Traffic Accident News

Several people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident, which police report, involved a distracted driver who was talking on her cell phone, the afternoon of February 21, 2011. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the injury car accident occurred on Cameron Avenue near West Covina High School in West Covina. The woman first hit a church van occupied by four elderly women before driving over the center divider and striking a second vehicle head-on. All the women in the church van complained of pain. The female driver suffered a broken leg while the many victims of the accident complained of pain. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this car accident. It is indeed fortunate that this crash did not result in major or fatal injuries. I wish all the victims here 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), five people were killed and 500 were injured in West Covina 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 "Distracted Driver Possibly Caused Los Angeles Car Accident" »

The California auto defect and accident lawyers, BISNAR | CHASE, have a section on their website dedicated to explaining California Motor Vehicle Codes. This page is very helpful, allowing visitors to browse laws by topic and number, and find extra information about the requirements of all who use California's roads. The explanations of the codes do a good job of translating "law language" into clear, everyday language and examples.

The vehicle codes covered on the page range from Section 20001 through 23224. Not every single code is included, but only the most commonly confronted and important codes. The explanations discuss everything from speed limits, stoplights, stop signs, and traffic lanes, to low speed vehicles, riding an animal, the duties and rights of bicycle riders, and how to drive on mountain roads.

Continue reading "BISNAR | CHASE Law Firm Covers the Rules of the Road" »

The California car accident and auto defect lawyers, BISNAR | CHASE, have compiled a thorough list of commonly consulted California Motor Vehicle Codes, complete with explanations. The "California Rules of the Road" page covers selected codes between section 20001 and section 23224, and discusses most topics that drivers everyday may need clarified.

The page starts off with "Stopping at the Scene of an Accident" and describes what is required of drivers who may be involved in or witness to an accident on the road. Codes to follow detail the requirements of people who use the road, but not necessarily in an automobile. Everything from riding a bicycle on a highway, stopping at a stop sign, using a motorized scooter, what double lines mean, and passing drivers or animals, to the operation of golf carts, tailgating, parking a vehicle, making a Left or U turn, and hitchhiking is covered in this thorough list. The explanations on the page are very accessible as well, with all of the legal technicalities translated into more common terms.

Continue reading "Motor Vehicle Codes Explained on BISNAR | CHASE Website" »

A 69-year-old resident of Rosamond was killed in a Los Angeles car accident the afternoon of January 31, 2011. According to a recent News Service report, the fatal injury accident occurred at the intersection of 60th Street West and Avenue F in Lancaster. Los Angeles Sheriff's officials say that 35-year-old Amy Padilla was heading west on Avenue F in a GMC Yukon SUV when she broadsided the passenger side of a 2007 Chrysler Pacifica, which was northbound on 60th Street West. A passenger in the Pacifica died at the scene. That vehicle's driver was airlifted to an area hospital where she is recovering. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of this deceased victim for their devastating loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers. My heart also goes out to the injured driver. I wish her 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 10 fatalities and 679 injuries involving car accidents in Lancaster. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured in car accidents during the same year.

Continue reading "Fatal Los Angeles Car Accident Could Involve Right-of-Way Issues" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

Being involved in a catastrophic injury accident is difficult enough without having to deal with the likes of Farmers Auto Insurance. Farmers has been known to deny legitimate claims and offer very low settlement amounts for accidents that result in huge medical expenses. Victims of these horrific car accidents are left to wonder why an incident that should have been taken care of immediately ends up taking years to wrap up.

Founded in 1928, Farmers Insurance is the third largest insurance company in the U.S. providing various types of insurance including polices for cars and truck. Since their inception, they have managed to perfect the art of limiting payouts and have even helped pioneer computer programs to give them excuses to do so.

Just Blame Colossus

One way that Farmers likes to redirect criticism for their underhanded tactics is by blaming their indiscretions on a computer program they call Colossus. Colossus was designed to evaluate personal injury claims and put a number on what the claim is worth. As you can imagine, entering all catastrophic injury victims into a one-size-fits-all emotionless printer/popcorn machine isn't going to produce the results that injured victims need. Although victims need compensation for their physical disabilities that resulted from their accident, that is not all. Many suffer from post traumatic stress after their SUV rolls over fifteen times at high speeds down the freeway, have to recover from the loss of a family member that was in the vehicle, or are no longer able to perform the same job. Blaming a heartless denial of a claim to a person because of a computer is just plain ignorant.

