Defenders of Justice

Personal Injury lawyer Dies in Crash

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:39:00 +0000

John O'Quinn, a prominent lawyer who handles personal injury cases in Texas, died after a solo car accident.

O’Quinn died with his driver as the Sports Utility Vehicle they were on crashed onto a tree. Police are yet to release statement as to what might have caused the accident.

Car crashes are almost inevitable as a person has no control over the actions of other motorists around them. But in O’Quinn’s case, the accident could have been prevented only if the driver was cautious enough.

However, product malfunction can also cause single vehicle collisions. In cases of product liability, the manufacturer of the defective product will compensate for the wrongful deaths of the deceased.

Two People Injured after Two-Vehicle Accident Involving an Overturned Car

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:19:00 +0000

Many accidents happen along intersections because drivers fail to notice approaching vehicles. If an accident does happen, it often causes both property and physical damage to the people involved.

True enough, another vehicle accident that occurred at the intersection of Orangewood Avenue and Magnolia Street left two people suffering from injuries.

A blue Toyota Corolla reportedly collided with a silver Chrysler 300. It then overturned, crashing into a gutter of Orangewood’s westbound side.

The Chrysler stooped about 50 feet down the street.

According to authorities, the two people suffering from moderate and minor injuries were brought to a hospital.

The initial report revealed that a child was extracted from the overturned vehicle and another person was trapped inside. The child was unharmed in the accident.

Drivers should be extremely careful when passing an intersection where vehicles may approach them from different directions. Doing this can prevent accidents from happening, thus avoiding injuries and property damages.

Fiery Crash Caused by Big Rig; Blocked Traffic

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:46:00 +0000

A crash on I-5 blocked the traffic for several hours as authorities extinguish the big rig that had caught fire after it collided on a center divider in Burbank.

According to reports, the incident involved at least five other vehicles and one motorist was trapped for a short period of time as another sustained minor injuries.

If the big rig driver is found guilty of negligence, he is likely to be held accountable for the compensatory damages that victims of the accident must receive.

In case the fire accident could have been partly caused by the rig’s defects, victims can sue the product manufacturer as well so as to claim compensation for their damages.

Two Pilots Suspended when Plane Overshoots Airport

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:02:00 +0000

Pilots are required to exert extra care in doing their job because lives may be taken if their negligence caused the vehicle to crash. When planes are already moving in the air, even sudden simple mistakes can cause the vehicle to smash onto the water or ground.

Federal officials are investigating an incident involving a Northwest Airlines jet that overshot the Minneapolis airport by about 150 miles before its crew members realized their error and went back.

Authorities are trying to find out if pilot fatigue was the cause of the accident.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the jet landed safely and none of the crew or the passengers was injured. Northwest’s parent, Delta Airlines Inc. reported that the plane was carrying five crew members and 144 passengers.

NTSB stated that Northwest flight 188, which is an Airbus A320, was traveling from San Diego to Minneapolis. The plane failed to maintain radio communication with controllers when it was at about 37,000 feet. It flew over the airport and overshot it by about 150 miles before contact was re-established.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane’s crew informed authorities that they were distracted during a heated discussion regarding airline policy and lost track of their location.

However, NTSB stated that they agency will assess if fatigue played a part in what happened.

Delta also announced that the two pilots involved were suspended from flying while an internal investigation is ongoing.

Luckily no one died in the accident even though the pilots overshot the airport. The law should impose harsher punishments regarding these accidents so that public vehicle operators will never forget that is their duty to secure the safety of their passengers.

Car Crashes into a Home in Simi Valley, Injures Mother and Narrowly Misses Baby

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:20:00 +0000

A nine-week old baby narrowly missed injury and death while her mom broke her leg after a car plowed through their house in Simi Valley.

According to reports, the car crashed, rolled over and slid into the house.

The mother and child were brought to the hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.

The cause of the crash was not clear but the police ruled out alcohol and drugs as factors for the car accident.

Obviously, the mother can file a personal injury and property damage lawsuit against the driver of the car.

