Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

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 " »

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.

Continue reading "Daly City Car Accident Injury Attorneys" »

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 " »

A noncompetitive fundraising walk will be hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in Fresno on Saturday, May 14. The second annual Walk Like MADD (WLM) 5K will raise money for MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. The walk will also help promote awareness about the many dangers of drunk driving. MADD's goal is to stop drunk driving, prevent underage drinking, and support drunk driving accident victims and their families.

The walk starts at 8:00 a.m. at Woodward Park-Mountain View Shelter (8401 N. Friant Rd., Fresno, CA, 93720) and those who wish to register for the walk can visit www.walklikemadd.org/fresno. The 2010 Fresno Walk Like MADD event, which was held for the first time in the Central Valley, had more than 1,000 walkers who raised nearly $75,000 to help in the efforts to prevent drunk driving and support victims of drunk driving accidents.

Far-Reaching Affects of Drunk Driving
A recent Kmph.com article tells the story of a family who lost a loved one three and a half years ago in a drunk driving crash in Fresno. The accident that took the man's life occurred in Fresno County when a drunk driver ran a stop sign and crashed into the SUV he was driving. In the article, the family shares how everyday is a struggle for them and that it's still difficult to cope with the fact that someone else's decision to drink and drive left five children without their father. The family will be participating in the Walk Like MADD event.

Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,839 people died in 2009 in motor vehicle accidents involving a motorist with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, which accounts for 32 percent of the total traffic deaths for that year. What is even more staggering is that an average of one alcohol-impaired driving death took place almost every hour (every 48 minutes) in 2009. While it is encouraging that traffic deaths in drunk driving accidents decreased in 2009 from the previous year, Fresno car accident lawyers know that there is still much that needs to be done to help prevent drunk driving fatalities, injuries, and accidents.

Continue reading "Mothers Against Drunk Driving Fundraising Walk in Fresno to Promote Awareness of DUI Dangers" »

"That would never happen to me." This might be something you've thought about before when hearing about a person who was killed or seriously injured in a drunk driving accident. This is even something that your teenager or children have thought before. The denial may even go so far as, "I can drive just fine after a drink or two." The potential dangers of drunk driving are real and no one is immune to its reach. Sacramento drunk driving accident attorneys are all too familiar with the devastating affects auto accidents caused by drunk drivers impose upon injury victims and their families. Since April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, issues surrounding drunk driving awareness and prevention have also been circulating, and rightfully so.

A recent Valley Community Newspapers article highlights a stirring and effective "Every 15 Minutes" (EFM) program that was held at a Sacramento high school. The program demonstrates the serious, life-threatening consequences of drunk driving to high school students by presenting a "re-enactment" of a drunk driving accident with a fatality on the campus. At the time of this program's creation in 1995, there was an alcohol-related death in a motor vehicle crash every 15 minutes.

"Every 15 Minutes" programs are typically planned in secrecy and presented to high school students without notification. The reason for this is to evoke the same emotions students would experience after learning about the loss of a loved one, friend, or fellow classmate due to a Sacramento alcohol-related car crash. Enactments hosted by this program are presented in the same steps as a real auto accident scene, but the events are usually narrated by a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer.

According to the article, the CHP manages the organization of grants for EFM and costs for producing the event can be as high as $50,000. Parents or schools interested in learning more about how this program can visit http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/fifteen.html.

Data provided by the CHP states that in 2009, over 700 individuals in California died in a motor vehicle collision where the primary cause was driving under the influence (DUI) and an additional 19,805 individuals suffered injury under the same circumstances.

Parents are vital role-models in their children's lives. Be sure to discuss the potential risks of drunk driving with your teenagers. This type of discussion doesn't have to be abrasive; think about how it can be approached in a calm and open way. You could make a major difference in keeping your child and their friends safe.

