Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

A 21-year-old man was injured when his motorcycle collided with another vehicle in a Chico intersection, the Enterprise-Record reported. The accident, which involved a BMW 650 motorcycle and a Honda Civic, happened Monday, November 29, 2010, just after 12 p.m. at the intersection of West Fifth and Walnut Street (California State Route 32). According to news reports, the driver of the Honda Civic, an 18-year-old Corning man, reportedly attempted a left turn in front of the motorcyclist, Ryan Clemensen, 21. The driver of the Honda Civic told police he did not see the bike.

Cause of the Butte County Accident

Chico Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision. However, based on the news reports, it appears that this accident may have been caused by the driver of the Honda Civic making an unsafe left turn into the path of the motorcyclist. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21801: "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."

Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents

The left-turn motorcycle accident is unfortunately a common type of accident is a common type of accident caused when the driver of a passenger vehicle does not see a motorcyclist (but should have). Young and inexperienced drivers are frequently involved in these accidents. On September 27th, an Oakdale couple was injured in a left-turn motorcycle accident on Highway 4 in Calaveras County involving a 17-year-old driver. On September 6th, a Paradise man suffered severe injures in a left-turn crash on Pentz Road in Butte County involving a 17-year-old driver.

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

When accidents such as this November 29th motorcycle accident occur, the family members of the injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced northern California motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer who is also an avid motorcyclist and who has represented a number of left-turn accident victims can advise the victim of their best course of action to protect their legal rights following a serious injury accident.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Injured in Chico Intersection Left-Turn Crash " »

A Lodi man tragically died of his injuries after he was struck by a Comcast Cable van on Victor Road, the Stockton Record reported. The fatal pedestrian accident occurred at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17th, on Victor Road near Cherokee Lane. According to news reports, the victim, Robert DeNigris, 47, was walking on Victor Road when he was struck by the eastbound van. The driver of the van stopped and remained at the scene. DeNigris was taken to Lodi Memorial Hospital, where he died of his injuries.

What Caused this November 17th Accident?

At this point, there are more questions than answers as to what happened and why. Where in the road was the pedestrian when he was struck? Could the driver have done anything to avoid the collision? Police stated the driver of the Comcast van was not speeding, and toxicology tests are pending to determine if the victim was under the influence of alcohol when the accident occurred. The cause of the San Joaquin County accident remains under investigation.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Based on the news reports, it is not clear who was responsible for this accident. However, accidents involving company vehicles have unique liability issues. In situations such as this one, where a pedestrian is killed in an accident involving a company vehicle, it would be advisable for the family members of the victim to speak to an experienced and knowledgeable northern California wrongful death lawyer. A skilled attorney can advise the family of the unique legal issues that are relevant in a possible wrongful death claim, and advise them of their legal options to hold any negligent parties financially accountable for their devastating loss as a result of this accident.

Continue reading "Lodi Man Struck and Killed by Comcast Cable Van " »

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of about 370 bicycles today, due to a fall hazard that could result in serious injury to riders. According to the CPSC, recall involves 2011 model year Giant Anthem X 29er 1, 2 and 3 model bicycles. The bicycles, which were made in Taiwan, were sold in small, medium and large. "Giant" and the model name are printed on the bicycle. The bikes were sold at Giant Bicycle dealers in August 2010 for between $2,200 and $3,500. The CPSC says that the frame could crack at the junction of the seat post and top tube, causing the rider to fall, which could cause serious injury.

For additional information - see the CPSC news release. Consumers can also contact Giant Bicycle toll-free at (866) 458-2555.

Defects like this one are one of dozens of factors that can cause or contribute to bicycle accidents resulting in serious injury or death. While many bicycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers or even bicycle rider errors, accidents frequently occur because of defective bicycles or defective bicycle parts. When such accidents occur, the manufacturer of the bicycle may be liable for the rider's injuries or death. Bicycle falls can result in very serious injuries, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and road rash.

