Stockton Injury Lawyer Blog

A tragic drunk driving accident has claimed the life of a 64-year-old Stockton man. The man was crossing the street when he was struck and killed by a 29-year-old mother suspected of driving under the influence. He was walking just east of an intersection and cross-walk on New Year's Eve when the pedestrian accident occurred. According to reports, the woman had her four children in the car at the time of the car crash. She has been cited with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence and child abuse and endangerment.

Despite increased public awareness about the dangers of drunk driving, drunk driving accidents continue to plague California's roadways. In fact, in California and throughout the United States, driver intoxication is the leading cause of auto accidents. On New Year's Eve alone, 11 San Joaquin County drivers were charged with driving under the influence.

If you or a loved on has suffered serious personal injuries or a family member has been killed in a drunk driving auto accident, it is important to contact an experienced Stockton drunk driving accident attorney to answer your personal injury questions and discuss your next steps.

While in many situations drunk drivers may face criminal charges arising out of their reckless conduct, where personal injuries and wrongful death occur, it is possible to obtain compensation from the driver for the harm incurred as the result of the accident.

Continue reading "Drunk Driving Suspected In Fatal Stockton Car Accident" »

A recent article in the Bakersfield news underscores the dangers of pedestrian/vehicle accidents. According to the report 15 individuals have died in Bakersfield pedestrian accidents this year. Earlier in December, two young Oildale residents were struck and killed by a Kern County sheriff's patrol car driven by an officer responding to a call. A few days later, a 40-year-old woman was killed while crossing the street in the crosswalk.

When cars strike pedestrians, the potential for serious injury - such as head, brain or neck injuries, or even death - is great. If you or a loved one have been injured as the result of a car accident it is important to consult a Stockton pedestrian accident lawyer to answer your personal injury questions and determine your next steps.

Many times, those injured or the family members of individuals who have lost their lives are unsure of their legal rights and whether they may be entitled to compensation. Several factors go into this determination such as whether fault exists on the part of the driver or the pedestrian. For example, whether the pedestrian had the right of way and was crossing within a crosswalk may affect whether the driver may be held liable. Additionally, considerations such as whether the car was speeding or otherwise going too fast for conditions, or if the driver was violating any other traffic laws.

While California law requires drivers to exercise "reasonable caution" toward pedestrians, with extra care shown for the disabled and children, pedestrians also have a responsibility to use due care. This includes such actions as crossing within crosswalks, paying attention when crossing the street, and looking both ways before entering the roadway.

Continue reading "Several Factors May Be To Blame In Pedestrian Accidents " »

This past week the National Transportation Safety Board recommended prohibiting all drivers from using portable electronic devices - like cell phones - while they're driving. This proposal comes after a hearing involving a Missouri car accident that killed two people and injured 38. Investigations suggest that the initial accident was caused by a pick-up driver who had sent 11 text messages in the 11 minutes immediately before the crash. The nineteen-year-old driver of the pickup ran into the back of a tractor-trailer that had slowed down through a construction zone. After the pickup ran into the big rig, it was then rear-ended by one school bus, which was then rear ended by another school bus. The driver of the pick-up truck and a student sitting on the last row of the first bus died in the crash.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident where distracted driving may have played a part, it is important to speak to an experienced Stockton injury lawyer to answer your personal injury questions and determine your next steps.

The senseless loss of life has prompted the NTSB to call for a ban on all cell phone use. Although California has banned texting while driving and only allows hands free cell phone usage - California drivers continue to disregard state law. Distracted driving continues to cause driving accidents in California and throughout the United States. In fact, the NHTSA reports that last year, over 3000 traffic deaths were blamed on distracted driving, and according to a survey released last week, nearly 50% of drivers younger than 25-years-old text while driving.

Continue reading "NTSB Recommends Banning Cellphone Use While Driving" »

According to a recent survey of driving dangers reported in the San Jose Mercury News, people listed distracted driving as the second most problematic driving behavior, followed by drunk driving. 18 percent of all those surveyed believe distracted driving - talking on your cell phone and texting - is the biggest danger on California roadways. The only category considered dangerous by more people is speeding and aggressive driving, at 22 percent.

Although this statistic may come as a surprise to some, it does not to California Highway Patrol officers who see far too many car accidents as the result of distracted driving. As stated by one CHP officer "Oftentimes we see drivers weaving in and out of lances or driving on the shoulders. We stop to investigate what we may think is a possible DUI driver only to find out it was someone talking on the phone, hands-free or not."