Continue reading ""Every 15 Minutes" Campaigns Continue to Aim to Reduce Sacramento Drunk Driving Accidents" »

SACRAMENTO - A 4-year-old boy very tragically died Tuesday evening about an hour after he was struck by a truck while riding his tricycle in Sacramento's Arden Arcade neighborhood, the KCRA News reported. The incident occurred on Cava Court at Carro Drive at 5:48 p.m.

The Sacramento County Coroner's Office identified the young victim as Edward Luckett of Sacramento.

According to reports, the victim rode a tricycle out of a driveway and was struck by a blue Dodge Dakota that turned onto Cava Court from northbound Carro Drive at an "unknown rate of speed." The boy, who was not wearing a helmet, was rushed to UC Davis Medical Center where he died.

The Bee reported boy's mother had just dropped him off at his aunt's house, and the aunt had just gone into the house when the boy was struck.

The driver of the truck, a 27-year-old man, was given a field sobriety test and preliminary alcohol screening. He had been drinking, but was not above the legal limit, police said.

Fatal accidents such as this one involving young children are heartbreaking and devastating for everyone involved. At this point, the driver has not been charged. However, that could change pending the investigation. If the driver was speeding in this residential neighborhood, police may determine he was responsible for the accident.

Continue reading "4-Year-Old on Tricycle Struck and Killed in Sacramento " »

SACRAMENTO - An 18-year-old Sacramento man was struck and killed Sunday night in a suspected DUI car vs. pedestrian accident on Northgate Boulevard, the Sacramento Bee reported. The victim, identified by the Sacramento County Coroner's Department as James Lindell Shiloh, 18, of Sacramento, was walking across Northgate Boulevard when he was struck by a maroon Chevy pickup truck driven by Vincent Velasquez, 34, of Sacramento. Velasquez was arrested following the fatal collision and booked into jail on suspicion of driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license, and being a habitual traffic offender. Bail was not set.

DUI Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If news reports are accurate and Velasquez is determined by police to be responsible for this fatal pedestrian accident, in addition to criminal charges for driving under the influence, he may be liable for the wrongful death of James Shiloh. Following a fatal accident such as this fatal February 20th Sacramento pedestrian accident, the family members of the deceased victim may benefit from speaking with an experienced and knowledgeable Sacramento DUI accident victim lawyer. In the event the suspected drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured, an experienced lawyer can help the family understand their possible options to pursue a claim against the victim's own automobile insurance policy, if he had one. Damages may include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost anticipated future earnings of the decedent, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship.

Continue reading "Sacramento Teen Struck and Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver " »

A 26-year-old Fairfield man was tragically killed early Saturday morning in a crash on Interstate 80, according to the Vacaville Reporter. The victim, Joshua Murril, 26, was a front-seat passenger in a 2001 Toyota Camry driven by Nathan Martorelli, 26, also of Fairfield. Also in the vehicle was Samantha Goeringer, 22, also of Fairfield. The three were travelling on westbound Interstate 80 in Vacaville shortly before 2 a.m. when Martorelli allowed the vehicle to drift of the roadway and strike a tree. The accident occurred near the beginning of the guardrail to the east of the Mason Street undercrossing.

Murril, Goeringer, and Martorelli all suffered major injuries in the crash, but Murril was unconscious when emergency responders arrived at the scene. Both Martorelli and Murril were pinned inside the vehicle and had to be extricated by Vacaville firefighters. Murril was flown to University of California, Davis, Medical Center, where he later died. Martorelli was flown to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, and Goeringer was taken by ambulance to UC Davis Medical Center.

Cause of the Interstate 80 Accident

If news reports are accurate, this Solano County accident was likely caused by the suspected drunk driver of the Toyota Camry, Nathan Martorelli, who was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter. However, the cause of the October 16th Interstate 80 accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Alcohol-impaired driving crashes destroy lives and families. Accidents caused by drunk drivers are senseless tragedies that are 100% preventable. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), alcohol-impaired driving is the most commonly committed violent crime in the United States. On average, someone is killed by a drunk driver every 40 minutes. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Joshua Murril, and everyone who knew him and loved him.