Continue reading "Farmers Auto Insurance: A Colossal Injustice" »

No insurance company is easy to deal with after a serious personal injury accident, and State Farm Auto Insurance is no exception. Having almost 100 years to perfect their negotiations in personal injury lawsuits, it comes as no surprise that State Farm has been able to flourish despite the constant complaints on their claim handling process. They know how to sweep claims under the rug and discard accident victim's rights to the extent that many victims are no longer getting compensation under claims that show clear liability. Many victims have decided to take their minor injury accidents to small claims court to bypass attorneys all together, which isn't a bad idea.

State Farm Auto Insurance Reviews

As you might be expecting, State Farm isn't known for being the best auto insurance company on the market. Although customer reviews can sometimes be better than average, this is usually because those customers have never been involved in a traffic collision where State Farm becomes liable for their damages. Auto Insurance companies are in the business to make money, which consists of limiting car accident payouts, turning lifetime customers into lifetime company enemies. Taking a quick glance at web reviews we can get an idea of how customers are feeling about good ole State Farm.

Continue reading "Obtaining Compensation from State Farm Auto Insurance" »

Most victims who have their cars towed, whether it's illegal or not, don't take the necessary steps to fight back and get compensation. Many don't even know that that their car was towed illegally. They assume that they were at fault, pay to get their car out, and move on with their lives. In Westervelt v. Beach Cities Towing Services Inc. (BCTS), we see an everyday citizen stand up and make it known that he will not be taken advantage of, and his efforts are being noticed throughout the community.

Case Facts

The plaintiff states that on 10/21/2010 his car was illegally towed from a space behind his garage in Rancho Santa Margarita. No warning or notice was given that this was being done; plaintiff states that the driver clearly made an independent decision to tow his vehicle without a PPI (Private Party Impound) or a fire lane sign being present at the location.

Plaintiff's Arguments

Defendant's report states that this towing occurred as a result of a general order to tow from MGMT, with no agent of the property owner present at the time of the tow. No name or phone number of such person being present was shown on the report made by Defendant, nor did anyone call to complain about plaintiff's car being parked behind his garage. Plaintiff further states that defendant's report falsely states that his car was parked in a fire lane. Plaintiff states that there is no fire lane sign or a painted curb as required by statue to mark a designated fire lane.

Continue reading "What to Do If Your Car Gets Towed Illegally" »

A woman was injured in an Orange County car accident that police report was caused by a driver failing to yield to oncoming traffic. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury car accident occurred at the intersection of Lemon Street and Berkeley Avenue in Fullerton the afternoon of November 15, 2010. A Honda Civic failed to yield right-of-way at the intersection and struck a GMC Yukon causing it to overturn. The female driver of the Yukon was hospitalized for her injuries after being extricated from her vehicle. This car accident remains under investigation.

Continue reading "Orange County Car Accident Injures Woman " »

Many blog sites discuss how to avoid a speeding ticket using California's Basic Speed Law. Unfortunately, many -- if not all -- of these sites are full of misinformation. Some people claim that CVC section 22351 allows them to drive faster than posted speed limits under the basic speed law. This is not true. The California basic speed law requires drivers to drive at speeds that are safe for the road conditions. This means that you cannot drive 70 mph in a 55 mph zone and claim that you had to do it in order to keep up with traffic and travel "safely."

The basic speed law does not give you an excuse to exceed the posted speed limits -- ever. Maybe you could get by with it in an extreme emergency, but even then, it's questionable.

Continue reading "The California Basic Speed Law is Not A Free Pass To Exceed The Posted Speed Limit." »

California Motor Vehicle Code 21950 give pedestrians the right of way when they are crossing in crosswalks. All cars and trucks must yield to a pedestrian crossing the street at approved crosswalks, whether they are marked or unmarked walkways.

Continue reading "Equine Crossings: Who Has the Right Of Way?" »