Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

Motor vehicle accidents understandably are unfamiliar, frightening and overwhelming events. If you suffered a serious injury in an Oakland car accident, you have one opportunity to obtain compensation for your injuries in a personal injury settlement. It is important that you choose an attorney who is capable or recovering fair compensation for your injuries. While you focus on your own recovery, an attorney can negotiate a settlement for you, and if necessary, take your case to trial, in the event that a fair settlement is not reached. Personal injury damages may include past and future medical care expenses, lost earnings or wages, and pain and suffering.

The Oakland car accident attorney you choose to handle your claim can mean the difference between a full, fair settlement, and little or even no compensation. Don't just choose any lawyer from the yellow pages. Look for an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases and has successfully handled claims arising from accidents similar to the one you were involved in. Although no two accidents are the same, experience is absolutely essential.

Educate yourself. Ask questions up front, such as "How long will it take to settle my case?" and "How much is my case reasonably worth?" Also, look for an attorney who has taken cases to trial. While that is more than likely that your case will settle before trial, the attorney you choose should be willing and able to take your case to trial if necessary. A surprising number of law firms are "settlement mills" - law firms that aim to settle cases as quickly as possible, with as little work as possible. This approach rarely results in the best possible outcome for the client. You want an advocate who will fight for you until the end. If you do not immediately find an attorney that you are comfortable with, and believe will fight to see the very best outcome, keep looking. Consider asking your local bar association for a referral.

The Oakland personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger offer a free consultation for accident victims. If you suffered serious injuries in a northern California car accident, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call and answer your questions.

Continue reading "Choosing the Best Oakland Car Accident Lawyer " »

SISKIYOU COUNTY - A suspected alcohol-related accident Wednesday afternoon in Siskiyou County left a 28-year-old Yreka woman and a 60-year-old Montague man with major injuries, the Siskiyou Daily reported. The accident occurred on Harry Cash Road, north of County Road A-12, on May 25, 2011, at about 4:40 p.m. According to news accounts, Rose Feruson, 28, was driving a 1970 Ford F-250 pickup truck northbound on Harry Cash Road, when she lost control of her vehicle and drifted off the road, striking a large Juniper tree. Feruson and her passenger, Howard Stansbur, 60, both suffered major injuries and were taken to Fairchild Medical Center. Upon release from the hospital, Feruson was booked for felony driving under the influence in the Siskiyou County Jail. The cause of the May 25th suspected DUI crash on Harry Cash Road remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

DUI Accident Passenger Injury Liability

If the investigation by the CHP confirms that Feruson was driving under the influence and caused this accident, in addition to criminal charges, she may also be liable for the injuries her passenger suffered. Following a Siskiyou County car accident such as this one on Harry Cash Road, the injured victim or his family members would be well-advised to speak with a northern California drunk driving accident lawyer. A skilled and experienced attorney can advise the victim and his family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable, and best course of action in handling communications with the insurance companies.

Continue reading "Driver and Passenger Injured in Suspected DUI Accident in Siskiyou County " »

UPPER LAKE -- A 29-year-old man tragically died and two young children were killed Monday evening in a solo-vehicle vehicle on Elk Mountain Road, the Lake County News reported. According to reports, Carlos Eddie Narvaes was driving a 1991 Toyota Previa minivan southbound on Elk Mountain Road, when he lost control of the vehicle. The minivan went into oncoming traffic and exited the west edge of the road and struck an uphill embankment. The collision caused the minivan to overturn. Narvaes, who the CHP stated was not wearing a seat belt. was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which occurred just after 5 p.m., about 2.2 miles north of Pitney Lane. The children were taken to UC Davis Medical Center and Children's Hospital & Research Center in Oakland. The cause of the May 23rd fatal car accident remains under investigation.

Continue reading "Lake County Man Killed in Crash on Elk Mountain Road " »

Skechers Shape-ups and other similar toning shoes, boots and sandals promise consumers great benefits like weight loss, better posture, and more energy. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that wearing toning shoes increases consumers' risk of sustaining a serious injury in a fall, or a stress fracture from repeated wear. Many people have reported suffering serious injuries as a result of wearing shoes, including many injuries that have required hospitalization or surgery.

