Los Angeles Motor Vehicle Accidents Attorney Blog

Illegal U-turn leads to fatal accident

2013-05-15T22:41:02Z

Officers responded to the scene of a multiple vehicle collision on Thursday, May 9 involving a fatality. Occurring in the early morning hours, the driver of a red Pontiac tried to make an illegal U-turn onto West Roscoe Boulevard in Northridge. The driver was not successful in completing the turn, however, causing an oncoming vehicle to strike another car that flipped, trapping the driver.

The driver of the overturned vehicle was taken to a local hospital where he later died. Numerous occupants were seriously injured in the car accident. Officials report that the driver of the Pontiac may have been under the influence of alcohol, as alcoholic beverages were discovered in the vehicle.

]]> If the driver of the Pontiac is found to have been under the influence of alcohol, he may face DUI charges. Since a fatality resulted from the accident, he may also be charged with a felony. In California, drunk drivers who cause accidents resulting in the death of another may be charged with DUI causing injury, DUI vehicular manslaughter, or DUI second-degree murder, depending upon the circumstances. All of these charges carry severe penalties for the driver who operated his vehicle while impaired.

The occupants of the vehicles may be entitled to monetary damages for injuries they suffered in the collision. Compensable injuries can include medical expenses, reimbursement for time lost from work, compensation for permanent injury or scarring that resulted from injuries sustained in the wreck and even money for future corrective medical surgeries. In the case of the fatality, family members of the deceased may be entitled to pursue a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver in order to receive monetary compensation for their losses.

Source: CBS Los Angeles, "1 Dead, 5 Injured In Northridge U-Turn Crash", May 09, 2013

Accidents caused by distracted driving seriously underreported

2013-05-13T14:58:03Z

A recent study by the National Safety Council revealed that motor vehicle accident fatalities caused by distracted driving due to cell phone use are often not recorded as such. This leads to the assumption that distracted driving is not a serious issue among drivers, including those in Los Angeles. The facts seem to support the opposite conclusion, however, and recent studies show that the current leading cause of death among teenagers appears to be car accidents caused by distracted driving.

The National Transportation Safety Board recommends that all states ban drivers from using cell phones while driving due to the high incidence of car accidents caused by distracted driving. Currently 39 states and D.C. ban drivers from sending or reading text messages while driving, while 36 states and D.C. will not allow new drivers to use a cell phone while driving. No states ban all drivers from cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle.

]]> Motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted driving can result in catastrophic injuries. A person injured in a car accident may suffer numerous medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of earnings caused by losing time at work and future medical expenses. There may be legal recourse available for those injured by another person's wrongful conduct, including automobile accidents caused while the driver was texting or talking on a cell phone.

In cases where a motor vehicle accident is caused by distracted driving, the injured parties may be entitled to recover resulting damages, such as those enumerated above. A Los Angeles attorney experienced in handling motor vehicle accident claims may be able to help those who are injured in a vehicle accident caused by the wrongful behavior of another driver.

Source: CBS News, "Study: Distracted driving deaths underreported", May 07, 2013

Police seek second driver in auto-pedestrian accident

2013-05-03T17:34:36Z

A California driver faces charges of vehicular manslaughter after a wreck that killed one pedestrian and damaged more than one other vehicle. The auto-pedestrian accident may have occurred in the midst of a race involving at least one other vehicle, according to Los Angeles police. The scene of the accident was Compton Avenue near the 56th Street intersection at around nine p.m., and police have confirmed access to surveillance footage immediately following the accident.

The victim was a 57-year-old resident of the neighborhood who lived about a block from the accident. The driver described the accident as part of a confession. The driver admitted to speeding and stated that the pedestrian ran in front of his vehicle. The 18-year-old driver reportedly attempted to brake and avoid the pedestrian. A police investigation of the scene did reveal skid marks, yet police still believe the driver was racing another vehicle. Street racing is not an uncommon activity on Compton Avenue, according to Los Angeles residents.

]]> The Crime Traffic Devision has asked the public for help in identifying any other vehicle involved in the auto-pedestrian accident. One family member was quoted as expressing grief, but there was no word on pending civil actions against the driver.

The actions of a negligent driver, such as failure to yield to pedestrians and other vehicles and failure to abide by posted speed limits, can impose severe consequences on all parties. The family members of the victim must face the reality of their loved one's needless death along with funeral costs and any medical expenses. Victims or their families may be able to receive compensation for their damages with the help of an attorney.

