Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

SACRAMENTO - A male pedestrian was struck and injured after two cars collided in Sacramento, News10 reports. A witness at the scene stated a northbound silver Acura collided with Subaru that was attempting to cross 16th on V Street. Soon after the vehicles collided, a pedestrian, whose name was not released, was exiting the Flame Club at 2130 16th Street and was struck by the Acura as it slammed into the doorway of the bar. The pedestrian was taken to UC Davis Medical Center with a severe fracture to his leg. No other injuries were reported.

Cause of the Sacramento Pedestrian Accident

The accident on April 2nd remains under investigation by the Sacramento Police Department. However, based on the information provided by News10, it is not evident what caused the two vehicles to collide. But, it appears to the pedestrian had no way to prevent or avoid this terrible collision. Hopefully, authorities can determine why this accident happened and who is is officially responsible.

Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Liability

In unique situations such as this one, the victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer. A pedestrian accident broken bone injury attorney can advise the victim of his legal rights, hold the responsible party financially liable for his injuries, and determine the best option in recovering compensation for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Injured in Sacramento Two-Car Crash" »

SACRAMENTO - A man in his 20s was hit by a motorist in Elk Grove Saturday morning, KCRA News reports. The man, whose name was not released, was walking on Elk Grove Boulevard near School Street when a vehicle hit him and then fled the scene. It is uncertain what time this collision occurred as the male pedestrian was found unresponsive, and then declared dead by officials due to his injuries.

Officers at the scene found debris that may be linked to the vehicle involved, however, are seeking the public's help. Anyone with information regarding this horrible accident or the driver involved should call the Elk Grove Police Department at (916)478-8148.

Elk Grove Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident Liability

While the investigation of this fatal March 17th incident is ongoing, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to an Elk Grove personal injury attorney regarding their legal rights in a wrongful death claim. A lawyer experienced in hit-and-run pedestrian accidents can help authorities in locating the driver, along with protecting the family's legal rights in recovering the compensation they are entitled to for their devastating loss. If the driver cannot be found, an attorney can provide assistance in recovering the maximum compensation through the victim's insurance, if he has one.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Struck and Killed in Elk Grove Hit-and-Run Accident" »

SACRAMENTO COUNTY - A wrong-way car accident in Folsom left four people seriously injured Friday night, KCRA News reports. The accident happened around 9:30 p.m. when a Nissan Sentra going east on the westbound lanes along Iron Point Road collided head-on into a Toyota Camry at the Black Diamond Drive cross street.

Police at the scene indicated the driver of the Sentra - Karen Ann Benedict, 32, of El Dorado - was arrested on the suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The four occupants in the Camry, whose names and ages were not available, were taken to area hospitals with serious injuries.

Folsom DUI Accident Injury Liability

There is absolutely no excuse to operate a vehicle while under the intoxication of alcohol. A person who chooses to drink and drive not only puts themselves at risk of serious injury or death, but risk harming or killing innocent drivers and/or their passengers. Under the 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."

If law enforcement confirms the accident was due to drunken driving, the drunk driver can be criminally charged and may be held financially liable for the victim's injuries, lost earnings and wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Therefore, in serious drunk driving accidents such as this one on March 9th, the victims or the family of the victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced and knowledgeable Folsom personal injury lawyer. An attorney who has handled numerous DUI auto accidents can help the victims protect their legal rights in a civil lawsuit against the individual responsible, and decide the best course of action in recovering the maximum compensation.

Continue reading "Four Seriously Injured in Folsom Wrong Way Car Accident" »

SACRAMENTO COUNTY -- A Sacramento sheriff's deputy, his K-9 partner and a civilian were involved in a horrendous collision early Wednesday morning in Arden-Arcade, News 10 reported. The major accident happened around 1:30 a.m. at the intersection of Watt and Northrop avenues.

According to multiple news reports, the deputy traveling south on Watt Avenue may have been responding to a call of a possible theft without his lights and sirens on. While the deputy was enroute, he severely broadsided a sedan turning west onto Northrop from Watt Avenue.

Jason Ramos, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Department, indicated the sedan had the right of way to make the turn. However, CHP investigators are trying to determine how fast the deputy was traveling, along with any other factors that could have led to this horrific accident.

Following this incident, the driver of the sedan was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The deputy was also transported to a hospital and is expected to survive. The deputy's K-9 officer was transported to a veterinary hospital as a precaution.

