Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

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.

Continue reading " Palo Alto Man Killed in Dumbarton Bridge Crash " »

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" »

A three-vehicle collision in Mariposa County occurred on Saturday, April 9, that resulted in the death of a 75-year-old man from Milpitas. A Fresno Bee article reports that the man's identity will not be publically announced until his family is notified of his passing. However, it was reported that the man was traveling east on Highway 140 in a 1931 Ford Model A when a 2011 Honda Pilot driven by a 35-year-old woman of Mariposa struck him.

While an investigation into the fatal crash may reveal further details as to the events leading up to the accident, some factors of the collision are known. Apparently, the female motorist's vehicle was stopped in the westbound lane as she was waiting to make a left turn onto Catheys Valley Park. Her vehicle was struck from behind by a 2005 Ford F250 that was operated by a 62-year-old man from Mariposa. As a consequence of the impact of the crash, the woman's vehicle was thrust into the eastbound lane, colliding with the Ford Model A. After the man's Ford Model A was hit, he was thrown from his vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. The woman was transported to John C. Fremont Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and the third motorist involved in the accident did not suffer injury.

As this particular Northern California auto accident demonstrates, multiple-vehicle accidents are complex and can have distressing results.

Based on early estimates of motor vehicle traffic fatalities for the first half of 2010 during the months of January through June, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determined that 14,996 lives were lost in motor vehicle crashes. While some motorists think they are immune to auto accidents, these tragic occurrences happen without warning and often because of negligent or distracted drivers who are not paying attention to the road.

Losing a loved one is never easy. However, such a loss can be all the more devastating when the cause is determined to be a motor vehicle accident that was the result of another motorist's negligence. Fresno fatal car crash lawyers understand the challenges family members of auto accident victims face not just for months after a fatal collision, but years following. This is why wrongful death attorneys strive to gather effective evidence to build strong cases on behalf of surviving family members of fatal accident victims.

Continue reading "Mariposa County Three-Vehicle Crash Kills 75-Year-Old Man" »

Six students suffered minor injuries after a Fresno school bus accident occurred the morning of April 7 at a stop sign at the intersection of Belmont and Brawley. A Fresno Bee article reports that the 53-year-old female motorist who struck the bus from behind has been arrested for driving under the influence of narcotics.

After the rear-end bus crash, the students from the Central Union High School west campus were transported to Community Regional Medical Center. The female intoxicated driver was also hospitalized. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), 50 students were onboard the bus at the time of the collision.

School bus drivers receive thorough training and are responsible for doing everything possible to keep children safe. Unfortunately, there is only so much that even the most experienced and attentive bus driver can do to prevent an accident involving an intoxicated or drunk driver.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that an estimated 19 school-aged children are killed in school-related transportation accidents per year, with five of these children being occupants in school transportation vehicles and the other 14 being pedestrians. Since 1998, 1,564 individuals have been killed in school bus accidents, amounting to approximately 142 school bus crash-related fatalities each year.

Depending on the severity of the crash, bus occupants can suffer serious injuries and even death since most buses do not provide seat belts or other safety restraints for passengers. When individuals are injured in Fresno bus accidents that are caused by bus driver negligence or another motorist's reckless behavior, a Fresno motor vehicle accident lawyer can help injured victims receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, physical therapy, and other expenses.

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RANCHO CORDOVA - A two-vehicle crash Wednesday morning took the life of a 54-year-old Carmichael man, and seriously injured a 44-year-old woman, News 10 reported. The Sacramento County crash occurred at 11:36 a.m. on westbound Highway 50, between the Mather Field and Zinfindal Road exits, when a stalled Ford Tempo was struck from behind by a Chevrolet Tahoe. The driver of the Tahoe was reportedly looking to the left while merging on the highway and struck by back of the Ford Tempo. The driver of the Ford suffered major injuries and was taken to UC Davis Medical Center, where he died. His female passenger was hospitalized with moderate injuries. The driver of the SUV, a 50-year-old Rancho Cordova man, suffered minor injuries. The Sacramento Bee reported Thursday that the Sacramento County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Oscar Frayer, 54.

