Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

Five Injured in Parmount Multi-Vehicle Accident on Interstate 710

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:37:52 -0800

LOS ANGELES COUNTY - KTLA News reported that five people were critically injured Tuesday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash in Parmount. The horrific accident happened at about 2 p.m. on the northbound 710 Freeway, just near the Rosecrans Avenue exit, when a big-rig clipped the back of a Buick Cutlass Supreme that was trying to merge. The Buick then spun out of control and struck a 30-year-old Cal Trans worker (who was picking up trash on the shoulder of the freeway) and her vehicle.

According to NBC Los Angeles, the big-rig driver did not suffer any injuries. However, the 25-year-old male driver of the Buick and three of his passengers - two women, aged 20 and 40, and a 3-year-old boy - sustained major injuries after the incident. The female Cal Trans worker also sustained major injuries after the crash. All five individuals were transported to various hospitals for further treatment.

Cause of the 710 Freeway Accident

Based on the information provided by news reports, it is unclear what caused the collision between the Buick and big-rig on the freeway. However, if negligent, unsafe or distracted driving were contributing factors of the crash, the person deemed responsible can be held financially liable for the injuries the victims sustained.

Los Angeles Accident Injury Liability

While the accident on February 21st remains under investigation, the victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can advise the victims of their legal rights and decide the best course of action in recovering the maximum compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Also, in unique and complex situations such as this one, an attorney can hire a highly skilled independent investigator to reconstruct the scene of the accident to determine who is at fault.

Woman Injured in Costa Mesa Pedestrian Accident

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 20:25:06 -0800

ORANGE COUNTY - A woman is hospitalized after she was struck by a car while crossing a street in Costa Mesa. According to the Orange County Register, the woman was struck by a Porsche 944 while she was attempting to cross Newport Boulevard at Industrial Way at about 1:11 a.m. Saturday. The female pedestrian, whose name was not released, suffered major head injuries after the accident and was taken to a hospital for further treatment. No other information was given regarding what caused this collision or whether the driver was cited.

Orange County Pedestrian Accident Liability

If authorities conclude that the accident on February 18th was due driver negligence, the victim or the family members of the victim would be well-advised to seek an Orange County personal injury lawyer. A skill attorney who has handled numerous pedestrian accidents, can help the victim protect her legal rights and hold the responsible party liable for her injuries. Compensation in a civil claim can include medical care costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, or other related damages in this horrible pedestrian accident.

Woman Struck and Injured in Santa Ana Hit-and-Run

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:45:37 -0800

ORANGE COUNTY -- A woman sustained serious injuries Thursday morning after she was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Santa Ana. The terrible accident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Bristol Street, just near Elder Avenue. According to the Orange County Register, the woman, described to be about 50 to 60 years old, was unconscious when she was found. She was then taken to a hospital via ambulance for further treatment. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information regarding the driver involved is asked to contact the Santa Ana police at (714) 245-8049.

Cause of the Santa Ana Pedestrian Accident

Based on the information provided by the Orange County Register, it is not clear what caused this accident to occur. But, regardless of how it happened, there is absolutely no reason to leave the scene of an accident before the proper authorities arrive. 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."

Liability for Orange County Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents

While the accident on February 16th remains under investigation by the Santa Ana Police Department, the victim or family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact an Orange County personal injury lawyer. An attorney experienced in hit-and-run pedestrian accidents, can help the victim understand and protect her legal rights and assist authorities in locating the driver involved. In the event the driver cannot be found, an attorney can ensure the victim obtains the maximum compensation she is entitled to through her insurance, if she has one.

Dana Point Car Crash Kills Three and Injures One

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:56:30 -0800

ORANGE COUNTY - Three Camp Pendleton U.S. Marines were tragically killed and another injured after they were involved in a solo-vehicle crash in Dana Point on Tuesday, NBC Los Angeles reported. The tragic accident happened at 2:05 a.m. when the four of them were traveling in a Dodge Stratus on the northbound lanes of Golden Lantern Street. According to 10 News, the vehicle was going at "a high rate of speed" when the driver lost control and hit a curb before slamming into a tree just past Terra Vista.

