Stockton Injury Lawyer Blog

A truck carrying gravel slammed into a California bound Amtrak train Friday morning, killing five and injuring at least a dozen. The Amtrak train accident occurred about 70 miles east of Reno at the crossing of U.S. 95. The collision created massive flames and smoke, making recovery difficult.

Among the victims are the truck driver and a train passenger. At least 18 to 20 people were transported to area hospitals for treatment of serious injuries such as brain and head injuries.

If you have been injured as the result of any serious accident, it is important to contact an experienced Stockton personal injury lawyer. Even if you're not considering a lawsuit, it is an important step to preserve your rights and to evaluate your next steps.

The investigation in this case is still under way. Initial reports indicate that the gates and lights on the tracks were flashing. The truck tried to slow down but could not. ABC news notes that collisions at rail crossings are not uncommon ... a train in the U.S. collides with a person or vehicle nearly every three hours.

Many factors could have played a role in this train/ truck accident, requiring an in-depth investigation. Issues include possible truck driver error, mechanical or brake failure, train or truck speed, and whether the train crossings were functioning properly.

Continue reading "California Bound Amtrak Train Accident Kills 5, Injures Dozens" »

Earlier this week aStockton big-rig accident caused havoc for thousands of commuters after an 18-wheeler carrying bales of hay overturned on a ramp, damaging the guardrail connecting Highway 4 and Highway 99.

Although the cause of the accident is unknown, preliminary reports indicate that the trucker was driving too fast on the ramp, which bends and has a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour.

Thankfully, no one was hurt. However, whenever big rig accidents occur the potential for serious injuries and damage is great. Potential injuries include brain and head injuries, back injuries, wrongful death, cuts and lacerations, as well as severe property damage.

Continue reading "Stockton Big Rig Accident Affects Thousands Of Commuters" »

A recent story run in the Orange County Register reported an alarming statistic - close to 300 amusement park accidents involving injuries occurred at amusement parks in the last 2 years. While some of the injuries were minor, many serious injuries occurred such as back injuries, head injuries and spinal cord injuries.

If you have been injured at a California amusement park, it is important to speak to a Stockton personal injury lawyer to determine your next steps.

Amusement park injuries - or any type of injury that occurs on the premises of another - generally fall into the category of "premises liability." Premises liability refers to the concept that owners or operators have a duty to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to provide warnings of dangerous conditions that the owner or operator knows about, or should have known about. Premises liability actions can arise in any situation where someone is harmed at the place of another, be it a home, shopping mall, sports arena or amusement park.

Continue reading "California Amusement Park Accidents Raise Concerns" »

A recent bike safety article provided by the Bay Citizen for the New York Times reviewed the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Brandon Sorenson, a 13-year-old Alameda boy would was killed last month while riding his bike. While Brandon was in an intersection, he was struck by an S.U.V. and later died at a nearby intersection.

While the accident is still under investigation, the incident brings to light a startling statistic - Bay Area bicyclists aged 10 to 19 are at the highest risk for suffering injuries in a bike collision. Half of the accidents involved boys ages 12 to 16.

If you or a child has been injured in a bike accident, it is important to speak to an experienced bike accident lawyer immediately to begin investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and preserve your right to seek compensation.

Based on California highway patrol data, 434 San Jose teenagers were involved in bike collisions with cars, the most of any Bay Area City. Oakland was second with 193 bike accidents. Although in some instances accidents may be the fault of the bicyclist, in many others the driver is to blame. Figuring out just what happened is crucial to determining fault.

Continue reading "Youth Prone To Bay Area Bicycle Accidents " »