California DUI Injury Lawyer Blog

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY - A 45-year-old Aptos man suffered major injuries when the Harley-Davidson motorcycle he was riding was struck by a suspected drunk driver, the Santa Cruz Sentinel reported. The May 13th crash was reported at about 4:20 p.m. on State Park Drive near the Highway 1 overpass. According to the news report, 73-year-old Roberta Coletti was driving a Nissan 350 Z southbound on State Park Drive when she made a left turn into the path of the oncoming Harley Davidson. The motorcyclist, who was not identified, suffered major head injuries and was flown to San Jose Regional Medical Center. Coletti was not hurt.

Cause of the Accident

Although the California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, the driver of the Nissan has been arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence. If news reports are accurate, the suspected drunk driver is likely responsible for causing this May 13th crash.

DUI Accident Personal Injury Liability

Accidents caused by drunk drivers are entirely preventable tragedies. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a conscious choice that puts everyone on the road at risk. In addition to criminal charges for drunk driving, the at-fault driver may also be financially liable for the victim's injuries in a DUI accident personal injury claim. Following an accident such as this one, the injured victim or his family members would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable California DUI motorcycle accident lawyer who can take the steps necessary to protect the victim's rights and recover maximum compensation for medical care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Major Injuries Reported in Suspected DUI Motorcycle Crash in Aptos " »

SAN DIEGO COUNTY - A devastating accident in Fallbrook left a Chula Vista man dead and five others injured, 10 News reports. The crash occurred at about 3:50 a.m. Sunday on southbound Interstate 15, just south of Mission Road. According to CHP Officer Jim Bettencourt, a 2000 Honda Civic driven by the 32-year-old Chula Vista man was traveling at a high rate of speed when for unknown reasons he veered to the left and struck the center divider.

Three backseat passengers in the Civic got out of the vehicle while the driver and his front seat passenger remained in the car. Moments after the crash, a southbound 1997 Isuzu Rodeo driven by a 51-year-old Redlands resident, broadsided the disabled Civic on the driver side door.

Following this horrific May 13th accident, the driver of the Civic was killed in the wreck. His front seat passenger and the driver of the Isuzu suffered major injuries. The three rear-seat passengers that were in the Civic were not seriously injured. Ground ambulance transported the victims to a hospital for further treatment.

Officers at the scene found alcohol containers near the wreck; however, the Medical Examiner's Office will determine whether or not the Civic driver was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Fallbrook DUI Accident Liability

After a serious injury accident such as this one, the injured victims or the family of the victims would be well-advised to speak to a Fallbrook personal injury lawyer regarding this possible DUI accident. If authorities conclude that the driver killed in the crash was driving while under the influence of alcohol, an experienced DUI accident attorney can ensure the victims' legal rights are protected and that they obtain the compensation they are entitled to. In the event where the person at fault was killed, an aggressive attorney can recover the maximum compensation through their insurance, if they have one, for hospital and medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Continue reading "One Killed, Five Injured in Alleged DUI Accident in Fallbrook" »

SONOMA COUNTY - An early Friday morning car crash on Bodega Highway near Freestone left one man with serious injuries. According to the Press Democrat, the driver of a 2010 Dodge pickup - Jeffrey Mark Jones, 39, of Healdsburg - told police officers that he swerved to avoid a deer on the road and lost control. As Jones could not maintain control of his vehicle, the pickup went into a ditch and hit a pole near Silala Lane at about 2:30 a.m.

The passenger in the pickup, Danny Willow, 35, of Santa Rosa, suffered major injuries and was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. No information has been released if Jones was injured. However, he was arrested after the crash on suspicion of felony drunken driving.

Following a serious injury accident like this one, the victim or family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable Sonoma County DUI accident lawyer. If alcohol is determined by police as the cause of this dreadful May 11th accident, the victim may be entitled to recover compensation for his injuries, hospital and medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Therefore, speaking to an attorney who has many years of experience in DUI passenger injury accidents, can ensure the victim's legal rights are protected by recovering the maximum compensation he is entitled to.

