August 31, 2010

Man in Wheelchair Struck by SUV in Santa Rosa Crosswalk

mendocino-fourth-santa-rosa.jpgA man was injured Tuesday morning when he was struck by a Toyota Highlander while crossing the street in an electric wheelchair, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. The August 31st accident occurred on Mendocino Avenue near Courthouse Square just after 11:00 a.m. According to police, the man in the wheelchair was travelling south on Mendocino and apparently had a green signal to cross the street. The driver of the Toyota Highlander was turning right on a red light from Fourth Street onto northbound Mendocino.

The Press Democrat reported that the driver of the Toyota, who was not identified, would be cited for a pedestrian violation. The man in the wheelchair was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital by ambulance.

Cause of the Car vs. Pedestrian Accident

If news reports are accurate, it appears that the driver of the SUV is responsible for this Santa Rosa car vs. pedestrian accident. The law pertaining to make a right turn at a red light is found in California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (b): "(b) Except when a sign is in place prohibiting a turn, a driver, after stopping as required by subdivision (a), facing a steady circular red signal, may turn right, or turn left from a one-way street onto a one-way street. A driver making that turn shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to any vehicle that has approached or is approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard to the driver, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to that vehicle until the driver can proceed with reasonable safety."

Continue reading "Man in Wheelchair Struck by SUV in Santa Rosa Crosswalk " »

August 31, 2010

Three People Seriously Injured in Highway 101 Crash in San Jose

highway-101-sign.jpgThree people suffered major injuries early Sunday morning in a suspected alcohol-related accident in San Jose, the Mercury News reported. The major injury crash occurred at about 3:15 a.m. Sunday on the shoulder of northbound Highway 101, just north of Metcalf Road. The crash involved a Mitsubishi, a Toyota, and a Mercedes.

The occupants of the Mitsubishi and the Toyota were standing on the shoulder of Highway 101 tending to a flat tire on the Toyota. A 23-year-old San Jose woman was standing between the two vehicles. At some point during the tire change process, 18-year-old Eric Nun of San Jose, who was driving northbound on Highway 101, veered his Mercedes off the road and rear-ended the parked Mitsubishi. The impact severed the leg of the 23-year-old woman standing between the two vehicles.

The 29-year-old Milpitas man who had been driving the Mitsubishi suffered major head injuries and internal bleeding. The 23-year-old man who had been driving the Toyota also suffered major head injuries. Eric Nun suffered a broken ankle and other injuries. He was later booked into Santa Clara County's main jail on a felony DUI charge.

Cause of the Highway 101 Accident

Accidents caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable. The CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of this August 29th crash and the official cause of the accident has not been released. Based on news reports, it appears that this crash was caused by the teen driver of the Mercedes, who was reportedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

Continue reading "Three People Seriously Injured in Highway 101 Crash in San Jose " »

August 23, 2010

Three Men Seriously Injured in Crash on Interstate I-880 in San Jose

i-880.pngThree people, including two pedestrians, suffered major injuries Sunday afternoon when a 2000 Nissan Xterra struck a 1997 Honda Civic in the center median of Interstate 880, the California Highway Patrol reported. The accident occurred at 3:35 p.m. near The Alameda. According to the Mercury News, two 19-year-old men from Newark were standing near the center median, between the broken down 1997 Honda Civic and a 1995 Honda Civic in front of it.

While making arrangements for a tow truck, the 1997 Honda Civic was struck from behind by the Nissan Xterra, which had veered off the roadway for unknown reasons. The impact caused the Civic to overturn and strike the two Newark men. The two Newark men and the 66-year-old San Jose man driving the Nissan suffered serious injuries.

Cause of the I-880 Accident

The CHP is investigating the cause of the crash. It was not clear based on the limited information provided in news reports why this accident occurred, or even how fast the Xterra was going when it rear-ended the Honda. At this point, there are only questions: Why did the driver of the Xterra veer into the center median? Was there anything he could have done to avoid striking the Honda and subsequently the two men standing in front of it? Was alcohol a factor in the crash? Hopefully, the investigation by law enforcement will provide answers.

