is a speed trap.

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Continue reading " Evading Speed Traps in Cypress, California " »

A 56-year-old pedestrian that was struck by a minivan on High Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts this morning, has died at Lawrence General Hospital from his injuries.

According to police, this fatal pedestrian accident occurred after the man stepped between two cars and was struck by a minivan operated by a female driver.

The man’s name was not immediately released to the public.

Police are still investigating this accident.

Continue reading " Man Dies after Being Struck By Minivan in Lawrence Massachusetts " »

Two people were injured in a Riverside car accident after a Riverside Transit Authority bus and a semi-truck collided. The injury accident occurred the morning of January 4, 2011 at the intersection of Market Street and Mission Inn Avenue. There were no passengers on the bus. Both the bus driver and the truck driver sustained injuries, which were described as non-life-threatening. Riverside Transit Authority officials say the bus had the green light as it entered the intersection, based on evidence from a surveillance camera onboard the bus. An investigation is ongoing.

It is indeed fortunate that both drivers involved escaped without major injuries. I wish them both the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 19 fatalities and 1,618 injuries involving car accidents were reported in the city of Riverside. Countywide, 220 people died and 8,561 were injured as a result of traffic accidents in 2008. Also, during the same year, there were 304 fatal truck accidents and 3,196 injury crashes involving trucks, in California.

Right-of-way Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that the accident occurred at an intersection, which is controlled by traffic lights. Transit authority officials say their bus driver, a 20-year veteran with a good record, entered the intersection on a green light. If that is true, then the truck driver either failed to yield right-of-way at the intersection or ran a red light.

Continue reading " Truck Accident in Riverside Causes Injuries " »

Public opinion on Fountain Valley speed traps isn't particularly in favor; in fact, they are about as favorable as re-electing Richard Nixon. No one likes to be pulled over while they are speeding -- if they didn't have a good reason for it, they wouldn't have been exceeding the speed limit, but after analyzing the factors that put a speed trap in place, I have become somewhat more appreciative.

In 2006, statistics compiled by the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) showed that 4 people died and 476 people were injured in Fountain Valley car accidents. Law enforcement will tell you that speed traps are set up in areas that are prone to catastrophic injury accidents; if this is true, it would be wise to be extra cautious in the following areas.

Warner Avenue near Ward Avenue Speed Trap

According to speedtrap.org, a motorcycle police officer parks at the entrance to the golf course where Ward ends at Mile Square Park waiting to catch speeding motorists. Four users have confirmed that this is a speed trap.

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Continue reading " Exceeding the Speed Limit in Fountain Valley, California " »

Four people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident, after officials say, a vehicle driven by a suspected DUI driver crashed into a fast food restaurant. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the injury car accident occurred at Tom’s Burgers on Cahuenga Boulevard in North Hollywood the morning of January 3, 2010. Police say the driver, 35-year-old Geoffrey Hathaway, lost control of his Infiniti G35 sedan and crashed into the restaurant. Three customers in the restaurant – two adults and a child – sustained injuries, but are expected to survive. Police found numerous aerosol cans inside the car and say Hathaway was under the influence of an "aerosol delivered substance" and speeding when he lost control of his car. He has been arrested on suspicion of DUI.

It is indeed fortunate that this DUI collision did not turn out to be much worse. I'm relieved to hear that the patrons inside the restaurant did not sustain major or life-threatening injuries. I wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 268 people were killed and 25,588 were injured in Los Angeles car accidents. During that same year, there were 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries reported due to car accidents in Los Angeles County.

Continue reading " Los Angeles DUI Collision Injures Four " »

Cypress speed traps used to be one of my pet-peeves, however, these days I'm starting to feel a little more sympathy. Personally, I like to go fast; there is nothing much better than flying down an open road without a care in the world. Unfortunately, speeding is one of the main causes of car accidents and many people have lost their lives to the sound of that tune. Although it is easy to blame the city for trying to increase revenue from tickets, at least part of the blame lies in the mirror.

According to the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) in 2006, 4 people died and 172 were injured in Cypress car accidents. Police officers have reacted to these gruesome statistics by setting up speed traps that are prone to catastrophic injury accidents. When approaching the following areas, take into consideration that there's a chance that you are driving over someone's grave.

Holder Street Near Cerritos Avenue Speed Trap

According to speedtrap.org, a motorcycle police officer parks at the west end corner of Holder Street right before Cerritos Avenue. Nine users have confirmed that this is a speed trap.