Source: ABC 7, "Street racing likely behind fatal South Los Angeles crash," Sid Garcia and Q McCray, April 29, 2013

Driver blames zombies for 5-car freeway accident

2013-04-24T20:28:39Z

A 19-year-old man was taken into custody after he caused a southern California freeway accident that injured four people with the semi-truck trailer he allegedly stole. When police questioned the teen about the cause of the commercial-vehicle accident, he told them he was trying elude zombies.

A commercial truck driver allowed the teen to hitch a ride after the young man was rendered homeless. When they stopped at an inspection site, the driver stepped out of the vehicle. However, the suspect took off in the 18-wheeler, which was full of strawberries, hitting several vehicles shortly thereafter.

]]> He is suspected to have been using a hallucinogen and thought zombies were following the truck. He lost control of the commercial vehicle and hit a pick-up, which hit an SUV. The SUV, in turn, collided with a sedan. Two people in the pick-up were seriously hurt, and they, along with the driver of the SUV, were transported to the hospital.

The teen continued driving and plowed into two more cars, which caused the semi-trailer to flip. Two more victims were transported to local medical facilities. The driver abandoned the semi-trailer and fled to a van. He ordered the driver to take him away from the scene, but the man held him until police arrived.

After a series of accidents, the driver might be charged criminally for causing the wrecks. However, the victims of the accident may also be able to hold the responsible parties civilly liable as well. A personal injury attorney might be able to help clients receive fair and just compensation.

Source: CNN, "Cause of multiple collisions in California? Zombies, driver tells police," Dorrine Mendoza, April 11, 2013

California Woman faces charges of drunk driving

2013-04-18T09:35:46Z

A 20-year-old woman faces accusations of manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages after one teen died and four others were injured in a wreck in California on April 7. One person allegedly observed the driver toss beer cans out the window just before the car accident.

Authorities are investigating the possibility of racing as a contributing factor of the accident. They say that the woman was driving on North San Antonio Avenue but lost control of her 1995 sedan. Her vehicle hit several parked cars and then flipped over. A 19-year-old woman died at the scene. The driver and her three passengers were taken to medical facilities for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

]]> When people are accused of drinking and driving, they could face serious penalties and consequences. California has specific programs that address drinking and driving in the state. Their goal is to focus on having offenders complete a DUI program and attend treatment. The program provides 472 programs throughout the state for either first-time or subsequent offenders.

In some cases, the state will reduce charges to a wet reckless, which means the offender has committed a reckless driving offense with alcohol impairment. First-, second- and third-time offenders can qualify for entrance into programs ranging from three- to 30-months. Criminal defense lawyers who focus on drinking and driving offenses might be able to negotiate entrance into the wet reckless program for some offenders. People in California who are involved in car accidents may wish to consult car accident attorneys who may explain their rights and options and recommend courses of action.

Source: ABC Local, "Pomona fatal crash: Driver arrested for DUI, manslaughter," April 7, 2013

Revamped completion date for Figueroa Corridor targets 2014

2013-04-11T18:33:00Z

The Figueroa Corridor project plans to spend $20 million to transform roads in downtown L.A. into safe passageways for walkers, cyclist and public transportation. The changes will be similar to those made in other California city centers, such as Long Beach and San Francisco, in order to accommodate increased traffic and balance the needs of all who use the area. One of the goals is to decrease the number of auto-pedestrian accidents.

The project will feature new foliage, upscale crosswalks, artwork, seating areas, widened sidewalks and upgraded bus areas. A new bike path will ease the transition of riders across intersections and into South L.A. or to public transportation. The improved bike routes will feature "cycle tracks" right next to sidewalks with parking spaces that act as a buffer between the cyclists and traffic.

]]> The new buffer zone will also help protect pedestrians. In addition, a streetcar service will be making its appearance as part of the project. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation is overseeing the completion of the project. A grant contributed to some of the funding, and according to the constraints surrounding the grant, the project should be finished by 2014. A number of professionals cooperated to put the project together.

Those overseeing the Figueroa project hope that the updates to the area offer more than just cosmetic boosts to downtown L.A. Traffic-safety concerns, including those with pedestrians and cyclists, have been an issue in the past. If someone is involved in an auto-pedestrian accident, a personal injury attorney might be able to help them receive fair and just compensation.

