Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

NEVADA COUNTY - A horrific work-related accident occurred Thursday morning when a man was killed by a wood-chipper in Nevada City. The accident happened on the 10000 block of Indian Shack Road when 50-year-old Martin Lara of Applegate, was tangled in something that was caught in the wood chipper and then entangled around his neck and decapitated him, KCRA News reported.

Lara was under the employment of a company called Bushwackers, which was then hired to clear brush from a rural home outside Nevada City. Crew members at the incident heard Lara scream, but it was too late to assist him. Lara was reported to have died at the scene of this horrendous accident.

Liability for Fatal Machinery Accident in Nevada City

Based on the information provided by news reports, it is not immediately clear whether the cause of this accident was due to a malfunction in the equipment. However, if authorities come to a conclusion there was a machinery malfunction, the entity in which the victim is under the supervision could be held accountable for his death, as they are obligated and responsible for providing safe and functioning equipment.

Therefore, in a fatal accident like this one, it would be well-advised for the family of the victim to speak to a Nevada County accident lawyer. An experienced attorney who is knowledgeable in machinery accidents can help family members understand their legal rights, ensure those rights are protected in a wrongful death claim, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for their tragic loss.

Continue reading "Worker Killed in Nevada City Wood Chipper Accident" »

STANISLAUS COUNTY - A 67-year-old bicyclist is hospitalized and facing life-threatening injuries after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver Friday morning in Modesto, KCRA News reports. The collision was reported at 6:40 a.m. when the bicyclist identified as Ray Rogers, was struck by a white pickup truck at the intersection of Sutter and Rouse avenues. The truck fled the scene of the accident before police authorities and emergency personnel arrived. The truck is also said to have some minor to moderate front-end damage.

Although it is uncertain who is at fault or had the right of way in this incident, there is no excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident. Hopefully, authorities can locate the driver involved and determine what happened in this devastating January 6th collision. Anyone with information regarding the incident or who has witnessed the crash should contact Modesto Police Department traffic officer Letsinger at (209) 652-2260.

After a serious hit-and-run accident such as this one, it would be well-advised for the victim to speak to a knowledgeable and experienced Modesto personal injury attorney. If the victim cannot contact a lawyer due his injuries and/or hospitalization, family members are advised to seek an attorney on his behalf. An attorney who understands the legal issues involving bicycle accidents can help the victim protect his rights in a personal injury claim, assist authorities in locating the driver, and ensure the victim is fully compensated for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Injured in Modesto Hit-and-Run Accident" »

SISKIYOU COUNTY - The Redding Record Searchlight reported a 22-year-old Washington woman tragically died early Saturday morning when the SUV she was riding in overturned on Interstate 5. The accident was reported just before 3 a.m. on southbound Interstate 5 near the Klamath River Bridge in Siskiyou County. The victim, identified as Sarah Cullen, was lying in the back of a 2003 Mitsubishi Montero when the 20-year-old driver of the vehicle lost control of the SUV, which went off the road and overturned multiple times.

Cullen, who was unrestrained, was ejected from the SUV and died from her injuries. The driver and the other occupants of the vehicle, a 21-year-old woman, and a 2-year-old, were taken to Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford, Oregon. The cause of the fatal January 1st crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. According to CHP investigators, alcohol and drugs were not factors in the fatal wreck.

Continue reading "SUV Passenger Killed In Interstate 5 Rollover Near Oregon Border " »

STANISLAUS COUNTY -- A tragic accident in the community called Hughson, which is located in the city of Modesto, occurred around 6:30 a.m. Friday when a 46-year-old Crese woman was struck by a small SUV. The Modesto Bee reported that Stanislaus County crime scene technician Mary Donahou was helping a deputy gather evidence at a crime scene when she was hit by a car as she walked along Santa Fe Avenue, just south of Charles Road.

Following this incident, Donahou suffered major head injuries and was transported to a hospital, where she later died. The driver of the vehicle, 38-year-old Elizabeth Quiroga of Hughson was not charged after the crash and is cooperating with police.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In an accident where it is unclear what exactly happened or who's at fault, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a Northern California pedestrian accident lawyer immediately regarding their legal rights. Contacting an experienced attorney as soon as possible can help ensure witness statements and important evidence are preserved.