Continue reading "Three Men Seriously Injured in Crash on Interstate I-880 in San Jose " »

August 17, 2010

Pedestrian Struck and Killed in Elk Grove Crosswalk

crosswalk-button.jpgA 34-year-old Elk Grove man tragically died Monday night when he was struck by a car while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk, the Sacramento Bee reported. The August 16th accident occurred at the intersection of Elk Grove Boulevard and Waterman Road at about 9 p.m. The victim, identified by the Sacramento County Coroner as Eric Vernon Hayman, 34, of Elk Grove, was crossing the street within a crosswalk when he was struck by a black Honda del Sol travelling southbound on Waterman Road.

The 18-year-old man driving the Honda, who was not identified, pulled over after striking Hayman. Hayman was taken to a nearby hospital where he died of his injuries. Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Elk Grove Police at (916) 478-8148.

Cause of the Fatal Pedestrian Accident

Elk Grove Police are investigating the cause of the fatal accident. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why the 18-year-old driver of the Honda was not able to stop the vehicle. Was he speeding or distracted? Police reportedly ruled out drugs or alcohol as possible factors, and the driver was not cited at the scene of the crash. Law enforcement is surely investigating all possible causes to determine exactly what happened. The law regarding pedestrian right of way at crosswalks can be found in the California Vehicle Code Section 21950: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection..."

Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If the driver of the Honda is determined to be responsible for this fatal Elk Grove pedestrian accident, he may be held liable for the death of Eric Hayman. In cases such as this one, where negligence may be a factor in a fatal accident, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a skilled and knowledgeable northern California pedestrian accident lawyer. Accidents where pedestrians are killed within a marked crosswalk have unique legal issues. An experienced attorney can help the victim's family understand and protect their rights, and if negligence was a factor in the crash, an attorney can help the victim's family recover the compensation they may be entitled to for their loss in a California wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Struck and Killed in Elk Grove Crosswalk " »

August 17, 2010

Three People Killed in Head-on Collision in Mariposa County

highway-140.jpgAn 18-year-old Mariposa woman may be responsible for a horrific head-on collision Saturday afternoon on Highway 140 that killed three people, the Sacramento Bee reported. The August 14th fatal head-on collision occurred when an eastbound Ford Bronco crossed over a double-yellow line into the westbound lanes around 3:10 p.m. on Highway 140, just east of Colorado Road in the Midpines area. The Bronco first struck a westbound Harley Davidson motorcycle and then a westbound Ford Escape. The two occupants of the motorcycle, Deana Smith, 39, and Michael Smith, 43, both of Chowchilla, were killed in the crash, along with the driver of the Ford Escape, Sharron Law, 56, of El Portal. The driver of the Bronco, Marissa Fuqua, 18, and three passengers in her vehicle were taken to the hospital with moderate to major injures.

Cause of the Highway 140 Accident

The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, and why the driver of the Bronco allowed her vehicle to cross into oncoming traffic. The CHP has reportedly ruled out drugs and alcohol as a contributing factor. On Monday, ABCNews reported that the CHP is investigating whether the crash may have been caused by distracted driving. Investigators have not elaborated on what they believe may have happened, and the investigation is ongoing.

Head-on Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability

Based on the facts reported of this accident, the three people who died most likely could have done nothing to prevent this collision. While the triple fatal Mariposa County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the three victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced northern California wrongful death lawyer about their legal rights as soon as possible. A knowledgeable attorney familiar with the liability issues of head-on collisions on state highways can help the family members of the three victims protect their rights to ensure justice is obtained for their sudden and heartbreaking loss. Although no amount of money could ever compensate for a death or ease the pain of a sudden loss, compensation can hold the at-fault party financially accountable for her actions and also provide for funeral and burial expenses, lost income of the decedents, as well as damages for loss of love, care, solace and companionship.

Continue reading "Three People Killed in Head-on Collision in Mariposa County " »

August 12, 2010

Madera Man Seriously Injured in Crash Caused by Suspected Drunken Teen Driver

avenue-14-crash.jpgThe Fresno Bee reported that a 58-year-old Madera man suffered major injuries Wednesday night when he was hit by a 16-year-old unlicensed driver suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. The accident, which involved a 1995 Toyota Avalon and a 1993 Jeep Cherokee SUV, occurred at the intersection of Avenue 14 and Road 29 at around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 11, 2010. According to news reports, the 16-year-old driver of the Toyota was travelling eastbound on Avenue 14, while at the same time Juan Ramirez, 58, was driving the Jeep northbound on Avenue. Avenue 14 has a stop sign at the intersection, while Road 29 does not. The Toyota struck the Jeep, resulting in major injuries to Ramirez and less serious injuries to three passengers. Ramirez was air-lifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.