Unless there are other contributory factors in the accident (like another car, a road defect or debris, or a car defect) the driver will most likely be found liable for the injuries.

It does not matter if the driver did not mean to crash into the house; personal injury and property damage lawsuits are not criminal charges but civil lawsuits.

The main point is that if proven that he caused a car accident that caused injury and damages; he and his insurance company should compensate the victims.

The police and the prosecutors will decide whether criminal charges should be filed against the driver.

Then again, it will all depend upon the results of the investigation.

Rollover Involves Lexus SUV

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:15:00 +0000

A recent vehicle accident in Huntington Beach involved a black Lexus SUV in a rollover resulting in damages to two other vehicles, a Ford Expedition and a Honda Odyssey.

The accident caused injuries to the driver of the Honda van and the driver of the SUV.

Authorities are yet to determine the cause of the accident but if it is proven that either of the drivers caused the accident, they are likely to be charged with negligence resulting to bodily injuries.

If proven guilty, the negligent party will have to pay compensatory damages to other victims who incurred physical injuries or whose property has been damaged.

[Blog Action Day] Reduced carbon dioxide emission to lessen effects climate change

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:28:00 +0000

Cars are one of the major contributors of carbon dioxide emission. In fact, personal vehicles in United States alone emit 314 million metric tons of carbon dioxide which can fill a coal train 55,000 miles long and encircle the earth twice.

Carbon dioxide is one of the gases that enhance greenhouse effect making the earth warmer. Scientists believed that the global warming the world is experiencing now is due to the enhancement of the greenhouse effect. If carbon dioxide reaches the predicted level of 600 parts per million, the globe will warm up by 1.5 - 4.5° Celsius by year 2050.

Studies revealed that the tree leading car manufacturers General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler emit a total of 72 percent of carbon dioxide emission or 230 million metric tons.

To minimize carbon dioxide emission, car manufacturers come up with environmental friendly cars such as hybrid or electric cars. These cars have great fuel efficiency and performance specifications.

Toyota, for instance, conducted its own study where it revealed that 28 percent of its carbon dioxide emission occurs during its manufacturing stage. Hence, when it manufactured its Toyota Camry, it reduced a 5 percent of its assembly-related emission.

The reduction caused by hybrid cars may be little compared to the total destruction that continuously beset the earth but little things if taken together can make a great difference.

Reduced global warming effect means better weather conditions which may prevent thousands of potential car accidents and weather-related disasters. The chilling effect that an improved climate may bring will benefit the human race in the long run.

School Bus Driver Scoops Lost Boy from Traffic

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:44:00 +0000

Sometimes the chances to be a hero stares you right in the face and still not see it.

That is exactly what ten or so drivers did when they drove past a lost 4-year-old boy wandering on Beach Boulevard traffic and ignored what they saw.

However most of them did not see a lost kid, they just saw a little boy who was blocking traffic.

It took a school bus driver to realize the danger the boy was in and finally scooped him up to safety.

Valerie Flanagan, who has been a bus driver for 23 years, noticed the traffic moving slowly near Beach Boulevard and Westminster Avenue with the cars in front swerving in the street.

She assumed that there might be a dog stuck on the road but was surprised to see a small boy wandering in the far right lane of the six lane road.

Flanagan stopped, parked her bus and put her hazards on amid the annoying horns of the vehicles behind her.

She then went out of the bus knelt down and coaxed the boy to come to her for fear that if she comes too close the boy might run off.

The boy went to the driver and she picked him up. He tucked his head on her shoulder as Flanagan brought her inside the bus.

Flanagan said that there were no adults near the boy.

The police then received a 911 call reporting that the bus driver had the boy, and after 10 minutes a mother called to report a missing child, said Westminster police Sgt Dan Schoonmaker.

Within minutes everyone was reunited in a happy ending that could have ended otherwise.

Flanagan was outraged that none of the vehicles before her stopped to get the boy and said that she does not want to get credit for what everyone should be doing.

But we all know that she should get recognition. Had Flanagan ignored the child, who knows what could have happened to him.

It could have ended in a car accident where a lost boy ends up being seriously injured or worse.