Compassionate attorneys at Estey Bomberger can also advise the family of their legal rights in a wrongful death claim and decide the best course of action to recover compensation for the family's tragic and unexpected loss, including funeral and burial expenses, future and anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Stanislaus County Crime Scene Investigator Struck and Killed by Car in Modesto" »

PLACER COUNTY -- A head-on collision in Foresthill left two people seriously injured, The Sacramento Bee reported. The accident happened at about 2:05 p.m. Friday, when for unknown reasons a 79-year-old Foresthill man drove his white Nissan pickup from the westbound lane and onto the eastbound lanes of Foresthill Road. The driver of the Nissan then slammed head-on into a Toyota driven by a 32-year-old woman from Foresthill. Both drivers were airlifted to Sutter Roseville Medical Center for further treatment.

Cause of the Foresthill Car Collision

Based on the information provided by news reports, it is unclear what caused the driver to veer onto the opposite side of the road and into oncoming traffic. Therefore, the accident on December 30th will remain under investigation until the Placer County Sheriff's Department determines whether speed, negligence, vehicle malfunctions, road conditions, or drugs/alcohol, played a role in this terrible accident.

Car Accident Injury Liability

After a car accident like this one, the victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from an experienced Northern California personal injury attorney. A lawyer who has helped numerous victims in car accidents, can ensure the victim's legal rights are protected and decide the best option to recover the compensation she is entitled to for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages relating to this devastating head-on car collision.

Continue reading "Two Injured in Foresthill Car Accident" »

MERCED COUNTY -- Two people were tragically killed in a Merced County multi-vehicle accident at about 4:19 p.m. Wednesday. According to the Fresno Bee, an 84-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman, were passengers in a 2006 Toyota Camry driven by Mikael Mikaelian, 70, of Clovis, when for unknown reasons he failed to negotiate a right turn and traveled directly into oncoming westbound traffic on Highway 152, east of the Santa Clara County border.

Once veering onto the other side of the road, the Toyota slammed into a 2004 Ford driven by Theodore Haynish, 52, of Hollister. Following the crash, Haynish suffered only minor injuries and sought treatment on his own. Mikaelian sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a Modesto hospital, while his two passengers who were residents of Fresno, were killed instantly.

UPDATE: On Thursday night, the Fresno Bee reported that the two people killed in this horrific accident was 84-year-old Arshag Kalpakian, and 76-year-old Anahid Kalpakian.

Cause of the Highway 152 Car Accident

The accident on December 28th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information given by news reports, it is not evident what caused the driver of the Toyota to fail to make a right turn. Hopefully, the CHP will come to a conclusion as to what happened, and whether distracted driving, vehicle malfunctions, road conditions, or negligence was a factor in this tragic collision.

Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

After a major car accident such as this one, the family the victims would be well-advised to seek a skilled Northern California wrongful death attorney. Compassionate lawyers that understand the legal issues regarding fatal car accidents can help the family protect their legal rights in a wrongful death claim, and advise them the best option to recover compensation for their tragic loss. Compensation in a civil claim can include and are not limited to, funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Two Killed, Two Injured in Merced County Car Crash on Highway 152" »

YOLO COUNTY -- A pedestrian woman in Davis was tragically struck by a vehicle at about 6:40 a.m. Wednesday, The Davis Enterprise reported. The pedestrian, whose name was not released, was hit by an eastbound vehicle when she was attempting to cross Russell Boulevard near Lake Boulevard. Following the collision, the pedestrian was then taken to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento with possible head injuries.

UPDATE: According to ABC 10 News, the pedestrian woman identified as Megan Glanville, 25, died late Thursday afternoon at UC Davis Medical Center from her injuries.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident in Davis

Based on the limited information provided by The Davis Enterprise, it is unclear what could have caused this December 21st pedestrian accident. Lt. Paul Doroshov of the Davis Police Department indicated that weather conditions were foggy at the time of the incident, but it is not evident whether the lack of visibility played a factor in the accident. Hopefully, the Davis Police Department can come to a conclusion as to what happened and why.

Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability

While the investigation of the accident remains ongoing, the victim or the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a Northern California personal injury lawyer. A skilled attorney who has the knowledge and experience in car vs. pedestrian accidents, can help the victim protect her legal rights, and if necessary, hire a independent investigator to reconstruct the collision to determine who may be at fault. An attorney from Estey Bomberger can also advise the victim the best option to recover compensation for her injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this horrible pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Woman Injured in Davis Pedestrian Accident" »

MADERA COUNTY -- A 47-year-old man was killed in a head-on car crash along Highway 145 in Madera. According to The Fresno Bee, the accident occurred on Friday afternoon when the man, who was a passenger in a Dodge Shadow traveling westbound, collided with a pickup that turned in front of it.

Following the fatal collision, the driver of the Dodge sustained moderate injuries and the two occupants in the pickup suffered moderate to minor injuries. The names of the individuals involved in the crash were not immediately released.

Cause of the Madera Car Collision on Highway 145

Based on the information provided by The Fresno Bee, it is unclear what caused this accident to occur. Therefore, the California Highway Patrol will further investigate the collision, and determine what happened and who is officially responsible.

Car Accident Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

If police come to a conclusion that the driver of the pickup truck is responsible for the collision due to either negligence or unsafe driving, the injured victim and the family of the deceased victim would be well-advised to immediately contact a knowledgeable Madera auto accident lawyer.

An attorney who has the experience in head-on car accidents, can ensure the legal rights of the injured victim and the family of the deceased are protected in a personal injury or wrongful death claim, and decide the best option to recover the compensation they are entitled to for medical care expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages to this devastating December 16th car accident.

Continue reading "One Killed, Three Injured in Madera Car Accident on Highway 145" »

SACRAMENTO -- A 70-year-old woman was killed and three people injured after they were involved in a two-vehicle accident, The Sacramento Bee reported. The multi-car crash occurred at about 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, when the 70-year-old woman traveling eastbound on Garden Highway near the Northgate-Arden Garden connector swerved into the westbound lane and collided with an oncoming vehicle.

According to Sgt. Andrew Pettit, spokesman of the Sacramento Police Department, a medical condition may have contributed to the collision. Following this terrible accident, the woman was reported to have died at the scene, while three occupants in the other vehicle were taken to a hospital. The female driver sustained serious injuries and her passenger suffered moderate injuries. The injuries or condition of the other passenger - an infant - was not immediately released.

Cause of the Car Accident in Sacramento

The accident on December 14th remains under investigation by the Sacramento Police Department. And based on the information provided by The Sacramento Bee, it is unclear whether the cause of the crash was due to the driver's medical condition. However, the collision will be further investigated to determine if there were other factors that prompted the accident.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

While the investigation of this accident is ongoing, the victims or the family members of the victims would be well-advised to seek a Sacramento car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights in a personal injury claim. If the police determine that the driver who veered onto the opposite side of the road is fully responsible for the collision, a skilled lawyer can advise the victims the best course of action to obtain compensation for their injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this tragic car accident.

Continue reading "One Killed, Three Injured in Sacramento Car Crash on Garden Highway" »

ALAMEDA COUNTY -- A 40-year-old man in a wheelchair was struck and killed by a van while crossing the street in Hayward, San Francisco Chronicle reported. The accident happened at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, when David Gomez, of Hayward, was hit by a white Ford Econoline while attempting to cross at a crosswalk at Patrick Avenue and Gomer Street. Following the accident, the driver of the van stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the police.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident in Hayward

The accident on December 10th remains under investigation by police officials. However, based on the information provided by news reports, it remains to be certain what caused this accident to occur. Hopefully, authorities will come to a conclusion as to what happened and why.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

