Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY - CBS Sacramento News reported that an 85-year-old man died several hours later after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Stockton. The accident happened after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday when the elderly pedestrian was hit by unidentified vehicle while he was walking near his home on Benjamin Holt Drive and El Dorado Street. After the collision, the victim's family heard the crash and rushed to help him. The pedestrian was taken to a hospital where he later died due to his injuries.

The driver involved in the accident fled before authorities arrived. However, just after 10:30 p.m., a vehicle with front-end damage, a flat tire, and a deployed airbag was seen driving through the scene of the accident. The driver then sped off as police officers pursued the vehicle. The female driver was detained, but no reports have been confirmed if the car was in fact involved in the hit-and-run or if the woman was arrested.

Stockton Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident Liability

There is absolutely no excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident, especially when harm is inflicted upon another person. 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."

While the accident remains under investigation, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a Northern California pedestrian accident wrongful death lawyer. A skilled attorney who has handled fatal hit-and-run accidents, can protect the family's rights, aid authorities in locating or determining the driver involved, and ensure they recover the maximum compensation for their devastating loss. Compensation can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Elderly Man Killed in Stockton Hit-and-Run" »

NEVADA COUNTY - A horrific work-related accident occurred Thursday morning when a man was killed by a wood-chipper in Nevada City. The accident happened on the 10000 block of Indian Shack Road when 50-year-old Martin Lara of Applegate, was tangled in something that was caught in the wood chipper and then entangled around his neck and decapitated him, KCRA News reported.

Lara was under the employment of a company called Bushwackers, which was then hired to clear brush from a rural home outside Nevada City. Crew members at the incident heard Lara scream, but it was too late to assist him. Lara was reported to have died at the scene of this horrendous accident.

Liability for Fatal Machinery Accident in Nevada City

Based on the information provided by news reports, it is not immediately clear whether the cause of this accident was due to a malfunction in the equipment. However, if authorities come to a conclusion there was a machinery malfunction, the entity in which the victim is under the supervision could be held accountable for his death, as they are obligated and responsible for providing safe and functioning equipment.

Therefore, in a fatal accident like this one, it would be well-advised for the family of the victim to speak to a Nevada County accident lawyer. An experienced attorney who is knowledgeable in machinery accidents can help family members understand their legal rights, ensure those rights are protected in a wrongful death claim, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for their tragic loss.

Continue reading "Worker Killed in Nevada City Wood Chipper Accident" »

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" »

ALAMEDA COUNTY -- A 40-year-old man in a wheelchair was struck and killed by a van while crossing the street in Hayward, San Francisco Chronicle reported. The accident happened at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, when David Gomez, of Hayward, was hit by a white Ford Econoline while attempting to cross at a crosswalk at Patrick Avenue and Gomer Street. Following the accident, the driver of the van stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the police.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident in Hayward

The accident on December 10th remains under investigation by police officials. However, based on the information provided by news reports, it remains to be certain what caused this accident to occur. Hopefully, authorities will come to a conclusion as to what happened and why.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

While the investigation of the accident remains ongoing, the family of the victim would be well-advise to consult with a knowledgeable Northern California wrongful death lawyer to discuss their legal rights. If the family decides to take action in a civil suit, an attorney who has the experience in pedestrian accidents can ensure the family's rights are protected, determine whether negligent or reckless driving was a factor in the collision, and decide the best course of action to recover the compensation they are entitled to for the loss of their loved one, including funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this tragic pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Man in Wheelchair Struck and Killed by Van in Hayward" »

Often in a personal injury case, if you are the victim, you would think that you have to take action, but this is not the case. In almost every situation, the other party's insurer will call you before you even have time to think about the case or whether or not you have a claim to file. In some ways, this is good because it immediately gets the ball rolling on you getting compensated for your injury. It can also be bad in that you most likely did not even have time to contact your lawyer, so you will have to field the telephone call without legal advice. How should you handle it when the other party's insurer calls you?

Here are some tips on making the best of that telephone call so that it will not harm or hinder your personal injury claim later down the road.