If you or a family member has been involved in a bicycle accident resulting from a defective bicycle part, it would be absolutely advisable for you to contact an experienced northern California defective products attorney who specializes in handling bicycle accident injury claims. An experienced lawyer can review the facts of your potential claim and advise you of your rights, options, and responsibilities to pursue compensation for your injuries or loss. The manufacturer may still be liable even if the bicycle or bicycle part has not been recalled.

Continue reading "Giant Bicycles Recalls Anthem Bicycles Due to Fall Hazard " »

A 48-year-old Napa man was tragically killed Wednesday evening when he was struck and killed while riding his bike on Solano Avenue, the California Highway Patrol reported. The victim, identified as Donald Eric Mitchell, was riding northbound on Solano Avenue, north of Oak Avenue, around 5:30 p.m., when he was hit by a 1990 Toyota Camry driven by Robert Kreger, 78, of Napa. Despite wearing a helmet, Mitchell died of his injuries at the accident scene.

Cause of the November 10th Crash

The cause of the fatal Napa County bicycle accident is under investigation. According to the CHP, alcohol does not appear to be a factor, nor does the age of the driver of the Camry. It was unclear whether Mitchell was in traffic lanes or in the bike lane when he was struck. Any witnesses to the collision are asked to call the CHP at (707) 253-4906. Hopefully, the investigation by law enforcement will reveal exactly what happened, and why.

Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In cases such as this one, it would be advisable for the family members of the victim to contact an experienced northern California bicycle accident lawyer. A skilled and knowledgeable attorney can stay on top of the investigation, and advise their family of their legal rights. If this accident was caused by the driver, or a dangerous condition on the roadway, the family may be able to hold that party financially accountable for their loss in a wrongful death claim. Because fatal bicycle accidents can have very unique and complex legal issues, it is best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. If the accident was caused by a dangerous condition on the roadway - the family would only have 180 days from the date of the incident to file any claim.

Continue reading "Napa Bicyclist Struck and Killed South of Yountville " »

James Walter Murphy, 55, of Wilton, was killed in a motorcycle accident Tuesday, November 9th on Highway 99, the Modesto Bee reported. The fatal crash occurred at about 9:55 a.m. north of 47th Avenue. According to news reports, a 17-year-old boy driving a Mercury Sable lost control of his vehicle and overcorrected into northbound lanes and collided with the motorcycle. Murphy was ejected from the bike. He was taken to UC Davis Medical Center with major head injuries, where he died at about 11:30 a.m.

The 17-year-old driver of the Mercury fled the scene and ran south on 47th Avenue. CHP officers went to the teen's home in unincorporated Sacramento County. The teen was taken to the CHP office, where he was questioned and later released to his sister. According to news reports, alcohol or drugs do not appear to have played a role in the fatal accident. Charges against the teen are still pending, but may include vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run.

Cause of the Sacramento County Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the fatal Highway 99 motorcycle accident is asked to call the South Sacramento CHP Office at (916) 681-2300, or CHP dispatch at (916) 861-1300. Regardless of what happened, the teen driver should not have left the scene of the crash - not stopping is against the law. Under the California Vehicle Code § 20001, "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."

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In accidents such as this one, if it is determined that the other driver caused the crash, the at-fault party or any other party responsible for the accident may be held civilly liable for their actions in a wrongful death claim. While the incident remains under investigation, he family of the victim of this accident would be well-advised to seek a consultation with a knowledgeable northern California motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Hit-and-run accidents have unique legal issues. It would be advisable for the victim's family to not delay in contacting an attorney, so that evidence can be preserved, and witness statements can be taken while witness recollections are most accurate. The family may be entitled to compensation for the victim's final medical care expenses, funeral and burial costs, anticipated future earnings, benefits and financial contributions the victim would have made, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship.

