Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

SISKIYOU COUNTY - The Redding Record Searchlight reported a 22-year-old Washington woman tragically died early Saturday morning when the SUV she was riding in overturned on Interstate 5. The accident was reported just before 3 a.m. on southbound Interstate 5 near the Klamath River Bridge in Siskiyou County. The victim, identified as Sarah Cullen, was lying in the back of a 2003 Mitsubishi Montero when the 20-year-old driver of the vehicle lost control of the SUV, which went off the road and overturned multiple times.

Cullen, who was unrestrained, was ejected from the SUV and died from her injuries. The driver and the other occupants of the vehicle, a 21-year-old woman, and a 2-year-old, were taken to Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford, Oregon. The cause of the fatal January 1st crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. According to CHP investigators, alcohol and drugs were not factors in the fatal wreck.

Continue reading "SUV Passenger Killed In Interstate 5 Rollover Near Oregon Border " »

MERCED COUNTY -- Two people were tragically killed in a Merced County multi-vehicle accident at about 4:19 p.m. Wednesday. According to the Fresno Bee, an 84-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman, were passengers in a 2006 Toyota Camry driven by Mikael Mikaelian, 70, of Clovis, when for unknown reasons he failed to negotiate a right turn and traveled directly into oncoming westbound traffic on Highway 152, east of the Santa Clara County border.

Once veering onto the other side of the road, the Toyota slammed into a 2004 Ford driven by Theodore Haynish, 52, of Hollister. Following the crash, Haynish suffered only minor injuries and sought treatment on his own. Mikaelian sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a Modesto hospital, while his two passengers who were residents of Fresno, were killed instantly.

UPDATE: On Thursday night, the Fresno Bee reported that the two people killed in this horrific accident was 84-year-old Arshag Kalpakian, and 76-year-old Anahid Kalpakian.

Cause of the Highway 152 Car Accident

The accident on December 28th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information given by news reports, it is not evident what caused the driver of the Toyota to fail to make a right turn. Hopefully, the CHP will come to a conclusion as to what happened, and whether distracted driving, vehicle malfunctions, road conditions, or negligence was a factor in this tragic collision.

Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

After a major car accident such as this one, the family the victims would be well-advised to seek a skilled Northern California wrongful death attorney. Compassionate lawyers that understand the legal issues regarding fatal car accidents can help the family protect their legal rights in a wrongful death claim, and advise them the best option to recover compensation for their tragic loss. Compensation in a civil claim can include and are not limited to, funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Two Killed, Two Injured in Merced County Car Crash on Highway 152" »

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 -- According to ABC 30 News, a 13-year-old girl was severely struck and killed by a car in Fresno. This tragic accident happened at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday when the girl, Angel Perez, was attempting to cross Highway 180 near Cedar Avenue, and was struck by an Audi driven by Edward Bessonov, 25, of Fresno. Police officials at the scene do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. And the limited information that was provided by news reports, did not indicate why Perez was attempting to cross the highway.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In fatal pedestrian accidents such as this one on November 15th, the family of the girl would be well-advised to contact a skilled Fresno wrongful death attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can advise the family of their legal rights, determine who may be at fault for the incident, and decide the best course of action in obtaining compensation for their devastating and unexpected loss. Compensation in a wrongful death claim can include funeral and burial costs, loss of love, care, affection and companionship, and other damages relating to this tragic pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Girl Tragically Killed in Fresno Pedestrian Accident on Highway 180" »

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" »

SACRAMENTO COUNTY -- A motorcyclist was tragically killed in a Sacramento hit-and-run accident Monday evening, The Sacramento Bee reported. The motorcyclist, Robert Preston Wilson, 64, of North Highlands, was struck by a white Volkswagen Bug at about 8:51 p.m. on the northbound lanes of Capital City Freeway. The impact of collision caused Wilson to be ejected from his bike and land on the freeway. As Wilson was lying on the roadway, a Mitsubishi Eclipse severely struck him as well. Witnesses at the scene told officials that the driver in the Volkswagen was weaving through traffic prior to the crash.

Following the two collisions, the driver of the Mitsubishi stopped, while the driver of the Volkswagen fled the scene of the accident. According to 10 News, the Volkswagen was found abandoned with a flat tire roughly an hour later on Interstate 80 near Elkhorn Boulevard.