Do not get too detailed in the information you provide. The insurance representative will ask you quite a few questions, but you do not need to get into the details until you have had time to talk to your lawyer. Instead, provide the basics, like your name, address and telephone number. It is also ok to tell them where you work and the type of work that you do. When the insurance company starts asking you about the accident and your injuries, it is absolutely vital that that you do not go into any details.

You should never give out details about the accident or injury without talking to your lawyer. This is for very simple reasons. Chances are, when you talk to the insurance company, you will still be upset, angry or rattled by the incident. You may not remember all of the details or you may later find out your injuries are more extensive. However, the insurance company could use anything you say against you and this could hinder your case later. When asked, simply say that the details will be discussed at a later point and time when it is appropriate.

Always remain polite and calm. You may think about the injury and you may become angry while on the telephone, but you will not want to do this. You may say things that could later hurt your case, or you could make an enemy when you need a friend to get the case settled more quickly. If you receive that insurance call before you have talked to a lawyer, follow this simple advice, and you will be able to handle it with ease.

If you have been injured in a car accident and would like to know more about your rights to receive compensation for your medical care and pain and suffering, contact the California car accident lawyers at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

Continue reading "Car Accident FAQ: What to Do When the Other Side's Insurer Calls You" »

SONOMA COUNTY -- A 49-year-old male bicyclist was tragically struck by a car in Santa Rosa on Monday, ABC 7 News reported. The accident was reported around 6:45 p.m. when police officials found the bicyclist, Frank Moreno, lying on the southbound lanes of Fulton Road, just south of Chatham Drive. According to the Santa Rosa police, the first motorist who hit Moreno stopped at the scene, but a second vehicle may have also be involved in the collision. Following this tragic accident, Moreno was reported to have died at the scene at 6:54 p.m.

Cause of the November 28th Santa Rosa Bicycle Accident

Based on the information provided by ABC 7 News, it is not evident what could have caused this crash and who may be at fault. And if a second vehicle was involved in the collision, it is not clear why the driver of that vehicle did not stop and stay at the scene until the proper authorities arrive. However, regardless whose fault it may be, there is never an excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident. According to 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."

Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

While the bicycle accident on Fulton Road remains under investigation by the Santa Rosa Police Department, it would be advisable for the family of the victim to seek an experienced Northern California bicycle accident lawyer at the law firm of Estey Bomberger. Understanding and compassionate attorney Mike Bomberger who is also an avid cylist, can advise the family of their legal rights, determine who may be responsible for the loss of their loved one, help police in efforts locate the second driver, and decide the best option in obtaining the maximum compensation in a wrongful death claim. Compensation can include, funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship, or other damages. Anyone who has witnessed this accident or has any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Santa Rosa police Officer Mike Mieger at (707)543-3636.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Tragically Struck and Killed by Car in Santa Rosa " »

SANTA CLARA COUNTY -- According to Mercury News, a 79-year-old man and his 2-year-old grandson were seriously struck by a car in Santa Clara on Friday. The accident was reported at about 6:30 p.m. in the 900 block of Teal Drive, when a Chevrolet van driven by a 45-year-old Santa Clara woman struck the man, Rui Lin, and his grandchild while they were attempting to cross the street. Both Lin and the young boy sustained major injuries and were transported to a hospital. Updated reports indicated that Lin later died due to his injuries.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident in Santa Clara

The accident on November 18th remains under investigation by the Santa Clara Police Department. However, based on the information provided by news reports, it is unclear as whether distracted driving, negligent or reckless actions of the driver, road conditions, vehicle malfunctions, and even alcohol or drugs played a factor in the crash. Hopefully, police officials can determine what happened and who is ultimately responsible for this horrific accident.

