Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

MENDOCINO COUNTY - A 65-year-old Calistoga man was seriously injured Sunday afternoon after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a pickup truck, the Press Democrat reported. The accident was reported at about 12:20 p.m. just south of Hopland. The victim, Randall Gremp, was flown to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with major injuries. Further details about the cause of the September 25th Mendocino County motorcycle accident were not available; the cause of the collision remains under investigation.

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STANISLAUS COUNTY -- The Turlock Journal reported that a big-rig hauling two trailers filled with tomatoes was struck by an Amtrack passenger train Monday afternoon. The collision took place at about 1:30 p.m. near the intersection of Geer Road and Santa Fe Avenue. According to CHP officer Eric Parsons, the big-rig was stopped at a stop sign just past the train tracks, however, due to the short distance between the tracks and the stop sign, the second trailer was still on the railroad tracks. Train engineer, Barbara Neu, 58, of San Leandro, sounded the horn and applied the emergency brakes, but the collision was unavoidable. The impact of the collision between the train and truck caused another vehicle to be struck, as one of the big-rig's trailer went in the southbound lane of Sante Fe Road. The vehicle was identified as a 2011 Toyota Camry and driven by Maria Enes, 46, of Hilmar.

Following this horrible collision Enes, Neu, and the big-rig driver, Rigoberto Jimenez, 31, of Delhi, were not injured after the incident. However, out of the 159 passengers and four crew members onboard the train, only 20 passengers had complaints of back and neck pain. Some of those injured passengers were transported to hospital via ambulance while others sought medical care on their own.

Cause of the September 19th Stanislaus Train Accident

Based on the information provided by news reports, it is unclear whether or not the driver could have possibly avoided this collision. Therefore, it is impossible to determine who is at fault for this incident. Police officials will continue to investigate the cause of the accident and determine who is officially responsible.

Train Accident Passenger Injury Liability

Accidents involving trains can result in catastrophic injures or death to anyone involved. While the investigation of the September 19th collision is ongoing, if it is determined by police that the driver of the truck is responsible for the accident, victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact a skilled California train accident lawyer. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney who has handled incidents such as this one, can advise the victims of their legal rights, and best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages in this terrible train accident.

Continue reading "Several Injured in Amtrak Train vs. Tractor-Trailer Crash in Stanislaus" »

RENO, NEVADA - Reno police reported Tuesday that one of the nation's deadliest air racing disasters claimed it's eleventh victim. Chief Master Sergeant Alan Ogata, a member of the Hawaii Air National Guard who was showcasing a plane at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, described Friday's tragic airplane crash as "worse than a battle scene." Ogata and others from Hawaii helped administered first aid after a WWII-era plane plummeted into grandstands filled with spectators during one of the show's competitions. The September 16, 2011 crash also left more than 70 people suffering from various types of injuries, including catastrophic, life-threatening injuries.

Cause of the Reno Air Show Aviation Disaster

At this time, authorities do not know why the fighter plane crashed and are currently conducting an investigation. It was recently revealed that the pilot of the P-51 Mustang, veteran air racer Jimmy Leeward, had modified the plane beyond recognition to increase its speed. According to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article, Leeward had taken a full 10 feet off the wingspan and cut approximately 28 inches off the back edges of the wing. Investigators are looking into whether or not the modifications made by Leeward could have played a role in the accident.

Aviation Accident Lawyers

If you were injured in the Reno National Championship Air Race disaster, you would be well advised to speak with a Nevada air show accident lawyer at the law firm of Estey Bomberger. As seasoned advocates of those seriously injured in accidents caused through no fault of their own, we can help you recover injury expenses. We have recovered money for victims' medical bills, lost earnings from missed time at work, and pain and suffering. Our team of Reno air show accident attorneys, which includes a veteran pilot, have also recovered compensation for clients who have suffered a tragic loss. We will work tirelessly to see justice served on our clients' behalf.

Continue reading "Reno Air Show Disaster Death Toll Reaches 11" »

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - The family of a man killed by a suspected drunk driver last year has filed a lawsuit against the state Department of Corrections, the city of Federal Way, and the woman behind the wheel of the car. The victim, Douglas Simmons, III, of Fife, was killed during a police pursuit. Police were pursuing Virginia Ramsey on July 26, 2010, when the accident occurred. According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the lawsuit alleges the city of Federal Way should have known they were in pursuit of a reckless and dangerous driver who was likely to put the public at danger. Ramsey ran a red light at Porter Way and Milton and struck Simmons car, instantly killing him. Both Ramsey and Simmons' passenger were critically injured. Ramsey pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, vehicular assault, and attempting to elude a police vehicle, and was sentenced to more than 24 years in prison.

Continue reading "Accident Victim's Estate Files Wrongful Death Suit Following Fatal Collision " »

Generic drug maker, Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, has issued a voluntary recall of multiple lots of oral contraceptives. The contraception recall is due to a packaging error, which reversed the weekly tablet order and hid the pill's expiration date. According to a statement released by Qualitest, the packaging error may cause the daily regimen of the pills to be incorrect. When taken out of sequence, the pill can be rendered ineffective and increase the risk of an unintended pregnancy. There are no immediate health risks associated with the packaging defects, however, consumers using the affected birth control pills are advised to use a non-hormonal form of contraception immediately. Qaulitest also advises consumers taking the affected product to consult a health care provider or pharmacist.

The oral contraceptives being recalled, include Cyclafem 1/35,Cyclafem 7/7/7, Gildess FE 1.5/30, Gildess FE 1/20, Emoquette, Previfem, Tri-Previfem, Orsythia. A full list of the recalled products can be found online. For additional information on the recall, contact Qualitest at (877) 300-6153.

If you suffered an unplanned pregnancy as a result of taking one of the recalled products, you would be well advised to speak with a northern California defective product lawyer at the law firm of Estey Bomberger for free. As advocates of those affected by a dangerous or defective product, we will not hesitate to go up against large corporations who fail to provide consumers with a properly labeled, designed or manufactured product.

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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY - In personal injury news, the Contra Costa Times reported a jury has ordered Contra Costa County to pay $11.7 million in damages to the family of William Tindall, 56, of Clayton, who died in an August 20, 2008 crash on Marsh Creek Road in Brentwood. Tindall's accident was one of 15 serious collisions that occurred on the road during the County's resurfacing project.

According to the Contra Costa Times, Tindall had been on his way to work when he stopped to help an Army reservist whose vehicle had overturned on a curve that was covered with gravel. After he exited his vehicle, he was struck by an out-of-control vehicle. Evidence was presented at trial that many vehicles lost control during the resurfacing work, causing a number of collisions. The county allegedly had erected 25 mph speed limit signs, but had failed to cover up the more prominent permanent speed limit signs, as per state guidelines. The county also kept excess gravel in the roadway in lieu of industry standards of sweeping it at the end of the day.

According to the story in the Contra Costa Times, during the month long trial, a county employee testified that following Tindall's death, sweeping excess gravel and covering speed limit signs became a standard practice during its resurfacing projects. The award included $1.5 million in economic damages and $10.2 million in emotional pain and suffering for Tindall's widow and daughter.

For more information about hazardous roadways and dangerous road conditions and government liability following a car accident, contact the California personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation.

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