Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators announced on April 28 that the operator of a San Francisco light rail involved in a 2009 accident blacked out and lost consciousness right after disengaging the train's automatic braking system. According to a San Francisco Chronicle article, the light rail ended up crashing and injuring several passengers as a result of the automatic brake controls being switched off.

The NTSB determined that the San Francisco Municipal Railway Transit System partially caused the San Francisco train accident by failing to enforce a regulation against turning off the controls before trains got to the station platform.

The Muni train was going over 20 mph when it hit a train that was immobile in the West Portal station. Based on the accident report, the Muni driver manually moved the train to the platform. When he lost consciousness, the train collided into the back of the second train already stopped at the platform. As a consequence of the crash, the operators of both trains and 46 passengers were injured.

This accident has raised concern about how Muni drivers regularly do not seek authorization to disengage the braking control before arriving at the West Portal. Apparently, drivers have said doing this makes it easier to bring the train to the platform. However, since the accident, Muni drivers have been warned that not asking permission to cut out the automatic brakes could make them lose their jobs. According to a Muni spokesman, the amount of times that drivers have disabled the braking system has dropped from 2,000 times per month before the accident to approximately eight times per month since the accident.

City municipalities can be held legally responsible for train accidents caused either completely or partially by the failure to implement and manage safety regulations. San Francisco accident lawyers understand the physical, financial, and psychological challenges accident victims face and are dedicated to holding negligent parties liable.

Continue reading "San Francisco Light Rail Accident Investigation Raises Concern about Operators Disengaging Automatic Braking Systems" »

No one ever images that they or a loved one will be in an accident, let alone an accident that causes a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Most Oakland brain injury attorneys will tell you that awareness plays a key role in helping prevent brain injuries. The more a person knows about the common causes of brain injury and certain risk factors that increase the chances of a brain injury, the better the chances are that they won't suffer such an injury or could help someone they love from suffering such a life-altering injury.

One of the most hazardous aspects of a traumatic brain injury is that a bump, blow, or jolt to the head can significantly alter the way a person's brain normally works. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), brain injuries are most frequently caused by falls, motor vehicle collisions, struck by/against incidents, and assaults.

About 25 percent of brain injury incidents among children aged 0 to 14 are caused by struck by/against incidents, which include hitting a moving or stationary object. Among all age groups, on average, 17.3 percent of brain injuries and 31.8 percent of brain injury-related fatalities are caused by motor vehicle collisions and traffic-related events. Approximately 10 percent of brain injuries are caused by assaults, accounting for only 2.9 percent in children aged 0 to 14 and 1 percent in adults aged 65 years and older. The CDC notes that 21 of brain injuries result from unknown causes.

There is no denying that motor vehicle accidents in the United States are the leading cause of death for individuals between the age of 5 and 34. Considering that brain injuries in Northern California are common, and very serious, consequences of motor vehicle collisions, the importance of avoiding distracted driving and driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs cannot be stressed enough. Every driver has the duty to operate their vehicle in a safe manner and follow traffic laws. If a motorist causes an auto accident that results in other people suffering brain injuries, they may be held legally responsible for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Continue reading "Increasing Awareness about Brain Injuries in Oakland" »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of approximately 307,848 Toyota vehicles for defective airbags that may deploy inadvertently, potentially causing injury to vehicle occupants. Toyota vehicles included in the recall are model year 2008 Highlanders, model year 2008 Highlander Hybrids, and model years 2007-2008 Rav4s.

According to the recall notice, there is a flaw with the two sensors in the curtain shield airbag (CSA) system in the airbag sensor assembly. These airbag components are meant to be designed to detect vehicle roll angle. When there is a malfunction with one of these sensors, the airbag warning light (malfunction indicator light: MIL) will illuminate and the roll detection system will be deferred. However, the airbag CSA still functions should a side collision occur. If both airbag sensors fail nearly at the same time after an initial airbag system check, there is a chance that the CSA and the seat belt pretensioner may unintentionally activate, potentially leading to vehicle occupant injury.

To fix the problem with the frontal airbags and sensor control module, Toyota is expected to replace the airbag sensor assembly with a new one that contains improved roll rate sensors at no-cost to the consumer. Owners of recalled Toyota vehicles should receive official notification early to mid-May.