While the investigation of the accident remains ongoing, the family of the victim would be well-advise to consult with a knowledgeable Northern California wrongful death lawyer to discuss their legal rights. If the family decides to take action in a civil suit, an attorney who has the experience in pedestrian accidents can ensure the family's rights are protected, determine whether negligent or reckless driving was a factor in the collision, and decide the best course of action to recover the compensation they are entitled to for the loss of their loved one, including funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this tragic pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Man in Wheelchair Struck and Killed by Van in Hayward" »

Often in a personal injury case, if you are the victim, you would think that you have to take action, but this is not the case. In almost every situation, the other party's insurer will call you before you even have time to think about the case or whether or not you have a claim to file. In some ways, this is good because it immediately gets the ball rolling on you getting compensated for your injury. It can also be bad in that you most likely did not even have time to contact your lawyer, so you will have to field the telephone call without legal advice. How should you handle it when the other party's insurer calls you?

Here are some tips on making the best of that telephone call so that it will not harm or hinder your personal injury claim later down the road.

Do not get too detailed in the information you provide. The insurance representative will ask you quite a few questions, but you do not need to get into the details until you have had time to talk to your lawyer. Instead, provide the basics, like your name, address and telephone number. It is also ok to tell them where you work and the type of work that you do. When the insurance company starts asking you about the accident and your injuries, it is absolutely vital that that you do not go into any details.

You should never give out details about the accident or injury without talking to your lawyer. This is for very simple reasons. Chances are, when you talk to the insurance company, you will still be upset, angry or rattled by the incident. You may not remember all of the details or you may later find out your injuries are more extensive. However, the insurance company could use anything you say against you and this could hinder your case later. When asked, simply say that the details will be discussed at a later point and time when it is appropriate.

Always remain polite and calm. You may think about the injury and you may become angry while on the telephone, but you will not want to do this. You may say things that could later hurt your case, or you could make an enemy when you need a friend to get the case settled more quickly. If you receive that insurance call before you have talked to a lawyer, follow this simple advice, and you will be able to handle it with ease.

If you have been injured in a car accident and would like to know more about your rights to receive compensation for your medical care and pain and suffering, contact the California car accident lawyers at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

Continue reading "Car Accident FAQ: What to Do When the Other Side's Insurer Calls You" »

When it comes to your personal injury case, there is one person who will have more control over how much you will be compensated than you may have imagined. That person is not you or your lawyer. Instead, it is your doctor. How your doctor presents your injuries, pain and suffering will have a very big impact on your personal injury claim. Often, doctors will not enjoy being a part of the personal injury case because it can be a very big hassle for them, so it is very important that you have a good relationship with your doctor so that they will be there for you when you need them in your personal injury case.

Here are some tips on making sure you have the best chance of getting your doctor to be a witness in your personal injury case.

1. Always go by your doctor's instructions. This way, all of your injuries will be cared for in the best possible way. In addition, your doctor will feel better about speaking for you when it comes to your injuries since they will know that you did not cause any further harm to yourself by not following doctor's orders.

2. Tell your doctor everything. That means you need to tell your doctor all of the details of the accident and then every single detail of pain that you have felt since the accident. Even if you think that the pain is minor, it is still important that you give all of your information to the doctor. Without all of the details, your doctor may not be able to properly treat you, and they will not be able to properly record all of your injuries for the personal injury claim.

3. Do not go without treatment. It is important that you get medical treatment as soon as possible after the accident and you need to continue with regular follow up treatment. Everything that your doctor puts in your medical records will go toward your personal injury claim. If you do not get follow up treatment, it could be argued that you were not as injured as you say.

When it comes to your personal injury claim, your doctor will have a very big say in how much of a claim you are actually able to win. You need to make sure you give your doctor every chance of providing proper information for your injury and for your case.

If you have been seriously injured in California and would like to know more about your rights to compensation for your injuries, contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer for a free consultation today.

Continue reading "Three Tips for Getting the Best Information From Your Doctor in a Personal Injury Case" »

FRESNO COUNTY -- A Monday morning multi-vehicle collision left one person dead and injured three others in east-central Fresno. According to The Fresno Bee, the driver of a 1960s Chevrolet Nova sped west out of a filling station on Olive Avenue near Peach Street, veered onto the eastbound lanes and slammed into a late-model pickup truck.

