Recent Blog Posts in November 2009

Multiple cars, an SUV and a sedan were involved in a car accident early on the morning of February 2, 2009.  Both cars had entrapments, and 1 person was ejected from one of the vehicles.  An investigation is still pending as to whether the ejected occupant wasn't wearing a seat belt, or whether the safety equipment in the motor-vehicle failed to function as a result of a product defect.

Both the SUV and the sedan required the extraction of one occupant due to the damage done to both of the vehicles.  Paramedic emergency response ambulances and fire companies were both called and summoned to this multi-motor-vehicle accident.  All of the car accident victims were triaged upon the arrival of the paramedics.

A total of 63 firefighters were required for this multi-vehicle accident in which there were seven (7) patients, four (4) males and three (3) females.  Of these seven patients, four (4) of them were listed in critical to very critical condition.  While there is no general indication of the injuries suffered, the critical to very critical occupants most likely suffer some form of brain trauma or brain injuries, severe bleeding, broken bones, and may or may not have lost consciousness.  The remaining occupants who were injured suffered moderal injuries and minor injuries.  The driver of the sedan, 30, was later pronounced dead at the hospital. 

Survivors of the multi-car accident has been attributed to the use of safety equipment such as seat belts and air bag deployment.

If you or a loved one has been injured or have suffered critical to minor injuries in a multi-car accident in Fresno which involved a car, SUV, truck, motorcycle, 18-wheeler, big-rig, or tractor-trailer, immediately contact one of our experienced Fresno Auto / SUV Accident Lawyers for a free confidential initial consultation to discuss your case.

A 13-year-old boy suffered serious injuries when a 70 pound pit-bull dog attacked him causing serious injuries from the resulting pit bull dog bites.  The thirteen-year-old boy's aunt had been drinking alcohol and thought it would be hilarious for her pit-bull to attack her nephew.  The boy was transported to the hospital with serious dog bite injuries, and the aunt was charged and arrested with child endangerment.

The young boy had severe bleeding coming from his arm as a result of this pit-bull dog attack.  The young boy was transported to a Turlock hospital.  The suspect admitted that this was not the first time that her pit-bull attacked, but this was the worst attack thus far.  The pit-bull is under quarantine after being surrendered to animal control and will be evaulated after 10 days.  As this pit-bull dog has attacked and been involved in biting others, and it is determined to be a risk to public safety, the pitbull will be euthanized.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite or a dog attack in Fresno, please contact one of our Fresno Dog Attack Lawyers and / or one of our Fresno Dog Bite Attorneys  for a free confidential initial consultation to discuss the events leading up to and including the dog attack and dog bite.  We can further assist you in getting the best medical treatment for your injuries suffered from this dog bite and dog attack in Fresno. 

The National Highway Trafic Safety Administration has estimated that over 7,500 lives have been saved through the use of child restrains and child-seats over the last 20 years.

California law reqiures children under 6 and / or weigh less 60 pounds (lbs.) are required to ride in a child-seat or in a child booster-seat.  While California has this requirement, some parents may not know the proper way to safely secure their child in the unlikely event they are involved in a car accident with either a motorcycle, truck, big-rig, or tractor-trailer semi-truck.

The California Highway Patrol has elected to hold a workshop to teach parents how to properly secure their child in a car-seat or booster-seat.  This workshop is aimed at parents and care-givers who may be transporting children in car-seats or booster-seats.  One of the major goals of this workshop program is to educate parents and care-givers about the necessity of car-seats and how car-seats can reduce the severe injuries which could ultimately be sustained by young children who are invovled in an auto accident.

The California Highway Patrol is also hoping to be able to examine currently owned car-seats to make sure that they are properly secured and they do not contain any product defects.  While this workshop program is not an intensive program, parents and care-givers must also take the responsiblity to routinely examine their child's car-seats to make sure that they are always securly fastened and all of the restraints are working properly.  Waiting until an auto accident occurs is the last time you want to check to make sure that this safetly equipment is working properly.

If a child or young adult has been injured in an auto accident in Fresno or where the car-seat failed to work properly because of a product defect in Fresno, please contact one of our Fresno Auto Accident Attorneys or one of our Fresno Product Defect Attorneys for a free confidential initial consultation to discuss the circumstances of your case immediately.

On Monday, March 23, 2009, not too far from Fresno, California, a man with multiple DUI charges was running from the police in a high speed car chase, ran a red light, and crashed into another automobile. The negligent, drunk driver was Otis Lee Taylor Jr. and he attempted to flee the scene after the car accident happened. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that Taylor crashed into a car with two passengers who were young women; one pregnant 17- year old, and the other a 21 year old. The CHP chased and arrested Taylor as he tried to leave the scene of the accident.

