Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

YOLO COUNTY - A man in his 50's was hit by an Amtrak train while on the tracks at the Davis Depot Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m., reports the Sacramento Bee. The train was traveling westbound but there were no further details on how the tragic pedestrian accident occurred.

Due to the limited amount of information available, it is impossible to determine what caused this tragic pedestrian accident. Many unanswered questions remain. Was the man not given sufficient enough warning that the train was approaching? Did the train conductor fail to see the pedestrian because he or she was distracted? Hopefully, authorities will be able to provide answers as to how this accident happened.

While this June 30th incident remains under investigation, surviving family members may benefit from talking to a northern California pedestrian accident lawyer. If the actions of the pedestrian did not contribute to the crash, the victim's family members may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. A competent lawyer will use every available resource to make sure family members are not denied their legal right to full and fair compensation for funeral costs, future income, and loss of support and care.

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STANISLAUS COUNTY - A June 27th 9:10 a.m. car crash that involved three vehicles tragically killed a 4-year-old boy and injured four others. According to a news report released by the Merced Sun Star, the driver of a Mini Cooper traveling east struck a car waiting to turn left. After hitting the vehicle, the Mini Cooper spun into oncoming traffic and was broadsided by a car driven by a Livingston man. Both the driver of the Mini Cooper, a 28-year-old Turlock woman, and a 2-year-old passenger sustained major injuries in the collision. The driver was flown to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto and the child was flown to University of California Medical Center in Sacramento for treatment. The driver of the vehicle that was hit by the Mini Copper was not injured and the two occupants of the vehicle that broadsided the Mini Cooper sustained minor injuries. The name of the young boy is being withheld until family can be notified.

Cause of the Car Collision

The cause of the three-vehicle car collision is unclear and is being investigated by the California Highway Patrol. If news reports are accurate, the driver of the Mini Cooper may be responsible for the accident, and resulting death and injuries. Inattentive driving, impaired driving or aggressive driving behavior may have been the reason why the Mini Cooper hit the car waiting to turn left.

Car Accident Liability

If the investigation reveals the car crash was caused by the actions of the Mini Cooper driver, the family of the victim may pursue financial compensation from the driver by filing a wrongful death claim. While the investigation is under way, it is highly recommended the victim's family talk to a northern California car accident attorney regarding their legal rights. A skilled attorney can protect the families right to maximum compensation for accident-related damages.

Continue reading "Child Killed, Four Injured in Three-Car Crash Near Turlock" »

SOLANO COUNTY - One person was tragically killed and three others were injured when a bus and car collided at approximately 1:10 p.m. June 29th in Suisun City. According to a News 10 report, two people were in the car at the time of the accident. It was not known how many people were on the MV Transportation bus when the accident occurred. The two occupants of the car and two bus passengers were transported to local hospitals by ground and air ambulances. The remaining bus passengers sustained minor injuries in the accident and were expected to recover.

Cause of the Car Accident

At this time it is not known what caused the crash. Hopefully law enforcement will be able to determine if the collision was caused by driver negligence, a poor road condition, bad weather condition or defective auto part.

Car accidents such as this one can have devastating physical, emotional and financial consequences. While this crash remains under investigation, the victims should consult a northern California car accident lawyer before speaking to an insurance company adjuster or other representative of an involved party. A skilled lawyer can inform victims of their legal rights and advise victims of the best legal course of action.

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FRESNO COUNTY - A 63-year-old truck driver was found dead early Wednesday morning after the big-rig he was driving struck a concrete pillar on Highway 99, reports the Fresno Bee. Although the cause of the driver's death has not been determined, according to the California Highway Patrol, the truck driver did not appear to die from any injuries he sustained in the June 29th accident. A 41-year-old Lancaster man, who was a passenger in the big-rig, suffered minor injuries in the collision. The condition of the passenger is not known.