Continue reading "Passenger Killed, Two Others Injured in Suspected DUI Crash on Interstate 80 " »

Two residents of Yuba County suffered major injuries early Friday morning in a suspected alcohol-related crash near Forbestown, the Appeal Democrat reported. The major injury accident occurred on Challenge Cut Off Road north of La Porte Road at about 12:25 a.m. According to news reports, the driver, Andrew Fiske, 21, of Browns Valley, was driving a 1992 Mazda Miata northbound on Challenge Cut Off Road when he took a left curb too quickly and lost control of his vehicle. The Miata went off the road and overturned multiple times down a hill for about 100 feet. Fiske was ejected from the vehicle and suffered major injuries. His passenger, David Zabala, 42, of Loma Rica, also suffered major injuries. Fiske was taken to Rideout Memorial Hospital in Marysville and Zabala was taken to Oroville Hospital. Fiske was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury.

Cause of the Crash

Although the cause of the September 10th accident remains under investigation by the CHP, if news reports are accurate, this crash was almost certainly caused by the suspected drunk driver. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), "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."

DUI Accidents and Passenger Injury Liability

If Fiske is determined to be responsible for causing this major injury accident, in addition to criminal charges, he may be liable for the injuries sustained by his passenger as a result of this accident. While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, the family members of the injured passenger would be well-advised to consult with a northern California drunk driving accident lawyer. An attorney who has successfully represented dozens of seriously injured passengers of alcohol-related accidents can advise the victim's family of their best course of action to protect their rights and help the victim recover the maximum compensation he may be entitled to for his injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Driver and Passenger Suffer Major Injuries in Alcohol-Related Crash Near Forbestown " »

A 21-year-old Redding woman suffered critical injuries in an accident early Tuesday morning in Shasta County, the Record Searchlight reported. The woman, identified by the California Highway Patrol as Emily Jean Weaver, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Stephen J. Bakerrubio, 21, also of Redding.

Bakerrubio was reportedly driving southbound on Old Oregon Trail North at 2:55 a.m. at an unknown speed when he lost control of his vehicle. The car spun out, struck an embankment and then a telephone pole guy wire. The vehicle overturned and both Bakerrubio and Weaver were ejected. Both occupants were transported to Mercy Medical Center. Bakerrubio only suffered minor injuries, and Weaver suffered critical injuries and was placed on life-support. Bakerrubio was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence of alcohol, the Record Searchlight said.

Alcohol-Related Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

If news reports are accurate, this crash was caused by Bakerrubio, who authorities arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. However, the cause of the crash remains under investigation. In situations such as this one, where a drunk driver is suspected of causing a crash that gravely injures a passenger, the family members of the injured passenger would be well-advised to contact a northern California drunk driving accident lawyer. An attorney who has represented passenger victims of alcohol-related accidents can help the victim's family protect their legal rights and ensure the at-fault driver is held not just criminally responsible, but also financially accountable for the devastation he is suspected to have caused.

Continue reading "Redding Woman Critically Injured in Suspected Alcohol-Related Crash " »

The Fresno Bee reported that a 58-year-old Madera man suffered major injuries Wednesday night when he was hit by a 16-year-old unlicensed driver suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. The accident, which involved a 1995 Toyota Avalon and a 1993 Jeep Cherokee SUV, occurred at the intersection of Avenue 14 and Road 29 at around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 11, 2010. According to news reports, the 16-year-old driver of the Toyota was travelling eastbound on Avenue 14, while at the same time Juan Ramirez, 58, was driving the Jeep northbound on Avenue. Avenue 14 has a stop sign at the intersection, while Road 29 does not. The Toyota struck the Jeep, resulting in major injuries to Ramirez and less serious injuries to three passengers. Ramirez was air-lifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.