The northern California Skechers Shape-ups injury attorneys at Estey Bomberger are currently screening personal injury claims for toning shoe injuries, including ankle fractures, knee fractures, and other serious injuries. If you have suffered a stress fracture or fall related injury from wearing Skechers Shape-ups or another toning shoe, our defective product lawyers would like to speak with you about your injuries. You may be entitled to compensation in a personal injury claim, including medical expenses, reimbursement for lost earnings, as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

At Estey Bomberger, our northern California defective product lawyers have more than 70 years of experience representing consumers injured by defective products. We are serious about helping our clients obtain the full and fair compensation they deserve for their injuries. Call us today at (800)406-3563. Be sure to keep the shoes, and if you have it, the receipt and any instructions and packaging that accompanied the shoes. Your toning shoes will be important evidence in your claim.

Estey Bomberger is screening claims for serious injuries resulting from all types of toning shoes, boots and sandals, including Reebok EasyTone shoes, Skechers Shape-ups, Crocs Tone Shoes, New Balance True Balance Toning Shoes, AVIA Avi-Motion Toning Shoes, MBT Sport Walkers, Chung Shi Balance Step Shoes, Easy Spirit Anti-Gravity Shoes, Puma Body Train Shoes, RYKÄ Reform Shoes, Finn Comfort toning shoes, Dr. Scholls toning shoes, Earth Exer-Fit shoes, Z7 Atonement shoes, Finn Comfort sandals, and Trim Treads. Call us today to discuss your legal rights.

Continue reading "Skechers Shape-ups Toning Shoes Personal Injury Lawsuit Information" »

SHASTA COUNTY - A woman in her 20s was taken to a Redding Hospital following a head-on collision on Highway 299 in Round Mountain, the Record Searchlight reported. The accident occurred in front of the Golden Bear Store before 11 p.m. The injured woman, who may have broken a leg, was trapped inside one of the vehicles that crashed. The CHP is investigating the cause of the May 24th accident; further details regarding the circumstances of the accident, or who was responsible, were not available.

Continue reading "Woman Injured in Head-On Collision in Round Mountain " »

FEATHER RIVER CANYON - A 61-year-old Quincy woman suffered major injuries following a rollover accident Sunday afternoon in Plumas County, Plumas News reported. According to a CHP report, Kathleen Pickering was driving her 1999 Ford F-350 eastbound on Highway 70 toward Quincy, west of Rich Bar Road, when her truck left the roadway, struck a mound of dirt, and became airborne. The truck became wedged in the cliff, precariously suspended in the air. Pickering was extricated from her vehicle by Plumas County Search & Rescue personnel and flown to Enloe Medical Center in Chico with broken ribs, a broken wrist, internal bleeding, and other injuries. The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident.

Continue reading "Quincy Woman Seriously Injured in Highway 70 Crash in Plumas County " »

The largest city north of Sacramento, Redding is situated along the Siskiyou Trail, an ancient trade and travel route connecting California and the Pacific Northwest. In recent decades, the city has seen a population boom of retirees from the Los Angeles and San Francisco area looking for more affordable housing and a slower pace of life. Cities experiencing a population boom like Redding can also experience an increase in traffic. Typically, an increase in traffic volume can also increase the likelihood of car crashes occurring.

Before you talk to anyone about your accident, talk to a Redding car accident attorney at Estey Bomberger. Don't talk about the collision with the other driver and do not give your insurance company a recorded statement until we have been able to counsel you. We want to make sure your legal right to fair and just compensation is protected. It is not uncommon for an insurance company to misconstrue a victim's statement to get out of paying them a settlement. We will handle your case on a contingency fee basis. Simply put, we do not charge any legal fees until compensation has been won for you. Call our staff toll-free for a private, no obligation consultation.

Continue reading "Redding Car Accident Attorneys Helping Personal Injury Victims" »

MODOC COUNTY - A 19-year-old Tulelake woman died Wednesday afternoon after her 1988 Mercury Sable was struck by a train, the Siskiyou Daily reported. The woman, Alma Vidrio, was driving westbound on County Road 104, east of County Road 111, when she stopped the vehicle on the railroad tracks with a northbound train approaching. The train had two engines and 35 cars attached to it. According to a CHP release, Vidrio "made no obvious attempts to move the Mercury or flee from the Mercury" before the train impacted the driver's side of the Mercury Sable. The impact caused fatal injuries; Vidrio was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. No one on board the train was hurt. The cause of the fatal Modoc County car accident remains under investigation.