Cause of Highway 99 Truck Accident

If news reports are accurate, shortly after midnight, the truck, which was traveling southbound on Highway 99 north of Jensen Avenue, drifted to the right, hit a concrete pillar and came to a stop on an embankment. Due to the impact of the crash, the truck's fuel tank was ruptured and spilled out onto the highway's shoulder. It is not clear why the truck drifted to the right. It is possible the truck drifted because of a tire blowout, steering system malfunction or shifted cargo. The cause of the crash is currently being investigated by the CHP. Hopefully, their investigation will provide answers to how and why this collision occurred.

Truck Accident Litigation

At this stage in the investigation process, it is unclear what caused the crash and therefore, impossible to determine who is responsible. If a defective tire, steering system or improperly loaded cargo contributed to or was responsible for the accident occurring, the family of the victim has legal rights that may allow them to file a wrongful death claim against a tire manufacturer, truck manufacturer or loading company. The victim's family would be well advised to talk to a skilled northern California truck accident lawyer who can explore all sources of compensation to ensure family members receive fair financial damages.

Continue reading "Driver Found Dead After Big-Rig Accident on Highway 99 " »

SOLANO COUNTY - A tragic rollover accident claimed the life of a 5-year-old boy Tuesday afternoon in Fairfield, reports News 10. According to the California Highway Patrol, the boy was a passenger in a Dodge pickup truck that barreled off Interstate 80 and overturned near the Red Top Road off-ramp around 12:00 p.m. A CHP patrol unit was on the off-ramp at the time the pickup truck rolled over. The CHP patrol car was broadsided by the pickup truck, but the officer was not injured in the collision. The driver of the Dodge truck was also unharmed in the crash.

Cause of the Rollover Accident

Because of the limited information available, it is not clear what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. A CHP officer at the scene of the accident said it was raining at the time the rollover crash occurred. Police will surely investigate whether the driver of the pickup truck lost control because of bad weather conditions or if the driver lost control because of a distraction or impairment. it is also possible the driver lost control because of vehicle defect. Hopefully law enforcement will be able to determine why and how this tragic accident occurred.

While the cause of the crash is under investigation, the family of the victim would be well advised to contact a northern California car accident lawyer. A reputable lawyer can help grieving families understand their legal rights and help the family preserve evidence important to a future personal injury claim.

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CALAVERAS COUNTY - The San Andreas California Highway Patrol is currently investigating a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred sometime during the night of June 26th or early morning of June 27th. A passing motorist found a 46-year-old Lockeford man near a barbwire fence off Highway 26 around 5:15 a.m. Monday morning. According to Sonora Mother Lode news reports, the man apparently lost control of his motorcycle and struck a wooden sign east of Burson Road. Jenny Lind firefighters pronounced the motorcyclist dead later in the day. Anyone with information should call the San Andreas CHP office at (209) 754-3541.

Cause of Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the CHP. It is unclear what caused the rider to lose control of his bike. Many single-vehicle motorcycle crashes are initially attributed to rider negligence or carelessness, however, upon further investigation an uneven road surface, pothole or road debris is often discovered to be the real cause of a crash. Defective or faulty bike parts can also cause a tragic motorcycle accident to occur.

Wrongful Death Liability

While this case remains under investigation, the family of the victim should talk to a northern California motorcycle accident attorney. If it is discovered a poor road condition or defective bike part contributed to or was responsible for the motorcycle accident, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to collect damages associated with their loss. In a wrongful death claim, families may collect damages for funeral and burial expenses, future income and loss of love, companionship and support.

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SACRAMENTO COUNTY--Bicyclist Tricia Hedahl was struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle through the 27th and H streets intersection in Sacramento. The driver was turning left when she collided with Hedahl who sustained a broken leg.

Tricia Hedahl is the executive director of Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates and is a countywide advocate of bike safety. She reports that the accident will not deter her from continuing to bike around Sacramento. According to Hedahl, accidents will decrease as bicyclists increase in number since drivers will become more conscious about looking out for bikes on the road.