Injury Liability for Intersection Car Accidents

In a serious accident such as this on March 7th, the victim or the victim's family would be well-advised to contact a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney who has handled intersection auto collisions like this one, can protect the victim's legal rights, ensure witness statements and evidence is preserved to help the victim's case in holding the responsible parties liable for medical care expenses, lost earnings and wages, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this devastating car accident.

Continue reading "Sacramento Sheriff's Deputy Crashes Car and Injures Civilian in Arden-Arcade" »

SACRAMENTO -- A 45-year-old man was struck by a motorist in Sacramento Sunday morning, KCRA News reports. The terrible incident occurred just before 7 a.m. at Stockton Boulevard and Dias Avenue when the man was walking inside the crosswalk and then struck by a vehicle that eventually did not stop after the collision. The man, whose name was not immediately available, was transported to a hospital and is in critical condition.

According to Fox 40 News, police officials are searching for a newer model charcoal grey sedan, possibly a Honda with front-end damage. The driver of the suspect vehicle is described as an Asian male, 36 to 42 years old with medium build and scruffy facial hair.

The Sacramento Police Department is asking anyone who witnessed or has any information pertaining to this incident to call Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.

Cause of the February 19th Sacramento Hit-and-Run

Based on the information provided by news reports, it is unclear as to what happened and why the driver decided to flee the scene of the accident. But, regardless of how this accident occurred, there is no excuse for leaving the scene of an accident, especially when it involves another individual other than themselves to be seriously hurt.

Liability for Sacramento Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents

While the investigation of the accident remains under investigation by the Sacramento police, the victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable Sacramento personal injury lawyer. An attorney experienced in hit-and-run pedestrian accidents can advise the victim of his legal rights, assist authorities in locating the driver, and help the victim recover the maximum compensation for his injuries. In the event the driver cannot be found, an attorney can ensure the victim obtains the compensation he is entitled to through his insurance, if he has one.

Continue reading "Man Injured in Sacramento Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident" »

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" »

SACRAMENTO COUNTY -- A 7-year-old boy was fatally struck by a car on Thursday afternoon, The Sacramento Bee reports. This devastating accident occurred at about 1:20 p.m., when the boy, Tevon Webb, was attempting to cross Howe Avenue in the city of Arden-Arcade. The driver, a 37-year-old Sacramento woman, did not sustain any injuries after the accident. However, Webb suffered major head trauma and was transported to UC Davis Medical Center where he later died due his injuries.

Cause of the Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Arden-Arcade

Based on the information provided by The Sacramento Bee, it is not evident what cause the driver to hit the pedestrian and whether or not she could have prevented the collision from happening. Therefore, police officials investigating this October 27th pedestrian accident will monitor the situation and look at a number of factors that may have contributed to the crash such as distracted driving, reckless or negligent actions of the driver, the speed of the vehicle, and possible vehicle malfunctions.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Collisions involving pedestrians and automobiles can result to catastrophic injuries and death. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to suffer from serious harm following an accident. Therefore, while authorities are still trying to determine what caused this crash to occur, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a Northern California pedestrian accident attorney to discuss their legal rights in a wrongful death claim. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney who understands unique and complex incidents such as this one, can help the family in efforts in determining who is responsible for the crash, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for funeral/burial costs, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Boy Tragically Killed in Arden-Arcade Pedestrian Accident" »

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" »

SOUTH SACRAMENTO - A female pedestrian was tragically killed early Tuesday morning in South Sacramento, Fox 40 News reported. The fatal car vs. pedestrian collision was reported to the CHP at about 6:30 a.m. on Power Inn Road, north of Gerber Road at 68th Avenue. The CHP told the Sacramento Bee that the driver of the vehicle stopped following the incident. An investigation into the cause of the October 18th Sacramento pedestrian accident is ongoing. According to the CHP, the victim was not immediately identified.

Cause of the Sacramento Pedestrian Accident

Both Fox 40 and the Sacrmanto Bee provided very limited details as to what happened, and based on those reports, it is impossible to know what happened and who was responsible. The CHP will surely look at speed, the location of the woman in the road, and multiple other factors in determining what occurred and whether the driver could have prevented this collision.

Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the vehicle caused this collision, he or she may be cited or charged. Additionally, the driver may be liable for the wrongful death of the pedestrian. Following a fatal accident where the cause is unclear, such as this October 18th accident on Power Inn Road, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. An attorney who understands the unique and complex issues of fatal pedestrian accidents can advise the victim's family of their legal rights in this situation, and if warranted, the best course of action should they decide to pursue a claim against the driver.

Continue reading "Women Killed in Pedestrian Accident on Power Inn Road" »

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

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident in Sacramento

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

Pedestrian Accident Injury Liability

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

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

SACRAMENTO COUNTY-- Sabrina Carrasco, a 9-year-old Sacramento girl underwent a third surgery on Tuesday following a horrific dog attack in an apartment complex lawn area at 7718 La Mancha Way, News10 reported. Witnesses at the scene saw Carrasco playing with her teenage cousin Joandra Solis, and two toddlers before being viscously mauled by a neighbor's pit bull/labrador mix dog at about 9 p.m. Saturday. Prior to the dog attack, the pit bull/labrador escaped a fenced yard and rushed toward the girls. Solis picked up the two toddlers and told Carrasco to stay still. Frightened for her life, Carrasco tried to runaway but it was too late. Gina Knepp, spokeswoman for the Sacramento City Animal Control, reported Carrasco suffered injuries to her head, shoulder, side and back. Carrasco was taken to the University of California Medical Center at Davis to undergo further treatment.

Ana Reyes, Carrasco's mother, explained that her daughter is very traumatized by the event and will never be the same. According to UC Davis Medical Center officials, Carrasco is in good condition, but her doctors say there could be damages to the nerves on her face.

As for the dog owner, who didn't want to be identified, stated he didn't take the necessary precaution of alerting the parents that the kids, including one of Carrasco's relatives were provoking the dog in the past by throwing rocks, shooting pellets, and taunting it. However, he is very sorry for what happened and knows the attack was inexcusable. The owner has voluntarily given up the dog to be put down on Tuesday.

Cause of the Dog Attack in Sacramento

The accident occurring on August 6th remains under investigation by authorities. However, based on the information provided by News10, UPI, and The Sacramento Bee, it is evident the young girl could not prevent or avoid this violent dog attack. Therefore, the dog owner may be at fault due possible negligence and witnesses seeing the dog escape his fenced yard three times during the day of the attack. The district attorney's office will determine whether to prosecute the dog owner.

Dog Bite Personal Injury Liability

Injuries from a dog bite, attack or mauling can have long lasting physical and emotional consequences, especially in children. Dog owners can be held liable for injuries their dog inflicts due to negligence, violation of the leash law or law prohibiting dogs from "running at large," and keeping a dog with knowledge of the its history of injuring people. In situations such as this one, where it appears the dog owner may be at fault, family members of the victim are well-advised to seek an experienced Sacramento dog bite injury lawyer. A knowledgeable and skilled attorney who understands the serious physical and emotional effects of animal attack injuries can help the family protect their legal rights and receive the maximum compensation for hospital treatment expenses, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and future medical care relating to this devastating dog attack.

Continue reading "Sacramento Girl Seriously Injured in Dog Attack " »

SACRAMENTO COUNTY - Part of the Sacramento-Arden-Roseville metropolitan area, Citrus Heights is a city centrally located between the region's major freeways and highways. Interstate 5, Interstate 80, Highway 50 and Highway 99 can all be conveniently accessed from Citrus Heights. In 2009, seven motorists were killed in Citrus Heights car crashes, reports City-Data.com. Drunk drivers caused two of the fatal car collisions in 2009.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law. According to California Vehicle Code § 23152 (a), it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive a vehicle. Alcohol and drugs, even some over-the-counter drugs, can affect a person's ability to react quickly, see clearly and accurately judge distances. Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration level of .08 or more at the time of an arrest may face criminal and civil charges. Criminal punishment for a DUI conviction may include fines, jail time, license suspension and community service. Civil charges may be brought against a drunk driver if the driver caused an accident that injured or tragically killed another person.

At Estey Bomberger, our Citrus Heights car accident attorneys have handled thousands of cases stemming from virtually every type of car crash, including drunk driving accidents, head-on collisions, side-impact crashes, rear-end collisions and SUV rollover accidents. Our commitment to our clients and their cases is unwavering. We will work tirelessly to obtain a substantial settlement for our clients' past, current and future needs. Our clients have received money for medical bills, lost earnings, impaired earning capacity, shortened life expectancy, disfigurement, emotional suffering and physical pain. For a free case consultation with no obligation, contact our law office today.