UPDATE: 10 News reported on October 27th that the hit-and-run driver involved in a fatal Sacramento accident on Interstate 80 was arrested on Wednesday. The driver, Sequoia Jones, 22, of Sacramento, is being charged with felony hit-and-run, and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

Cause of the Hit-And-Run Motorcycle Crash in Sacramento

The accident on October 24th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information provided by The Sacramento Bee and 10 News, it is unclear why the driver of the Volkswagen Bug failed to stop. Under the California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a): "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." Anyone with information regarding this fatal incident is asked to call the California Highway Dispatch at (916)338-6710, or after-hours at (916)861-1300.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

The sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one can be traumatizing and devastating for family members. Therefore, while the accident remains ongoing, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. A skilled attorney who has handled Northern California hit-and-run motorcycle collisions, can advise the family of their legal rights, help in efforts to locate the driver, and determine the best course of action to the hold the responsible parties financially liable. If the family decides to take action in a wrongful death claim, an attorney can help them receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to for funeral/burial costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages in this tragic motorcycle accident.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Killed in Sacramento Hit-And-Run Accident on Interstate 80" »

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

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Injured in Highway 101 Collision Near Hopland " »

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 " »

LAKE COUNTY - The Press-Democrat reported a 58-year-old Oregon man was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital after a collision Sunday morning on Highway 20. According to news reports, the motorcyclist, Milo Manley, 58, was riding eastbound on the rural highway near Blue Lakes. At the same time, Paul Ruggirello, 33, of Plumas Lake, was travelling westbound and slowed to turn left into a business. He apparently did not see Manley approaching and turn into the path of the motorcycle. The impact caused Manley to be thrown from his bike. He suffered serious injuries, including multiple broken bones. The driver and a passenger in the vehicle were not hurt.

Cause of the Lake County Motorcycle Crash

At this point, there are simply more questions than answers as to why this collision occurred. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash and so far do not believe alcohol played a role in the crash. The CHP will surely look at the speed of both vehicles and many other factors in determining what happened, and why. Based on the limited information in news reports, it is unclear why the driver of the car failed to yield to Manley's motorcycle. Many left-turn motorcycle accidents occur when the driver is simply looking for other automobiles, and fails to notice an approaching motorcycle. This type of collision is unfortunately fairly common.

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

Following a major injury accident such as this July 24th collision, the injured victim's family would be well-advised to contact an experienced northern California motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney who understands the unique legal issues of motorcycle intersection accidents and collisions caused by driver negligence can help the victim protect his legal rights to recover compensation for his injuries in a personal injury claim. Damages obtained in an insurance claim may include medical care and treatment expenses, lost earnings due to being unable to work, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Because state laws limit the amount of time an injured party has to pursue a claim, it is advisable to contact an attorney as soon as possible following an accident.

Continue reading "Lake County : Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Highway 20 Left-Turn Accident " »

SOLANO COUNTY - In personal injury news, the San Francisco Chronicle reported a jury in Solano County has awarded $29.2 million to victims of a head-on collision on Highway 12. The jury found that the state department of transportation (Caltrans) was responsible for the dangerous conditions on the hilly roadway.

However, jurors assigned the majority of the blame to San Francisco resident Nicola Bucci, who crossed his SUV across the center line and into an oncoming vehicle. Bucci was travelling an estimated 65 to 80 mph when he struck a Toyota at the top of a hill in November 2006, killing 12-year-old Demari Hutchinson and 7-year-old Immanuel Collison. Immanuel's mother was hospitalized for more than two months with major injuries. His brother was paralyzed from the waist down.

Bucci, according to the Chronicle, had previously been convicted of manslaughter for killing two people in 1994 in a head-on on crash in which he fell asleep at the wheel. He was convicted of second-degree murder following the 2006 crash on Highway 12.

According to the lawsuit, Caltrans had determined in the late 199's that the hills limited drivers' line of sight. Improvements were proposed, such as paved shoulders on each side of the road, but no action was ever taken. After another fatal collision in 2007, Caltrans installed a median barrier on part of the highway, but about 12 miles were still unprotected.

Continue reading "Solano County Jury Awards $29.2 Million to Accident Victims " »

SAN JOSE - The Mercury News reported a woman in her mid 30's to early 40's was tragically struck and killed by a minivan Saturday night on Monterey Road (Highway 82). The accident was reported around 9:45 p.m. between Old Tully Road and Umbarger Road. The woman was struck by a 1996 Dodge Caravan driven by a 50-year-old San Jose woman. The cause of the July 16th Santa Clara County pedestrian accident remains under investigation, and neither the driver nor the victim were identified. It is unclear where in the road the woman was when she was struck, and whether speed was a factor in the collision.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