Continue reading "Tulelake Woman Killed in Car vs. Train Accident on County Road 104 " »

MENDOCINO COUNTY - A 20-year-old McKinleyville woman was tragically killed Tuesday after the vehicle she was riding in overturned and landed in the south fork of the Eel River in Leggett, the Ukiah Daily Journal reported. The accident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on May 17, 2011, on Highway 101, about a quarter mile south of the Jitney Gulch Bridge. The victim, Amanda Sue Klemm, was a passenger in a 1994 Ford Ranger pickup truck driven by Noah Joseph Carter, 19, of Eureka. According to news accounts, it was raining heavily when the driver negotiated a left-hand-curve at an "unsafe" speed. Carter lost control and the truck overturned and ended up 400 feet down an embankment in the Eel River. Carter was able to escape the sinking truck with moderate injuries, but Klemm died at the scene of the Mendocino County car accident. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Continue reading "McKinleyville Woman Killed in Highway 101 Crash in Leggett " »

ALAMEDA - A 13-year-old Alameda boy tragically died Monday, hours after he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle, Fox Reno and other news outlets reported. The accident occurred at about 3:50 p.m. on May 16, 2011. According to news reports, the victim, Brandon Sorensen, 13, was riding his bicycle near Santa Clara Avenue and Everett Street when he was involved in a collision with a vehicle. Sorensen was taken to Children's Hospital in Oakland, where he died of his injuries.

Cause of the Alameda Bicycle Accident

Based on the limited information provided in news accounts, it is not clear what exactly happened. Police will surely look at the speed of the vehicle, the right-of-way at the intersection, and the direction of both the bicycle and the vehicle in determining what happened. The cause of the accident was unclear and an investigation is ongoing by the Alameda Police Department. Anyone with information regarding the fatal bicycle accident is asked to contact Alameda police Lt. Sean Lynch at (510) 337-8424.

Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If authorities determine that the driver of the vehicle is responsible for the collision, he or she may be liable for the wrongful death of the young bicyclist, in addition to possible criminal charges for negligent driving. While this incident remains under investigation, a skilled Oakland bicycle accident lawyer could advise the victim's family about their legal rights and options to hold the driver and any other at-fault parties accountable. An attorney who has represented families of fatal bicycle accident can provide answers, options, and support in a free legal consultation regarding a wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Teenage Bicyclist Struck and Killed in Alameda " »

CORNING - A 68-year-old Clatskanie, Oregon man was killed in a pickup truck vs. pedestrian accident Saturday night in Tehama County, the Corning Observer reported. According to news reports, the victim, Frank Lopardi, had just stepped out of the Rolling Hills Casino on Barham Avenue at about 9:50 p.m. and entered the parking lot when he was struck by a 1996 Dodge pickup. The driver of the pickup truck, Jerry Lee Ogle, 64, of Modesto, reportedly failed to see Lopardi in his vehicle's path and struck him at approximately 5 mph. The impact caused Lopardi to be "vaulted" backwards. He landed on his head and suffered fatal injuries. The CHP reported that alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the fatal pedestrian accident.

Cause of the Fatal Parking Lot Accident

The cause of this May 14th Tehama County pedestrian accident remains under investigation by the CHP. Based on the news reports, this accident raises many questions. The driver of the pickup truck was not cited at the scene of the accident, however, charges could be pending, according to the Corning Observer. Hopefully, the investigation by the CHP will reveal exactly what happened and why.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

While this fatal pedestrian accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with a northern California wrongful death lawyer. An attorney who has represented victims of Tehama County pedestrian accidents can stay on top of the law enforcement investigation and ensure the family's legal rights and interests are protected. If negligence of the driver caused this accident, the family may be entitled to compensation for their loss in a civil claim for wrongful death. Parking lot accidents are sometimes the result of improper design or layout, in which case the casino could potentially be liable.

Continue reading "Oregon Man Killed in Rolling Hills Casino Parking Lot Accident" »

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released data about traumatic brain injury-related fatalities in the United States from 1997-2007. Sacramento brain injury attorneys and others throughout the nation are aware that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a main cause of death and disability in our country. What most people don't realize, however, is that about 53,000 individuals die from TBI-related injuries every year.