When car accidents occur for whatever reason - as the result of road rage, texting and driving or drunk driving, the potential for serious injuries and even death is great. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident speaking with an experienced Stockton injury lawyer is an important first step to protect your rights and answer your car accident questions.

Even though distracted driving has been outlawed by the California legislature an Alameda County Sheriff comments, "I see drivers on their cellphones every day. It's as if the laws don't even exist...With all of the innovative tools out there for hands-free use, I am at a loss to why people don't use them." In fact, the CHP has written close to 475,000 tickets to drivers who have violated the hands-free law since going into effect in 2008.

Continue reading "More People Frightened Of Distracted Driving Than Drunk Driving" »

A recent survey conducted by an insurance company tries to answer the question, "Which states have the worst drivers?" The worst driver survey collected data from three different sources - the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), which reviews driving fatalities, including car accidents, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which compiles statistics concerning drunk driving and drunk driving accidents, and the American Motorists Association, which tabulates number of tickets received.

On the whole, California performed fairly well. Overall, it ranked as #36 in terms of having the worst drivers. Although room for improvement exists, California drivers had fewer citations and accidents than average. Further, California ranked quite well for not having "careless" drivers. In fact, California ranked in the top ten for the most careful drivers. Careless driving includes distracted driving such as texting while driving.

Distracted driving remains one of the top reasons for predicting bad driving and is to blame for causing traffic accidents and fatalities. NHTSA warns, "distracted driving is a serious life-threatening practice and we will not rest until we stop it ... The message is simple - Put It Down! If you have been injured in a car accident or a loved one has been killed in a car accident due to distracted driving, speak to a knowledgeable Stockton personal injury lawyer at once to determine your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Continue reading "California Ranks High For Having Good Drivers, Including Lower Driving Fatalities " »

Stockton news reports that a nine-year-old girl was killed in a pedestrian accident as she was crossing street. The Stockton girl suffered head trauma and burn injuries after being struck by a van. She was taken to the University of California, Davis, Medical Center in Sacramento for treatment.

If you have suffered serious personal injuries as the result of any California accident, including car accidents or pedestrian accidents, it is important to speak to an experienced Stockton injury attorney to answer your personal injury questions and determine your next steps.

Reports indicate that the girl was crossing the street and in the crosswalk with other people when she was struck by a Chevrolet Astro van headed west. A CHP Officer noted "The driver was driving toward the sun, and this shows that sometimes your blind spot doesn't have to be on the sides or behind you; it can be in front of you."

Although it is unknown whether the young girl in the crosswalk was walking or riding her motorized scooter at the time of the accident, the bike caught fire when hit by the van. The fire subsequently burned her arms, legs and chest. The girl was in stable condition when she was flown to the Sacramento trauma center.

Police are investigating whether the woman who was driving the van was speeding or ran a red light. Alcohol doesn't appear to be a factor.

Continue reading "Car Accident Injures Nine-Year-Old Stockton Girl In Crosswalk" »

A recent article concerning brain injuries revealed a frightening statistic - the number of youth athletes suffering from brain injuries has surged by 60% in the last nine years. The leading causes of head injuries include bicycling, football and playground accidents. Traumatic brain injuries are not only caused by sports accidents, but may occur whenever an individual sustains a blunt trauma to the head. These injuries may be the result of any kind of accident including car accidents, slips and falls, amusement park accidents and medical malpractice.

Where an injury occurs as the result of another's negligence, a victim may be entitled to compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, an experienced California brain injury lawyer can review the incident, provide answers to your brain injury questions and determine your next steps.

According to the study, the incidence of traumatic brain injuries among youth rose from around 150,000 in 2001 to close to 250,000 in 2009. The director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention noted that the dramatic increase is likely fueled in part by an increased awareness of the dangers of head injuries and the need for children to been evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible following an accident.