Both victims of the car accident suffered injuries. The pregnant woman had moderate injuries and the 21-year old woman had serious injuries and was probably rushed to a local hospital where she may have been treated for deep cuts and bruises, or lacerations caused by the seat belt. She may have also suffered critical brain injuries or brain trauma and been in danger of losing her ability to walk or properly function.

The DUI offender, who was driving reckless and caused the car accident, is now awaiting trial where he is being charged with several felony accounts. He will face felony D.U.I., a felony hit and run, and finally a charge for driving with a suspended license. This negligent driver could have killed both of the passengers in the other car, not to mention an unborn child. Thankfully, he did not kill anyone, but he seriously injured them. Someone needs to prevent him from ever having the chance to do something like this again.

There are local Fresno Automobile Accident Lawyers who are trained and well equipped to fight for the rights of those who were in this car crash and any other Fresno residents who have been involved in a car crash caused by a drunk driver or negligence on the part of another driver. Contact one of our Fresno Automobile Accident Attorneys today at 800 785 9924! We offer free consultations that are confidential.

Physical abuse is considered a personal injury, and is in direct violation of a person's rights according to the law.  In Visalia, California, not too far from Fresno, a 3 year old little girl died a wrongful death as the result of head injuries she received from her mother's live-in boyfriend. The southern California man was arrested, and is being investigated for the murder of the young girl.

Sometime in the late afternoon, someone called 911 complaining that the toddler was having a hard time breathing. The young girl was rushed to the local hospital and pronounced dead not too long after her arrival. The autopsy reports showed that little Natalynn died from "blunt-force trauma;" to both her head and entire body. 

Head Injuries, or brain trauma, caused from a blunt instrument or physical attack may include severe internal bleeding, loss of memory or motor abilities, and sometimes can even put a person into a coma. In addition to the injuries listed above, possible nerve destruction and possibly death of the individual who suffered brain damage. If the head injury does not result in death, it takes months, or even years for recovery, and much time is spent in the hospital.

It is imperative that the people who intentionally or negligently injure or kill another be held responsible for their actions.  While hiring a lawyer will not bring your loved one back, a qualified Fresno Wrongful Death Attorney could assist a family in recovering some of the expenses for that loved one's funeral, medical expenses and other associated costs.

Please contact one of our Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyers today if your loved one has been the victim or a wrongful death while in the paid care of someone else. We offer free, confidential consultations; call today 559-761-0061!

The California Highway Patrol does not list motorcycle lane splitting as a factor in accident reports.

As California permits motorcycle riders to ride in between lanes traveling in the same direction, the rider of the other motor vehicles should be aware of the motorcycle riders presence.

Therefore, if you were involved in a motorcyle accident while lane splitting in Fresno, and through the negligence of the other drivers, you were hit because the other driver didn't see you or was simply negligent, please contact one of our Fresno Motorcycle Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation.

On January 29, 2009, Salvador Montoya, 29, of Porterville, California was found unconscious in the roadway by a Fresno Police Officer.

Apparently, last wednesday night, Mr. Montoya was crossing the street in Fresno, California when he was struck by a car.  It is presently unclear whethre the driver of the car or the pedestrian may have been contributorily negligent in causing the accident.  The car accident in Fresno county occurred at Morton Avenue west of Belmont Street in Porterville, California.  The pedestrian was not crossing in a cross-walk at the time he was hit.  The car driver stayed at the scene of the pedestrian-car accident, so this was not a hit-and-run accident.

As a result of the car striking this pedestrian, resulting in a car-pedestrian accident, an ambulance transported Mr. Montoya to an emergency helicoptor heli-pad where the injured pedestrian was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, California.  As a result of this car-pedestrian accident, the pedestrian was rated to be in serious condition upon arrival at the hospital.  These serious injuries included severe leg injuries and head injuries, such as brain trauma and brain and spinal cord injuries - as well as blunt force trauma.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in which the injured party was struck by a bicycle, car, motorcycle, truck, big rig, or any other motor vehicle in Fresno, contact one of our experienced Fresno Pedestrian Accident Attorneys immediately for a free consultation.

A study, commissioned by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and researched by a University of Southern California researcher found that when a motorcycle lane splits it is safer than the motorcycle sitting in stop-and-go traffic.  This study found that when a motorcycle sits in stop-and-go traffic, the motorcycle rider is more likely to be struck by cars and ultimately "sandwiched" between two or more cars.