A mother could be grieving for her little boy right now.

Although there was no accident, it is our duty to stop and provide assistance to those who are in need. This is not only our duty to the law but also a moral obligation as a human being.

Toyota Apologizes for Floor Mat Related Accidents

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:26:00 +0000

In a surprising move, Toyota’s president Akio Toyoda apologized after his company announced its largest recall in the United States over floor mats that could jam the accelerator.

Last week, the automotive giant has announced that it will recall 3.8 million vehicles in the US, warning Toyota and Lexus vehicles about possible dangers related to the removable floor mats that could cause accelerators to get stuck and lead to a crash, serious injury or death.

These moves came following the death of a CHP officer and his family in the Santee fatal car accident and the settlement of a case where Toyota was the primary defendant in a wrongful death lawsuit for the death of 39-year old Troy Johnson after his Honda was hit by an out of control Toyota Camry.

The lawyers of the family of Troy Johnson said that the CHP and Toyota tried to put the blame on the Camry driver Guadalupe Gomez but the investigations show that fabric pieces were found to have jammed the accelerator.

The NHTSA also said that it has already received about 102 incidents where the accelerator got jammed in a Toyota vehicle.

All these incidents prompted the unusual apology from Toyoda that shocked reporters in Tokyo.

"Four precious lives have been lost. I offer my deepest condolences," Toyoda said. "Customers bought our cars because they thought they were the safest. But now we have given them cause for grave concern. I can't begin to express my remorse."

This apology signifies the initiative of Toyota to settle the issue with the family of the CHP officer that died after the Santee crash and move on from the incident as soon as possible.

If they have already filed a wrongful death, they may expect a generous settlement from the camp of Toyota.

The product recall was announced to make sure that no more related incidents happen while they are working to repair their damaged reputation.

Toyota is aiming to deflate public concerns as much as possible by apologizing and quickly concluding their position on the issue.

City Sued for Death of Bankruptcy Lawyer

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:29:00 +0000

The death of an 83-year-old attorney last April is now the subject of a lawsuit to be filed against the city responsible for maintaining the grass in Newport Beach where the man fell on his scooter because of a patch.

According to the claims filed by Sharon Neben Fogg, Marvin Neben was reportedly coming down from a ramp installed in his scooter when its wheels went into a hole which caused the scooter to tumble over and injure Neben. He died ten days later.

Neben’s death certificate indicates that the cause of death is coronary artery disease.

In cases like this, the family of the victim can file claims caused by the negligence of the city that should be making sure that public properties are safe for everybody’s use.

If proven negligent, the accused will have to pay compensatory damages that will somehow alleviate the pain and suffering of the victims or his beneficiaries.

Arizona Officer Drowns, Dies

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:42:00 +0000

Daniel Forchione, a 15-year-veteran of the University of Arizona Police Department drowned while he was on a vacation with his family in San Diego.

The 46-year-old officer was reportedly an experienced diver who went out with two other divers whom he later got separated with. Initial investigations show that he took off his oxygen tank but was still wearing weights and that he may have panicked.

This unfortunate accident left his wife and 8-month-old daughter with tremendous grief and so, the risk in diving should be taken seriously by everyone.

To avoid these drowning accidents, one must be briefed with all possible scenarios and the ways in which he could resolve them.

Speeding Driver Speeds off before Killing Santee Woman

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:16:00 +0000

Before crashing into a blue Ford explorer driven by a 57-year-old Santee woman, a 17-year-old speeding driver was involved in a hit and run accident.

Tanya Chase was pulling her Chevrolet Cavalier out of the driveway when the same speeding driver rear ended her car. Due to the impact, the Cavalier was forced off the road, crashed into three utility boxes before it slammed through a fence and ended up back on the road. Chase was able to get the car’s license plate while another driver followed the speeding car.

The speeding driver left off and proceeded to I-8 and north on state Route 125 where the fatal collision between the blue Ford explorer driven by Pamela Sue Marabeas happened.

Authorities confirmed that the truck involved in the hit and run was the same truck involved in Santee’s collision.