In evaluating data from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2007, it was determined that a yearly average of 53,014 deaths (18.4 per 100,000 population) that befell U.S. residents were related to TBIs. It was noted that TBI-related fatality rates dropped among individuals aged 0-44 years and increased among individuals over the age of 75. In addition, the rate of brain injury fatalities was three times higher among men than among women. The main causes of brain injury-related deaths are reported to be firearms (34.8%), motor vehicle accidents (31.4%), and falls (16.7%).

It can be shocking to learn that traumatic brain injury-related deaths account for nearly one third of all injury-related deaths in the nation. Individuals who are fortunate enough to survive an accident that causes a brain injury often face years, if not a lifetime, of rehabilitation and medical care. According to the CDC data, long-term TBI-related disability leads to reduced quality of life for an individual as well as extended medical, social, and economic effects on society. A TBI can also impose substantial physical, financial, and psychological challenges for a person and their family to overcome. It is estimated that about 3.2-5.3 million individuals have long-term disabilities, such as the loss of one or more physical or mental functions, that are caused by a brain injury.

The results of the collected data emphasize that TBI-related fatalities are higher in some population groups than others and are mainly related to certain external causes. The report also mentions that the incidence of TBI in the U.S. can be reduced by stronger and more effective enforcement of existing seat belt laws, execution and heightened coverage of stricter helmet laws, and the application of existing evidence-based fall-related prevention tactics.

It is important to help spread the word about brain injury causes, risk groups, and other information to help people better understand and prevent TBI-related injuries and deaths.

Continue reading "CDC Releases Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Fatalities Data for 1997-2007" »

A U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) press release reported on May 12 the reannouncement of a November 2009 Maclaren USA stroller recall for risk of fingertip amputations and lacerations. According to the release, 149 accidents with the strollers, including 37 reported injuries, have been made known to Maclaren since the announcement of the first recall. Out of these reported stroller injuries, five included additional fingertip amputations, 16 additional lacerations, and 16 additional fingertip entrapments/bruising. When the original recall was launched, 15 incidents, including 12 reports of fingertip amputation throughout the United States, had been reported.

These recalled strollers pose the potential danger of fingertip amputation and laceration to the child when a person is unfolding or opening the stroller. These risks are present due to a flaw in the hinge mechanism of the stroller. The reannouncemnt of the stroller recall involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers placed on the market before November 2009. Maclaren strollers placed on the market after May 2010 contain dissimilar hinge design than the previously recalled strollers and are not included in this recall.

The recalled strollers were sold at juvenile product and mass merchandise stores throughout the nation from 1999 to November 2009. Any consumer who has not installed the hinge covers is being advised to contact Maclaren USA right way to get a free repair kit at hingecovers@maclaren-usa.com or toll-free at (877) 688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Manufacturers are responsible for designing and creating products that are safe and do not contain any defects or unknown dangers that could cause consumers injury, illness, or death. A Sacramento product liability lawyer will know what effective steps need to be taken in order to help you and your family hold negligent manufacturers liable for their oversight.

Continue reading "Recall of Maclaren USA Strollers Reannounced Due to New Incidents of Fingertip Amputations, Lacerations" »

A noncompetitive fundraising walk will be hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in Fresno on Saturday, May 14. The second annual Walk Like MADD (WLM) 5K will raise money for MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. The walk will also help promote awareness about the many dangers of drunk driving. MADD's goal is to stop drunk driving, prevent underage drinking, and support drunk driving accident victims and their families.

The walk starts at 8:00 a.m. at Woodward Park-Mountain View Shelter (8401 N. Friant Rd., Fresno, CA, 93720) and those who wish to register for the walk can visit www.walklikemadd.org/fresno. The 2010 Fresno Walk Like MADD event, which was held for the first time in the Central Valley, had more than 1,000 walkers who raised nearly $75,000 to help in the efforts to prevent drunk driving and support victims of drunk driving accidents.

Far-Reaching Affects of Drunk Driving
A recent Kmph.com article tells the story of a family who lost a loved one three and a half years ago in a drunk driving crash in Fresno. The accident that took the man's life occurred in Fresno County when a drunk driver ran a stop sign and crashed into the SUV he was driving. In the article, the family shares how everyday is a struggle for them and that it's still difficult to cope with the fact that someone else's decision to drink and drive left five children without their father. The family will be participating in the Walk Like MADD event.

Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,839 people died in 2009 in motor vehicle accidents involving a motorist with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, which accounts for 32 percent of the total traffic deaths for that year. What is even more staggering is that an average of one alcohol-impaired driving death took place almost every hour (every 48 minutes) in 2009. While it is encouraging that traffic deaths in drunk driving accidents decreased in 2009 from the previous year, Fresno car accident lawyers know that there is still much that needs to be done to help prevent drunk driving fatalities, injuries, and accidents.

Continue reading "Mothers Against Drunk Driving Fundraising Walk in Fresno to Promote Awareness of DUI Dangers" »

Riding a motorcycle in Oakland or other parts of Northern California not only helps save money on gas, but it's also an enjoyable way to get around. However, motorcycles can pose many risks to riders if an accident occurs, especially if helmets are not worn, helmets are not worn properly, or an effective helmet is not worn. With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) kicking off spring with May being Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, all motorists are being reminded of their responsibility to "share the road" safely with motorcycles and motorcyclists are being reminded to stay visible to others on the road.

Motorcycle helmets play an important role because they give riders just about the only protection they can get in the event of a crash. Head injuries are the leading cause of death among unhelmeted motorcyclists. Motorcycles are unenclosed, making helmets and protective clothing essential for a motorcyclist's safety against hard road surfaces. California motorcycle helmet laws are universal, meaning that all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear helmets.

Data provided by the NHTSA emphasizes the importance of helmets in helping prevent serious injury or death to motorcyclists. Some motorcyclists might think that helmets make them lose their edge or that helmets are not "cool." Other riders might think that helmets interfere with their vision or hearing, which shouldn't be the case if the right helmet is selected and worn properly. Considering that motorcycle helmets saved 1,829 motorcyclists' lives in 2008, riders who have doubts should think again. The good news is that motorcycle helmet use saw a jump from 48 percent in 2005 to 67 percent in 2009.

Oakland motorcycle crash attorneys are familiar with the serious and potentially life-altering consequences that motorcycle accident victims must cope with. There is no denying that compared to cars, motorcycles are more dangerous. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the federal government estimates that per mile traveled, the number of deaths on motorcycles in 2007 was approximately 37 times the number in cars.

Help spread the word about motorcycle safety and accident prevention. Be safe, everyone!

Continue reading "Helmet Use Reduces Oakland Motorcycle Accident Injuries" »

A 61-year-old male pedestrian was killed after a 23-year-old man suspected of driving drunk struck him while he was crossing Masonic Avenue at Turk Boulevard. A San Francisco Chronicle article reports that the motorist apparently collided into parked cars over six blocks away from where he struck the pedestrian and then crashed into planter boxes outside of a San Francisco hospital. The series of crashes started around 2:30 a.m. on May 6. The man was arrested outside of the hospital on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving while under the influence of alcohol. He was reportedly taken to the hospital for sustaining unspecified injuries.

According to the article, this is the second fatal San Francisco auto accident in less than a year involving a hit-and-run and an allegedly drunk driver at the Masonic and Turk intersection. Last August, a 21-year-old German tourist riding a bicycle was hit and killed by a 36-year-old male driver who pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter and other charges.

In relation to the recent accident, the executive director of Walk San Francisco, a pedestrian advocate group, stated, "We need faster action and more comprehensive redesigns of the streets that we know are most dangerous in San Francisco." The executive director also noted that there is a street redesign process being carried out on Masonic, making it all the more tragic that this fatal crash occurred before the street could be made safer.

State municipalities are responsible for the safe and efficient design of roadways and intersections. While there may be potential grounds for an accident victim or members of their family to obtain compensation for accidents that occur because of poorly designed or dangerous road conditions, not every crash results in a lawsuit.

If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in San Francisco that you believe was caused by a reckless, drunk, or hit-and-run driver, a San Francisco pedestrian crash lawyer can help you hold negligent parties liable. The time after a fatal accident is devastating and can cause financial burdens that many families don't expect. The sooner you act in preserving evidence from the accident and contacting an experienced attorney, the better your chances of obtaining justice.