Cause of the Sacramento County Accident
Based on the statement given by the driver of the vehicle to the Sacramento Police, she did not see the bicyclist and suspects that a passing car obstructed her view. For her part, the bicyclist has a hard time recalling the accident but believes that she would have stopped for the stop sign at the intersection.

Bicycle Accident Liability
Although the police did not cite the driver, the negligence of the driver could be a cause or factor in this accident and the injured victim may be entitled to recover damages for her injuries. Damages recovered in a personal injury claim may include medical care and treatment expenses, lost wages or earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. The victim should consider speaking with an experienced Northern California bicycle accident attorney. A personal injury lawyer who specializes in cycling accidents can advise the victim on her legal rights to obtain compensation and best course of action following the accident.

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Named after the Merced River, which flows nearby, Merced has a bustling population of more than 78,000. Three major highways serve the city of Merced: State Route 59, State Route 99 and State Route 140. In 2008, according to City-Data.com, three of the six fatal car accidents in Merced took place on one of the city's three major highways. As a result of the six car crashes in 2008, seven people tragically lost their lives. In the same year, Merced was above the state average for car accident fatalities and fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers.

Victims injured in car collisions can look to the Merced car accident attorneys at the law firm of Estey Bomberger for expert legal representation. We have assisted clients involved in all types of crashes, including hit-and-run accidents, side-impact crashes, head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, runoff crashes, drunk driving accidents and collisions involving commercial trucks. We will fight tirelessly to get our clients the compensation they need and deserve for past, current and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Please contact our law firm for a free case review. We will give you an honest assessment of your case and explain how we can help you with the claims process. If we are unable to take your case, we will be more than happy to tell you where help may be available. All cases are taken on a no fee, no win basis.

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TEHAMA COUNTY - Four people were taken to St. Elizabeth Community Hospital Monday morning following a collision at Houghton Avenue and Viola Avenue in Corning, the Red Bluff Daily News reported. According to news accounts, at about 10:40 a.m., Evelyn Scott, 55, of Gerber, was driving a paratransit van south on Houghto Avenue at about 45 mph. At the same time, Jason Fuller, 29, of Corning, was driving a pickup truck towing a utility trailer about 45 mph on Viola Avenue. According to the Red Bluff Daily News, Scott did not realize that Houghton Avenue terminates on Viola Avenue and turns into a private gravel driveway. Scott continued at full speed across the intersection and collided with Fuller's van. Fuller reportedly braked, but was unable to avoid colliding with the paratransit van owned by the Tehama County Opportunity Center. Three passengers in the paratransit van, Andrew Wood, 28, of Corning, Kathy Varela, 54, of Red Bluff and Scott Brown, 40, of Red Bluff were injured, along with a passenger in the pickup truck, a 21-year-old Corning woman. All were taken by ambulance to St. Elizabeth Community Hospital.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

The cause of this June 20th Tehama County crash remains under investigation. However, it news reports are accurate, it appears that the driver of the paratransit van may be responsible for this collision. If the investigation reveals that the driver of the paratransit van was responsible for this collision, the driver, along with the owner of the van, reportedly the Tehama County Opportunity Center, may be liable for the injuries suffered by the van passengers, as well as the passenger in the pickup truck. While this accident remains under investigation, the injured victims or their family members would be well-advised to contact an experienced and knowledgeable northern California accident lawyer. An attorney who understands the complex insurance issues of accidents involving company-owned vehicles protect their legal rights to recover maximum compensation for their injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Four People Injured in Corning Intersection Crash " »

WILLITS - An off-duty Mendocino County sheriff's lieutenant and his wife suffered serious injuries last week when the motorcycle they were riding was struck by a 2004 Chevy pickup truck pickup truck pulling a trailer. The accident was reported at 7:35 p.m. about 14 miles west of Willits, according to the Willits News.

According to news accounts, the driver of the pickup truck was looking for a place to pull over and let his dogs run when he spotted a dirt rode on the south side of Highway 20. Without signaling, he braked and began a left turn onto the road. The motorcyclists, following behind the pickup truck, began to pass the vehicle. As the motorcycle sped up, the truck turned into the path of the 2008 Kawasaki motorcycle. The motorcycle slid into the left rear tire of the pickup truck.