Authorities have yet to reveal whether drugs or alcohol attended the fatal crash.

The speeding driver had pile of charges against her. Not only she was liable for hit and run but also for a wrongful death case not to mention the property damage caused by her recklessness. On her part, she has to hire an experience car accident attorney to lessen, if the consequences allow, her charges.

Couple Causes Fire; Man Still Sought

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:33:00 +0000

At least two vehicles were burned in an apartment complex in University City after a couple allegedly applied flammable liquids on one of the parked vehicles and started a fire.

The 21-year-old Diana Louise Dypvik from San Diego later turned herself in while her accomplice, 29-year-old Derek N. Jones’ whereabouts is still unknown. She is charged with two counts of arson.

Police are yet to find out the reason behind the arson.

Surveillance footage showed Dypvik driving Jones’ car at around 5 a.m. in the parking lot where they intentionally started a fire on one of the parked vehicles.

Authorities quickly responded to the incident and so burn injuries were prevented.

Aside from the vehicles, there are also damaged properties such as the overhanging equipments and other fixings in the apartment complex. If proven guilty, these two will face criminal charges and will compensate for the damages of all properties.

Plane Crash Injures Four

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:27:00 +0000

Plane accidents always result in serious injuries, if not death. This is because escape is hard, if not impossible, when a victim is suspended miles above the ground.

During the Labor Day weekend, Los Gatos resident Karen Trolan flew to Truckee to celebrate the holiday. Trolan was at the controls of a single Cessna-plane. The passengers included Trolan’s husband Steve, daughter Lindsay and family friend Marilyn Mitchell.

Trolan’s group was leaving Truckee Tahoe Airport when the plane failed to gain some elevation, nosedived into the dirt before flipping over and coming to a stop. The Placer County Sheriff's Office reported that the crash site was between Martis Creek Dam Road and Highway 267, approximately 20 yards from the airport runway.

Truckee fire and police personnel were the first to arrive at the crash scene to free the passengers who were trapped inside the plane. The rescuers managed to get them out of the plane before the leaking fuel could turn into fire.

Among the four, Trolan suffered the most serious injuries. She was flown to Renown Regional for treatment.

The Federal Aviation Administration was investigating the crash. In fact, the wreckage was already taken to Sacramento for in depth study. The National Transportation Safety Board investigator Josh Cawthra, stated that they were looking into mechanical and safety issues of the plane.

If after investigation, authorities found out that mechanical issues caused the plane to crash, a product liability case may be pursued against the manufacturer. A personal injury lawyer can help the victims in their compensation claims.

Accidents Kids have to Endure

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:38:00 +0000

Due to their tender age, children are susceptible to various forms of dangers. Oftentimes, they become the object of other people’s negligence.

In San Diego County, approximately 25 children below 15 years old die annually due to unintentional injuries. Drowning accidents, motor accidents and falls are some of the causes of their deaths.

The study undertaken by San Diego County's Health and Human Services Agency and Safe Kids San Diego highlighted deaths and injuries among children. Their objective is to send message to officials regarding safety and injury-prevention efforts in the community. Their study showed that unintentional injuries are the number one cause of death among children 1 to 4 years old.

According to Beth Moran, coordinator of Safer Kids in San Diego, although child restraint laws and helmet laws helped reduce the number of accidents, drowning has yet to be dealt with as it remained the major concern in Orange County. In fact, in the month of July alone, 30 near-drowning incidents happened.

The report also listed suffocation and choking as the leading cause of death for infants. Statistics showed that 18 children younger than one died from suffocation, with 12 of those suffocations happened while in bed.

For ages 5 to 14, car accidents were the leading cause of death.

Following these disturbing statistics, Moran encouraged parents to teach their children to learn how to swim early. She also urged parents to properly supervise their children whenever they are near water to prevent drowning.

Moran also asked parents to ensure that their children are properly restrained in appropriate car seats. They should make sure that they use proper seatbelts and their children are seated at the backseats to minimize car accident fatalities.