Following the incident, the two men in the backseat were reported to have died at the scene, and the driver and the passenger in the front seat were taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. The front seat passenger was then pronounced dead after arriving at the hospital while the driver remains in critical condition. The names of the four Marines involved in the collision were not released.

The accident on February 14th remains under investigation by the Orange County Sheriff's Department. However, based on the information provided by news reports, it is unclear whether alcohol was involved in the accident. But, it appears unsafe driving and slick roads due to rain were likely contributing factors in the crash.

While the investigation of this accident remains ongoing, the family of the victims would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable and experienced Orange County car accident lawyer. An attorney who has handled numerous wrongful death claims can advise the family of their legal rights to hold the responsible party liable for their tragic and unexpected loss, and determine the best course of action in obtaining the maximum compensation. Compensation can include funeral and burial expenses, future and anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Bicyclist Seriously Injured in Irvine Accident

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:31:27 -0800

IRVINE - A 28-year-old male bicyclist suffered "severe injuries" Tuesday morning when he was struck by a vehicle, the Orange County Register reported. The accident occurred near the intersection of Von Karman Avenue and Michelson Drive at about 8 a.m. The victim was not identified and further information about the collision or who was responsible was not available.

Car vs. Bicyclist Personal Injury Liability

Even with a helmet, cyclists are extremely vulnerable to serious injury in a collision with a vehicle. If authorities determine that the driver of the vehicle was responsible for this crash, the injured victim may be entitled to compensation for his lost earnings, pain and suffering, and medical care and treatment. Following an accident such as this February 14th Irvine bicycle accident, the injured victim or his family would be well-advised to contact an experienced and Irvine personal injury lawyer. If the driver was responsible, a skilled attorney can help the victim protect his legal rights and recover the maximum compensation he is entitled to.

Four Injured in Indio Car Accident

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:21:13 -0800

RIVERSIDE COUNTY - A horrible two-car crash in Indio left four people hospitalized Sunday night, Desert Sun reports. The accident occurred on Avenue 50 near Monroe Street and involved a Toyota Corolla and a Jeep Liberty. However, it was immediately known what caused the crash or who may be at fault.

Following the 11:15 p.m. accident, two of the four people involved in the crash had to be extricated from their vehicles. A man in the Toyota was taken to Eisenhower Medical Center with major injuries. A woman who was also in the vehicle sustained serious injures and was airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center. The occupants in the Jeep - a man and a woman - suffered moderate injuries and were transported to Eisenhower Medical Center for further treatment.

Liability for Indio Car Accidents

Seeking immediate counsel from an experienced auto accident attorney is well-advised following a car crash. In severe accidents such as this one on February 12th, the victims would benefit from speaking to an Indio personal injury lawyer regarding the protection of their legal rights and the compensation they are entitled to. And while it is uncertain who is liable for this incident, an attorney can also hire a highly skilled independent investigator to reconstruct the scene of the accident and determine who is responsible.

Victorville Man Killed in Highway 18 Pedestrian Accident

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:38:40 -0800

APPLE VALLEY - A 22-year-old Victorville man tragically died Sunday night after he was struck by several vehicles on Highway 18 in Apple Valley, the Victorville Daily Press reported. The fatal pedestrian accident was reported in the westbound lanes of Highway 18 near Bass Hill Road at about 10:45 p.m. on Sunday, February 5, 2012. According to news accounts, Devance Jerome Coleman was struck by several passing vehicles and died at the scene of the crash. A second man was reportedly injured and taken to a local hospital. It was unclear if the injured man had been walking with Coleman or if he was an occupant of one of the vehicles that struck Coleman.