Continue reading "Wilton Man Killed in Highway 99 Motorcycle Accident " »

A Woodland man was critically injured Sunday man in an accident on Highway 113 in Yolo County, the Daily Democrat reported. The accident occurred north of County Road 25A, just before 3 p.m. The victim, Roberto Santana, 50, was a passenger in a 2004 Toyota travelling southbound in the fast lane when a 2003 Honda plowed through the median and struck the left side of the Toyota. The driver of the Toyota, Alfonso Gonzalez, 63, and passenger Maria Gonzalez, 62, suffered moderate injuries. Both were taken to UC Davis Medical Center where they were treated and released the next day. Roberto Santana remained hospitalized in critical condition. Neither the driver of the Honda, Enrique Rodriguez, 20, of Dixon, or his passenger, Carlos Rodriguez, 21, of Dixon, were injured.

Cause of the Highway 113 Car Accident

The CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of the collision. Based on the limited information in news reports, it is unclear what caused Rodriguez to lose control of his car and send him skidding into the path of the Toyota driven by Gonzalez. The CHP will certainly look at all possible factors, including speed, distraction, possible driver impairment, vehicle malfunction, road conditions, and weather in making their determination of what happened and why.

Car Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

While this November 7th Yolo County car accident remains under investigation, the three occupants of the Toyota and their families would be well-advised to speak to a northern California car accident attorney. A lawyer who has represented numerous victims of state highway car accidents can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights following this accident, and advise them of their best course of action to recover maximum compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Continue reading "Woodland Man Critically Injured in Highway 113 Crash " »

In DUI accident news, the mother of Veronica Rojas, a teenager killed in a DUI crash in June, has filed a lawsuit against the 20-year-old man who she says is responsible for the collision, according to the Chicago Breaking News Center. The DUI accident occurred on June 28, 2010, in the 700 block of Sheridan Road in Wilmette. In the wrongful death lawsuit filed last week, Rojas' mother, Deborah Echevarria, stated that the driver of the vehicle her daughter was riding in was under the influence of alcohol when he crashed the vehicle. Rojas and her best friend, Natalie Stygar, were both killed when the driver, Szymon Zawadzki, 20, sped off the road and broadsided a tree.

In addition to reckless homicide and felony driving under the influence, Zawadzki was charged with aggravated DUI resulting in great bodily harm, improper lane use, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving without insurance. He was placed in Cook County jail in lieu of $2 million bail after the fatal crash. The DUI passenger wrongful death suit filed by Echevarria seeks unspecified damages.

Continue reading "Lawsuit Filed in Fatal Chicago DUI Crash in June" »

Four people were tragically killed early Sunday morning in a fiery head-on collision on Highway 99 west of Oroville, the CHP reported. According to news reports, Ryan Finnerty, 21, of Roseville was driving southbound in a 2006 Dodge Dakota pickup on State Route 99, near State Route 62. At the same time, around 6 a.m. Sunday, Rodrigo Ramirez, 41, of Live Oak, was driving northbound on State Route 99. For reasons still under investigation, Finnerty reportedly swerved into oncoming traffic and struck Ramirez's Ford Explorer head-on. Both vehicles were estimated to be travelling about 60 miles per hour when they collided. The impact started a fire in Finnerty's truck that spread to the Explorer when the gas tank exploded. Bystanders pulled Finnerty from his car and an 11-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man from the Explorer, all of whom suffered major injuries. When Cal Fire crews distinguished the fire, they found four bodies in the Explorer. The victims were identified as Rodrigo Ramirez, Gustavo Martinez, Gabriella Rosas and Rigoberto Martinez, all of Live Oak.

Car Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

The cause of this multi-fatality accident in Butte County remains under investigation. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not known why the driver of the Dodge pickup swerved into oncoming traffic and collided with the Ford Explorer. Hopefully, the investigation will yield answers as to exactly what happened and why. If it is determined that the driver of the Dodge is responsible for causing this accident, he may be liable for the wrongful deaths of the four victims in the Ford Explorer, as well as the two people who suffered major injuries. In situations such as this one, while the cause of an accident is still under investigation, the family members of the victims may benefit from contacting an experienced northern California car accident attorney. A skilled lawyer who understands the unique legal issues of multiple fatality accidents on state highways can help the victims' families protect their legal rights to hold the driver - or whoever was responsible for this accident - financially accountable for the devastation that this accident caused.

Continue reading "Four People Killed in Head-On Collision on Highway 99 Near Oroville" »