In case negligent acts attended a child’s death or injury, a personal injury lawyer may be employed to pursue a wrongful death case against the party at fault.

3 year old Girl Attacked by a Family Dog

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:07:00 +0000

No matter how trained your dogs are, they have hidden and innate viciousness that just pops out at any given time. Unfortunately, in most dog bites accidents, children are the common victims.

In Fullerton, a three year old girl was attacked by their family dog. Police’s investigation revealed that the girl and her mother took food to their pit bull, Fly. While the mother went back inside the house, the girl stayed with the dog.

Moments later, the girl’s brother who was then watching television heard her sister screaming. When the brother went out the house, he saw Fly already standing over his sister.

The girl was taken to St. Jude Medical Center to treat her lacerations and wounds to her face and neck. She was then transferred to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana where she remained in the pediatric intensive care unit.

Fly, on the other hand, was taken to Orange County Animal Care Services. The family had released the dog to the shelter for euthanasia.

The expenses for dog bite treatment are often very expensive. It includes hospitalization, medicines, psychological treatment and often plastic surgery. The victim will be entitled to damages for all the expenses connected to the treatment. This is on top of reimbursement for lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages.

In this case, the family had no one to blame but them. They have to bear the burden of paying all the expenses since they owned the dog. Had the victim been another person, the family, as owners shall bear all the expenses in the treatment of the victim. In such case, dog bite lawyer may be hired to pursue a personal injury case against the dog owner.

Car Perched on Freeway’s Center Divider, Driver Unhurt

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:56:00 +0000

A single accident invites more danger. It can cause a chain accident more so if it happens in a busy freeway.

In Santa Ana, a Honda Civic was hanging on the center of a divider on northbound I-5 and rested facing the wrong way on the freeway. Other motorists and the woman herself were able to call authorities for help.

The California Highway patrol could not get the driver’s door open so the woman was momentarily trapped until the arrival of Anaheim Fire Department. The firefighters stabilized the car and then forced open the driver’s door to remove the woman.

The woman was safe and unhurt. Authorities did not mention of the cause of the accident.

In this case, no other motorist was harmed. The probability of having a chain accident was averted. This also showed how cooperation between and among motorist and authorities could minimize the occurrence of further injury or damage.

If no other person was hurt in the incident or no other property was damaged aside from the car, the driver would bear the expenses. Obviously, she was negligent in driving the car.

If a victim emerges or other property was discovered to be damaged, a personal injury case or a damage suit could be pursued respectively against the woman through the help of a car accident attorney.

Victims of Lexus Crash Identified

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:22:00 +0000

Mechanical failures are one of the common causes of car crashes.

In San Diego, a gruesome car accident happened which was believed to be caused by a manufacturing defect.

A Lexus 2009 ES 350 driven by California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Saylor crashed and was caught on fire. The Lexus was loaned to Saylor after he dropped his vehicle off for service. The car was taking on state Route 125 and Mission Gorge Road in Santee when its accelerator stuck and the car could not be stopped.

Then the unthinkable happened, the Lexus collided with a Ford explorer, plowed a curb, hit an embankment, rolled over then burst instantaneously. Aside from Saylor, his wife, daughter and brother-in-law were on the car. Initially, only his daughter was identified. The identity of the rest followed after further examination by the Medical Examiner's Office.

The dealership sales manager Blair Carter said that the car had a double redundant fail-safe system that shut the car off in case of major malfunctions. He added that the car had been inspected and ran through series of diagnostic tests and no problems were found. The same procedure was done for four other ES 350 models used as loaned cars.

In 2007, Toyota recalled about 30,000 “all weather” floor mats used in the 2008 Lexus ES 350 due to their effect in the car’s acceleration. The mats also caused the brakes to overheat.

The investigation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that accidents were due to the mats placed on top of the standard mats preventing the top mat from being fastened insecurely allowing it to slip forward and causing unintended accelerations. In fact, there were 12 injuries and 40 complaints regarding the mats.

The NHTSA gave Toyota drivers warning to check their accessory mats to make sure that they were properly installed. But no recall or warning had been made on 2009 ES 350.