Cause of the Highway 50 Crash

The CHP is investigating the fatal January 5th Highway 50 accident. Based on the news reports of the incident, the driver of the SUV may be responsible for the collision. 10 News said the driver "was looking to the left while merging onto the highway." Drugs or alcohol were reportedly not a factor.

Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

While this tragic accident remains under investigation, the family members of the two victims may benefit from speaking to a northern California car accident lawyer. If the driver of the Chevy Tahoe was indeed responsible for causing the accident, he may be liable for the wrongful death of the driver of the Ford, as well as the injuries sustained by the passenger. After a serious accident such as this one, it is advisable for families to contact a lawyer as soon as possible, while evidence is still fresh, and witnesses are most easily located. An experienced attorney can answer questions, and provide advice to the victims' families of their legal rights to recover financial compensation in a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

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Three people suffered major injuries early Sunday morning in a suspected alcohol-related accident in San Jose, the Mercury News reported. The major injury crash occurred at about 3:15 a.m. Sunday on the shoulder of northbound Highway 101, just north of Metcalf Road. The crash involved a Mitsubishi, a Toyota, and a Mercedes.

The occupants of the Mitsubishi and the Toyota were standing on the shoulder of Highway 101 tending to a flat tire on the Toyota. A 23-year-old San Jose woman was standing between the two vehicles. At some point during the tire change process, 18-year-old Eric Nun of San Jose, who was driving northbound on Highway 101, veered his Mercedes off the road and rear-ended the parked Mitsubishi. The impact severed the leg of the 23-year-old woman standing between the two vehicles.

The 29-year-old Milpitas man who had been driving the Mitsubishi suffered major head injuries and internal bleeding. The 23-year-old man who had been driving the Toyota also suffered major head injuries. Eric Nun suffered a broken ankle and other injuries. He was later booked into Santa Clara County's main jail on a felony DUI charge.

Cause of the Highway 101 Accident

Accidents caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable. The CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of this August 29th crash and the official cause of the accident has not been released. Based on news reports, it appears that this crash was caused by the teen driver of the Mercedes, who was reportedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

Continue reading "Three People Seriously Injured in Highway 101 Crash in San Jose " »

Three people, including two pedestrians, suffered major injuries Sunday afternoon when a 2000 Nissan Xterra struck a 1997 Honda Civic in the center median of Interstate 880, the California Highway Patrol reported. The accident occurred at 3:35 p.m. near The Alameda. According to the Mercury News, two 19-year-old men from Newark were standing near the center median, between the broken down 1997 Honda Civic and a 1995 Honda Civic in front of it.

While making arrangements for a tow truck, the 1997 Honda Civic was struck from behind by the Nissan Xterra, which had veered off the roadway for unknown reasons. The impact caused the Civic to overturn and strike the two Newark men. The two Newark men and the 66-year-old San Jose man driving the Nissan suffered serious injuries.

Cause of the I-880 Accident

The CHP is investigating the cause of the crash. It was not clear based on the limited information provided in news reports why this accident occurred, or even how fast the Xterra was going when it rear-ended the Honda. At this point, there are only questions: Why did the driver of the Xterra veer into the center median? Was there anything he could have done to avoid striking the Honda and subsequently the two men standing in front of it? Was alcohol a factor in the crash? Hopefully, the investigation by law enforcement will provide answers.

Continue reading "Three Men Seriously Injured in Crash on Interstate I-880 in San Jose " »

A 23-year-old woman and an 8-month old boy tragically died early Sunday morning in Sacramento, KCRA News reported. The accident occurred at about 5:05 a.m., at the intersection of Orange Avenue and Stockton Boulevard. A Toyota 4Runner SUV was travelling at a "very high rate of speed" when it rear-ended a Honda Accord occupied by the woman and infant. The victims were identified as Nancy Angelica Naranjo, 23, of Galt, and Joshua Bonton, 8 months. The driver of the 4 Runner, Xieng Kham Her, 22, was not hurt. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter.

Cause of the Crash and Wrongful Death Liability

If news reports are accurate, this crash was caused by the suspected drunk driver, Xieng Kham Her. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."