Cause of the Apple Valley Pedestrian Accident

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating the cause of the fatal pedestrian accident. Based on the very limited information provided in the Victorville Daily Press, the cause of the accident is unclear.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Following a fatal pedestrian accident such as this Highway 18 crash, the family members of the victim of this accident would be well-advised to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Apple valley personal injury lawyer. A knowledgeable and experienced wrongful death attorney can review the accident investigation report and advise the victim's family of their legal rights and best course of action should they decide to pursue a wrongful death claim against any of the drivers involved in this fatal collision.

Another Miramonte Teacher Arrested for Child Sex Abuse

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:22:28 -0800

It was only Monday, January 30th when Mark Berndt was arrested for committing lewd acts on 23 of his students at Miramonte Elementary School. Investigators discovered nearly 400 photographs in Berndt's possession depicting children in bondage, gagged, taped, and even being fed a suspicious clear-white fluid. While investigators were questioning victims, authorities uncovered another case of sexual abuse, and one girl may be the victim of two Miramonte teachers.

On Friday, February 3rd, Martin Bernard Springer was arrested on suspicion of lewd acts on two girls who were approximately 7-years old at the time of the incidents. The parents of one of the girls identified in the Berndt case have also reported complaints against Springer. Springer allegedly touched the leg and thigh of the girls in an inappropriate manner and is being held on a $2 million bail. Parents are concerned and outraged over the reports of not one but two child sex abuse scandals. The repeated cases of child sex abuse at Miramonte Elementary School are indicative of a larger problem regarding the school's lax supervision.

Parents and guardians entrust the safety of their children to schools, churches, camps, and other childcare institutions expecting their children are protected from all reasonably foreseeable dangers. When these parties that are responsible for the safety of children neglect to institute sufficient supervisory measures against child sex abuse, they must be held responsible. The criminal charges against the perpetrator do not take into account the other negligent parties whose wrongful actions enabled and contributed to the incidents of child abuse. Filing a civil suit can help families and child molestation victims seek justice and financial compensation for the damages related to their abuse.

The family of the female student, who is involved in both the Berndt and Springer cases, is planning to file a suit against the Los Angeles Unified School District. Other families who have been harmed in either of the Miramonte cases or other cases of child sex abuse are strongly advised to seek the legal counsel of a professional child molestation lawyer. A thorough review of your case by an experienced Los Angeles child sex abuse lawyer can help you determine your eligibility to recover damages related to your or your loved one's abuse. Even adults, who have suffered abuse years ago as a child, may still be able to seek justice and closure in a successful personal injury case.

To ensure your rights are not compromised, be sure to consult a knowledgeable child sex abuse attorney regarding your potential case as soon as possible.

Elderly Upland Pedestrian Struck and Killed on Euclid Avenue

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:50:42 -0800

UPLAND - The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reported an elderly Upland gentleman tragically died Monday while crossing Euclid Avenue (State Route 83). The fatal pedestrian accident was reported at about 12:15 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2012. According to news accounts, the victim, Owen Skousen, 83, was struck by a green 2005 Chrysler 300 at 17th Street and Euclid Avenue. Skousen was rushed to a nearby hospital where he tragically died of his injuries. The driver of the Chrysler, who was not identified, was not hurt in the collision.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Following a fatal accident such as this car vs. pedestrian accident in Upland, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Upland personal injury attorney. A lawyer who is skilled in handling fatal pedestrian accident wrongful death claims can advise the victim's family of their best course of action to protect their legal rights, and whether they may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim against the driver of the vehicle, if it is determined that he or she was responsible.

Ex-Miramonte Elementary Teacher Accused of Lewd Acts Involving Children, Bail Raised to $23 Million

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:59:44 -0800

LOS ANGELES - Mark Berndt who was a former teacher at Miramonte Elementary School, was arrested Tuesday at his Torrance home and is being charged with committing lewd acts involving 23 boys and girls, ages 6 to 10, between 2008 and 2010, Fox News reported.