Continue reading "Passenger Injured in Suspected DUI Crash on Bodega Highway" »

LOS ANGELES COUNTY - One person was tragically killed following a four-vehicle accident on the eastbound 60 Freeway in Diamond Bar. According to San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the driver of a 2012 BMW - Sheng-Ting Shih, 32, of Walnut - rear-ended a 2001 Ford vehicle Sunday morning, which then caused it to hit the back of a 2011 Chevrolet and the side of a 2006 Toyota. The driver of the Ford, 23-year-old George Deirkarkourian of Diamond Bar, was killed in the wreck. A passenger in Shih's vehicle was transported to a hospital as a precaution. No other injuries were reported and Shih was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol after the incident.

Cause of the April 29th Car Crash

California Highway Patrol officers arrested the driver of the 2011 BMW on the speculation of driving while under the influence of alcohol. While there is official cause of the collision, if news reports are accurate, the accident may likely be due to drunk driving.

Diamond Bar Drunk Driving Accident Liability

In tragic situations such as this one, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a committed and compassionate Diamond Bar accident lawyer. An attorney who understands the complex legal issues regarding DUI wrongful death claims, can assist the victim's family in recovering the maximum compensation for the loss of their loved one, funeral and burial expenses, and any financial burdens this may have caused them. While it may seem unsuitable or ill timed to contact an attorney, it is vital to seek one immediately after the accident so evidence can be preserved and witness statements can be collected to ensure your legal rights are protected and justice is served.

Continue reading "One Killed in Suspected DUI Accident in Diamond Bar" »

TULARE COUNTY - Three people were killed and another moderately injured after they were involved in a possible DUI crash east of Porterville, Visalia Times-Delta reports. The horrific accident happened Thursday morning when a 27-year-old woman driving a 2003 Chevrolet Impala, failed to stop at a stop sign at Highway 190 and Road 284, and then struck a 2007 Toyota Tacoma. The female driver and two male passengers were killed in the wreck. Their names have not been released pending notification of family members. The driver of the pickup truck, Tommy Cato, 56, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a hospital for further treatment.

California Highway Patrol officers are investigating the fatal April 26th crash, but indicated alcohol was a factor.

UPDATE: According to updated information obtained from the Fresno Bee, the individuals killed in the accident has been identified as the driver, Misty Franco, 27, and her two passengers, 41-year-old Stanley Redday and 25-year-old Alexis Tovar.

Porterville DUI Accident Liability

Following a tragedy like this one, the family of the victims would be well-advised to consult with an caring Porterville wrongful death attorney. An experienced lawyer who understands the legal issues regarding alcohol-related incidents, can help the family recover the compensation they may be entitled to. While there is no amount of money that can change what happened or repair the pain and suffering the families of the victims are enduring, an attorney can ensure their legal rights of are protected and decide the best course of action in obtaining compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Suspected DUI Car Accident Kills Three in Porterville Area" »

SAN DIEGO COUNTY - A skateboarder was terribly injured after a car struck him early Friday morning. The car vs. pedestrian accident happened in Cardiff at about 12:45 a.m. when a Mitsubishi Lancer traveling north on South Coast Highway 101, just past Cardiff State Beach, hit the pedestrian riding a skateboard, San Diego Union Tribune reported.

Following the collision, the skateboarder, a 25-year-old man, was transported to a hospital with serious injuries. Law enforcement officials at the scene arrested 32-year-old driver Eric Larson on suspicion of felony drunken driving causing injury. His passenger, a female whose identity was not released, was injured in the crash and taken to a hospital. Her injuries or her condition is not known at this time.

Car vs. Pedestrian DUI Accident Liability

If the investigation confirms that the suspected drunk driver was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, the driver can be criminally charged and may be held financially liable for the horrible damages resulting from this April 20th accident. Therefore, following an accident such as this one, the injured victims or their families would be well-advised to speak to an experienced San Diego DUI accident lawyer. An attorney can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights in a personal injury claim, and ensure they recover the compensation they are entitled to.