The driver of the motorcycle suffered a broken nose and road rash; his wife reported suffered a broken arm, a possible broken hip, and chest injuries. Both were taken by ambulance to Mendocino Coast District Hospital. The driver and passenger in the pickup truck were not injured. The cause of the June 11th Mendocino County motorcycle accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Continue reading "Two Injured in Highway 20 Motorcycle Accident in Mendocino County " »

SHASTA COUNTY - A 47-year-old Paynes Creek man died, and a 21-year-old Redding man was injured Thursday morning in a crash on Main Street in Cottonwood, the Red Bluff Daily News reported. The accident was reported at 10:54 a.m. According to news accounts the driver Shawn Malone, exited Interstate 5 to Main Street and lost control of his 1994 Lincoln Town Car. The car went off the road and became airborne before hitting a tree. Malone died in the collision; his passenger, James Smith, 21, of Redding, was taken to Mercy Medical Center in Redding with major injuries. The cause of the June 15th Shasta County accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

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SAN JOSE - A 21-year-old San Jose man tragically died Sunday after colliding with another vehicle and crashing into a sound wall the San Jose Mercury News reported. The accident was reported just after 10 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, 2011, near Blossom Hill Road. According to news reports, the victim, Kwangtae Park, 21, was driving a black 2002 Acura on Highway 85 when he collided with a red 1995 Volkswagen, driven by a 16-year-old San Jose boy. Park lost control of the Acura and collided with a raised sound wall to the east of the freeway. He was taken to Valley Medical Center where he died of his injuries.

According to news reports, both the Volkswagen and the Acura involved in the collision were travelling "at a high rate of speed, " although it is unclear if the two drivers were racing. The CHP stated that alcohol did not appear to be factor. Anyone who may have witnessed the vehicles or the collision is asked to contact CHP officer D. Rawlins at 408-467-5400.

Based on the information provided in news reports, it is impossible to tell what happened and who was responsible. Hopefully, the CHP investigation will reveal exactly what happened and why. Following any fatal accident such as this Highway 85 crash in San Jose, family members of victims of fatal accidents may benefit from speaking with an experienced, knowledgeable and understanding San Jose wrongful death lawyer. An attorney who has successfully handled dozens of fatal accident wrongful death claims can advise the victim's family of their legal rights, and best course of action to protect them. If it is determined that the negligence of another party caused this crash, the family may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of future earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship.

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FREMONT - A 43-year-old Palo Alto man tragically died Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash in the westbound lanes of Highway 84, the Oakland Tribune reported. The accident occurred just west of the toll plaza at about 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14th. According to news reports, Terrance Abdullah was driving westbound in a 1995 Chevrolet, when the vehicle stalled. The car was rear-ended by a 2000 Nissan driven by Roberto Lopez, 59, of Menlo Park. Abdullah was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to the Alameda County Coroner's Bureau. Lopez complained of chest pain and was transported to Stanford University Medical Center.

Cause of the Alameda County Car Accident

The cause of the Dumbarton Bridge accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear why Lopez failed to slow down or stop before rear-ending Abdullah's Chevrolet. Hopefully, the CHP investigation will reveal exactly what happened and why.

Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Following a fatal accident that is caused by another driver's negligence, family members of victims may choose to pursue a wrongful death claim against the party or parties responsible. In cases such as this one, family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Oakland wrongful death attorney. A lawyer who is has represented dozens of victims and their families of accidents on state highways can advise the victim's family of their legal rights, options and responsibilities, should they decide to pursue a claim. Damages available in a wrongful death claim may include funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime lost earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship. Following any accident where negligence is suspected, it is always advisable to speak with an attorney as soon as possible, while witnesses and evidence are most easily accessed.

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Summer is here and for many of us, that means it is time to get the bicycle out of the house and onto the thousands of miles of roads throughout the Bay Area. Whether you enjoy short recreational bike rides on the weekends or make a long daily commute to work downtown, understanding safe cycling best practices can mean the difference between avoiding an accident or suffering a serious injury or death in a collision. As a safety advocate for cyclists and other victims of San Leandro car accidents, I aim to educate and raise awareness of what Bay Area cyclists can do to stay safe on the road at all times. The following tips can help you reduce your risk of injury or being involved in a collision.

Never Ride Without a Helmet

Statistically, properly-fitted bicycle helmets can reduce head injuries by 85%. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) both recommend that cyclists always wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. It is important to note, however, that simply wearing a helmet does not do anything to prevent an accident. As a cyclist, you have a duty to obey traffic laws and always pay attention to your surroundings.

Be Alert and Focused at All Times

Never listen to headphones or talk on a cell phone while cycling. You should be focused on the road in front of you and the other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians you share the road with. Ride on the right side of the road in the same direction as other vehicles. Keep your eyes open for potholes, cracks, drainage rates, road kill, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. Cross railroad tracks at a 90-degree angle and be especially careful on bridges. Remember - 70% of car vs. bicycle collisions occur at driveways or intersections. Before you cross a street or intersection, look for traffic. Always look left, right, and left again.

Stay Out of the Door Zone

Dozens of cyclists have been seriously injured or killed as a result of running into opening car doors by a driver or passenger getting out of a parked car. You can reduce your risk of being involved in a "door zone" accident by riding far enough to the left so that you cannot be struck by an opening door. Statistically, you're more likely to be struck by an opening door on a parked car than to be struck from behind by a car whose driver can clearly see you.

Keep Your Bicycle Properly Maintained

Your bicycle requires maintenance to keep it in optimal condition. Maintenance is essential not just to keep your bike in good shape, but to keep you, the rider, safe. Failing to replace a damaged part could lead to an accident. How often you need to perform routine maintenance depends on how frequently you ride your bike and the conditions you ride in. Before ever ride, you should check air pressure, brakes and cables. Regularly inspect all parts of the bike for wear and damage, including the chain, frame, fork, seat rails, seat post, handlebars, crank arms, brake calipers and brake levers.

Continue reading "Summer Bicycle Safety Tips for San Leandro Cyclists" »

One of the oldest cities in the state of California, Antioch is a diverse community that has seen enormous growth over the last 30 years. A suburb of San Francisco and Oakland, Antioch's population continues to grow as Bay Area families in search of affordable housing move towards the outskirts of the Bay Area. A community of working adults, many Antioch residents commute daily to the Bay Area for work. In 2009, according to City-Data.com, there were five fatal car accidents in Antioch. Drunk drivers were responsible for three of the five fatal car crashes in 2009.

In addition to representing individuals injured in crashes caused by drunk drivers, the Antioch car accident attorneys at the law firm of Estey Bomberger have represented individuals injured in car collisions caused by inattentive drivers, defective auto parts, fatigued drivers, bad road conditions and speeding drivers. We understand how difficult it can be to deal with the aftermath of a serious collision and are committed to helping clients see justice served. We approach each case as if it is our only case and will not back down until our clients receive maximum compensation for damages related to the car crash. Call our northern California personal injury lawyers today for a free case review at your home, office or hospital room.

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WEST TEHAMA - A 40-year-old Red Bluff woman employed by Cal-Fire was found dead in an apparent vehicle rollover accident Friday morning on Round Valley Road, the Corning Observer reported. According to news accounts, Carrie Pamela Fox, 40, was driving southbound on Round Valley Road, south of Mudflat Road, when her 1999 Honda Accord drifted off the right side of the road. Investigators believe Fox overcorrected, causing her vehicle to overturn. Fox sustained fatal injuries in the crash, which occurred about one mile from Cal-Fire's Salt Creek Conservation Camp in Paskenta. The fatal May 27th Round Valley Road remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

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