The investigation first began when Berndt, 61, processed film in a Redondo Beach CVS drugstore. The store found and turned in the film that showed numerous children blindfolded with their mouths gagged with packing tape and large, Madagascar-type cockroaches on their faces. Some photos showed Berndt's arm spoon-feeding the children with a white substance that DNA tests revealed to be his semen.

According to 89.3 KPCC News, authorities reported that the children were told they were playing a "tasting game" and were supposed to say whether the substance was sweet or salty and if they liked the taste. Roughly 40 photographs were turned in from the store, and approximately 400 photos were found at the photo lab, Berndt's home, and subsequent searches. Berndt appeared in court today and his bail was increased from $2.3 million to $23 million. His arraignment on 23 counts of lewd acts has been held over until February 23.

Many parents, whose children have attended or currently are attending the elementary school, have expressed and voiced out their concerns and opinions. They also have questions that are left unanswered regarding why they weren't notified when the photos were found and, if the principal knew of the situation, why wasn't anyone informed.

Now if the information provided by news reports is accurate, it is emotionally disturbing how Berndt took advantage of his authority as a teacher and of the innocent children. Many students who enroll at the school are learning English as their second language and have been unable to communicate what occurred.

Therefore, as the investigation remains ongoing, the parents of Berndt's students would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable and experienced Miramonte Elementary School molestation lawyer. Attorneys at the law firm of Estey and Bomberger have handled many incidents like this and have the experience of representing victims of horrendous abuse. Thus, speaking to an attorney immediately is absolutely vital, as he or she may be able to help families hold the perpetrator responsible, as well as the school, school district, and other entities responsible if it is determined that their negligent supervision contributed to the horrific acts Berndt is accused of.

Car Crash Kills One in Victorville

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:48:38 -0800

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY -- A Victorville car crash killed a 30-year-old man early Monday morning, The Press-Enterprise reported. The fatal collision happened just after 1 a.m. when a 2003 Saturn station wagon traveling west on Bear Valley Road failed to stop at a red light and broadsided a 1993 Buick that was making left turn onto Bear Valley Road from Industrial Boulevard.

Following the crash, the driver of the Buick - a 30-year-old Victorville resident - died at the scene due to his injuries. His passenger was reported to have fled the accident, yet it is unknown why he did not wait for authorities and paramedics to arrive. The driver of the Saturn - a 22-year-old Lucerne Valley man - was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

Liability for Victorville Auto Accidents

Failing to yield at a red light can result to severe collisions, which can then inflict harm to individuals involved. Depending on the size the vehicle and the speed it was traveling, injuries can be so catastrophic that victims may not be able to recover from their injuries. Therefore, while the investigation of this January 29th accident remains ongoing, the family of the deceased victim would be well-advised to contact a skilled Victorville accident lawyer. An attorney experienced in wrongful death claims, can advise the family of the rights and ensure they recover the maximum compensation they deserve for funeral and burial expenses, future and anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, loss of love, care, support, and companionship.

Woman Killed in Winchester Head-On Car Crash

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:53:07 -0800

RIVERSIDE COUNTY - According to a press release from the Riverside County Sheriff-Corner's office, a 55-year-old woman was killed in car crash in Winchester early Friday morning. The accident took place on Winchester Road, south of Scott Road, when the driver of a Toyota Corolla - Louisa Valdovinos of Menifee - was struck head-on by a Pontiac Grand Am that crossed into the opposite lane. After the 3:50 a.m. collision, Valdovinos was reported to have died at about 4:04 a.m. No information regarding the name or the injuries of the Pontiac driver was released.

Cause of the Head-On Car Collision on Winchester Road

The accident on January 29th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information given, it is not clear what caused the driver to veer into opposing traffic. It is also not certain whether alcohol or drugs were a factor in the collision. Hopefully, authorities can come to a conclusion as to what happened and why.

