Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

MADERA COUNTY -- A 47-year-old man was killed in a head-on car crash along Highway 145 in Madera. According to The Fresno Bee, the accident occurred on Friday afternoon when the man, who was a passenger in a Dodge Shadow traveling westbound, collided with a pickup that turned in front of it.

Following the fatal collision, the driver of the Dodge sustained moderate injuries and the two occupants in the pickup suffered moderate to minor injuries. The names of the individuals involved in the crash were not immediately released.

Cause of the Madera Car Collision on Highway 145

Based on the information provided by The Fresno Bee, it is unclear what caused this accident to occur. Therefore, the California Highway Patrol will further investigate the collision, and determine what happened and who is officially responsible.

Car Accident Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

If police come to a conclusion that the driver of the pickup truck is responsible for the collision due to either negligence or unsafe driving, the injured victim and the family of the deceased victim would be well-advised to immediately contact a knowledgeable Madera auto accident lawyer.

An attorney who has the experience in head-on car accidents, can ensure the legal rights of the injured victim and the family of the deceased are protected in a personal injury or wrongful death claim, and decide the best option to recover the compensation they are entitled to for medical care expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages to this devastating December 16th car accident.

Continue reading "One Killed, Three Injured in Madera Car Accident on Highway 145" »

SACRAMENTO -- A 70-year-old woman was killed and three people injured after they were involved in a two-vehicle accident, The Sacramento Bee reported. The multi-car crash occurred at about 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, when the 70-year-old woman traveling eastbound on Garden Highway near the Northgate-Arden Garden connector swerved into the westbound lane and collided with an oncoming vehicle.

According to Sgt. Andrew Pettit, spokesman of the Sacramento Police Department, a medical condition may have contributed to the collision. Following this terrible accident, the woman was reported to have died at the scene, while three occupants in the other vehicle were taken to a hospital. The female driver sustained serious injuries and her passenger suffered moderate injuries. The injuries or condition of the other passenger - an infant - was not immediately released.

Cause of the Car Accident in Sacramento

The accident on December 14th remains under investigation by the Sacramento Police Department. And based on the information provided by The Sacramento Bee, it is unclear whether the cause of the crash was due to the driver's medical condition. However, the collision will be further investigated to determine if there were other factors that prompted the accident.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

While the investigation of this accident is ongoing, the victims or the family members of the victims would be well-advised to seek a Sacramento car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights in a personal injury claim. If the police determine that the driver who veered onto the opposite side of the road is fully responsible for the collision, a skilled lawyer can advise the victims the best course of action to obtain compensation for their injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this tragic car accident.

Continue reading "One Killed, Three Injured in Sacramento Car Crash on Garden Highway" »

FRESNO COUNTY -- A Monday morning multi-vehicle collision left one person dead and injured three others in east-central Fresno. According to The Fresno Bee, the driver of a 1960s Chevrolet Nova sped west out of a filling station on Olive Avenue near Peach Street, veered onto the eastbound lanes and slammed into a late-model pickup truck.

The 29-year-old male driver of the Nova, was driving with a suspended license and was killed after the crash. The driver and two children inside the pickup truck were taken via ambulance to Community Regional Medical Center for further treatment.

Cause of the Fresno Car Collision

The Fresno car accident on December 5th remains under investigation by police officials. However, based on the information provided by The Fresno Bee, it appears the driver of the Chevrolet Nova may be responsible for the accident due to veering onto the other side of the roadway and into oncoming traffic, along with driving with a suspended license. Therefore, it is apparent that the occupants in the pickup truck had no way to prevent or avoid this horrible collision.

Fresno Auto Accident Injury Liability

While the car crash on Olive Avenue is being investigated, the injured victim or the family of the injured victims would be well-advised to speak to a skilled Fresno car accident lawyer. An attorney who has the knowledge and experience in accidents such as this one, can help the family protect their legal rights in a civil suit, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation. Compensation in a personal injury claim can include medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages relating to this terrible car accident.

Continue reading "One Killed, Three Injured in Fresno Car Crash" »

SANTA CLARA COUNTY -- According to Mercury News, four people were seriously hurt in a two-vehicle crash in Santa Clara. The accident occurred around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday on Lincoln Street when for unknown reasons two sedans collided with each other. The impact of the collision caused one of the vehicles to slam into a wall of a monastery. Limited information provided by news reports does not explain what could be the cause of the crash.

Following this terrible incident, three out of the four occupants in the sedan that slammed into the wall sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital for further treatment. The fourth occupant, a 6-year-old boy, suffered serious injuries and was immediately transported to Valley Medical Center for treatment. The other driver involved in the crash, was not hurt after the accident.

Auto Accident Personal Injury Liability

While the accident on November 22nd remains under investigation by the Santa Clara Police Department, it would be advisable for the injured victims to speak to a knowledgeable and experienced Northern California auto accident injury lawyer. Immediate consultation from a highly skilled attorney at Estey Bomberger, can help protect the victims' legal rights in a civil claim and recover the maximum compensation for their injuries. In a personal injury claim, compensation can include and are not limited to medical care expenses, lost earnings, disfigurement, scarring, pain and suffering, or other damages related to this devastating car accident.

