Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

LAKE COUNTY - The Press-Democrat reported a 58-year-old Oregon man was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital after a collision Sunday morning on Highway 20. According to news reports, the motorcyclist, Milo Manley, 58, was riding eastbound on the rural highway near Blue Lakes. At the same time, Paul Ruggirello, 33, of Plumas Lake, was travelling westbound and slowed to turn left into a business. He apparently did not see Manley approaching and turn into the path of the motorcycle. The impact caused Manley to be thrown from his bike. He suffered serious injuries, including multiple broken bones. The driver and a passenger in the vehicle were not hurt.

Cause of the Lake County Motorcycle Crash

At this point, there are simply more questions than answers as to why this collision occurred. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash and so far do not believe alcohol played a role in the crash. The CHP will surely look at the speed of both vehicles and many other factors in determining what happened, and why. Based on the limited information in news reports, it is unclear why the driver of the car failed to yield to Manley's motorcycle. Many left-turn motorcycle accidents occur when the driver is simply looking for other automobiles, and fails to notice an approaching motorcycle. This type of collision is unfortunately fairly common.

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

Following a major injury accident such as this July 24th collision, the injured victim's family would be well-advised to contact an experienced northern California motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney who understands the unique legal issues of motorcycle intersection accidents and collisions caused by driver negligence can help the victim protect his legal rights to recover compensation for his injuries in a personal injury claim. Damages obtained in an insurance claim may include medical care and treatment expenses, lost earnings due to being unable to work, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Because state laws limit the amount of time an injured party has to pursue a claim, it is advisable to contact an attorney as soon as possible following an accident.

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SOLANO COUNTY - In personal injury news, the San Francisco Chronicle reported a jury in Solano County has awarded $29.2 million to victims of a head-on collision on Highway 12. The jury found that the state department of transportation (Caltrans) was responsible for the dangerous conditions on the hilly roadway.

However, jurors assigned the majority of the blame to San Francisco resident Nicola Bucci, who crossed his SUV across the center line and into an oncoming vehicle. Bucci was travelling an estimated 65 to 80 mph when he struck a Toyota at the top of a hill in November 2006, killing 12-year-old Demari Hutchinson and 7-year-old Immanuel Collison. Immanuel's mother was hospitalized for more than two months with major injuries. His brother was paralyzed from the waist down.

Bucci, according to the Chronicle, had previously been convicted of manslaughter for killing two people in 1994 in a head-on on crash in which he fell asleep at the wheel. He was convicted of second-degree murder following the 2006 crash on Highway 12.

According to the lawsuit, Caltrans had determined in the late 199's that the hills limited drivers' line of sight. Improvements were proposed, such as paved shoulders on each side of the road, but no action was ever taken. After another fatal collision in 2007, Caltrans installed a median barrier on part of the highway, but about 12 miles were still unprotected.

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SAN JOSE - The Mercury News reported a woman in her mid 30's to early 40's was tragically struck and killed by a minivan Saturday night on Monterey Road (Highway 82). The accident was reported around 9:45 p.m. between Old Tully Road and Umbarger Road. The woman was struck by a 1996 Dodge Caravan driven by a 50-year-old San Jose woman. The cause of the July 16th Santa Clara County pedestrian accident remains under investigation, and neither the driver nor the victim were identified. It is unclear where in the road the woman was when she was struck, and whether speed was a factor in the collision.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

While this fatal Monterey Road pedestrian accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim may benefit from talking to an experienced San Jose pedestrian accident lawyer. An attorney can oversee the investigation and help the victim's family protect their legal rights to hold accountable whoever is determined to be responsible for this accident. Following a fatal accident, it is advisable to speak with a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible, while evidence and witness statements can most easily be obtained. Depending on the unique circumstances of an accident, damages obtained 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.

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SAN MATEO COUNTY - The largest city in San Mateo County, Daly City's highway infrastructure includes Interstate 280, State Route 1, State Route 35 and State Route 82. A 2009 City-Data.com report revealed the number of accidents caused by drunk drivers in Daly City was above the state average. Individuals who decide to get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated are not only endangering themselves, but are also putting the lives of others at risk. Sadly, many preventable drunk driving accidents end tragically. According to AlcoholAlert!, in 2008, more than 3,400 Californians were killed in DUI accidents.

Although drunk drivers do contribute to a high number of U.S. auto accidents annually, they are not the most common cause of car crashes. One of the most common causes of car accidents is driver inattentiveness. Trying to clean spilled coffee, searching for something on the floor and talking to another passenger are just a few of the different types of distractions that cause drivers to take their eyes off the road. Cell phones, radios and GPS systems are also a major distraction for drivers today.

If you were involved in a car accident that left you with a serious injury, it is highly recommended you contact a Daly City car accident injury attorney at the law firm of Estey Bomberger. Upon hiring, we will immediately conduct an investigation of the accident to determine how and why the accident occurred. Once we have determined how the accident occurred, we can then pursue monetary compensation from the party or parties responsible for the crash. We have recovered large settlements for our clients' medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call our staff today to learn how we can help you see justice served.

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ALAMEDA COUNTY - A 22-year-old woman was struck by a car early Tuesday morning as she crossed the street at the intersection of San Pablo Avenue (CA-123) and Adeline Street. The woman, who was not identified, was struck by a dark colored, mid-size SUV at about 2:20 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, as she was walking home from work. The driver of the SUV did not stop after he struck the woman and dragged her for more than 30 feet. The Mercury News reported that the SUV was last seen headed southbound on Adeline toward Oakland. The driver is believed to be a male. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Emeryville police at (510)596-3700.

Cause of the July 12th Pedestrian Accident

According to news reports, the pedestrian involved in this accident was in a marked crosswalk when she was struck. Regardless, the driver had every moral and legal obligation to remain at the accident scene until law enforcement arrived and took a report. California vehicle code mandates that the driver must stop after any accident that involves injury or death. When a driver flees the scene of an accident causing property damage, injury or death, the incident is called a hit and run.

Hit-and-Run Accident Liability

Following any serious injury accident, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to seek the advice of an experienced Oakland pedestrian accident lawyer. An attorney can review the police report, possibly aid in efforts to locate the driver, and investigate whether any other parties may be liable. If the injured victim had an uninsured motorist policy, an attorney may be able to help the family pursue a claim against the victim's own insurance company. Following a serious injury hit-and-run accident, it is advisable to speak with an attorney as soon as possible, so that witness statements and other important evidence can be preserved.

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SACRAMENTO COUNTY - Part of the Sacramento-Arden-Roseville metropolitan area, Citrus Heights is a city centrally located between the region's major freeways and highways. Interstate 5, Interstate 80, Highway 50 and Highway 99 can all be conveniently accessed from Citrus Heights. In 2009, seven motorists were killed in Citrus Heights car crashes, reports City-Data.com. Drunk drivers caused two of the fatal car collisions in 2009.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law. According to California Vehicle Code § 23152 (a), it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive a vehicle. Alcohol and drugs, even some over-the-counter drugs, can affect a person's ability to react quickly, see clearly and accurately judge distances. Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration level of .08 or more at the time of an arrest may face criminal and civil charges. Criminal punishment for a DUI conviction may include fines, jail time, license suspension and community service. Civil charges may be brought against a drunk driver if the driver caused an accident that injured or tragically killed another person.

At Estey Bomberger, our Citrus Heights car accident attorneys have handled thousands of cases stemming from virtually every type of car crash, including drunk driving accidents, head-on collisions, side-impact crashes, rear-end collisions and SUV rollover accidents. Our commitment to our clients and their cases is unwavering. We will work tirelessly to obtain a substantial settlement for our clients' past, current and future needs. Our clients have received money for medical bills, lost earnings, impaired earning capacity, shortened life expectancy, disfigurement, emotional suffering and physical pain. For a free case consultation with no obligation, contact our law office today.

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PLACER COUNTY - A 63-year-old Auburn man suffered "severe" injuries Wedensday afternoon in a crash on Highway 49, the Auburn Journal reported. The accident, which involved three vehicles, occurred near Doug Oest Road shortly after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2011.

According to news reports, 25-year-old Sacramento resident Jamie Nunley was travelling southbound on Highway 49 in a Jeep Wrangler when she allegedly made an "unsafe turn" and collided with a Jeep Liberty driven by Ronald Cheli, 72, of Nevada City, and a Nissan 350 driven by John Zechiel, 63, of Auburn.

Nunley complained of neck and back pain, and was taken to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where she was treated and released. Cheli had no reported injuries. Zechiel was airlifted to Sutter Roseville's trauma unit with major injuries, including four broken ribs.

Cause of the Highway 49 Accident

The CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of the July 6th Grass Valley Hwy accident. However, if news accounts of the incident are accurate, this crash was likely the result of an unsafe left turn. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a), "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left ... shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

Depending on the unique circumstances of the crash, if the left-turning driver is determined to be responsible, the injured victim may be entitled to damages in a personal injury claim. While this Placer County injury accident remains under investigation, the family members of the injured victim would be well-advised to consult with a knowledgeable northern California auto accident attorney. A personal injury lawyer who understands the complex legal issues arising from multiple-vehicle accidents can advise the victim of his best course of action handling communications with the insurance companies, and help recover damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

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