Pedestrian Accident Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

Accidents involving pedestrians and automobiles can have tragic results. The pedestrians, especially the elderly and children, are highly susceptible to serious injuries and death after being struck by a vehicle. Following a pedestrian accident such as this one, family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact an understanding and compassionate lawyer at Estey Bomberger. A skilled attorney can advise the family of their legal rights in personal injury or wrongful death claim, and help the family hold the responsible party or parties financially liable for their unexpected loss and the child's injuries. Compensation in a civil claim can include medical care expenses, funeral and burial expenses, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Man Tragically Killed, Boy Severely Injured in Santa Clara Pedestrian Accident" »

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 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" »

FRESNO COUNTY -- A man and his dog was seriously hit by a vehicle in the city of Clovis on Monday night, Fresno Bee reported. The man, Dennis Costello, 63, of Clovis, was walking his dog near Fowler and Shepherd avenues around 8 p.m. at a crosswalk that has embedded lights. As Costello was attempting to cross the street, both him and his dog was severely struck by a vehicle. According to Clovis police spokeswoman Janet Stoll-Lee, the driver apparently did not see the pedestrian and his dog or the crosswalk lights, before crashing into him. Following this devastating accident, Costello was reported to have died at the scene, and his dog was transported to emergency pet hospital to treat a broken leg.

Cause of the Clovis Pedestrian Accident

Based on the limited information provided by the Fresno Bee, it is not known what caused the driver to have struck the pedestrian. Therefore, police officials investigating the collision will certainly look at numerous factors that include, distracted driving, the speed of the vehicle at the time of accident, road conditions, and/or negligent and reckless actions of the driver.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In a fatal pedestrian accident such as this one on October 24th, the family of the victim would be well-advised to immediately contact a Fresno pedestrian accident lawyer. An experienced attorney who has handled wrongful death claims can ensure the family's legal rights are protected, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to for funeral/burial costs, future anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Hit and Killed by Car in Clovis" »

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY -- A 9-year-old girl was tragically struck and killed by a van in Stockton, KCRA News reported. The girl, Julianna Radilla, was attempting to cross the street on her motorbike at the intersection of East Main Street and Dawes Avenue on Thursday afternoon when a Chevrolet Astro severely hit her. The impact of the collision caused the girl and the motorbike to catch fire. Following the accident, Radilla was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center where she later died due to her injuries.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident in Stockton

Based on the limited information provided by KCRA News, it is unclear how and why this collision occurred. Thus, it is impossible to determine who is at fault for the accident. Authorities investigating the collision will certainly continue to monitor this devastating incident and determine who is ultimately responsible.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Pedestrian accidents involving children and automobiles can result to catastrophic injuries and death. Therefore, while accident remains under investigation, the family of the child would be well-advised to speak to a Northern California wrongful death lawyer. A skilled attorney who has the expertise in pedestrian accidents such as this one, can advise the family of their legal rights, and if necessary, hire a private investigator to reconstruct the accident to determine who is officially responsible. The attorney can also help the family recover the maximum compensation they are entitled for funeral/burial costs, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship, and other damages in this tragic October 20th pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Girl Severely Struck and Killed by Car in Stockton" »

HUMBOLDT COUNTY -- A male pedestrian, whose name was not released, was tragically struck and killed by a car in Hoopa, Times-Standard reports. The pedestrian accident occurred between 1 and 3 p.m. Wednesday on Pine Creek Road just north of Huckleberry Lane when a white pickup truck hit the man and then fled the scene. Details about the accident were not immediately available. However, the CHP are seeking information from anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this fatal hit-and-run incident.

Cause of the Hoopa Hit-And-Run Pedestrian Accident

The accident on October 19th remains under investigation by authorities. However, based on the limited information provided by the Times-Standard, it is not clear why the driver of the pickup failed to stop and remain at the scene of the accident. 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."

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In a fatal pedestrian accident such as this one, family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact an experienced Northern California wrongful death lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney who has handled pedestrian accidents, can help the family in efforts to locate the driver responsible, protect their legal rights to hold the driver (if found) financially liable, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for funeral/burial costs, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship. But, as it can be difficult to locate the driver who flees from the scene of an accident and in some cases, the driver is never found, the family can look into his insurance policy for financial compensation.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Tragically Killed by Car in Hoopa Hit-And-Run Accident" »