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Continue reading " Speeding in Cypress, California " »

Kelly Condel McPherson, 53, was killed in a San Diego car accident, which police say, was caused by a drunk driver. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Murray Drive in La Mesa early morning on January 1, 2011. Dana Lohner, 48, the driver of the Ford Mustang that struck McPherson has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. An investigation is underway.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Kelly Condel McPherson. My thoughts and prayers are with them following this tragic San Diego pedestrian accident.

San Diego DUI Collisions

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 35 were injured in La Mesa DUI collisions. During the same year, there were 104 fatalities and 2,033 injuries reported as a result of alcohol-related car accidents in San Diego County.

Drunk Driving Laws

Police say the driver of the Mustang was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." It is illegal under California law to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a).

Continue reading " San Diego Pedestrian Fatally Injured in Suspected DUI Collision " »

Dodging Pasadena speed traps is not nearly as easy as it used to be. Police officers are getting savvier on hiding places and are poaching in areas where most cars are driving 10 mph over the speed limit. Although the bombardment of badly concealed law enforcement is hard to live with, Pasadena speed traps might be saving lives.

Statistics from the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) showed that in 2006, 11 people were killed and 1,047 were injured in Pasadena car accidents. When areas become prone to catastrophic injury accidents, police enforcement tend to set up speed traps to help regulate the situation. Whether monetary gain or public safety is the top priority is debatable, but either way it would be wise to exercise caution in the following areas.

Lincoln Boulevard Between Mountain and Orange Grove Speed Trap

According to speedtrap.org, a motorcycle police officer will sit on either side of Lincoln and catch speeders. Eight users confirmed that this is a speed trap.

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Continue reading " Evading Pasadena Speed Traps " »

Sheena Marie Barker, 52, was killed in a pedestrian accident in Palo Alto after she was struck by a County SamTrans bus. According to a news report in The Palo Alto Patch, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Webster Street and University Avenue in Palo Alto the morning of December 30, 2010. The Cupertino woman was using the crosswalk when a bus making a left-hand turn struck her. Barker died at the scene of the accident. An investigation is ongoing.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Sheena Marie Barker. My thoughts and prayers are with them following this tragic pedestrian accident.

Santa Clara Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 24 were injured in Palo Alto pedestrian accidents. During that same year, there were 22 fatalities and 466 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Santa Clara County.

What Caused This Fatal Pedestrian Accident?

It appears, based on the news account, Barker was in a crosswalk at the time of this pedestrian versus bus accident. All motorists are required under California law to yield right-of-way to pedestrians who are walking in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

Continue reading " Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Palo Alto Involves County Bus " »

Pasadena speed traps never really bothered me, until I witnessed the effects of speeding motorists. Driving by what would have been a safe vehicle, had the driver been going the posted speed limit, and seeing a gruesome distorted hunk of metal, I have come to understand them a bit better. Although the city is making a nice chunk of change from this popular tactic, Pasadena speed traps are put in place to protect people in areas that are prone to catastrophic injury accidents. Getting a ticket is never fun, but I'd take a ticket over a life-changing injury any day.

Statistics from the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) showed that in 2006, 11 people were killed and 1,047 were injured in Pasadena car accidents. When approaching the following areas be safe, and remember that you are not the only person who is in danger when you speed.

Lincoln Boulevard between Mountain and Orange Grove Speed Trap

According to speedtrap.org, a motorcycle police officer will sit on either side of Lincoln and catch speeders. Eight users confirmed that this is a speed trap.

Continue reading " Speeding in Pasadena, California " »

Two children were injured in a San Francisco car accident, which officials say, involved a vehicle veering into oncoming traffic. According to a news report in The Napa Valley Register, the injury car accident occurred on Highway 29 near Lake County in St. Helena the morning of December 26, 2010. Police believe that Garrett Swanz, 18, lost control of his 1997 Toyota Camry and slid into oncoming traffic. The Camry crashed into 35-year-old Francene Koell’s 2003 Toyota Corolla. Two occupants of the Corolla, an 11-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy, sustained moderate injuries in the accident. The cause of this car accident remains under investigation.

My thoughts and prayers are with the young victims of this Napa Valley car accident. I wish them a complete and speedy recovery from their injuries.

Napa Valley Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 13 people were injured in Saint Helena car accidents. During the same year, there were 15 fatalities and 770 injuries reported as a result of Napa County car accidents.

What Caused This Injury Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear what caused the Camry to veer into opposing lanes of traffic. Was the driver under the influence? Was he distracted or inattentive? Was there some type of malfunction with the vehicle? Did driver inexperience play a part? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine the cause of this car accident.

Continue reading " Two Injured in San Francisco Area Car Accident " »