Continue reading "Skateboarder Injured in Alleged DUI Accident in Cardiff" »

TULARE COUNTY - A dreadful solo-vehicle wreck in Visalia left a passenger majorly injured Monday afternoon. The Visalia Times-Delta indicated the driver of the Chevrolet Suburban, Angel Cisneros, 27, traveled into oncoming traffic on Caldwell Avenue west of Pink Street, lost control of the vehicle, and overturned several times. His passenger, 29-year-old Ruben Hernandez, was ejected from the vehicle where he suffered major injuries. Both Cisneros and Hernandez were taken to a hospital for treatment. Cisneros was later arrested and booked into Tulare County Jail on felony DUI charges.

When the use of alcohol is involved in car accident, serious injuries and death can be the result. If the driver in this April 16th accident was driving under the influence of alcohol, he can face criminal charges and may be held financially liable for his passenger's injuries. Therefore, following a serious injury accident such as this one, the victim or the victim's family members would be well-advised to seek a skilled Visalia personal injury lawyer. An attorney experienced in drunk driving accidents can advise the victim the best course of action in protecting his legal rights and obtaining the compensation he is entitled to for lost earnings, medical care costs, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Continue reading "Passenger Injured in Suspected Drunk Driving Crash in Visalia" »

SAN DIEGO COUNTY - A dreadful fiery crash on a San Diego freeway left two people injured early Saturday morning. According to CBS 8 News, the driver of a white BMW rear-ended a disabled red pickup truck on the shoulder of the southbound Interstate 805 at Highway 52 just after 12 a.m. The impact of the collision was so powerful, the truck's axle came off and the gas tank exploded. The driver of the truck, who was waiting for his son to pick him up prior to the crash, was pulled from his burning vehicle by the BMW driver.

Following the accident, the pickup driver was immediately taken to an area hospital with unspecified injuries. CHP officials administered DUI tests on the BMW driver, however, the driver failed the tests. The driver was taken to a hospital for treatment of head and facial injuries, and is also facing possible DUI charges.

San Diego Drunk Driving Accident Liability

Regardless of what prompted this collision, there is no reason to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. According to 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."

After a horrible accident such as this one on April 14th, the victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego drunk driving accident lawyer. A skilled attorney can help the victim understand and protect his legal rights in a personal injury claim, and ensure he recovers the compensation he is owed for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Continue reading "Two Injured in Suspected San Diego DUI Accident on Interstate 805" »

ORANGE COUNTY -- Officers, paramedics, and fire crews responded to a terrible three-car collision in Huntington Beach that left two people injured Friday evening, The Orange County Register reports. The accident was reported just after 6:30 p.m. on southbound Pacific Coast Highway between Warner Avenue and Seapoint Street.

According to witness statements, a vehicle was traveling south on Pacific Coast Highway at a high rate of speed when it struck the center median, and then caused a second vehicle to overturn. Two people in the overturned vehicle were taken to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach with unspecified injuries. The driver of the speeding vehicle was arrested by police on suspicion of driving under the influence. The identities of the individuals involved in the crash were not immediately released.

Cause of the Pacific Coast Highway Car Accident

Although the cause of this April 13th rollover car crash has not been officially determined by authorities, it appears based the information provided by The Orange County Register that the driver of the speeding vehicle may be at fault for the collision due to driving at a high rate of speed and the possibility of driving under the influence.

Personal Injury Liability for Drunk Driving Accidents

Auto accidents that involved the use of alcohol or drugs can result to criminal charges for the person who chooses to drive intoxicated, as well as being held financially liable for any injuries the victims sustained, their lost wages, medical care expenses, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Therefore, after an accident such as this one, the victims or the family members of the victims would be well-advised to speak to an experienced attorney regarding their rights in a personal injury claim. If the victims or their families intend to pursue a civil claim, a skilled Orange County DUI accident victim lawyer at Estey Bomberger can advise the victims of their legal rights and best course of action in recovering the compensation they are entitled to.

Continue reading "Suspected DUI Rollover Crash Injures Two in Huntington Beach" »

ORANGE COUNTY - A 32-year-old woman was tragically struck and killed by a motorist in Garden Grove, The Orange County Register reported. The fatal collision happened at 8:48 p.m. Thursday, when a sport utility vehicle traveling west on Chapman Avenue hit the woman riding a scooter on the eastbound lane.