Continue reading "Four Seriously Injured in Santa Clara Car Accident" »

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY -- According to KCRA News, a collision involving three vehicles killed one and seriously injured another on Interstate 5 near Highway 4 in Stockton. The terrible collision happened on Tuesday night on the southbound lanes of I-5, when the driver of a Toyota hit a couch that was left in the middle of the freeway, and then pulled over to the side of the road to check the damages to his vehicle. While the driver and of the Toyota was inspecting his vehicle with his passenger, an SUV swerved to try to avoid the couch, but hit the Toyota on the side of the road. A driver of a semi-truck saw the crash and tried to hit the brakes, but ended up hitting the SUV.

The impact of the three-car collision caused the driver of the Toyota to be struck and thrown over the overpass and onto Charter Way. His passenger was also struck by the vehicles and dragged several feet. After the accident, the driver of the Toyota was reported to have died at the scene, and his passenger sustained major injuries and was taken to a hospital for further treatment. The identities of the individuals involved in the accident were not immediately available.

Cause of the I-5 Crash in Stockton

The accident on November 8th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information provided by KCRA News and ABC 10 News, it is unclear whether the SUV and the big-rig could have avoided the collision. Therefore, police officials investigating this tragic accident will look at a variety factors and determine who is officially responsible for the collision.

Pedestrian Accident Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

In unique and complex accidents such as this one, the injured victim and the family of the deceased victim would be well-advised to contact a Northern California pedestrian accident lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney who has handled personal injury and wrongful death claims, can advise the victim and the family of the deceased of their legal rights in a civil lawsuit, and if necessary, hire a highly skilled independent investigator to reconstruct the accident to determine who is responsible. The attorney can also decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for funeral/burial costs, medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this horrific accident.

Continue reading "One Killed, One Seriously Injured in Stockton Pedestrian Accident on Interstate 5" »

SOLANO COUNTY -- According to the San Francisco Chronicle, six people were injured in a terrible Dixon school bus accident. The collision was reported around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, when the driver of the school bus, traveling east on Hackman Road decided to pass a slower-moving tractor-trailer that had its hazard lights flashing. The driver of truck then attempted to make a left turn, but instead, the driver hit the school bus causing it to overturn. Following the collision, the five children riding in the school bus sustained minor injuries, while the bus driver suffered moderate injuries. All six occupants in the school bus were then taken to local hospitals for further treatment.

Cause of the October 12th School Bus Accident in Dixon

The school bus accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information provided by the Dixon Patch and the San Francisco Chronicle, it is unclear who may be at fault for the collision. Hopefully, authorities investigating the accident can come to a conclusion as to what happened and why.

School Bus Accident Injury Liability

While the accident is ongoing, victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact a Northern California personal injury lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney who has handled complex and unique incidents such as this one, can advised the victims of their legal rights, and if necessary, hire a private investigator to reconstruct the scene of the accident to determine who is officially responsible. A skilled attorney can also help the victims decide the best course of action to receive compensation for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages in this terrible school bus accident.

Continue reading "Six Injured in Dixon School Bus Accident" »

FRESNO COUNTY -- A devastating head-on collision on Sunday afternoon killed one and injured two others, Fresno Bee reports. The accident was reported at about 4:30 p.m. when a vehicle traveling southbound on Brawley Avenue veered onto the opposite side of the roadway, thus, colliding head-on with a northbound vehicle. The impact of the multi-vehicle collision killed the northbound driver and injured his female passenger. The southbound driver also sustained injuries and was transported via ambulance to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was reported in critical condition. The identities of the people involved in this accident were not available.

Cause of the Fresno Car Crash

The October 2nd car accident remains under investigation by the Fresno Police Department. However, based on the limited information provided by the Fresno Bee, it is not fully known what actually caused the southbound driver to veer from the roadway and into oncoming traffic. Therefore, authorities investigating this accident will try to determine what caused this crash and who is responsible.

Head-On Car Accident Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

Head-on automobile accidents can result to severe and catastrophic injuries and/or death. A number of reasons why head-on car collisions happen can be caused by vehicle malfunctions, dangerous roadways, and in most cases, driver error or negligence. Therefore, if police come to a conclusion that the southbound driver is responsible for the crash, victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to speak to an experienced Northern California head-on collision lawyer. A skilled Fresno personal injury attorney can help the injured victim protect her legal rights and best course of action to receive the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In the event where the family of the deceased victim decides to pursue a wrongful death claim, the attorney can advise the family of their legal rights and help them recover the maximum compensation for funeral/burial costs, future anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, loss of love, care, and companionship, and other damages relating to this tragic head-on car accident.