The 16-year-old driver of the Toyota fled the scene. He and a 16-year-old passenger, also from Madera, were not injured. The teen, who did not have a driver's license, was arrested a short time later at his home by Madera County Sheriff's Deputies. KMPH News reported that investigators believe the teen was under the influence at the time of the crash.

Cause of the Madera County Accident

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. However, if news reports are accurate, the 16-year-old driver of the Toyota is responsible for this accident. He may face criminal charges for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without a license. Accidents caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable. In this situation, the young driver even had the audacity to flee the scene of the crash. It is fortunate that he was apprehended.

Drunk Driving Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

California is second only to Texas with the most drunk driving crashes every year. The attorneys at Estey Bomberger represent injured victims of drunk driving crashes and help them hold negligent parties accountable. If the driver was uninsured (which is likely, since he was unlicensed), a skilled northern California personal injury lawyer may be able to help the victims obtain financial compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering, from their own insurance policy. In situations such as this one, while an accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims are well-advised ton consult with a lawyer knowledgeable in the unique legal issues of alcohol-related car accidents.

Continue reading "Madera Man Seriously Injured in Crash Caused by Suspected Drunken Teen Driver " »

August 8, 2010

Woman and Infant Boy Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver in Sacramento

orange-and-stockton-eb.jpgA 23-year-old woman and an 8-month old boy tragically died early Sunday morning in Sacramento, KCRA News reported. The accident occurred at about 5:05 a.m., at the intersection of Orange Avenue and Stockton Boulevard. A Toyota 4Runner SUV was travelling at a "very high rate of speed" when it rear-ended a Honda Accord occupied by the woman and infant. The victims were identified as Nancy Angelica Naranjo, 23, of Galt, and Joshua Bonton, 8 months. The driver of the 4 Runner, Xieng Kham Her, 22, was not hurt. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter.

Cause of the Crash and Wrongful Death Liability

If news reports are accurate, this crash was caused by the suspected drunk driver, Xieng Kham Her. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, "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."

If Xieng Kham Her is determined to be responsible for this double fatality accident, he may be criminally and civilly liable for his actions. While this crash remains under investigation, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact a northern California wrongful death attorney who has experience representing victims of drunk driving accidents. A skilled and experienced attorney can help the family hold the drunk driver accountable for his actions to the maximum extent.

Drinking and Driving Destroys Lives

Driving under the influence is an epidemic problem in California, killing more than 1,000 people every single year. At Estey Bomberger, our personal injury attorneys believe every accident caused by a drunk driver is 100% preventable. We support Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other organizations that aim to raise awareness and stop drunk driving. To learn more about how drinking and driving destroys lives, visit our website, stop-drunk-driving.com.

Continue reading "Woman and Infant Boy Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver in Sacramento " »

August 5, 2010

South Bay Sexual Abuse Case Results in $30 Million Jury Verdict

Establishing itself as the largest award in California this year for a single-person sex abuse case, a former foster care child received $30 million in damages by a jury on August 4, 2010. MercuryNews.com reports that the sexual abuse victim's attorney, Stephen J. Estey of the personal injury law firm Estey Bomberger, stated that the former foster child, now 25, endured more than 600 acts of sexual abuse from December 1995 to March 1999.

The jury determined that foster family agency Giarretto Institute was negligent for failing to properly monitor and investigate John Hardy Jackson, the boy's foster father. The jury concluded that the Giarretto Institute was 75 percent liable for the injuries to the former foster care child and that Jackson was 25 percent liable.

The civil case brought many in the Santa Clara County courtroom to tears, including the male plaintiff, who has demonstrated tremendous strength and will as a survivor of sexual abuse during a challenging case. The 25 year old copes with residual mental distress from his abuse. Three other foster children who also resided in the Jackson home and endured similar abuse to the 25-year old male have filed lawsuits that are currently pending and will be handled by Estey.