Riverside County Fatal Accident Liability

Veering across lanes and into opposing traffic can be caused by many factors such as distracted driving, speed, the intoxication of alcohol/drugs, vehicle malfunctions, or road conditions. However, if the accident is determined by police that the collision was due to negligent and reckless driving of the Pontiac driver, he or she can be held liable for the death of the victim. Therefore, in accidents like this, it would be well-advised for the family to seek an experienced Riverside County car accident lawyer. A skilled attorney who has handled numerous wrongful death claims, can ensure the family rights are protected, and help them obtain the maximum compensation for their unexpected and devastating loss.

Man Struck and Killed While Crossing Santa Ana Street

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:38:46 -0800

ORANGE COUNTY -- A pedestrian in his 40s was tragically killed just after 8:30 p.m. Saturday when he was struck by two vehicles in Santa Ana, Orange County Register reported. The man, whose name was not released, was attempting to cross Broadway when a white Chevy pickup traveling northbound hit him, causing him to land on the southbound lane, where he was struck by a green Mustang convertible. Neither drivers remained at the scene. Anyone with information regarding this accident or the drivers involved is asked to contact the Santa Ana Police Department.

Orange County Hit-and-Run Accident Liability

Following a pedestrian accident such as this one on January 27th, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a Orange County personal injury lawyer. An attorney knowledgeable in fatal hit-and-run accidents, can help protect the family's legal rights in a wrongful death claim, assist authorities in locating the drivers involved this incident, and help the family obtain the compensation they are entitled to for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this tragic hit-and-run pedestrian accident.

One Killed, Two Injured on Highway 18 Head-On Crash in San Bernardino

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:17:20 -0800

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY - A 42-year-old woman was killed and two other were injured after they were involved in a head-on collision on Highway 18 in San Bernardino. The accident occurred at 5:47 p.m. Friday when the woman, Holly Foor of Crestline, was traveling north on Highway 18 in her 2005 Honda Civic and was struck head-on by a Ford Explorer.

According to The Press-Enterprise, the 1997 Explorer was traveling on the southbound side of the highway when it crossed the double yellow line and into the northbound lanes. A tour bus carrying 20 passengers was also sideswiped in the accident, but no one on board was reported to be injured. However, following the crash, Foor was taken to St. Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino where she later died due to her injuries. The driver and the other occupant in the SUV were taken to area hospitals for further treatment.

Wrongful Death Liability for San Bernardino Car Accidents

The investigation of the January 27th accident remains ongoing by the San Bernardino Police Department to determine what happened and who is responsible. However, if authorities conclude that the driver is solely at fault for this horrific collision, family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a San Bernardino accident lawyer immediately regarding their legal rights in a wrongful death claim. An experienced attorney who has handled many cases involving fatal car collisions, can advise the family of their rights to hold the other party financially liable for the loss of their loved one, and ensure they obtain the maximum compensation they are entitled to.

Woman Killed in Indio Pedestrian Accident

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:22:31 -0800

RIVERSIDE COUNTY -- A tragic pedestrian accident left a 44-year-old woman dead Thursday night in Indio, The Press-Enterprise reports. The fatal incident took place on the westbound lanes of Indio Boulevard, just east of Biskra Street. The woman identified as Brigitte Jasso of Indio was attempting to cross the street when she was struck by a motorcycle and then a black Ford Taurus. Following the accident, Jasso was reported to have died at the scene, and the motorcyclist was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center for further treatment. The driver in the car along with her passenger was not hurt after the crash.

Cause of the January 26th Pedestrian Accident

The fatal accident on Indio Boulevard remains under investigation by the Indio Police Department. However, it is not clear what caused this incident to occur, if evidence from the accident shows that distracted driving, speed, or driver negligence prompted the crash, the motorcyclist and/or the driver of the vehicle can be held liable for the victim's death.

Indio Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In complex pedestrian accidents such as this one, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a experienced and knowledgeable Indio personal injury lawyer regarding their legal rights in a wrongful death claim. Immediate consultation from an attorney who has handled similar accidents like this one, can help the family understand and protect their legal rights in a civil claim and ensure they are fully compensated for their devastating loss, including funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages.