Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

STANISLAUS COUNTY - A 67-year-old bicyclist is hospitalized and facing life-threatening injuries after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver Friday morning in Modesto, KCRA News reports. The collision was reported at 6:40 a.m. when the bicyclist identified as Ray Rogers, was struck by a white pickup truck at the intersection of Sutter and Rouse avenues. The truck fled the scene of the accident before police authorities and emergency personnel arrived. The truck is also said to have some minor to moderate front-end damage.

Although it is uncertain who is at fault or had the right of way in this incident, there is no excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident. Hopefully, authorities can locate the driver involved and determine what happened in this devastating January 6th collision. Anyone with information regarding the incident or who has witnessed the crash should contact Modesto Police Department traffic officer Letsinger at (209) 652-2260.

After a serious hit-and-run accident such as this one, it would be well-advised for the victim to speak to a knowledgeable and experienced Modesto personal injury attorney. If the victim cannot contact a lawyer due his injuries and/or hospitalization, family members are advised to seek an attorney on his behalf. An attorney who understands the legal issues involving bicycle accidents can help the victim protect his rights in a personal injury claim, assist authorities in locating the driver, and ensure the victim is fully compensated for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Injured in Modesto Hit-and-Run Accident" »

ALAMEDA COUNTY -- A 40-year-old man in a wheelchair was struck and killed by a van while crossing the street in Hayward, San Francisco Chronicle reported. The accident happened at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, when David Gomez, of Hayward, was hit by a white Ford Econoline while attempting to cross at a crosswalk at Patrick Avenue and Gomer Street. Following the accident, the driver of the van stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the police.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident in Hayward

The accident on December 10th remains under investigation by police officials. However, based on the information provided by news reports, it remains to be certain what caused this accident to occur. Hopefully, authorities will come to a conclusion as to what happened and why.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

While the investigation of the accident remains ongoing, the family of the victim would be well-advise to consult with a knowledgeable Northern California wrongful death lawyer to discuss their legal rights. If the family decides to take action in a civil suit, an attorney who has the experience in pedestrian accidents can ensure the family's rights are protected, determine whether negligent or reckless driving was a factor in the collision, and decide the best course of action to recover the compensation they are entitled to for the loss of their loved one, including funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this tragic pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Man in Wheelchair Struck and Killed by Van in Hayward" »

SAN FRANCISCO -- A 22-year-old man is critically injured after he was struck by a taxi in the Mission District, San Francisco Chronicle reports. The collision occurred at about 2 a.m. Sunday, when the Yellow Town taxi driver, a 53-year-old man, ran a red light and struck the pedestrian who was attempting to cross Cesar Chavez and Guerrero streets. The pedestrian was taken to San Francisco General Hospital with life-threatening head injuries. The names of the individuals involved in the horrific accident were not immediately available.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident in San Francisco

The accident on October 30th remains under investigation by the San Francisco Police Department. However, based on the information provided by the San Francisco Chronicle, it appears the driver may be at fault for the collision due to failing to stop at a red light. Authorities investigating the incident will also look at other factors that could have contributed to the crash such as distracted driving, vehicle malfunctions, and other negligent or reckless actions of the driver.

San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability

Many people each year in the US are injured when a driver runs a red light. These type of accidents are specifically dangerous when drivers speed up at the intersection to beat the light. In other situations, drivers are often distracted and do not realize the traffic light is red or even the presence of one. Therefore, following a terrible accident such as this one, the victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a skilled San Francisco pedestrian accident attorney. In the event, where the victim may not be able to speak to a lawyer immediately due to his injuries, the family would advised to speak to an experienced attorney to discuss the victim's legal rights in a personal injury claim, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation he is entitled to for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this tragic pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Man Tragically Injured in San Francisco Pedestrian Accident" »

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY -- A 9-year-old girl was tragically struck and killed by a van in Stockton, KCRA News reported. The girl, Julianna Radilla, was attempting to cross the street on her motorbike at the intersection of East Main Street and Dawes Avenue on Thursday afternoon when a Chevrolet Astro severely hit her. The impact of the collision caused the girl and the motorbike to catch fire. Following the accident, Radilla was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center where she later died due to her injuries.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident in Stockton

Based on the limited information provided by KCRA News, it is unclear how and why this collision occurred. Thus, it is impossible to determine who is at fault for the accident. Authorities investigating the collision will certainly continue to monitor this devastating incident and determine who is ultimately responsible.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Pedestrian accidents involving children and automobiles can result to catastrophic injuries and death. Therefore, while accident remains under investigation, the family of the child would be well-advised to speak to a Northern California wrongful death lawyer. A skilled attorney who has the expertise in pedestrian accidents such as this one, can advise the family of their legal rights, and if necessary, hire a private investigator to reconstruct the accident to determine who is officially responsible. The attorney can also help the family recover the maximum compensation they are entitled for funeral/burial costs, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship, and other damages in this tragic October 20th pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Girl Severely Struck and Killed by Car in Stockton" »

SACRAMENTO COUNTY -- According to The Sacramento Bee, a FedEx delivery truck severely struck a 10-year-old-boy. The accident occurred near Beitzel Elementary School on Caymus Drive and Chantal Way at about 1:30 p.m. Thursday, when the young boy ran onto the crosswalk and into a FedEx truck. As soon as the boy hit the truck, he fell and was tragically ran over by the truck's rear tires. The boy was taken to UC Davis Medical Center with a possible broken pelvis. The names of both the driver and 10-year-old child were not immediately available.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident in Sacramento

The accident on October 6th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information provided by The Sacramento Bee and News 10, it is unclear why the FedEx driver was not able to see the child and if he/she was able to prevent or avoid the collision. Hopefully, authorities investigating this terrible pedestrian accident can come to a conclusion as to what happened and who is officially responsible. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the CHP at (916)681-2300, or the CHP Communications Center at (916)861-1300.

Pedestrian Accident Injury Liability

While this pedestrian accident remains under investigation, the family members of the child would be well-advised to speak to a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. A skilled attorney who has represented victims of Sacramento pedestrian accidents, can ensure the family's legal rights and interests are protected, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation the victim is entitled to for medical care expenses, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and other damages following this horrific Sacramento pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Boy Seriously Injured in Sacramento Pedestrian Accident" »

FRESNO COUNTY -- A 40-year-old woman from Sanger was severely injured in a car crash just after 6 p.m. Saturday night, CBS 47 reports. According to California Highway Patrol, Jeanette Martinez was side-swiped at the intersection of Belmont and Temperance Avenue. CHP stated, the driver, whose name has not been released, hit Martinez's vehicle after running a stop sign. Following the collision, Martinez and two of three passengers in her vehicle were transported to Community Regional Medical Center for further treatment. The driver and passenger of the other vehicle were taken to CRMC with minor injuries.

Cause of the Southeast Fresno Car Crash

The accident on August 20th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the limited information provided by CBS 47, it appears the driver may be at fault for the accident due to either negligent or reckless actions. Therefore, Martinez and the other passengers had no way to prevent or avoid this terrible collision.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

While the accident remains under investigation, if authorities come to a conclusion that the driver who ran the stop sign is responsible for the collision, victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to seek a skilled Fresno car accident attorney. A knowledgeable attorney who has the expertise in car accidents such as this one, can help the victims protect their legal rights and best course of action to receive the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this horrible accident.

Continue reading "Five Injured in Southeast Fresno Car Crash" »

SAN FRANCISCO -- A pedestrian was struck and killed by a Municipal Railway bus in San Francisco's Castro District at about 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sacramento Bee reports. Police has reported the female pedestrian was walking through a crosswalk at the intersection of 18th and Hartford when she was severely hit by a Muni bus. San Francisco police Sgt. Michael Andraychack stated that the Muni bus is a shuttle for the F-Market line and was making a left turn onto Hartford while on its way to the 17th and Market streets F-Market line stop. Andraychack also noted that the bus was not carrying any passengers during accident. According to San Francisco Fire Department spokeswoman Mindy Talmdage, the pedestrian, who believed to be between 25 to 30 years old, was removed from underneath the bus and pronounced dead at 2:45 p.m. The bus driver reported to be cooperating with the investigation and will be tested for drugs and alcohol per San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency protocol.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident in the San Francisco's Castro District

The accident on August 19th remains under investigation by authorities. However, based on the limited information provided by the Sacramento Bee and the San Francisco Examiner, it is unclear who is at fault for this accident. It is also not evident whether driver could have done anything to prevent this horrific collision. Hopefully, the investigation by police officials will reveal exactly what happened and why.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

While this accident remains under investigation, if authorities do come to a conclusion that the driver is at fault, the family of the deceased victim would be well-advised to seek an experienced and knowledgeable San Francisco wrongful death attorney. A skilled attorney who has successfully handled pedestrian accident claims can advise the victim's family of their legal rights and best course of action to recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to for funeral/burial expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this tragic pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Tragically Killed by a Muni Bus in San Francisco's Castro District" »

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.

Continue reading "Sacramento Woman Injured in Bicycle Accident" »

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 " »

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" »

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" »

The Napa Valley Register reported that a teenager suffered serious injuries Monday morning when he was struck by a car in a Napa crosswalk. According to police reports, the collision occurred shortly before 8 a.m. at Jefferson and B Streets. The teen, who wasn't identified, was in a crosswalk when he was struck by a southbound Toyota Camry. The driver of the Camry reportedly did not see the teen until he was on the windshield. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by Napa police.