Estey Bomberger is a Northern California personal injury law firm that has dedicated years to protecting the rights of those affected by another's negligence or wrongdoing. In helping protect the community through effective civil litigation, Estey Bomberger is an AV Rated firm recognized for its strong ethics and extensive legal skills. To learn more about the firm and how they can assist you, please visit http://www.esteyandbomberger.com or call 800-890-6722.

| Share
August 3, 2010

Two Injured in Head-on Collision on Highway 20

hwy-20-clearlake-oaks.jpgA head-on collision Sunday afternoon on Highway 20 left two people with injuries, the CHP reported. The accident was reported at about 3:40 p.m. August 1st, west of Island Drive. Two vehicles were involved in the crash: an eastbound 1990 Chevy Prism and a westbound 1997 Toyota Tacoma. According to news reports, the driver of the Chevy, Robert Myers Jr. of Lakeport, allowed the vehicle to drift across double yellow lines and into the path of the Toyota pickup, driven by Mary Smothers of Willits. Smothers and a passenger in her vehicle were taken to St. Helena Hospital Clearlake for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Cause of the Highway 20 Accident

The CHP is investigating the cause of the Highway 20 Clearlake Oaks head-on collision. However, if news reports are accurate, it appears that the driver of the eastbound Chevy caused this accident by allowing his vehicle to drift into oncoming traffic. Why he allowed his vehicle to drift is not clear. According to the CHP both drivers were licensed, and all parties were wearing their seat belts. Alcohol was not suspected to be a factor in the crash.

Auto Accident Personal Injury Liability

If the driver of the Chevy is determined to have caused this accident, he may be liable for the injuries of the two occupants of the Toyota. In situations such as this one, while the accident is ongoing, the injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to speak to a northern California personal injury lawyer who has successfully represented victims of Highway 20 accidents. A skilled accident attorney can help the victims protect their legal rights and recover the compensation they may be entitled to for their injuries related to this accident, including damages for medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Two Injured in Head-on Collision on Highway 20 " »

August 2, 2010

Two Killed, Two Injured in Head-on Collision in Contra Costa County

byron-hwy-eb.jpgTwo people tragically died Saturday, July 31st in a head-on collision on Byron Highway in Contra Costa County, the CHP reported. The accident was reported at 4:24 p.m. near Herdlyn Road. Three vehicles were involved in the crash: an eastbound Toyota pickup, a westbound GMC pickup, and a westbound Nissan Maxima.

According to CHP reports, the driver of the Toyota pickup, Jess Bandiola, 31, of Danville, may have been attempting to pass another vehicle when his vehicle entered westbound lanes. Bandiola's vehicle collided head-on with the GMC pickup truck drive by Ernesto Licea, 40, of Tracy. Seconds after the initial collision, the Nissan Maximua struck Licea's truck. Both Bandiola and Licea died in the crash. Two male passengers in the GMC pickup truck suffered non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Nissan was reportedly not hurt.

Cause of the Head-on Collision

If news reports are accurate, this crash may have been caused by the Danville man driving the Toyota pickup. The main issue in this accident appears to be whether the driver of the Toyota had sufficient clearance to pass. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21751 (Passing Without Sufficient Clearance), "On a two-lane highway, no vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction." The CHP is still investigating the cause of the accident. In the course of their investigation, law enforcement will look at other possible contributing factors such as the speed of all three vehicles, possible driver distraction or impairment, the condition of the roadway, and other factors.

Continue reading "Two Killed, Two Injured in Head-on Collision in Contra Costa County " »

July 30, 2010

Cyclist Struck by Car Seriously Injured in Alamo

danville-blvd-eb.jpgA 45-year-old Lafayette man riding a bicycle suffered serious injuries when he was struck by a pickup truck towing a utility trailer in Alamo, Mercury News reported. The Contra Costa County bicycle accident occurred at Danville Boulevard and Las Trampas Road, just after 1 p.m. on Friday, July 30th. According to news reports, the cyclist, who was wearing a helmet, was travelling southbound on Danville Boulevard, while the pickup truck, driven by a Yuba City man, was turning from northbound Danville onto Las Trampas Road. As the truck made the turn, the cyclist collided with the pickup truck's trailer hitch and was thrown off his bicycle onto the street.

The cyclist was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, but is expected to survive, the CHP reported. We wish him the best for a complete and quick recovery.

Cause of the Alamo Bicycle Accident

The CHP is still investigating the cause of the crash. However, if news reports are accurate, it appears that the driver of the pickup truck likely failed to yield to the right of way of the cyclist, and made a left turn into his path. The state law pertaining to left turns is found in California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety." In this situation, the bicycle would be considered a vehicle.

Bicycle Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

In situations such as this one, where a the driver of a vehicle is likely responsible for hitting a cyclist, the family of the injured victim would be well-advised to contact a northern California bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. A knowledgeable, experienced attorney who specializes in bicycle accident personal injury claims can help the injured cyclist protect his rights to obtain the maximum compensation he may be entitled to for his injuries, including all medical expenses and related care costs, lost earnings due to the accident, and pain and suffering. If the driver of the vehicle was driving a company-owned vehicle or was driving while on the job, his employer could also be liable for the cyclist's injuries, depending on the circumstances of the crash.

Continue reading "Cyclist Struck by Car Seriously Injured in Alamo " »

July 30, 2010

Elderly Pedestrian Struck and Killed in San Jose Mobile Home Park

millpond-map-eb.jpgA 79-year-old San Jose woman walking in her mobile home park was killed Wednesday afternoon when a 75-year-old woman struck her. The accident, which was the third pedestrian fatality in San Jose this year, occurred at the Millpond mobile home community located at 2320 Canoas Garden Avenue, at 12:38 p.m. According to reports in Mercury News, the victim, Walda Bradley, was walking inside the complex in the 700 block of Mill Stream Drive when she was struck. The woman driving the car was also a resident of the mobile home community. Bradley was rushed to a local hospital where she died of her injuries.

Elderly Driving Accidents

With a growing population of elderly people, accidents involving elderly drivers are on the rise. Although it is unclear why this accident occurred, any accident involving an elderly driver raises the question of whether the driver was capable of driving. One common cause of accidents involving elderly drivers is pedal misapplication, where a driver mistakes the gas pedal for the brake pedal. With aging, Reflexes, visual acuity, memory, flexibility, and the ability to focus gradually decline. Some elderly people also take medications that may further impair their ability to focus and react quickly.

Possible Wrongful Death Liability

If the driver of the car is determined to have caused this accident, she may be liable for the wrongful death of Walda Bradley. While the pedestrian accident remains under investigation, the family of the victim may benefit from speaking to a northern California wrongful death lawyer with experience handling elderly driver accidents. An attorney skilled in the unique issues of these types of incidents can help the victims' family understand their legal rights and obtain maximum compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Elderly Pedestrian Struck and Killed in San Jose Mobile Home Park " »

July 24, 2010

Twain Harte Man Seriously Injured in Copperopolis Motorcycle Accident

A 47-year-old Twain Harte man suffered serious injuries Thursday afternoon in a motorcycle accident in Copperopolis, mymotherlode.com reported. The July 22nd Calaveras County motorcycle crash was reported at 12:10 p.m. on Copper Cove Drive, near Feather Drive.

copper-cove-eb.jpgAccording to CHP reports, the motorcyclist, Joseph Cognetti, was travelling westbound on Copper Cove Drive, while a GMC truck driven by Diego Salas, 19, of Turlock, was travelling eastbound. Salas apparently did not see Cognetti before he attempted to turn northbound into a service station. The motorcycle collided with Salas' GMC truck. Cognetti suffered major injuries and was aiflifted to Modesto Memorial Hospital.

Cause of the Copper Cove Drive Crash

If news reports are accurate, it appears that the driver of the GMC is responsible for the collision, by failing to yield to the right of way of the motorcycle However, the cause of the crash still remains under investigation. The CHP will look at factors such as the speed of both vehicles, whether or not the driver or motorcyclist was impaired, and other factors in determining exactly what happened.