Continue reading "One Killed, Two Injured in Fatal Car Accident in Fresno" »

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" »

YOLO COUNTY - Three people were killed Monday afternoon in a chain-reaction wreck on southbound Interstate 5, the Sacramento Bee and multiple other news outlets reported. The triple fatal accident was reported just north of County Road 102 just before 12:45 p.m. on August 8, 2011. Two sport utility vehicles, a jeep, a small four-door passenger car and a tractor-trailer big-rig all went up in flames.

According to the Sacramento Bee, two adults in one of the SUVs died, as well as a child riding in the passenger car. Witnesses reportedly tried to retrieve the child rrom the car, but were pushed back by flames. Seven other people were taken to local hospitals, UC Davis Medical Center (Sacramento), Kaiser Permanente and Mercy San Juan Medical Center (Carmichael). Injuries reportedly ranged from moderate to severe.

News 10 reported that the crash began when traffic was beginning to merge into the left lane to accommodate an upcoming construction zone. A small car, reportedly possibly an Acura, was pushed into the center divider and became engulfed in flames. A Jeep Wrangler was then struck and pushed into the flames. It is unclear who two other vehicles and a larger truck became involved. The tractor-trailer ended up on its side.

Chain Reaction Crash Liability

This accident will surely be a complex and lengthy investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Multi-vehicle accidents, especially collisions involving commercial trucks, have unique liability issues. While this accident remains under investigation, the injured victims and family members of those who lost their lives would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable northern California truck accident lawyer. Attorneys who have successfully handled numerous personal injury and wrongful death claims arising from truck accidents such as this one can help the victims begin protecting their rights immediately. Damages obtained in a truck accident personal injury claim may include compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering, or the wrongful death of a loved one.

Time is Of the Essence

Following an accident, valuable evidence, such as road debris, skid marks, and wrecked and burned vehicles are often quickly destroyed. To preserve the evidence necessary to demonstrate exactly what happened, and who was responsible, accident victims and their family members are urged to speak to an attorney as soon as possible, so that evidence can be preserved, inspected and photographed. A skilled California personal injury lawyer can arrange for an independent investigator to speak with witnesses, review accident reports, and reconstruct the scene of the accident and evaluate exactly what happened.

Continue reading "Three Killed, Seven Injured in Interstate 5 Crash Near Woodland " »

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" »

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 " »

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 " »

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" »

The 68-year-old male motorist who caused a serious car accident in northern California on March 8 was arrested on April 13 for driving under the influence of the prescription medication Vicodin and causing serious injury. A KMPH news story reports that the man was released from the Fresno County Jail after posting bail.

After the rear-end collision, police determined that the man had high levels of Vicodin in his system. The man reportedly has been on Vicodin for ten years due to a workplace injury. However, a Fresno Police Chief stated that while most individuals are aware of the dangers and unlawfulness of driving under the influence of alcohol, not as many people seem to understand that the same applies to driving under the influence of prescription drugs.

According to the article, the man rear-ended a vehicle carrying a 15-year-old female and her 20-year-old sister who were stopped at a red light after heading home from a church event. Due to the impact of the crash, which pinned the 15-year-old girl in the backseat, it took firefighters over an hour to release her. As a consequence of the auto accident, the female teen may never see again because spinal fluid continues to leak from the right side of her face. The teen's parents have also recently found out that she might have meningitis. Before any surgeries can be conducted to repair the girl's vision, doctors will have to take care of the infections first. The teen celebrated her 16th birthday in the hospital.

As this tragic auto accident demonstrates, the many dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even drugs that are prescribed, unfortunately have wide reaching effects. Far too often, the lives of innocent people are forever changed due to a negligent or reckless driver. Fresno car accident attorneys are prepared to assist auto accident victims and their families in holding negligent parties responsible so that compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages can be obtained.

Continue reading "Fresno Teen Copes with Critical Injuries after Auto Accident Involving Motorist Driving Under the Influence of Vicodin" »

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY - Four people were injured in a head-on collision Saturday evening on Empire Grade Road, the Santa Cruz Sentinel reported. The accident occurred north of Smith Grade at about 9:15 p.m., and involved a sedan and a mid-sized truck. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, but appears to have been caused by an unsafe passing attempt of one of the vehicles. Three of the injured victims were occupants of the car, and one victim was in the pickup truck. Two of the injured victims suffered "significant injuries;" the other two suffered less serious injuries.

Car Accident Injury Liability

Hopefully, the investigation by the CHP will yield answers as to what happened and who was ultimately responsible. After a serious injury head-on collision such as this one, the injured parties would be well-advised to speak with a northern California personal injury lawyer who understands the unique liability issues of head-on collision accidents such as this February 5th crash on Empire Grade Road. A skilled and knowledgeable attorney can review the CHP report and advise the victims of their legal rights and how much compensation they realistically may be entitled to recover for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. After any serious injury accident, it is advisable to seek a free consultation with an attorney before providing insurers with a recorded statement or accepting any compensation offer.

Continue reading "Four Injured in Head-on Crash on Empire Grade Road " »