If Xieng Kham Her is determined to be responsible for this double fatality accident, he may be criminally and civilly liable for his actions. While this crash remains under investigation, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact a northern California wrongful death attorney who has experience representing victims of drunk driving accidents. A skilled and experienced attorney can help the family hold the drunk driver accountable for his actions to the maximum extent.

Drinking and Driving Destroys Lives

Driving under the influence is an epidemic problem in California, killing more than 1,000 people every single year. At Estey Bomberger, our personal injury attorneys believe every accident caused by a drunk driver is 100% preventable. We support Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other organizations that aim to raise awareness and stop drunk driving. To learn more about how drinking and driving destroys lives, visit our website, stop-drunk-driving.com.

Continue reading "Woman and Infant Boy Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver in Sacramento " »

A 4-year-old Gilroy boy very tragically died Sunday night after a drunk driver going home from a heavy metal concert struck his family's pickup truck on Highway 101, Mercury News reported. The fatal crash occurred on southbound Highway 101 near Bailey Avenue at about 6 p.m. According to news reports, a family of four pulled over on the shoulder of Highway 101 after their truck broke down. The mother and a 12-year-old girl exited the vehicle safely and were not hurt. However, as the father was unbuckling his 4-year-old son from the back of the family's pickup truck, the truck was rear-ended by a Ford F-150 pickup truck going between 65 and 70 mph.

The impact caused a toolbox in the back of the Chevy to go flying right into the young boy's head. He was barely breathing when emergency responders arrived at the scene. A LifeFlight helicopter flew him to San Jose Regional Medical Center where he died of his injuries. The Santa Clara County Coroner's office identified the boy as Jose Cortes-Diaz of Gilroy. Cortes-Diaz's father suffered a fractured rib and a broken jaw.

According to the CHP, the driver of the Ford F-150, James "Jimmy" Francis Lee told officers that he fell asleep. After being treated for minor injuries, Lee was booked into Santa Clara County Jail on charges of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Cause of the Highway 101 Crash

Although the cause of the July 11th crash is still under investigation, if news reports are accurate, this accident was caused by the drunk driver, James F. Lee. Our condolences go out to the family of Jose Cortes-Diaz, who was the innocent victim of a completely preventable tragedy. It is especially heartbreaking that the entire family witnessed the horrific accident firsthand, and it will forever be a part of their lives. Please keep this entire family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

No parent should ever have to witness their child die before their eyes. When a loved one is lost due to the negligent actions of another (in this case, drinking and driving), families may seek justice for their unexpected and devastating loss in a wrongful death claim. Civil damages awarded may include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings of the victim, and loss of love, care and companionship. Although no money could ever undo the pain of an accident or bring back an innocent life lost, a wrongful death action can hold the driver accountable for his actions and help the family recover compensation for their financial loss. In certain cases involving drunk drivers in California, additional punitive damages may be awarded, which may be substantial.

Continue reading "4-Year-Old Boy Killed in Highway 101 Crash; Driver Arrested on Suspicion of DUI " »

An 87-year-old Red Bluff woman was taken to St. Elizabeth Community Hospital with major injuries following a collision in Red Bluff Sunday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol reported. The Tehama County accident occurred at about 2:15 p.m. May 16th, at the Diamond Avenue exit offramp on Interstate 5 in Red Bluff. According to reports in the Redding Record Searchlight, Genevieve Johnston, along with several other vehicles, stopped at the bottom of the southbound off-ramp after seeing a disabled van pulling a flatbed trailer that was blocking the roadway. Johnston's vehicle was then struck by a vehicle driven by Jill Ward, 44, of Red Bluff, a CHP spokesman said. Ward, who told officers that she took her eyes off the road to change the station on her radio, collided with Johnston's vehicle without braking at about 50 mph.

Johnston suffered major injuries in the accident. She was taken by ambulance to St. Elizabeth Hospital, and later transferred to Mercy Medical Center, where she was reported to be in fair condition. Ward was reportedly not injured. Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts. The Red Bluff Daily News stated that complaint would be filed against Ward for unsafe speed for the conditions and being an unlicensed driver.

Continue reading "Red Bluff Woman Critically Injured in I-5 Off Ramp Crash in Red Bluff " »