Motorcycle Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

If it is established that the Turlock man driving the GMC truck caused this accident, he may be liable for the Cognetti's injuries sustained as a result of this accident, including medical treatment and care expenses, lost earnings or wages, and pain and suffering. In situations such as this one, where a negligent driver may be responsible for an accident resulting in serious injuries, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a northern California motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer can review the unique legal issues of this accident and help the victim and his family protect their legal rights to maximum compensation in a personal injury claim.

Continue reading "Twain Harte Man Seriously Injured in Copperopolis Motorcycle Accident " »

July 22, 2010

Driver Arrested After Killing Woman Jogging on Oro Chico Highway

marijuana-handcuffs-eb.jpgThe Chico Enterprise Record reported today that a Chico man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana after he allegedly struck and killed a Chico woman Thursday morning on Oro Chico Highway. The fatal Durham accident occurred just after 9 a.m., about three-fourths of a mile east of Midway. The victim was identified as Carrie Jean Hollman, 57. The driver of the vehicle that struck Hollman, Jimmy Candido Flores, 25, was arrested at the scene of the accident. Flores, who has a previous felony DUI conviction, claimed a dog in his vehicle jumped in his arms and caused him to swerve and strike Hollman.

Cause of the Fatal Pedestrian Accident

The California Highway Patrol reported that Flores "displayed objective symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance." Flores claimed to be driving 35 mph, but investigators were not sure that was accurate, based upon the distance that Hollman's body was thrown on impact. The cause of the July 22nd accident remains under investigation.

Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana

In California, driving under the influence of marijuana (or alcohol, or any controlled substance) is unlawful, under Vehicle Code Section 23152. Causing an accident while under the influence of marijuana carries the same penalties as drivers under the influence of alcohol. In addition to criminal charges for driving under the influence, the driver who is suspected to have caused this Butte County accident while under the influence of marijuana may be liable for Carrie Jean Hollman's death in a wrongful death claim. While this accident remains under investigation, the family of the victim would be well-advised to seek a consultation with a northern California wrongful death lawyer about the unique legal issues of this accident, and the family's options for holding the driver (and any other contributing parties) financially accountable for their loved one's death.

Advocates for Stopping Drunk Driving Accidents

At Estey Bomberger, we support maximum criminal punishment for drunk drivers, including those who drive the influence of controlled substances. We believe drivers should be held accountable for the accidents they cause and lives they destroy. It is our believe that families of victims should receive the maximum possible compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim, including punitive damages where relevant. We support MADD and other organizations that raise awareness about how drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs destroys families. Visit our website, stop-drunk-driving.com for more information about what you can do to help stop drunk driving in your community.

Continue reading "Driver Arrested After Killing Woman Jogging on Oro Chico Highway " »

July 22, 2010

Garbage Truck Driver Injured in Interstate 80 Crash

I-80.pngA 59-year-old Truckee man suffered moderate injures Thursday morning after the garbage truck he was driving overturned on westbound Interstate 80, the Colfax Record reported. The July 22nd accident occurred shortly after 9 a.m., east of Emigrant Gap. According to a CHP report, the driver of the Tahoe-Truckee disposal truck, Richard Christensen, lost control of the truck when the right front tire failed. The truck drifted to the right side of the road and down an embankment. It overturned and slid across the exit to westbound Carpenter Flat Road, according to news reports.

Christensen was extricated from his vehicle and flown by CHP helicopter to Sutter Hsopital in Roseville. The CHP did not believe alcohol or drugs were a factor in the accident, which remains under investigation.

Tire Failures and Accidents

The failure of a tire can easily cause a driver to lose control of a vehicle. In this situation, it is fortunate that no other vehicles were involved. In situations where the driver of a company owned vehicle (in this case, a trash truck) is injured, the victim may be entitled to compensation for his injuries from whoever is deemed responsible for the accident. If the tire failed due to negligent maintenance, the garbage company may be responsible for the truck driver's injuries. If the tire failed due to a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer of the tire may be responsible for the accident. In situations such as this one, the family of the injured truck driver would be well-advised to seek a consultation with an experienced northern California personal injury attorney about the unique legal issues of this accident, and the victim's legal rights to compensation in a personal injury claim.

Continue reading "Garbage Truck Driver Injured in Interstate 80 Crash " »