Many times, brain injuries occur without an individual ever losing consciousness and symptoms may not be immediately present - sometimes not showing up until days or even weeks after an accident occurs. Symptoms of even mild traumatic brain injuries may include headaches, dizziness, slurred speech, vomiting and seizures. With immediate treatment, the effects may be lessened or even reversed. However, more severe injuries and those brain injuries left untreated may result in long-term disabilities including:

• Headaches
• Short-term and long-term memory loss
• Confusion/inability to process information
• Communication difficulties
• Paralysis
• Death

Continue reading "Number Of Brain Injuries Continues To Surge" »

Bay Area news reports that an elderly woman was struck and killed in San Jose late Tuesday night while she was walking in the street. The woman was 75-years-old and was struck by a 19-year-old woman driving a Toyota Camry. The pedestrian accident is still under investigation.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as the result of any type of personal injury accident it is critical to contact an experienced Stockton accident lawyer promptly to preserve your rights and determine your next steps. Even though a lawsuit may be the furthest thing from your mind, it is important to discuss your options with a dedicated personal injury attorney in order to protect your future.

Reports indicate that the cause of the accident wasn't "immediately clear." Here, as in any accident it is important to investigate all potential factors in order to determine exactly what happened. Many times, the real cause of serious injuries and wrongful death isn't readily apparent. For example, an accident may be the result of driver error - including recklessness or careless such as driving too fast for the conditions, distracted driving or drunk driving. Other times, a defective auto part - such as tires, brakes or lighting - leads to an accident. In these situations a knowledgeable Stockton product liability lawyer can advise you of your rights. In some cases, negligent roadway design - such as improper lighting, inadequate signage or poor maintenance is the real cause of an accident.

Continue reading "Elderly Woman Killed In San Jose Pedestrian Accident" »

According to Los Angeles News, two fatal car accidents occurred this past weekend on the dangerous Angeles Crest Highway. As of today's date, there have been 5 total fatalities on this road since it was recently reopened. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a California car collision, contact an experienced Stockton personal injury lawyer immediately to discuss your options and protect your future.

In one instance, a woman driving a blue Honda left the road near the Coldwater Campground. It is unknown whether there were any other occupants in the vehicle. She died as the result of personal injuries sustained in the accident.

This latest fatality raises questions of safety and roadway design. The stretch of road in question - a steep winding route through the San Gabriel Mountains - has just been reopened. The road was closed for repair from January 2010 to June as the result of damage caused by heavy rain that washed debris from the surrounding hillsides. In addition to these recent incidences, three other fatal accidents have occurred on this stretch of roadway.

Often - many factors contribute to car accidents and serious injuries. Driver error, including reckless or careless conduct, including drunk or distracted driving, are often contributing factors to car accidents. However, in some cases it is the design of a roadway itself that is the cause of an accident. A roadway may be considered negligently constructed where its design fails to provide motorists enough time to react or it is unreasonably dangerous. Examples of negligent design include:

• Lack of or improper notice of changing traffic patterns
• Insufficient signage or notice of road conditions - such as dangerous turns or construction zones
• Defective barriers
• Inadequate maintenance

Continue reading "High Number Of Fatal Car Accidents On Popular California Highway Raises Safety Concerns" »

One of the most dangerous types of car accidents for kids is the "back-over" car-accident. Far too frequently children are seriously injured or killed when an unsuspecting driver backs-up and hits a child playing nearby. Compounding the tragedy, it is often a parent, relative or visitor backing out of a driveway who runs into a loved one. In order to provide more protection to our most vulnerable, Congress recently passed the Kids Transportation Safety Act (KTSA).

The KTSA requires automakers install backup cameras and related video displays in all new vehicles manufactured in the U.S. by September 2014. Installing the new systems will prevent pedestrian injuries and deaths that occur when a vehicle is reversed. Young children are particularly vulnerable to back-up accidents because they are often too small to be seen.

As a Stockton car accident lawyer, I am hopeful that requiring cameras to be installed will reduce the number of backup accidents.

According to the Imperial Valley News, the best back-up technology will include certain specifications such as:

• Mirror integration
• Faster Technology
• Brighter displays
• Cost-effective

Requiring the new technology is a positive step forward to improve awareness and provide better safety for children regarding car back-up dangers.

Continue reading "Back-Over Car Accidents Put Children At-Risk" »

Nearly a year after the deadly off-road accident in California's Mojave Desert, questions concerning fault and just what went wrong that fatal evening remain. Brett Sloppy - a driver of a truck that ran into the crowd of spectators killing eight - believes that the incident was an accident.

According to KCBS, Sloppy notes that the steering wheel of his truck was "ripped out of his hands" after it jumped a stretch of the track known as the "rockpile." He attributes this to an accident. Eight people died and dozens of others were injured after the truck slammed into the crowd and landed on its roof.