In this particular case, the Sheriff's investigators and the CHP's Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team were one in finding whether the car’s mat caused the crash.

If the crash was caused by the acceleration malfunction, the manufacturer and/or the dealership could be indicted for it. By employing a product liability attorney, a personal injury case can be filed against the negligent party.

Victims trapped in multi-car crash

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:59:00 +0000

The more vehicles involved in a single accident, the ruinous the outcome will be. Oftentimes, this scene could be seen in chain accidents.

Further, if the vehicles involved in chain accidents are huge like trucks and big rigs, deaths may even take place.

In Los Alamitos, a chain accident involving three vehicles closed the south and west bound of Katella Avenue and Los Alamitos Boulevard. A RAV 4 and big rig truck were among those involved in the accident.

Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Greg McKeown said that three people including a child were trapped inside a vehicle. Rescuers were called on the scene to cut open the vehicle to free the people inside.

One woman was in a critical condition while the other was in a serious state. The child sustained minor injury. The victims were all taken to Long Beach Memorial Hospital for treatment.

The authorities were still investigating the cause of the accident.

The common causes of road accidents are drunk driving, speeding, automobile defect, road or weather conditions. In any case, someone has to answer for the injuries or damages sustained by the innocent victims.

In this particular case, the injured victims can sue the driver who was the proximate cause of the accident. A personal injury case can be properly handled by trained legal professionals. There are many Los Angeles lawyers specialized in car accident cases who can represent you in your case effectively.

Hospitalized Driver Arrested for Freeway Pileup

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:11:00 +0000

Driving under the influence does not only pose threat to the life or limbs of those involved but it also invites property ruins.

In Anaheim, a Yorba Linda man was allegedly driving under the influence. Aside from injuries caused to him and three others, he also caused a chain accident resulting to the damage of several vehicles.

California Highway Patrol officer Devon Boatman stated that they began receiving calls about the reckless driving of a black Dodge Durango SUV driven by the 33 year-old Richard Hildreth in the FasTrak lane of the eastbound 91.

In the course of his care free driving, Hildreth rear ended a Hyundai Elanta driven by a 57 year-old woman, hit at least 15 plastic yellow polls that separate regular traffic from toll lanes, struck the divider between the truck lanes and eventually careening through all lanes and hitting several other cars before coming to a stop.

After stopping, Hildreth refused to heed the command of the police to get out of his car. He was forcefully removed from it after his car caught fire. He was rushed to the hospital with handcuffs on his hands.

For the injured victims, a personal injury case may be maintained against Hildreth while a property damage suit may be filed by the owners of the damaged vehicles. Either way, a car accident attorney can help them through the process.

Class Action Suit Protagonist Files One for Himself

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:52:00 +0000

Life can be so ironic sometimes. The man who strongly opposed class action suits filed one for himself.

Fred Heistand is the general counsel for the business-backed Civil Justice Association of California. He is known to be the protagonist of consumer-oriented class-action lawsuits.

When Heistand filed a case in Superior Court over a parking spat, various form of ridicule came his way. In a 10 page suit, he alleged that the City of Sacramento illegally towed his car which was parked at a no-parking zone. He further claimed that the city signs failed to warn owners that cars parked in those areas would be towed.

The suit also accused the city of regularly charging “erroneous fines and towing costs while engaging in a financially beneficial relationship with private towing companies.”

Heinstand refused any settlement.

John Sullivan, President of the association and speaking in behalf of Heinstand, said that Heistand vowed to contribute any winnings to the association.

One files action because he wants to vindicate his right. If Heinstand felt that the city violated his right, he could file a case just like any other. Whether the case has merit or not would be decided upon by the court.

Even personal injury lawyers themselves could be plaintiffs in a suit. The courts cater not only to ordinary litigants but to lawyers as well who have cause of action.

Woman on Her Way to Work Hits by a Car

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:42:00 +0000

Pedestrians are always open to harm and therefore susceptible to injuries. Admittedly, authorities know the dangers that pedestrian are exposed to everyday so they designated crosswalks where pedestrian can safely cross the street.