Police officials investigating the accident believe the driver of the SUV attempted to turn left in front the woman operating the scooter on Pioneer Drive. Officials say the SUV driver, 43-year-old Steven Newcomer of Santa Ana, then drove away from the scene, but was found a short time later inside a gated community not to far from the wreck.

The woman, whose name was not released pending notification of family, was taken to a nearby hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. According to the Daily Breeze, Newcomer, who had signs of intoxication was arrested and booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, felony DUI, and vehicular manslaughter.

UPDATE: The Orange County Coroner's Office identified the woman killed in this horrible crash as Kimberly Krause of Garden Grove.

Cause of the Garden Grove Accident

Based on numerous news sources, it is not exactly clear how the crash occurred. Therefore, while authorities are trying to determine the cause of this accident on April 12th, they are asking anyone with information about the incident or who witnessed the crash to call Garden Grove police investigator Jason Perkins at (714) 741-5823.

Wrongful Death Liability for Garden Grove DUI Accidents

When the intoxication of alcohol and/or drugs play a role in an accident, the results can be catastrophic and devastating for anyone involved, including the individuals' family. Serious injuries and death can be the outcome of an accident when a person chooses to drive drunk. Thus, after a fatal accident such as this one, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a Garden Grove personal injury attorney regarding their legal rights in a wrongful claim. A compassionate lawyer who has handled DUI accidents in the Orange County area, can ensure the family's rights are protected, and hold the responsible party civilly and financially liable for their tragic and unexpected loss of their loved one.

Continue reading "Alleged DUI Crash in Garden Grove Kills Woman on Motor Scooter" »

RIVERSIDE COUNTY -- A devastating suspected drunk driving accident hospitalized a 74-year-old pedestrian Thursday afternoon. According to The Press-Enterprise, the April 12th incident happened about 2:46 p.m. at East Main Street and San Jacinto Avenue, when a Nissan Sentra struck a female pedestrian. The woman was then taken to a hospital with unspecified injuries. The driver of the Nissan - 65-year-old Christine Ann Peck - was arrested at the scene and booked on suspicion of drunken driving resulting in injury.

Cause of the Car vs. Pedestrian Accident

This horrible pedestrian accident in San Jacinto remains under investigation by authorities. However, if the information provided by The Press-Enterprise is accurate, the driver of the Nissan may be at fault for the collision due to the suspicion of drunken driving.

Riverside County Drunk Driving Accident Injury Liability

During the investigating of an accident like this one, the victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to seek an experienced Riverside County drunk driving accident lawyer. If the police officials conclude the accident was officially caused by drunk driving, the victim may be entitled to compensation for her injuries, medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Therefore, contacting an attorney when pursuing a personal injury claim is vital as the attorney can ensure the victim's legal rights are protected and justice is served.

Continue reading "Woman Injured in Suspected DUI San Jacinto Pedestrian Accident" »

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY - A suspected drunk driving crash in Colton early Wednesday morning left two people seriously injured, including one person with a broken neck. According to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the accident was reported to the CHP at 1:35 a.m. on April 11th, on the eastbound 10 Freeway east of Pepper Avenue. The driver reportedly veered into a freeway construction zone and collided with a parked Caltrans work truck. Fortunately there were no occupants inside the parked truck, and no Caltrans workers were hurt. Both the suspected drunk driver and a passenger were taken to an area hospital. The driver, who wasn't identified, was arrested.

DUI Accident Passenger Injury Liability

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a reckless and dangerous choice that puts everyone on the road at risk, especially passengers. In addition to criminal charges for driving while impaired, drunk drivers may also be financially responsible for their passengers injuries, including medical care costs, lost earnings due to being unable to work, and pain and suffering. Following a serious injury accident such as this April 11th crash on the 10 Freeway, the injured victim or their family members would be well-advised to contact an experienced Colton personal injury lawyer. An attorney who has represented numerous victims of drunk driving accidents can advise the best course of action to protect the victim's rights and recover the maximum possible compensation in a personal injury insurance claim.