Continue reading "San Francisco Hit-and-Run Accident Involving Drunk Driver Kills Pedestrian" »

A 57-year-old male janitor who suffered dog bite injuries to his left hand and arm while working at a Motel 6 in Sacramento is seeking damages from Sacramento County. According to a Sacramento Bee article, the janitor was attacked by two pit bulls after Sacramento County detectives opened the door of a motel room containing the dogs.

During the janitor's civil trial, it was argued by the plaintiff's attorney that the detectives serving an arrest warrant on the pit bull dog owners at the motel failed to uphold their duty of keeping the janitor safe while knowing that the two pit bulls were on the loose. To further demonstrate the complexity of this Sacramento dog bite injury case, Sacramento County's attorney stated that the if the detectives did contribute to the janitor's injuries, it was only five percent and that 30 percent blame should be placed on the motel, and 60 percent to the dog owners.

While this particular case has unique circumstances, it serves as a reminder that dog bite injury litigation is not only complex, but that dog bite prevention awareness is something that needs to be more prominent. As friendly and loving as many dogs can be, unfamiliar dogs can quickly become aggressive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people should not do the following:

• run from a dog or scream;


• approach an unfamiliar dog;


• pet a dog without letting is see and sniff you first;


• disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or taking care of puppies; or


• make direct eye contact with a dog.

Dog bite injuries can require a victim to need extensive medical care and treatment, surgery, and can even cause serious scarring or disfigurement. Sacramento dog bite attorneys protect the rights of dog bite injury victims so that they can obtain the compensation they deserve from negligent parties.

Continue reading "Sacramento Pit Bull Attack Case Emphasizes Importance of Dog Bite Prevention Awareness" »

On May 5, the U.S. Transportation Department's (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced many new measures to help improve bus passenger safety and enforce regulations for bus and commercial vehicle carriers and drivers.

The FMCSA has made it clear with the debut of its new regulations that it will do everything possible to monitor, regulate, and penalize unsafe, irresponsible, and negligent passenger vehicle operators. Just about any San Francisco personal injury attorney would tell you that these new rules could make a big difference in reducing serious injuries and wrongful deaths.

Some of the new regulations and enforcement efforts include:

• Requiring stricter commercial driver's license testing (CDL) standards


• Seeking new rules to reinforce passenger carriers and driver compliance with federal safety regulations


• Provide consumers with easily accessible safety records of bus companies to review before booking transportation


• Conducting unannounced motorcoach inspections at busy travel destinations during the spring and summer travel seasons


• Requiring those who apply for a CDL to first get a commercial driver's learner's permit (CLP)

In relation to the new CLP rule, it will also be required for all state licensing agencies to use a CDL testing system that meets the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators CDL knowledge and skill standards. In addition, to lower the chances of testing fraud, the use of foreign language interpreters is prohibited.

Another new measure gives the U.S. DOT stronger authority to enforce action against unsafe "reincarnated" passenger carriers by creating a federal standard to help identify whether a "new" carrier is actually a re-made "old" and unsafe carrier.

The U.S. DOT will also require new motorcoach companies to have a full safety audit before getting U.S. DOT operating authority, revise current law to make sure a driver's CDL can be suspended or revoked for drug- and alcohol-related violations that happen in non-commercial vehicles, and increase the penalty to $25,000 a day for passenger carriers that try to operate without U.S. DOT authority.

Bus drivers often have many lives in their hands. With the new regulations in place for commercial drivers that transport passengers, it is important to remember that all drivers have responsibilities that need to be upheld.

Continue reading "Several New Measures Introduced by FMCSA to Enhance Safety for Bus Passengers" »

A pedestrian accident in North Highlands on May 3 led to the death of a 29-year-old man who apparently walked into the lane in front of a car and was hit. A Sacramento Bee story reports that the Sacramento pedestrian crash took place around 9 p.m. where Watt Avenue intersects with Interstate 80.

A spokeswoman for the California Highway Patrol stated that a 51-year-old Sacramento woman was driving a black Volkswagen Jetta southbound on Watt Avenue around 35 to 40 mph when the male pedestrian, thought to be from Fair Oaks, reportedly stepped in front of her vehicle. The pedestrian accident victim is reported to have been wearing dark clothing and the driver stopped after the crash and has not been detained. Paramedics who arrived at the scene of the accident pronounced the victim dead.

Pedestrians are susceptible to serious, and sometimes, life-threatening injuries because there is no outer protection against the force of a vehicle in the event of an accident.