Continue reading "Citrus Heights Car Accident Attorneys" »

SACRAMENTO COUNTY--Bicyclist Tricia Hedahl was struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle through the 27th and H streets intersection in Sacramento. The driver was turning left when she collided with Hedahl who sustained a broken leg.

Tricia Hedahl is the executive director of Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates and is a countywide advocate of bike safety. She reports that the accident will not deter her from continuing to bike around Sacramento. According to Hedahl, accidents will decrease as bicyclists increase in number since drivers will become more conscious about looking out for bikes on the road.

Cause of the Sacramento County Accident
Based on the statement given by the driver of the vehicle to the Sacramento Police, she did not see the bicyclist and suspects that a passing car obstructed her view. For her part, the bicyclist has a hard time recalling the accident but believes that she would have stopped for the stop sign at the intersection.

Bicycle Accident Liability
Although the police did not cite the driver, the negligence of the driver could be a cause or factor in this accident and the injured victim may be entitled to recover damages for her injuries. Damages recovered in a personal injury claim may include medical care and treatment expenses, lost wages or earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. The victim should consider speaking with an experienced Northern California bicycle accident attorney. A personal injury lawyer who specializes in cycling accidents can advise the victim on her legal rights to obtain compensation and best course of action following the accident.

Continue reading "Sacramento Woman Injured in Bicycle Accident" »

SACRAMENTO - A motor vehicle accident on Highway 160 that involved two pickup trucks resulted in the death of an Elk Grove man, 51-year-old Weiliang Li. According to the Sacramento Bee, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the California head-on crash occurred around 1:15 p.m. on Monday, March 14, 2011, north of the Antioch Bridge.

A pickup truck driven by a Rio Vista man was reportedly heading north when it veered into oncoming traffic, crashing head-on into the vehicle in which Li was a passenger. The driver of the pickup carrying Li was not reported to have suffered serious injury. However, the motorist of the truck the CHP reports to have crossed over the line sustained major injuries and was not identified.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data for the early estimates of January-June of 2010, 14,996 people died in motor vehicle traffic accidents. While the Highway 160 accident is still under investigation, since one of the pickup trucks reportedly drifted into the opposing lane, it is possible that driver fatigue, distracted driving, or drunk driving may have contributed to the crash.

Pickup trucks are known for having dangerous blind spots and a high likelihood of rolling. These potential risks make it all the more important for pickup truck motorists to be fully aware of their surroundings and follow all traffic laws.

If it is determined that another motorist's negligence caused a person to suffer serious injury or death in an accident, individuals who are injured or family members of those killed may be able to receive compensation for their losses and damages. A skilled Sacramento wrongful death attorney can help a family through this difficult time. While it may seem impossible to even think about contacting a lawyer after losing a loved one in a car collision, there is only a limited time allowed to family members to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Highway 160 Head-On Accident Involving Pickup Trucks Kills Elk Grove Man" »

SACRAMENTO COUNTY - A 23-year-old Elk Grove man tragically died in a solo-vehicle crash Tuesday night in Elk Grove, the Elk Grove Citizen reported. The victim was identified by Sacramento County coroners as Jarrod Francis Harrington. According to multiple news accounts, Harrington was a passenger in a red Ford pickup truck travelling eastbound in the 9300 block of Calvine Road, near Waterman Road. For unknown reasons, the 22-year-old male driver of the truck apparently lost control and struck a retaining wall. The pickup truck overturned and came to rest near the center median. Harrington died at the scene of the crash. The driver was taken to the hospital with moderate, non-life-threatening injuries.

Cause of the Elk Grove Crash

The cause of this fatal February 1st accident remains under investigation. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear why this crash happened. At this point, there are more questions than answers as to what happened. The Elk Grove Police Department is asking anyone with information about the crash to contact authorities at (916) 478-8148.

Car Accident Passenger Death Liability

When a passenger - any occupant of a vehicle other than the driver - is killed in a car accident, the family members of the victim may pursue a wrongful death claim for their loss against whoever is responsible. Damages available may include funeral and burial costs, anticipated lost earnings and benefits the decedent would have earned over the course of his lifetime, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking with a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer about the fatal Elk Grove car crash, and their legal rights and options to hold whoever is responsible for the crash financially accountable for their loss.

Continue reading "Elk Grove Man Killed in Crash on Calvine Road " »