Source: Blog Downtown, "Four miles of Figueroa Corridor to become more pedestrian, cyclist friendly," Hayley Fox, March 26, 2013

Hope fades for victim's family in hit-and-run case

2013-04-05T19:38:06Z

On Oct. 22, 2012, a car veered and hit a 49-year-old man as he rode his bike to work and seriously injured the bicyclist. The motorist took off, leaving the injured man at the scene, who eventually died. His face was so badly damaged from the auto-pedestrian accident that the coroner's officer struggled to reconstruct his features.

The family has tried to pull together during this tragedy, but each grieves the loss of a loving family man in their own way. One of the challenges they all face is the hopelessness of the police ever catching the driver who caused the accident. With little information on the vehicle that hit the man, California police have few leads to follow.

]]> Los Angeles sees about 20,000 hit-and-run traffic accidents annually, and about 4,000 of those cases result in injuries or deaths. They can be some of the most difficult cases to solve.

The family honors the man's memory by riding their bikes together and has requested more bike lanes in order to help keep bicyclists safe. The leader of one group that hosts monthly riding events expressed his views on the impact of this particular ride. With five years in existence, the bike club has helped the downtrodden in South Los Angeles and taken on bigger projects of working for social justice.

After a tragic death in a bike-auto accident, the family mourns the loss of a loving family member. The family can sue the person responsible on his behalf, and a California personal injury attorney might be able to help the family receive fair and just compensation after their love one's death.

Source: Neon Tommy, "Six Months After Fatal Hit-And-Run, Family Still Hopes For Arrest," Meng Meng, March 20, 2013

Victoria Secret model seen in neck brace after wreck

2013-03-26T20:23:00Z

Miranda Kerr, the Victoria's Secret angel model, hurt her neck in a car accident in Los Angeles on March 11. She was seen in public wearing a medical neck brace on March 12 although she tried to cover the brace with a scarf. She was involved in the car accident when another motorist collided with her vehicle. She is thought to have been in the vehicle with her assistant, but her husband, actor Orlando Bloom, and their 2-year-old son were not with her at the time.

A spokesperson expressed gratitude that the accident wasn't worse although the supermodel was experiencing some pain. Her husband was helping her as she recovered from her injuries.

]]> Reports indicate that she also sustained back injuries and whiplash from the accident and underwent MRI scans. The other motorist may have been arrested for DUI although official information is still unknown. At the least, that driver could possibly face charges for reckless driving.

Ms. Kerr has previous experience with car crashes. An ex-boyfriend of hers was killed in a wreck when she was 15, and she battled depression after he died. She gave her son his name to honor his memory.

In addition to Victoria's Secret, Ms. Kerr works as a Mango spokesmodel and also founded a line of cosmetics. She was scheduled to return to her native Australia in April to premier new uniforms for Qantas airlines.

After an accident, injured parties can take time to heal, which can impact their ability to work. A personal injury attorney might be able to advise accident victims regarding possible compensation for lost wages and other expenses from responsible parties.

Source: WISTV, "Miranda Kerr spotted in neck brace after L.A. car accident," Nardine Saad, March 13, 2013

Correcting potential issues with Google's self-driving vehicle

2013-03-21T16:17:12Z

Reports have shown that self-driving cars released by Google appear to be safer than vehicles driven by humans but that the self-driving cars still need improvements in driving in snow, adjusting to changes on maps and driving in construction areas. The inability of the cars to navigate road hazards properly could lead to car accidents. However, Google still hopes that their engineers can look into these issues and resolve them. Corrections will improve the chances the cars have of becoming available commercially.

The robot cars face complications when driving in snow because they cannot identify objects on top of the snow in the street. Although this issue might not affect drivers in temperate climates, drivers who decide to go on vacations to colder regions could have some problems.

]]> The cars depend on internal computer maps, which means that construction zones or any changes that are not documented on the maps can confuse the cars. The vehicle might get lost, go down a wrong road or ignore a quicker route, and it is then unable to question any mistakes it makes. The cars don't understand hand signals or signs that warn drivers to slow down. In case of an accident, the robot cars don't know what sirens or ambulances mean, and the cars can't figure out that they should stop.

Although the Google car is reportedly safer than human drivers in most conditions, there are situations in which driving the cars could lead to accidents. In California, personal injury lawyers might be able to advise clients who are in accidents involving these vehicles. Experienced personal injury lawyers may clarify accident victims' rights and options as they seek damages.