While this fatal Monterey Road pedestrian accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim may benefit from talking to an experienced San Jose pedestrian accident lawyer. An attorney can oversee the investigation and help the victim's family protect their legal rights to hold accountable whoever is determined to be responsible for this accident. Following a fatal accident, it is advisable to speak with a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible, while evidence and witness statements can most easily be obtained. Depending on the unique circumstances of an accident, damages obtained 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.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Struck and Killed in San Jose " »

ALAMEDA COUNTY - A 22-year-old woman was struck by a car early Tuesday morning as she crossed the street at the intersection of San Pablo Avenue (CA-123) and Adeline Street. The woman, who was not identified, was struck by a dark colored, mid-size SUV at about 2:20 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, as she was walking home from work. The driver of the SUV did not stop after he struck the woman and dragged her for more than 30 feet. The Mercury News reported that the SUV was last seen headed southbound on Adeline toward Oakland. The driver is believed to be a male. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Emeryville police at (510)596-3700.

Cause of the July 12th Pedestrian Accident

According to news reports, the pedestrian involved in this accident was in a marked crosswalk when she was struck. Regardless, the driver had every moral and legal obligation to remain at the accident scene until law enforcement arrived and took a report. California vehicle code mandates that the driver must stop after any accident that involves injury or death. When a driver flees the scene of an accident causing property damage, injury or death, the incident is called a hit and run.

Hit-and-Run Accident Liability

Following any serious injury accident, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to seek the advice of an experienced Oakland pedestrian accident lawyer. An attorney can review the police report, possibly aid in efforts to locate the driver, and investigate whether any other parties may be liable. If the injured victim had an uninsured motorist policy, an attorney may be able to help the family pursue a claim against the victim's own insurance company. Following a serious injury hit-and-run accident, it is advisable to speak with an attorney as soon as possible, so that witness statements and other important evidence can be preserved.

Continue reading "Woman Critically Injured in Emeryville Hit-and-Run Accident " »

PLACER COUNTY - A 63-year-old Auburn man suffered "severe" injuries Wedensday afternoon in a crash on Highway 49, the Auburn Journal reported. The accident, which involved three vehicles, occurred near Doug Oest Road shortly after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2011.

According to news reports, 25-year-old Sacramento resident Jamie Nunley was travelling southbound on Highway 49 in a Jeep Wrangler when she allegedly made an "unsafe turn" and collided with a Jeep Liberty driven by Ronald Cheli, 72, of Nevada City, and a Nissan 350 driven by John Zechiel, 63, of Auburn.

Nunley complained of neck and back pain, and was taken to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where she was treated and released. Cheli had no reported injuries. Zechiel was airlifted to Sutter Roseville's trauma unit with major injuries, including four broken ribs.

Cause of the Highway 49 Accident

The CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of the July 6th Grass Valley Hwy accident. However, if news accounts of the incident are accurate, this crash was likely the result of an unsafe left turn. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a), "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left ... shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

Depending on the unique circumstances of the crash, if the left-turning driver is determined to be responsible, the injured victim may be entitled to damages in a personal injury claim. While this Placer County injury accident remains under investigation, the family members of the injured victim would be well-advised to consult with a knowledgeable northern California auto accident attorney. A personal injury lawyer who understands the complex legal issues arising from multiple-vehicle accidents can advise the victim of his best course of action handling communications with the insurance companies, and help recover damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Auburn Man Seriously Injured in Placer County Crash " »

CALAVERAS COUNTY - The San Andreas California Highway Patrol is currently investigating a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred sometime during the night of June 26th or early morning of June 27th. A passing motorist found a 46-year-old Lockeford man near a barbwire fence off Highway 26 around 5:15 a.m. Monday morning. According to Sonora Mother Lode news reports, the man apparently lost control of his motorcycle and struck a wooden sign east of Burson Road. Jenny Lind firefighters pronounced the motorcyclist dead later in the day. Anyone with information should call the San Andreas CHP office at (209) 754-3541.

Cause of Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the CHP. It is unclear what caused the rider to lose control of his bike. Many single-vehicle motorcycle crashes are initially attributed to rider negligence or carelessness, however, upon further investigation an uneven road surface, pothole or road debris is often discovered to be the real cause of a crash. Defective or faulty bike parts can also cause a tragic motorcycle accident to occur.

Wrongful Death Liability

While this case remains under investigation, the family of the victim should talk to a northern California motorcycle accident attorney. If it is discovered a poor road condition or defective bike part contributed to or was responsible for the motorcycle accident, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to collect damages associated with their loss. In a wrongful death claim, families may collect damages for funeral and burial expenses, future income and loss of love, companionship and support.

Continue reading "CHP Investigating Fatal Highway 26 Motorcycle Accident " »