The 29-year-old male driver of the Nova, was driving with a suspended license and was killed after the crash. The driver and two children inside the pickup truck were taken via ambulance to Community Regional Medical Center for further treatment.

Cause of the Fresno Car Collision

The Fresno car accident on December 5th remains under investigation by police officials. However, based on the information provided by The Fresno Bee, it appears the driver of the Chevrolet Nova may be responsible for the accident due to veering onto the other side of the roadway and into oncoming traffic, along with driving with a suspended license. Therefore, it is apparent that the occupants in the pickup truck had no way to prevent or avoid this horrible collision.

Fresno Auto Accident Injury Liability

While the car crash on Olive Avenue is being investigated, the injured victim or the family of the injured victims would be well-advised to speak to a skilled Fresno car accident lawyer. An attorney who has the knowledge and experience in accidents such as this one, can help the family protect their legal rights in a civil suit, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation. Compensation in a personal injury claim can include medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages relating to this terrible car accident.

Continue reading "One Killed, Three Injured in Fresno Car Crash" »

SONOMA COUNTY -- A 49-year-old male bicyclist was tragically struck by a car in Santa Rosa on Monday, ABC 7 News reported. The accident was reported around 6:45 p.m. when police officials found the bicyclist, Frank Moreno, lying on the southbound lanes of Fulton Road, just south of Chatham Drive. According to the Santa Rosa police, the first motorist who hit Moreno stopped at the scene, but a second vehicle may have also be involved in the collision. Following this tragic accident, Moreno was reported to have died at the scene at 6:54 p.m.

Cause of the November 28th Santa Rosa Bicycle Accident

Based on the information provided by ABC 7 News, it is not evident what could have caused this crash and who may be at fault. And if a second vehicle was involved in the collision, it is not clear why the driver of that vehicle did not stop and stay at the scene until the proper authorities arrive. However, regardless whose fault it may be, there is never an excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident. According to the California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a): "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."

Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

While the bicycle accident on Fulton Road remains under investigation by the Santa Rosa Police Department, it would be advisable for the family of the victim to seek an experienced Northern California bicycle accident lawyer at the law firm of Estey Bomberger. Understanding and compassionate attorney Mike Bomberger who is also an avid cylist, can advise the family of their legal rights, determine who may be responsible for the loss of their loved one, help police in efforts locate the second driver, and decide the best option in obtaining the maximum compensation in a wrongful death claim. Compensation can include, funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship, or other damages. Anyone who has witnessed this accident or has any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Santa Rosa police Officer Mike Mieger at (707)543-3636.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Tragically Struck and Killed by Car in Santa Rosa " »

SANTA CLARA COUNTY -- According to Mercury News, four people were seriously hurt in a two-vehicle crash in Santa Clara. The accident occurred around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday on Lincoln Street when for unknown reasons two sedans collided with each other. The impact of the collision caused one of the vehicles to slam into a wall of a monastery. Limited information provided by news reports does not explain what could be the cause of the crash.

Following this terrible incident, three out of the four occupants in the sedan that slammed into the wall sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital for further treatment. The fourth occupant, a 6-year-old boy, suffered serious injuries and was immediately transported to Valley Medical Center for treatment. The other driver involved in the crash, was not hurt after the accident.

Auto Accident Personal Injury Liability

While the accident on November 22nd remains under investigation by the Santa Clara Police Department, it would be advisable for the injured victims to speak to a knowledgeable and experienced Northern California auto accident injury lawyer. Immediate consultation from a highly skilled attorney at Estey Bomberger, can help protect the victims' legal rights in a civil claim and recover the maximum compensation for their injuries. In a personal injury claim, compensation can include and are not limited to medical care expenses, lost earnings, disfigurement, scarring, pain and suffering, or other damages related to this devastating car accident.

Continue reading "Four Seriously Injured in Santa Clara Car Accident" »