The 16-year-old driver of the Toyota fled the scene. He and a 16-year-old passenger, also from Madera, were not injured. The teen, who did not have a driver's license, was arrested a short time later at his home by Madera County Sheriff's Deputies. KMPH News reported that investigators believe the teen was under the influence at the time of the crash.

Cause of the Madera County Accident

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. However, if news reports are accurate, the 16-year-old driver of the Toyota is responsible for this accident. He may face criminal charges for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without a license. Accidents caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable. In this situation, the young driver even had the audacity to flee the scene of the crash. It is fortunate that he was apprehended.

Drunk Driving Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

California is second only to Texas with the most drunk driving crashes every year. The attorneys at Estey Bomberger represent injured victims of drunk driving crashes and help them hold negligent parties accountable. If the driver was uninsured (which is likely, since he was unlicensed), a skilled northern California personal injury lawyer may be able to help the victims obtain financial compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering, from their own insurance policy. In situations such as this one, while an accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims are well-advised ton consult with a lawyer knowledgeable in the unique legal issues of alcohol-related car accidents.

Continue reading "Madera Man Seriously Injured in Crash Caused by Suspected Drunken Teen Driver " »

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 20-year-old Willits woman was seriously injured Sunday afternoon in a crash on Highway 101 north of Laytonville, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. The July 18th Mendocino County accident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. A northbound 2003 Honda Civic driven by Kayla Chesser, 21, of Willits was travelling at a high rate of speed when it drifted across Highway 101 and narrowly missed crashing into another vehicle. The Honda went off the road, and was briefly airborne before it overturned multiple times down an embankment.

The front seat passenger, Misty Duran, 20, who was wearing a seatbelt, suffered a broken back, broken pelvis, broken nose and other injuries. She was airlifted to Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits. Kayla Chesser, the driver, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. She suffered only minor injuries in the crash. The CHP is investigating the cause of the crash.

Liability When Drunk Drivers Injure Passengers

In situations such as this one, the family members of a passenger victim of a drunk driving accident are well-advised to contact an experienced Mendocino County drunk driving accident victim lawyer who can help them protect their rights. In addition to criminal charges for drunken driving causing injury to others, the driver may be liable for her passenger's injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings related to an accident, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Advocates for Victims of Drunk Driving Crashes

At Estey Bomberger, we take drunk driving seriously, and believe that accidents caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable. We are committed to helping victims of drunken driving accidents recover maximum, full and fair compensation for injuries sustained as a result of a drunk driving accident. Our DUI accident victim attorneys proudly support MADD and other organizations dedicated to stopping the epidemic of drunk driving in California. Visit our website, stop-drunk-driving.com, for more information about how you can help end drunk driving in your community.

Continue reading "Passenger Seriously Injured in Suspected DUI Crash in Mendocino County " »

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 " »

A suspected drunken driver was arrested Tuesday morning after a fatal crash on Interstate 680 near Sunol. The Alameda County crash occurred at about 9:35 a.m. on southbound I-680, just before the Andrade Road exit, the San Jose Mercury News reported. The suspected drunken driver, Timothy Bartlet, 53, of Livermore, was driving a Ford pickup truck southbound on I-680 when he struck the center median and veered into another Ford pickup truck driven by Adam Bajer, 45, also of Livermore.

The force of the collision caused both vehicles to overturn on the freeway. Bajer was ejected from his vehicle and died at the scene of the crash. His 35-year-old brother who was a passenger in the vehicle suffered major injuries. Bartlet, the sole occupant in his truck, was not injured. He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of felony driving under the influence after officers determined that he appeared to be impaired.

Although the cause of the crash remains under investigation, if news reports are accurate, this I-680 crash was caused by the drunken driver. Driving under the influence of alcohol is against the law, under California Vehicle Code § 23152.

Continue reading "Livermore Man Killed in Suspected DUI Crash Near Sunol " »