Of the 7,163 accidents in California last year in which someone was either killed or injured, 2,822 of them had factors often associated with lane splitting.  Those factors include excessive speed, unsafe lane changes, improper passing and following too closely.

Generally, the general rule of thumb for lane splitting is to split lanes number 1 and number 2 and to travel no more than fifteen (15) to twenty (20) miles faster than traffic.  Travelling any faster may directly result in a higher likelihood of being involved in a motorcycle accident.

If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident in Fresno, please contact one of our highly trained Fresno Motorcycle Accident Attorneys.

Last wednesday, thick fog (where at sometimes there was only a visible distance of about 50 feet) was a determining factor in several multi-vehicle accidents including all types of motor vehicles, incluidng: cars, trucks, motorcycles and SUVs.  The number and severity of the injuries ranged from severe bleeding, brain injuries, and broken bones to minor scratches.  A police officer at one of the car accient scenes stated that there were so many injuries that all ambulances were being used - so the emergency medical personnel were being stretched to their ultimate limits.

These multi-vehicle pileups occurred at various locations Highway 43 at Kansas in the South Valley while various other multi-vehicle crashes resulted on Highway 198.  There was also major injuries on Highway 41 near Conejo in Fresno County.

With respect to the accident on Highway 43, it occurred just after 8:00 AM. Two cars collided which resulted in backing up traffic and creating further delays.  This crash directly resulted in creating a four vehicle (car, motorcycle, SUV, big rig, etc.) accident.

Less than an hour after these motor vehicle accidents on Highway 43, six (6) separate accidents resulted on Highway 198 at Second Street, east of Hanford. In these separate accidents, there were a total of 15 (fifteen) vehicles, including two (2) big rigs which caused the higway to be closed.  Amongst these various accidents, only two people had serious enough injuries (and did not waive their right) to be taken to the hospital.

Approximately an hour after this second send of crashes occurred, on Highway 41 near Conejo in Fresno County,  two cars collided.  This car accident resulted in traffic backing up on this Fresno county highway which led to twelve (12) other vehicles either crashing, colliding or getting into an accident.  This Fresno County highway shut down for a little over two hours as the injured were cared for and the higway was cleared up debris and the cars involved in the accidents were removed and towed away.

If you or a loved one was injured in this or another multi-vehicle accident with a big rig, truck, car, automobile or motorcycle, please contact one of our Fresno Auto Accident Attorneys, Fresno Truck Accident Attorneys and / or Fresno Motorcycle Accident Attorneys.

A California law passed in 2006 prohibits newly licensed California teens from driving other minors (other than family members) without a supervising licensed driver who is at least 25 years old also in the vehicle.

Fresno police acknoweldge that a law such as this is very difficult to enforce.  The teens who are violating this California statute believe that the law is impractical with their various of after-school activities, as well as driving themselves to and from school every day.  The parents of the teens who are wilfully violating this California often are aware of this law, but would much rather no longer be their teenagers taxi or personal driver. 

A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that of the various teens interviewed, approximately half of the teens admitted violating this 2006 California Law.  California also has laws in place in which California teens may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Despite teens and parents not agreeing with this law, reports have come out that show that these laws have in fact saved lives.  Unfortunately, there are still tragic incidents in which teen drivers fail to obey these rules and ultimately kill their fellow teen passengers.  Parents need to take a stronger stance and enforce these rules which are in place to save their children, as well as the children of others.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a teen failing to obey this law or any other law which ultimately resulted in a car accident in Fresno, please contact our Fresno Car Accident Attorneys immediately for a free evaluation of your case.

Early this morning, a train and a tractor-trailer truck were involved in an accident near Fresno, California.  The initial reports indicate that the truck-and-train accident resulted in severe injuries.  However, there is always the possibility of brain trauma or brain injury which may not be identified immediately at the scene of the crash - as these types of injuries generally don't evidence themselves until days or weeks after an accident.

The California Highway Patrol has stated that the train-and-truck accident was near Avenue 144 and Highway 43 south of Corcoran, California.  As a direct result of this accident, the California Highway Patrol stated that several roads in the general area of the accident will be closed until at least noon as the accident scene is investigated.

If during the course of your travels, you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident in Fresno, please visit our Fresno Attorneys Website for further information.

This past weekend, after having a few alcoholic beverages, a gentleman decided to get behind the wheel of his car in Fresno, California.  This gentleman, unlike many other people couldn't claim that he didn't know the rules about drinking and driving, let alone the necessary amount one must consume to be arrested for a DUI.  Such a defense was not possible, as the person who was pulled over for drining was an off-duty Fresno Sheriff.