Source: NBC Los Angeles, "Problems With Google's Self-Driving Car," Barbara E. Hernandez, March 5, 2013

Property damage, injuries and fatality follow L.A. crash

2013-03-16T16:11:12Z

After a pickup truck veered onto the sidewalk on the afternoon of March 10 and plowed into a restaurant in Los Angeles, six people were injured and one fatality was reported. The car accident, which took place downtown at a busy Broadway intersection, claimed the life of a 52-year-old woman, and four of the injured individuals were transported to area hospitals in serious condition. The other two sustained reportedly minor injuries.

Authorities have not released the names of the victims but note that they span an age range of 30 to 70 years old. It is not yet known whether they were dining in the restaurant, which serves Indian cuisine, at the time of the incident or on the sidewalk itself when the pickup left the intersection and drove onto it. The truck contained a male driver and female passenger, according to a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department.

]]> An investigation is ongoing regarding the cause of the collision. The fire department spokesperson noted that only the front quarter or less of the vehicle went through the restaurant's window. Regardless, such damage to the establishment's facade likely resulted in closure of the business while the window is repaired, which means lost wages for workers at the restaurant as well as lost profits for the owners. Similarly, the injured parties, particularly the four who sustained serious injuries, may be saddled with hefty medical expenses and possible rehabilitation costs while they too miss work.

These wounded parties all have recourse, however, if it can be demonstrated that the driver of the pickup was negligent in his actions. Even if he is not convicted of criminal charges stemming from the incident, they can still file a personal injury claim with the help of an experienced California personal injury lawyer in order to recover compensation for lost wages, medical costs and property damage.

Source: Dailybreeze.com, "1 killed, 6 hurt as truck drives onto downtown L.A. sidewalk," March 10, 2013

Duo hurt after being struck by allegedly impaired motorist

2013-03-06T00:09:09Z

On the morning of Feb. 24, a reportedly impaired motorist rammed into three parked vehicles in Long Beach, one of which contained a man and woman. The pair was hurt after the car accident, which occurred on Palo Verde Avenue near Metz Street.

According to a police spokeswoman, the 27-year-old female driver from Bellflower was taken into custody and charged with felony DUI. She was held in jail pending the payment of $100,000 in bail. The pair was transported to a medical facility for treatment. Although the extent of their injuries is unknown, they were reported to be non-life-threatening.

]]> After an injury-accident, the involved parties may feel traumatized because of the unexpected turn of events. The woman who caused the accident faces criminal charges because of her poor choices related to drinking and driving. However, the victims could now be held financially liable for a number of related expenses for an accident they didn't even cause. These include damage to their vehicle, hospital expenses, charges of medical professionals, prescriptions, possible therapy, counseling and time off work.

In addition to a sense of closure conferred by the criminal charges lodged against the offender, the victims might be able to file a civil lawsuit to hold the woman accountable for her part in the accident. A personal injury attorney may be able to help them begin the process of pursuing financial compensation. The attorney might be able to negotiate a settlement with the involved parties and may consider a number of factors that victims could overlook that might increase the settlement amount. If the involved parties refuse to settle, the attorney might take the claim to court.

Source: Contra Costa Times, "Pair injured while sitting in parked car hit by alleged drunk driver," Phillip Zonkel, Feb. 24, 2013

Redondo bicycle rider hospitalized after accident

2013-02-27T14:32:18Z

A bicyclist was hospitalized after he rammed into the side of a vehicle in Redondo Beach on the morning of Feb. 15. The bicycle accident occurred when the rider hit the car as it turned left onto Carnelian Street from Catalina Avenue, according to the authorities. The man, thought to be in his mid-40s, may have sustained serious injuries in the crash, including broken bones and possible head injuries. He was transported to a medical facility for treatment. The driver of the car was not thought to have been hurt.

Law enforcement personnel have been investigating the wreck. Traffic was blocked in the area for a few hours along part of Catalina Avenue.

]]> After a serious accident injury, the involved parties may face overwhelming bills and expenses. Hospital bills, surgeries, therapy and counseling are just a few of the costs that the victims might face. In addition, the injured person could miss work and even lose his or her job in some cases, causing extra expenses.

The parties who are responsible for an accident should be held accountable for these expenses. A personal injury attorney might be able to help victims recover some of the costs associated with the wreck and may investigate the reason for the accident to determine liability. In addition to ordering payment for expenses, the courts might award additional compensation for pain and suffering to the victim as part of a settlement or judgment. Attorneys might additionally try to negotiate an out-of-court settlement, but if that isn't possible, they will fight for the client's rights to just compensation in court and seek a fair judgment.