With this precaution, accidents still happen.

In Stanton, a 64 year old woman identified as Gail Connelle was hit by car as she was crossing the street. Connelle was crossing Beach Boulevard just north of Chapman Avenue when a Lexus driven by a 65 year old man struck her.

The authorities were still investigating whether Connelle was walking within the crosswalk at the time of the accident or not.

According to the National Highway Traffic Association, deaths among pedestrians account for 11 percent of the total motor vehicle fatalities. Every eight minutes, a pedestrian is injured in a traffic accident or one death for every 111 minutes.

Pedestrian injuries happen mostly at the intersections. It also occurs on locations where driver is travelling at a higher speed and not expecting any stops.

While crosswalks could help prevent a car-pedestrian collision, extra precaution should be observed when crossing them as some drivers may tend to be oblivious of its existence.

For Connelle’s loved ones, a wrongful death case may be filed against the Lexus driver. They could seek the assistance of a personal injury lawyer to go about the case.

Unsecured Transmission Cover Causes Crash

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Human error accounts for most aerial accidents. Past accidents indicated that error in aircraft’s maintenance has been the more popular cause of crash around the world.

In the May 5 helicopter crash, investigators revealed that an unsecured transmission cover was to blame. The unsecured cover flew off during the flight and struck the tail rotor causing it to break off.

The two Miramar-based Marines Capt. Jessica Conkling, 27, and 1st Lt. Aaron Cox, 26 forgot to tell the mechanics about it. Consequently, the oversight caused them their life.

The investigating report recommended no disciplinary action against the mechanics and the commanding officer.

Securing a transmission cover may be less important that flying a helicopter itself. But the Conkling and Cox’s accident showed otherwise.

As shown by the report, no one was blamed but the pilots themselves.

However, the pilots’ loved ones may bring the matter in the ordinary courts for damage suit. A mere preponderance of evidence is required to win the case. With the help of personal injury lawyer, a suit for compensation could prosper.

Police chase ends in death

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:11:00 +0000

High speed chases are risky and dangerous not only to the vehicles concerned but to innocent motorists and bystanders as well.

On the part of the chasing police officers, they should know when to stop the chase to maintain the higher concern for public safety and order. While pursuing criminals is their job, they also have the responsibility to protect civilians especially children from harm.

In a police chase gone bad, police pursued fleeing criminals aboard the stolen Dodge Neon in Dinuba. The crooks refused to stop. In the course of the chase, the Dodge Neon hit a pick up carrying a family of seven including five children. All children in the pickup and three men in the Neon were instantaneously killed.

California Highway Patrol found out that all children were ejected in the crash as they were not wearing seatbelts nor their seats had restraints or boosters.

Nevertheless, the fact remained that, upon sound judgment, the police officers could have foreseen the dangerous outcome of the chase. Their experience could have told them to stop chasing the criminal.

Let this be a hard and painful lesson to all. Not all criminals must be pursued at high speeds. They may get away but they could always be apprehended in another time and place less dangerous to the public. Sometimes allowing them escape means saving more lives.

As for the victims, they can file a personal injury case or a wrongful death case upon assistance of an accident attorney.

Separate Watercraft Accidents Injures Two

noreply@blogger.com (PI Defenders) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:31:00 +0000

In San Diego, about 300,000 people go to the beaches everyday during summer. People swim, sun bath or engage in water activities such as water crafting.

In a separate water crafting accidents, two individuals were injured in the surf off Point Loma

The first accident involved a 20 year old man who jumped about 25 feet off a wave, fell and struck by the watercraft. The other injured was a 50 year old man who slumped over a watercraft.

Nicola Lesourd, a Coast Guard spokesman said that the two victims were taken to a San Diego hospital.

The heat of the sun calls for a relaxing time at the beach. Oftentimes, beaches get too crowded that accidents could just happen anytime.

If the victims were responsible for their own injuries, they would bear the loss.

However, if the accidents were caused by the negligent act of another, the victims can file a case against the party at fault. A personal injury lawyer could be employed to facilitate their claim for compensation.