Questions have been raised concerning numerous different factors such as were the spectators allowed to get too close to the race? Did spectators disregard warnings? Did the U.S. Bureau of Land Management take the necessary precautions? Did race promoters follow proper protocol?

Here, several avenues of fault may exist. First, an internal investigation has shown that the Bureau of Land Management did not adequately monitor the race and failed to follow all the necessary procedures. Further, only one ranger was on patrol. Spectators crowded the course.

As Sloppy notes, "That was... the worst sight in my life and I never want to see that again." Whenever any tragedy occurs, it is important to uncover the reasons behind an accident and do what is possible to prevent a similar incident from recurring.

Continue reading "Deadly Off-Road Race Raises Questions Of Liability " »

Salinas News reports that the holiday weekend has been a deadly one on the Central Coast. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) three separate crashes have resulted in the deaths of five people in Monterey County. Four other people suffered major injures as the result of the two car accidents and one motorcycle accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured or suffered a wrongful death as the result of any type of personal injury accident, it is important to contact an experienced central coast accident lawyer to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Both of the car accidents involved head-on collisions. In the first accident, the driver of a Yukon collided head-on with a driver in the southbound lane, killing the driver instantly. Drugs and alcohol were not suspected to be involved. In the second accident, two Toyota Pickups collided while the driver of one was trying to pass slower moving vehicles. Both drivers died at the scene, while a total of three passengers in the two trucks were taken to area hospital with serious injuries.

The motorcycle accident occurred after the motorcyclist attempted to pass cars by driving on the shoulder and lost control of his cycle, sliding into the ditch, killed himself and his passenger.

Continue reading "Central Coast News Reports That 5 People Have Been Killed In Monterey County This Holiday Weekend " »

A tragic San Mateo County accident this past Thursday left one man dead, two seriously injured and three others hurt. The truck accident occurred when a pickup truck flipped over and rolled down a hill. The victims - all workers - were passengers, with some riding in the bed of the pick-up and others in the cab. The workers had contracted with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to do weed abatement in the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in San Mateo County.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident, it is best to consult a skilled Stockton personal injury lawyer to discuss your matter - often you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries.

Here it is unknown who was driving the car and the company working on weed control. These issues may become important in determining fault. The accident occurred while the truck was "off-road," about 1.5 miles off of the nearest paved road. The trail the vehicle was on was unmaintained - slick and muddy due to recent rains. When the truck tried to climb the steep grassy hill, it rolled over, tossing the occupants into remote terrain.

As one California Highway Patrol officer noted, while laws prohibiting passengers in pickups don't apply off-road, "It is certainly unadvisable."

Continue reading "Pick-Up Truck Accident Leaves One Dead, 5 Injured" »

An automobile accident caused the Golden Gate Bridge to shut down for an hour on Sunday. The car collision involved four cars. Although the specific reasons for the crash are unknown, a California highway Patrol officer stated that he suspected that one of the vehicles crossed over the line into oncoming traffic. Whether alcohol played a factor is unknown.

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to contact an experienced automobile accident lawyer to determine your next steps and help you obtain compensation for your injuries.

Many factors affect this determination. Here, this crash is one of several over the last few years that draw attention to a controversial issue - the lack of a median barrier across the Golden Gate Bridge. Whether Sunday's accident could have been prevented had a barrier existed will likely be examined. Overarching issues such as roadway design often play as much of a role in causing an accident as driver error.

Continue reading "Golden Gate Auto Accident Causes Minor Injuries And Major Delays" »

Highway 59, which connect State Route 152 to Merced, was closed Saturday after a fatal head-on collision between a semi-truck and a Honda. News reports indicate that the 18-wheeler was heading north when the driver of the Honda crossed into oncoming traffic. The Honda driver was killed on impact but the driver and the passenger of the big rig sustained only minor injuries.

If you have been injured or have lost a family member in a truck accident or car accident, it is critical to contact an experienced California truck accident lawyer immediately to begin investigating the incident and protect your right to seek compensation.

Often, even though the cause of an accident may initially seem clear cut, with further investigation additional factors and causes come to light. It is only after all the facts and circumstances are known that liability for a particular accident can be determined.

Continue reading "Highway 59 Near Merced Closed After Fatal Truck Accident " »