Most drivers don't think twice about the performance or functionality of airbags when entering their car and heading to work or running errands. Consumers trust that auto manufacturers have upheld their vital responsibility of designing, testing, and manufacturing vehicles that are safe and free of defective parts that could cause an accident, jeopardize crashworthiness, or otherwise cause injury.

In order for individuals injured and family members of those killed by vehicle defects or auto accidents caused by vehicle defects to successfully hold negligent manufacturers liable for their negligence, they may want to consider contacting a Sacramento defective products lawyer. An attorney with experience handling auto product liability cases is familiar with the most productive ways of ensuring you and your family receives the compensation you deserve.

Continue reading "Toyota Recalls Vehicles for Airbag Defect Causing Unintentional Deployment" »

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is not only a popular international tourist attraction; it also serves as the commute into the city for many locals, many of whom chose to ride their bike. A recent KTVU.com article discusses an initial plan proposed by bridge officials for changes to speed limits on the bridge and new fines for violations. If the new laws are passed, bicyclists would receive a $100 fine if they exceed 5 mph around the bridge's iron towers, or 10 mph along the large body of the 1.2 mile-span. The vote on the new speed limits has been postponed to give the public a chance to voice their opposition or support.

Presently, there is no speed limit, and some bicyclists have been reported by authorities to have traveled over 20 mph across the bridge. So why the sudden change? A cycling safety study was commissioned by a committee of the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District. After it was determined that from 2000 to 2009 there were 165 bicycle crashes in San Francisco on the bridge and that speed was reported as a factor in 39 percent of those crashes, the committee suggested the new speed limits.

Some local bicyclists argue that the gusty winds and slick surfaces on the bridge would make it almost impossible for them to ride at 5 mph. Other opponents to the new speed limits also claim that it is mostly tourists who have rented bikes who fail to consider speed or their surroundings when riding on the bridge.

Speed is not the only issue on the Golden Gate Bridge; space along the narrow bridge is also a major concern. The west sidewalk on the bridge is an afternoon bike lane on weekdays, and will be closed this summer during construction. In addition, the bridge and neighboring coastal parklands frequently hosts organized bicycle tours and festivals. In a city that brought in over 15 million tourists in 2009 and that has seen a 58 percent increase in bicyclist ridership since 2006, there is much for San Francisco officials to balance to ensure safety.

Bicycle accidents can cause serious injuries that require months, if not years, of medical care and treatment. Individuals who have suffered injury in a bike crash that they believe was caused by another's negligence may want to contact an experienced San Francisco bike accident attorney. Bike crash litigation can be complex. Be sure you fully understand your legal rights and options.

Continue reading "Golden Gate Bridge Bicycle Speed Limits Proposed to Prevent San Francisco Bike Accidents" »

"That would never happen to me." This might be something you've thought about before when hearing about a person who was killed or seriously injured in a drunk driving accident. This is even something that your teenager or children have thought before. The denial may even go so far as, "I can drive just fine after a drink or two." The potential dangers of drunk driving are real and no one is immune to its reach. Sacramento drunk driving accident attorneys are all too familiar with the devastating affects auto accidents caused by drunk drivers impose upon injury victims and their families. Since April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, issues surrounding drunk driving awareness and prevention have also been circulating, and rightfully so.

A recent Valley Community Newspapers article highlights a stirring and effective "Every 15 Minutes" (EFM) program that was held at a Sacramento high school. The program demonstrates the serious, life-threatening consequences of drunk driving to high school students by presenting a "re-enactment" of a drunk driving accident with a fatality on the campus. At the time of this program's creation in 1995, there was an alcohol-related death in a motor vehicle crash every 15 minutes.

"Every 15 Minutes" programs are typically planned in secrecy and presented to high school students without notification. The reason for this is to evoke the same emotions students would experience after learning about the loss of a loved one, friend, or fellow classmate due to a Sacramento alcohol-related car crash. Enactments hosted by this program are presented in the same steps as a real auto accident scene, but the events are usually narrated by a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer.

According to the article, the CHP manages the organization of grants for EFM and costs for producing the event can be as high as $50,000. Parents or schools interested in learning more about how this program can visit http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/fifteen.html.

Data provided by the CHP states that in 2009, over 700 individuals in California died in a motor vehicle collision where the primary cause was driving under the influence (DUI) and an additional 19,805 individuals suffered injury under the same circumstances.

Parents are vital role-models in their children's lives. Be sure to discuss the potential risks of drunk driving with your teenagers. This type of discussion doesn't have to be abrasive; think about how it can be approached in a calm and open way. You could make a major difference in keeping your child and their friends safe.

Continue reading ""Every 15 Minutes" Campaigns Continue to Aim to Reduce Sacramento Drunk Driving Accidents" »

One boater died after going into cardiac arrest and another boater was treated at a hospital and released after being rescued by San Quentin inmate-staffed, in-house fire department members and San Rafael Fire Department personnel. According to a CNN article, after hearing faint cries for help around 1 a.m. on April 20 and seeing a man and a woman in the water close to the prison's shoreline, a San Quentin officer reportedly informed inmate members of the prison's fire department.

Prison staff members and ten fire department inmates entered the water to rescue the man, who was not wearing a life jacket. The man was lifted over a retaining wall so he could be taken to land. Shortly thereafter, San Rafael Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene and assisted in rescuing the woman, who did have a life jacket on. When the man was rescued from the freezing cold water of the San Francisco Bay, he was reportedly unconscious. An ambulance took him to the hospital after a staff member and inmates tried CPR and other life-saving measures.

So far, investigation into the boating accident in San Francisco Bay has revealed that the two individuals were traveling in a small boat that left a dock on Corte Madera Creek around 10 p.m. on Tuesday. It is suspected that the boat experienced engine problems and that the man fell overboard when he attempted to restart the engine. Deputies also believe that the boat capsized when the man tried to get back onto the boat.

A spokesman for San Quentin stated that inmate members of the prison fire department are trained paramedics who have not been convicted of violent or sexual offenses. The spokesman also said that the recent water rescue is the only incident involving the inmate unit that he is aware of and ninety-nine percent of what the inmates in the prison's fire department do occurs inside of the facility.

While this San Francisco boat accident is unique in how the rescue was conducted, it serves as a reminder of the many dangers of boating, especially during the evening hours, when water temperatures can be especially low. To ensure that the rights of individuals injured and family members of those killed in boating accidents are protected, skilled San Francisco boat accident lawyers make it their priority to hold negligent parities liable.

Continue reading "San Quentin Inmates Help Rescue Two Boaters after San Francisco Bay Boating Accident" »

Most Sacramentans are familiar with the more commonly reported causes of commercial truck accidents in Sacramento, some of which include truck driver fatigue, truck part failure, overloaded trucks, roadway problems, and prescription drug use. However, most people are not aware of an often overlooked potential risk posed by commercial truck drivers: sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a serious breathing-related sleep disorder that affects as many as 28 percent of commercial driver's license (CDL) holders, as reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A motorist with untreated sleep apnea increases the chances of a motor vehicle accident occurring. One study demonstrated that drivers with untreated sleep apnea performed worse during tests than healthy, alert drivers with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) above the federal limit for driving a commercial motor vehicle.

While each state establishes its own medical standards for commercial motor vehicle driving in interstate commerce, several states utilize the medical regulations under Section 391.41(b)(5) of the FMCSRs and consider sleep apnea a disqualifying condition. In addition, each state is allowed to suspend a CDL if a motorist has sleep apnea.

Since moderate to severe sleep apnea is considered to hinder safe driving, these levels are designated to be at the disqualifying level. Medical examiners are responsible for qualifying and determining a driver's medical fitness for duty as a commercial truck driver. However, trucking companies and motor carriers are responsible for prohibiting a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle if the driver has a medical condition, such as sleep apnea, that would adversely affect their ability to safely operate a vehicle.

The devastation of a Sacramento truck crash has far-reaching effects. In a lot of cases, it is individuals other than the truck driver who suffer serious injury or death. Individuals who sustain injury and family members of loved ones killed in large truck accidents that are caused by the negligence of a truck driver or another person or entity have valid legal rights. Experienced Sacramento truck accident attorneys are prepared to utilize accident reconstructionists and other effective resources to build a strong cases on behalf of truck accident victims to ensure that full compensation is obtained.

Continue reading "Potential Risks Posed by Commercial Truck Drivers with Sleep Apnea" »

Most of us don't give jumping into our SUVs, pickup trucks, or vans a second thought. As consumers, we trust that the vehicles we drive are safe and free of any defect that could limit crashworthiness or cause an accident. However, certain risks posed by poor vehicle design still present many risks to motorists, vehicle occupants, and others on the road. One of the main dangers posed by taller, narrower vehicles like SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans is their susceptibility to rollover because they have a high center of gravity.

Rollover accidents in San Francisco and throughout California are especially dangerous, often resulting in roof crush, multiple rollovers, vehicle occupant ejection, and catastrophic injury. Rollover crashes are considered to be hazardous incidents with a higher fatality rate than other kinds of collisions.

Since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognized rollover accidents as one of its highest safety priorities in 2002, specific safety measures have been implemented to help prevent accidents and improve the crashworthiness of vehicles more likely to rollover. However, due to auto manufacturer negligence, distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, or other forms of reckless behavior, rollover collisions in California still take place.

It may be shocking to learn that on average, rollover accidents account for 33 percent of passenger vehicle fatalities and that over 10,000 people a year die in rollover crashes. When individuals are fortunate enough to survive such a tragic accident as a rollover, which often involves roof crush, they may face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Individuals who suffer serious injuries, such as lacerations, broken bones, paralysis, or traumatic brain injuries, in rollover accidents caused by another person's negligence may be able to obtain compensation for medical bills, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. An SUV San Francisco rollover crash lawyer will work meticulously to ensure that negligent parties are held liable for your injuries and that you can move on with your life.

Continue reading "San Francisco Rollover Accidents: Know the Risks" »

A woman has been seriously injured after a train accident in Fresno that occurred downtown near Diana and Divisadero. A KFSN article reports that the accident took place on the afternoon of April 17. Witnesses reportedly heard screaming and discovered the woman lying on the train tracks. The woman's foot was crushed by the train and she was transported to Community Regional Medical Center to receive treatment for her injuries. While an Amtrak train was delayed due to the accident, the train that struck the woman did not stop. Apparently, witnesses stated that it seemed as though the conductor of the train that hit the woman did not realize an accident occurred.

While the article did not mention whether the operator of the train who hit the woman was found, the claims that he did not stop could lead to serious consequences if the accident is determined to have been a hit-and-run.

Although additional details surrounding this train accident are likely to be found after further investigation, train operator negligence, equipment failure, inadequate tracks, or faulty railroad crossing signals could have been contributing factors. As some of the most common causes of train accidents, these causes can lead to serious injuries, fatalities, derailments, and collisions with other trains, vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians.

Due to the sheer size, weight, and speed in which trains travel, injuries to train occupants or those outside of the train can be devastating. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there were 967 train accidents/incidents in 2010 in the United States.

The aftermath of a train accident can present many challenges for an injury victim and their family. Steep medical bills, lost wages from time away from work, and emotional trauma are only a few of many hurdles an individual may face after being injured in a train collision. Fresno train accident attorneys work diligently to ensure that train accident victims' rights are protected and that negligent parties are held accountable.

Continue reading "Woman Seriously Injured in Fresno Train Accident" »

The 68-year-old male motorist who caused a serious car accident in northern California on March 8 was arrested on April 13 for driving under the influence of the prescription medication Vicodin and causing serious injury. A KMPH news story reports that the man was released from the Fresno County Jail after posting bail.

After the rear-end collision, police determined that the man had high levels of Vicodin in his system. The man reportedly has been on Vicodin for ten years due to a workplace injury. However, a Fresno Police Chief stated that while most individuals are aware of the dangers and unlawfulness of driving under the influence of alcohol, not as many people seem to understand that the same applies to driving under the influence of prescription drugs.

According to the article, the man rear-ended a vehicle carrying a 15-year-old female and her 20-year-old sister who were stopped at a red light after heading home from a church event. Due to the impact of the crash, which pinned the 15-year-old girl in the backseat, it took firefighters over an hour to release her. As a consequence of the auto accident, the female teen may never see again because spinal fluid continues to leak from the right side of her face. The teen's parents have also recently found out that she might have meningitis. Before any surgeries can be conducted to repair the girl's vision, doctors will have to take care of the infections first. The teen celebrated her 16th birthday in the hospital.

As this tragic auto accident demonstrates, the many dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even drugs that are prescribed, unfortunately have wide reaching effects. Far too often, the lives of innocent people are forever changed due to a negligent or reckless driver. Fresno car accident attorneys are prepared to assist auto accident victims and their families in holding negligent parties responsible so that compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages can be obtained.

Continue reading "Fresno Teen Copes with Critical Injuries after Auto Accident Involving Motorist Driving Under the Influence of Vicodin" »

Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced early projection numbers for traffic accident-related fatalities in 2010, which is expected to have declined to the lowest level on record. The projected 32,788 fatalities is a three percent decrease from 2009, when 33,808 fatalities occurred. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) began keeping track of this information in 1949.

The decline of deaths in 2010 occurred despite the significant increase in the number of miles Americans drove. It is estimated that Americans drove close to 21 billion miles in the U.S. in 2010. The early estimations by the NHTSA also project that the fatality rate will also be the lowest recorded, with approximately 1.09 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. This is a decrease from the rate for 2009, which were 1.13 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Overall, traffic accident-related fatalities have declined about 25 percent since 2005, when 43,510 fatalities occurred.

Regionally, the greatest decline in fatalities occurred in the Pacific Northwest states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, where fatalities dropped by about 12 percent. The next steepest decline occurred in Arizona, California, and Hawaii at close to 11 percent.

Unfortunately, in spite of programs and public awareness campaigns such as the recent push by the U.S. DOT to reduce distracted driving at http://www.distraction.gov and "Click It or Ticket" or "Over the Limit. Under Arrest."; many motorists still fail to operate their vehicle in a safe manner, putting everyone on the road at risk of a Northern California car accident.

To lose a loved one unexpectedly in an auto accident is very traumatic. When it is determined that another motorist's wrongful actions caused or significantly contributed to the crash, it makes it all the more difficult, and families can be left wondering what can be done to ensure justice. Consulting with a San Francisco car accident lawyer can help families understand the legal options available to them during such a difficult time.

Continue reading "Traffic Accident Deaths in 2010 Decline to Lowest Level in Recorded History" »

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently determined that the probable cause of a fatal helicopter crash near Fresno was the helicopter pilot's failure to see a power line. According to a Miami Herald article, the helicopter was being operated by a 70-year-old male pilot and Navy veteran from Palm Springs. The pilot and three employees of the California Department of Fish and Game from Fresno were killed in the January 5, 2010, accident that took place in the Sierra foothills in eastern Madera County near Redinger Lake.

According to the NTSB report, the pilot apparently did not see a wire that hung between transmission line towers. As a result, he flew the helicopter at low elevation and the helicopter struck the cable. The report notes that the location of the sun may have limited power line visibility for the pilot and also highlights that Southern California Edison transmission lines did not have visibility markers. However, the markers were inscribed on a map found at the site of the accident.

The article reports that lawsuits have been filed by family members of the three Fish and Game employees against Landells Aviation and Southern California Edison. An attorney representing one of the families claims that the utility company is responsible in the accident due to improperly maintaining and marking the power lines. Landells Aviation of Desert Hot Springs was the helicopter pilot's employer. They also owned and operated the Bell 206 helicopter involved in the crash.

Litigation relating to helicopter accidents and other aircraft collisions often involves multiple parties, making these types of cases especially intricate. Family members of those killed can seek legal counsel and representation from a Fresno wrongful death lawyer who can ensure that their rights are protected and that negligent parties are held accountable.

Continue reading "NTSB Report Links Probable Cause of Northern California Fatal Helicopter Crash to Failure to See Power Line" »

A three-vehicle collision in Mariposa County occurred on Saturday, April 9, that resulted in the death of a 75-year-old man from Milpitas. A Fresno Bee article reports that the man's identity will not be publically announced until his family is notified of his passing. However, it was reported that the man was traveling east on Highway 140 in a 1931 Ford Model A when a 2011 Honda Pilot driven by a 35-year-old woman of Mariposa struck him.

While an investigation into the fatal crash may reveal further details as to the events leading up to the accident, some factors of the collision are known. Apparently, the female motorist's vehicle was stopped in the westbound lane as she was waiting to make a left turn onto Catheys Valley Park. Her vehicle was struck from behind by a 2005 Ford F250 that was operated by a 62-year-old man from Mariposa. As a consequence of the impact of the crash, the woman's vehicle was thrust into the eastbound lane, colliding with the Ford Model A. After the man's Ford Model A was hit, he was thrown from his vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. The woman was transported to John C. Fremont Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and the third motorist involved in the accident did not suffer injury.

As this particular Northern California auto accident demonstrates, multiple-vehicle accidents are complex and can have distressing results.

Based on early estimates of motor vehicle traffic fatalities for the first half of 2010 during the months of January through June, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determined that 14,996 lives were lost in motor vehicle crashes. While some motorists think they are immune to auto accidents, these tragic occurrences happen without warning and often because of negligent or distracted drivers who are not paying attention to the road.

Losing a loved one is never easy. However, such a loss can be all the more devastating when the cause is determined to be a motor vehicle accident that was the result of another motorist's negligence. Fresno fatal car crash lawyers understand the challenges family members of auto accident victims face not just for months after a fatal collision, but years following. This is why wrongful death attorneys strive to gather effective evidence to build strong cases on behalf of surviving family members of fatal accident victims.

Continue reading "Mariposa County Three-Vehicle Crash Kills 75-Year-Old Man" »

A 52-year-old San Anselmo man is presumed to be dead and a 53-year-old man was treated for mild hypothermia and shock after the 43-foot tugboat in which they were traveling capsized on Saturday, April 9. According to The San Francisco Chronicle, the men were on their way to Pacifica from Richardson Bay to salvage a lost skiff when authorities got a mayday call at 2 p.m. The Coast Guard stated that the two men abandoned the tugboat after making the distress call. The man who was found reportedly had a life ring and the man who is still missing was with the tug's inflatable boat. After conducting an 8 ½-hour search for the missing man, which included a helicopter and many boats covering about 44 square miles, the Coast Guard called off further search for the man on Sunday morning.

The boat accident in San Francisco occurred near Ocean Beach. The 53-year-old man who survived was rescued by a kitesurfer who helped keep him above water until the Coast Guard made it to the scene. While authorities do not know what has happened to the other boater, late Saturday afternoon, authorities discovered the inflatable boat and a life jacket onshore.

While many of us associate the ocean and lakes with fun and exciting activities such as swimming, jet skiing, and sailing, several individuals rely on boating and fishing as their means of making a living. Boaters and fishermen often face many risks when going to work on the open water due to potentially threatening weather conditions, boat malfunctions, accidents, and other problems that can unexpectedly arise due to negligence, oversight, or recklessness.

Whether a worker or recreational boater has suffered injury in an accident, they may face steep medical bills in addition to significant pain and suffering. Some common injuries caused by boat crashes include lacerations, head trauma, spinal cord injury, and broken bones, and in the most severe of cases, individuals can drown. San Francisco boat accident attorneys have the legal knowledge and skills to build strong cases on behalf of accident victims and family members of those lost at sea due to another person or entity's negligence.

Continue reading "Man Presumed Dead by Coast Guard after San Francisco Tugboat Capsize Accident" »

A pilot and a weapons officer have been killed in a fighter jet crash that occurred near Fresno on April 6. According to a Visalia-Times Delta article, the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet was taking a training flight when it collided at 12:08 p.m. on a farm approximately a half mile west of the base, not very far from the Fresno County border. The commanding officer of Naval Air Station Lemoore stated that since the plane crashed in a cleared field, no one on the ground suffered injuries and no major property damage took place. The names of the individuals killed in the aircraft accident have not been disclosed pending family members being notified.

An investigation of this fatal aviation accident will reportedly take a month or more to establish what led to the crash. A spokeswoman for Naval Air Forces in Colorado said it wasn't clear at this time if anyone aboard the Super Hornet had told air traffic controllers about any problems occurring before the collision or if aviators aboard tried to eject themselves from the aircraft.

According to the article, while the commanding officer stated that the plane involved in the crash was the newest Strike Fighter in the Navy's inventory, officials with the Navy and the Boeing Company (the aircraft's manufacturer) said they were not aware of the age of the plane or the basic ages of the fleet at the Naval Air Station Lemoore.

The findings of the fatal aviation accident investigation will be used not only to establish the cause, but also to make suggestions to senior service officials to help prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.

As this story demonstrates, aviation accidents can be devastating; occurring unexpectedly and taking people's lives without warning. If a plane crash is determined to have been caused by negligence, either on the part of aircraft manufacturers, owners, those in charge of maintenance, pilots, or air traffic controllers, individuals who suffer injury and family members of those killed may be able to seek compensation. Fresno plane crash attorneys make it their priority to conduct thorough investigations of aviation accidents to ensure that clients' rights are protected and justice is obtained.

Continue reading "Fighter Jet Crash Near Fresno Kills Two" »

Six students suffered minor injuries after a Fresno school bus accident occurred the morning of April 7 at a stop sign at the intersection of Belmont and Brawley. A Fresno Bee article reports that the 53-year-old female motorist who struck the bus from behind has been arrested for driving under the influence of narcotics.

After the rear-end bus crash, the students from the Central Union High School west campus were transported to Community Regional Medical Center. The female intoxicated driver was also hospitalized. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), 50 students were onboard the bus at the time of the collision.

School bus drivers receive thorough training and are responsible for doing everything possible to keep children safe. Unfortunately, there is only so much that even the most experienced and attentive bus driver can do to prevent an accident involving an intoxicated or drunk driver.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that an estimated 19 school-aged children are killed in school-related transportation accidents per year, with five of these children being occupants in school transportation vehicles and the other 14 being pedestrians. Since 1998, 1,564 individuals have been killed in school bus accidents, amounting to approximately 142 school bus crash-related fatalities each year.

Depending on the severity of the crash, bus occupants can suffer serious injuries and even death since most buses do not provide seat belts or other safety restraints for passengers. When individuals are injured in Fresno bus accidents that are caused by bus driver negligence or another motorist's reckless behavior, a Fresno motor vehicle accident lawyer can help injured victims receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, physical therapy, and other expenses.

Continue reading "Fresno School Bus Crash Involving Intoxicated Driver Injures Six Students" »

As the California Highway Patrol and other agencies launch their zero-tolerance enforcement period this week for texting and other cell phone use while driving, the San Francisco Bay Area is the center point of the campaign. A San Francisco Chronicle article reports that officers will be looking specifically for drivers violating California's hands-free cell phone law and issuing tickets.

The cell phone crackdown was initiated because not enough drivers have stopped using hand-held cell phones either to text or talk while driving, in spite of laws banning these actions that went into effect two years ago. According to the article, State Senator Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, is currently advocating for increased fines for motorists who violate the hands-free law. The proposed bill, SB28, would raise the fine for first-time offenders by $30 and by $50 for any additional violations. These hikes would put the complete ticket costs between $159 and $279. Many other Californians would agree with Simitian in his claim that the fines as they stand now have not been high enough to deter motorists from driving distracted while using their cell phones.

The article reports that cell phone patrols led to approximately 20 citations in just two days in South San Francisco. In addition, a Tiburon Police Department Sergeant stated that his officers present more citations for unlawful cell phone use than any other traffic violation.

The recent intolerance of texting and other cell phone use while driving is not about the cops being "out to get you." They are trying to save your life and the lives of all others by helping to prevent San Francisco cell phone car accidents. For far too many motorists on the road, texting or using a hand-held device while driving has become a bad habit. But it's more than that. It's a major safety risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that for the year 2009, 18 percent of fatalities and 5 percent of injured individuals in distracted driving-related motor vehicle accidents throughout the United States involved reports of a cell phone as the distraction.

Individuals who have suffered serious injury and family members of loved ones killed in San Francisco auto crashes caused by a distracted driver have legal rights and may be able to obtain compensation from negligent parties. A San Francisco distracted driving lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected so that you and your family can receive the justice you deserve.

Continue reading "San Francisco at Center of this Week's Texting and Cell Phones Use While Driving Zero-Tolerance Enforcement Period" »

A Southwest Airlines plane made an emergency landing at the Oakland airport on the morning of Tuesday, April 5, after the pilot discovered an issue with the wing flap. The Oakland Tribune reports that the plane made a safe landing. Officials are referring to the emergency landing as minor and no injuries to crew members, passengers, or those on the ground were reported. The Southwest plane was visible on the runway in Oakland while it was inspected by mechanics.

Wing flap problems can have a negative effect on plane speed as well as takeoff and landing capabilities. It is fortunate that the pilot in the Oakland incident detected the issue before it led to greater problems that could have caused the plane to lose control or crash.