Pedestrian Accident Injury Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the car is responsible for causing this collision, he or she may be liable for the serious injuries sustained by the teen. After an any accident such as this one where the cause of the collision is unclear, the parents of the injured minor would be well-advised to speak with a northern California personal injury attorney about the incident and the victim's legal rights to recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Teenager Injured in Car vs. Scooter Collision in Napa " »

One person died and two others suffered major injuries in a multi-vehicle crash in Humboldt County Sunday night, the Times-Standard reported. The accident near Garberville happened at the intersection of Charlie Hurt Highway and California State Route 162, shortly after 10:30 p.m.

According to news reports, Jimmy Allen Jr., 25, of Willits, was driving a 1996 Hyundai Accent eastbound on Charlie Hurt Highway. At the same time, Stewart Fuzzell, 42, of Ukiah, was driving a 2006 Land Rover northbound on State Route 162.

Allen allegedly failed to stop at the intersection and his Hyundai was broadsided by Fuzzell's Land Rover. A passenger in the Hyundai, Donna Miller, 53, of Covelo, died in the crash. A second passenger in the Hyundai, Adam Azbill, 20, also of Covelo, suffered major injuries and was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Allen was also seriously injured. Fuzzell and a 32-year-old Florida man in his vehicle were not injured.

Cause of the January 2nd Crash

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. Investigators had not yet determined if alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. Based on the news report, it is unclear why the driver did not stop. Was he distracted? Was he drunk? Was he speeding and unable to stop? Hopefully the investigation by the CHP will reveal exactly what happened and why.

Passenger Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

If news accounts are accurate and Allen did indeed fail to stop and yield to the Land Rover, he may be responsible for causing this major injury accident, including the wrongful death of Miller and the serious injuries sustained by Azbill. The family members of both of the victims of this accident would be well-advised to speak with a northern California personal injury lawyer following this collision. An attorney can review the law enforcement report and advise the victims' families of their legal rights to compensation and best course of action to protect their rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. In the event the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, an attorney can also advise how the victims' own insurance policy may be utilized to recover compensation.

Continue reading "Covelo Woman Killed, Two People Seriously Injured in Crash Near Garberville " »

Less than a week after a pedestrian was killed in a Willits crosswalk, another person has been struck in a local crosswalk in Willits. Fortunately, the victim, Kimberly Doe Verville, 47, of Willits, is expected to recover. She was struck by a vehicle on Thursday, December 9, 2010, at the intersection of West Valley Street and Main Street. According to the Willits News, the driver of the pickup truck, Jeffrey Paul Runey, Jr., 36, of Willits, had stopped at the intersection. He told police that he allowed his vehicle to pull forward while he was looking back. He struck Verville and knocked her to the ground. One of the wheels of Runey's pickup truck ran over Verville's ankle. Runey stopped at the scene of the crash. Verville was taken by ambulance to Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital.

Pedestrian Accident Injury Liability

The cause of this December 9th Mendocino County pedestrian accident remains under investigation, and police have not released the official cause of the accident, although it sounds as though the driver of the pickup truck may be responsible. After any pedestrian accident occurring in a marked crosswalk, injured victims or their family members would likely benefit from speaking to a knowledgeable northern California pedestrian accident attorney. An attorney can review the accident and advise the victim of her rights to pursue compensation for her injuries, including medical care treatment expenses, lost earnings or wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Struck by Pickup Truck in Willits Crosswalk " »

A passenger in a Honda suffered facial fractures Sunday afternoon in a head-on collision in Redding, KRCRTV News reported. The two-vehicle crash happened at Northpoint Drive and Lake Boulevard. According to news reports, Manuel Arzate was driving northbound on Northpoint Drive when he crossed the double yellow line and into oncoming traffic. He struck a silver Honda heading southbound on the same road. George Mieger, 68, of Redding, a backseat passenger in the Honda, suffered facial fractures and was taken by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center.

Cause of the Accident

The Redding Police Department is the agency investigating this two-vehicle collision. Based on the news reports, it is not clear why Arzate allowed his vehicle to cross into southbound traffic and collide with the Honda. The Redding Police Department said there was "no illegal activity involved."

Head-on Collision Personal Injury Liability

In situations such as this December 12th Shasta County head-on collision, where negligence is a possible cause of the accident, it would certainly be advisable for the injured victim or his family member to contact an experienced and knowledgeable northern California personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can oversee the investigation by law enforcement and advise the victim of his best course of action to recover maximum compensation for medical care and treatment expenses, any lost earnings or wages resulting from the victim's injuries, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, from the other driver or any other parties that may be liable.

Continue reading "Passenger Injured in Head-on Collision in Redding " »