Pedestrian Detection Systems' Role in Crash Avoidance
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, a recent study was conducted to help guide automakers as they continue to develop crash avoidance technology aimed at preventing or decreasing the seriousness of pedestrian crashes. At this point, about 19 vehicle models in 2011 offer forward collision warning systems. Other crash avoidance features that have gained prominence include departure warning, side view assist, and adaptive headlights.

If all vehicles had forward collision warning systems, based on estimates gathered by the Institute, approximately 1.2 million collisions, as well as 879 fatal accidents, could be prevented or lessened every year. It's possible that with pedestrian detection systems, an additional 39,000 accidents, including 2,932 fatal collisions, could be prevented.

Pedestrian Crash Liability
Sacramento pedestrian accident attorneys understand the difficult challenges a family must overcome after losing a loved one in a pedestrian collision caused by a negligent, distracted, or reckless driver. Depending on the circumstance of a fatal crash, family members of wrongful death victims may be able to obtain compensation from a negligent individual or state entity.

Continue reading "Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Results in Death of 29-Year-Old Man" »

An investigation into a Santa Rosa chemical explosion accident at Agilent Technologies on April 26 could last up to six months, according to a Press Democrat article. A 45-year-old engineer suffered serious burns to his face during the explosion as he was carrying out job duties on a molecular bean epitaxy machine. As of April 28, he was in critical condition at a burn unit.

California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CalOSHA) investigators intend to interview employees and evaluate the company's accident and injury records as well as health and safety plans. By evaluating the documentation, investigators aim to identify the circumstances that contributed to the chemical accident and identify whether any health and/or safety violations led to the man's burn injuries.

According to the article, at first, the explosion raised concern that highly reactive chemicals would cause workers to suffer from exposure and contamination. However, it was determined that this wasn't the case. Nevertheless, investigators will examine whether Agilent abided by state and local rules regarding how to properly and safely use hazardous materials.

As this accident demonstrates, burn injuries can happen in the blink of an eye. San Francisco burn injury attorneys have the legal experience and resources to help burn injury victims obtain full compensation from negligent parties. Burn injuries are not only extremely painful, but they often require extensive medical care and treatment, lengthy hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and can create significant limitations to a person's mobility and day-to-day functions.

Whether an individual suffers a burn injury in an auto accident, construction accident, industrial accident, or due to a property owner's negligence, they have legal rights and may have grounds to file a lawsuit.

Continue reading "Engineer Suffers Serious Facial Burn Injuries in Santa Rosa Agilent Chemical Explosion Accident, Investigation Ongoing" »

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that May is National Bike Safety Month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Automobile Association (AAA) have launched a new "Roll Model" campaign to help promote awareness among parents and caregivers about the important part they play in setting positive examples for children and teens to ride their bicycles safely.

Teaching by example plays a crucial part in ensuring that children and teens bike safely. The "Roll Model" campaign also provides adults with the opportunity to increase their own safety and heighten their own awareness. According to the U.S. DOT, the average age for bicyclists who are killed in accidents is 41.

The campaign emphasizes the importance of bicyclists of all ages wearing helmets to help lower the chances of injury in the event of a bike accident in San Francisco and throughout the United States. The campaign also reminds bicyclists that they share the same laws as motorized vehicles and must ride in the same direction as vehicle traffic, obey traffic lights and stop signs, and signal their intentions for turns. In addition, being a good "Roll Model" also applies to adult motorists sharing the road and treating bicyclists with respect when driving. Drivers are supposed to leave at least three feet between their vehicle and the bicyclist and only pass when it is safe to do so. Moreover, drivers who text or talk on their cell phones are distracted and greatly increase their chances of not seeing bicyclists.

According to the NHTSA, in 2009, 630 pedalcyclists (including bicyclists and other cyclists) were killed and an additional 51,000 suffered injuries in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. Pedalcyclist fatalities amounted to 2 percent of all motor vehicle accident fatalities and 2 percent comprised of all the individuals who suffered injuries in accidents during 2009.

San Francisco bike accident attorneys are familiar with the many challenges bike accident victims face and will work diligently to protect the rights of bicyclists injured by a motorist's negligence in a crash.

Continue reading "May is National Bike Safety Month: Help Prevent San Francisco Bike Crashes" »