Source: Daily Breeze, "Cyclist injured in crash on Catalina Avenue in Redondo Beach," Kristin S. Agostoni, Feb. 15, 2013

Singer Chris Brown crashes, blames paparazzi

2013-02-20T14:49:22Z

2013 Grammy nominee Chris Brown was recently involved in a collision that he says was caused by the paparazzi. The car accident occurred when Brown crashed into a wall in an alley in Beverly Hills. The singer claims he was cut off by two vehicles containing photographers as he traveled down the alley and that the paparazzi were "aggressive" in their pursuit of him. As he attempted to back out, he was cut off by two other cars.

Brown was alone in his vehicle at the time of the accident, so there were no witnesses to his version of events. The paparazzi deny Brown's statement that they were following him and say that they arrived after the crash occurred. Brown was driving his own car, a black Porsche, at the time. The vehicle is said to have been totaled in the accident.

]]> Brown and his attorney declared they are planning to file a lawsuit against the paparazzi as well as file criminal charges. The head of the photo agency for which the paparazzi work cautions that Brown should refrain from making "defamatory statements" in lieu of claiming responsibility for his own crash. No arrests have been made in the case.

When someone is injured in a car accident, he or she may be able to recover damages from the individual responsible for the crash if liability is proven as it has yet to be in this case. This compensation can include payment of medical bills and lost wages as well as sums for mental anguish or pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney represents the victim in such a case as he or she seeks payment for these damages.

Source: BET, "Chris Brown blames paparazzi for car accident," Evelyn Diaz, Feb. 10, 2013

7 tourists die in Yucaipa bus accident

2013-02-14T14:17:23Z

The city of Yucaipa was reeling from a commercial vehicle accident on Feb. 3 that left at least seven people dead and dozens more wounded. A bus that was carrying the tourists lost control as it hurled down a mountain road, rammed into a car and landed upside down after crashing into a pickup truck that was hauling a trailer.

The bus was en route to Tijuana, Mexico, after the tourists spent the day at Big Bear resort. Emergency workers assisted trapped passengers after the tragic accident. The bus driver, who survived the crash, explained that the bus's brakes gave out. Early death counts were as high as 10, and 38 people received treatment for a variety of injuries at medical facilities.

]]> Scapadas Magicas, LLC, which owns the bus and is based out of National City, Calif., had no accidents on its record for the past two years. The National Transportation Safety Board planned to investigation the bus accident, which occurred just one day after a bus carrying 42 students and adult chaperones in Boston crashed into an overpass. The driver of that bus took a route that had height restrictions injuring 35 people after it struck the overpass.

After such a severe accident, families of the deceased or the injured parties may want to seek compensation for the deaths and injuries of their loved ones. A personal injury attorney will help ensure that the people or company responsible be held liable for damages associated with the accident.

The can help clients review damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages due to time off from work. Other damages may also be considered in accidents caused by extreme negligence, such as a drunk driver or equipment safety violations. In this case if the investigation discovers the company knew or should have known about the brake problems on the bus punitive damages may also come into play in a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Source: CBS News, "Tour bus crash kills at least 7 in California," Feb. 4, 2013

California policeman hurt in multi-vehicle wreck

2013-02-06T00:44:06Z

A policeman, age 50, was hurt in a wreck near Interstate 5 on Jan. 25 during morning traffic. The accident involved several vehicles that hit each other in a domino effect. First, a small car swerved into a semi-truck while traveling at high speeds on the freeway. The small car's driver lost control and veered over the center divider into traffic headed the opposite direction. She hit two other vehicles, a truck and a sedan. The truck then careened off the highway onto an on-ramp and hit a police work truck. The officer's speed was recorded between 40 and 50 mph.

The officer sustained minor injuries. Although he was taken to a medical facility for treatment, he was released after being treated. Another victim sustained serious injuries and was rushed to an emergency medical treatment facility. Three additional victims all received minor injuries. None of the drivers in the car accident appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The authorities continue to investigate the causes of the accident.

]]> In this situation, the driver of the first car caused a multi-vehicle accident for unknown reasons. The injured parties have the right to pursue civil action against the motorist and may wish to seek compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.

A personal injury attorney can advise the victims on the possibility of filing a lawsuit and the appropriate amount of compensation to request. Financial reimbursement is not limited to actual costs. In some cases, a victim can request financial reimbursement for pain and suffering.

Source: Corning-observer.com "CHP officer injured in car crash," Julie R. Johnson, Jan. 25, 2013