Continue reading "Major Injuries Reported in Suspected DUI Crash in Colton" »

SAN DIEGO COUNTY - According to CBS 8 News, a 72-year-old woman in was tragically struck and injured by car in the North Park area of San Diego. The 6:30 p.m. injury accident happened Monday in an apartment complex underground parking lot located on Georgia Street near University Avenue, when the driver of a Corvette backed into the female pedestrian. The woman, who had been trying to access her storage unit, sustained a broken leg, San Diego Union Tribune reported. The driver, whose name was not available, was arrested and booked into county jail on suspicion of felony driving under the influence.

Cause of the San Diego Pedestrian Accident

The North Park area accident remains under investigation by the San Diego Police Department. However, if the information obtained from news reports is accurate, the driver may be at fault for the suspicion of driving under the influence. Therefore, it is clear the pedestrian had to way to avoid this accident.

San Diego DUI Injury Accident Liability

Accidents involving the intoxication of drugs or alcohol, or both, are absolutely inexcusable. Situations such as this one on April 9th are avoidable and preventable, and the choice of choosing to get behind of the vehicle with under the influence, can lead to harm being inflicted upon another individual other than himself or herself.

Therefore, after an accident like this one, the victim or family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a San Diego personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney who has handled DUI accidents, can advise the victim of her legal rights and best course of action in recovering the compensation she is entitled for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Woman Injured in Alleged San Diego DUI Accident" »

TULARE COUNTY - A devastating collision in the Pixley area left a young toddler dead Sunday. The car vs. pedestrian accident occurred at 6:25 p.m. as 18-month-old Daniel Saldana Salazar of Orosi, was walking northbound across Avenue 80, west of Road 126, and then struck by a Chevrolet Impala, Visalia Times-Delta reported.

Following the accident, the vehicle fled the scene before medics or law enforcement arrived. The toddler sustained fatal injuries in the incident, although it is uncertain if the he died at the scene or at a local hospital. According to the Fresno Bee, CHP officials believe alcohol may have been a factor in the incident, yet it has not been officially determined.

Cause of the Pixley Pedestrian Accident

Based on the limited information provided by the Fresno Bee and the Visalia Times-Delta, it is not clear why this crash happened. But, regardless of why this horrendous accident happened, there is absolutely no reason to flee the scene of an 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."

Liability for DUI Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents

While the California Highway Patrol is investigating this April 8th accident, the family of the child would be well-advised to speak to a skilled Tulare County accident lawyer. An attorney who is caring and understanding during tragic situations like this one, can aid authorities in locating the driver involved, protect the family's legal rights in a pedestrian accident wrongful death claim, and ensure they recover the maximum compensation for the loss of their beloved family member.

Continue reading "Suspected DUI Pixley Hit-and-Run Collision Fatally Injures Toddler" »

LOS ANGELES COUNTY - A freeway worker was hit and killed by a suspected drunken driver in Baldwin Park, The Press-Enterprise reported. The dreadful incident happened around 11:35 p.m. Wednesday on the westbound 10 at Francisquito Avenue, when 37-year-old Sakamoto Tatsuhiko of Arcadia, drove with his Toyota RAV4 through highway construction barricades and struck Connor McDermott Penhall, 21, of Corona, tossing him 50 to 75 feet.

According to KTLA News, Penhall, who was the son of motorcycle speedway racing legend and actor Bruce Penhall, was doing contract work for Caltrans. Penhall tragically died on impact, and Tatsuhiko was arrested and booked at the Industry Sheriff's Station on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

Cause of the I-10 Pedestrian Accident

If the information provided by multiple news sources is accurate, the driver of the Toyota may be at fault for the fatal car vs. pedestrian accident due to negligence and the suspicion of driving under the influence.

Fatal DUI Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In a devastating accident such as this one on the night of April 4th, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a compassionate and caring Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer. An experienced attorney who has handled fatal DUI accidents can ensure the family's legal rights are protected and hold the person responsible civilly and financially liable for the irreparable damages including the tragic and unexpected loss of loved one, funeral and burial, lost wages and earnings, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Suspected DUI Crash in Baldwin Park Kills Freeway Worker" »