A significant problem with Southwest Airlines recently that has been raising concern regarding the quality of their aircrafts and maintenance relates to "minor subsurface cracking" on the aluminum surfaces of Boeing 737-300s. According to USA Today, two more Southwest jets were grounded on April 5 after cracks were found, raising the total number to five. Cracks were detected in emergency inspections after an explosive decompression on a Southwest plane occurred last Friday, April 1. During this incident, which involved a Southwest plane from Phoenix bound for Sacramento, a 5-foot-long portion of the plane's skin on the fuselage above the wing split open while the plane was at 34,000 feet. As a consequence, one flight attendant was injured, but none of the 118 passengers suffered injury. The plane had to suddenly descend to lower altitudes and oxygen masks deployed in the cabins.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing launched inspections on a small portion of the 737 fleet manufactured between the 1980s and 1990s. Southwest owns 78 of these planes that are operated in the United States and Alaska Airlines is responsible for the other two.

Airline accidents are often tragic due to the large amount of people affected onboard the plane and on the ground. When passengers enter a plane, they expect that those in charge of ensuring the plane's maintenance, operation, and safety have fulfilled and will continue to fulfill their responsibilities. However, this isn't always the case. Individuals who have sustained injury and family members of those killed in aviation accidents in Oakland have legal rights that Oakland airline accident lawyers can help protect.

Continue reading "Wing Flap Problem Causes Oakland Emergency Southwest Airlines Plane Landing" »

The Fresno Bee reports that three members of a family from Visalia have tragically been killed in a car accident that was caused by a high-speed chase. According to the article, a male ex-convict ran a red light at the corner of Akers Street and Caldwell Avenue in Visalia, colliding into the vehicle carrying two parents and their 17-year-old son. An investigation has been launched by Tulare County to determine whether department policy was adhered to before the fatal accident while the ex-convict was being pursued. Since the crash is still under investigation, it is uncertain at this time what charges the ex-convict could face in addition to evading arrest and violating parole.

The high-speed chase reportedly started after the deputy attempted to pull over the sport utility vehicle hauling a trailer being driven by the man. After the red light was run, the SUV crashed into the 2000 Chevrolet Impala carrying members of the family. The SUV trailer veered to the side and struck a 2002 Volvo sedan. As a consequence, a passenger in the man's SUV suffered a head injury when she was thrown out of the vehicle and two individuals in the Volvo were injured. The ex-convict sustained minor injuries.

According to information that has been released about the crash so far, the deputy squad car involved in the accident did have its lights and sirens on. In addition, the high-speed chase occurred over a course of approximately two miles and lasted less than two minutes at a time of day when traffic is typically not as congested.

The potential dangers that intersections pose can be avoided if motorists follow traffic signals and yield to the right-of-way of other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The loss of a loved one is devastating enough without the cause being negligent, reckless, or distracted driving. Fresno wrongful death lawyers have the legal experience and resources to help surviving family members of auto accident victims obtain the compensation that they deserve for their losses and suffering.

Continue reading "High-Speed Chase and Red Light Run Results in Fatal Visalia Car Crash" »

A 22-year-old college student was hit and killed by a vehicle when riding her bicycle near the main entrance to Sacramento State on Friday, April 1. According to a KCRA.com article, the female cyclist was traveling south on Carlson Drive and the driver of the white Hyundai who struck her was traveling east on J Street. The overnight Sacramento fatal bike accident reportedly took place at 1:45 a.m.

It was reported that police measured and examined the bike collision scene for hours to establish what precisely caused the crash. A Sacramento Police Sergeant stated that it wasn't determined that the vehicle driver violated the law. The speed limit at the intersection where the fatal accident occurred is 35 miles per hour and at the time the article was released, police didn't believe that the motorist was speeding.

Although it was reported that the bicyclist was not wearing reflective clothing and did not have reflectors on her bike, in similar instances, motorists can still be held legally responsible for injuries and fatalities if they contributed to a bike accident.

With rising gas prices and good weather conditions, there are likely to be more bikes on the road. This makes it all the more important for motorists to remember the duty of care they owe to bicyclists as well as pedestrians and others on the road.

According to data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 716 pedalcyclists were killed and an additional 52,000 suffered injuries in traffic accidents throughout the United States. This number of pedalcyclist deaths amounted to 2 percent of all traffic deaths in 2009.

When a person's life is taken too soon due to the negligence or reckless action of another person, even when the accident is a mistake, family members are left with not only grief, but also often several other unexpected financial and emotional hardships. Sacramento bike crash lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of family members who have lost loved ones in bicycle accidents caused by negligent drivers.

Continue reading "College Student Bicyclist Killed Near Sacramento State in Overnight Crash" »