Specifically, the 27-year old Fresno Sheriff crashed his Porche into the rear of a pickup truck.  This automobile accident occurred near Herndon and Maple Avenues shortly after midnight on January 17, 2009.

As a result of this auto accident, there were no major or severe injuries suffered.  Witnesses at the scene of the car accident stated that the Fresno Sheriff fled the scene.  Shortly after this Fresno hit-and-run car accident, Fresno police located the Sheriff and administed a sobriety test.  The Fresno Sheriff failed this sobriety test, and was taken into custody on suspicion of drunk driving and hit and run charges.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, where the other negligent party was drinking and may be legally drunk, then please call our Fresno Car Accident Attorneys immediately so we may begin seeking compensation for your personal injuries and injuries to your vehicle.

On January 18, 2009, in Ada County, Illiniois, a ten year old girl died from blunt force trauma injuries when a fourteen year old boy driving a motorcycle struck the young girl from behind.  Upon the motorcycle colliding with the girl's bicycle, the motorycle accident caused the young girl to be thrown from her bicycle.  From the collision of the motorcycle as well as contact with the pavement, the young girl sustained blunt force trauma injuries as well as other serious injuries.  While the young girl sustained brain injuries as a direct result of the motorycle accident, there is no indication that she was wearing a helmet.

The young girl's death was reported within four hours of the motorcycle accident, where the young girl  was transported to St. Luke's Regional Medical Center Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Initially, the motorcycle accident and resulting fatality has been ruled as an accident, but the family of the young girl may still have rights against the young boy's family for their loss.  It is essential that they contact an attorney immediately so witnesses and data may be collected while such facts are fresh beyond the investigation being conducted by the Elmore County Sheriff's Office.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Fresno, please visit our Fresno Lawyers Website and speak with one of our knowledgable personal injury attorneys.

On January 19, 2009, a sixteen year old driver was heading north on Palm Avenue in Central Fresno, California.  The teenage driver then made an illegal turn causing the police car to strike the teenage driver's car which created a car accident.

The teenage driver's car was struck with such force by the Fresno Police car that he ended up on a nearby homeowner's lawn.  The Fresno police car similarly left Palm Avenue in Fresno, California and came to rest after striking the fence surrounding the Fresno High School. 

Neither the teenage driver nor the Fresno police officer suffered serious injuries as a result of the car accident.  However, the suspect left his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot as he didn't have a driver's license.  The teenager was caught shortly thereafter and arrested for hit and run.  He may also be charged with damaging state property as well as driving without a license.

Although neither the driver nor the police officer was seriously injured, if you were involved in a similar car accident, you should still retain a knowledgable and experienced Fresno personal injury attorney to make sure you have proper representation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Fresno, please visit our Fresno Lawyers Website.

Early this morning, a truck and tractor-trailer collided with a van in a three-vehicle accident.  The California Highway Patrol reproted that paramedics and emergency personnel treated all of the seriously injured motorists at or near James Road and Central Avenue, north of Tranquility, California.

Major injuries were reported, which included brain injuries and brain trauma - including excessive bleeding.  There have been no further reports as to the stability of those parties involved in this multi-vehicle accident, but no fatalities have yet been reported.

If you were involved in a multi-vehicle accident in Fresno, California please contact one of our experienced attorneys.

On January 16, 2009, two men were in close proximity to an air tank which was being refilled at Conner's Manufacturing on Franklin Avenue in Central Fresno, California.  Although the facts leading up to the event are still under investigation, it is clear that the air tank exploded killing one of the two men while the other man sustained a non-life threatening injury.

The gentleman who was killed was not an employee, and therefore, most likely a customer who was having his air tank refilled.  Although his identity has not yet been released.  The other gentleman sustained injuries to his arm wihch were treated at the Community Regional Medical Center.

The events and facts leading up to the resulting explosion are still being investigated.  However, from the facts which are presently available, it is clear that either the air tank was negligently manufactuered or the employee refilling the air tank was negligent in over-pressurizing the air tank beyond specified safety maximums which resulted in the wrongful death of the customer.

If you were ever injured while on busines property or at the workplace in Fresno, California, please visit our Fresno Lawyers Website for further information.

In California in 2007, 41% of the fatalities involved drivers of passenger cars resulting in 1,618 fatalities.  The next category of vehicles which had the most fatalities were SUV or light utility trucks.  In California in 2007, there were 419 fatalities (11%) of the total fatalities for the year.  With the popularity and fuel efficiency of cars as the most affordable, along with the popularity of SUVs, it is easy to see why these two categories of vehicles were involved in the majority of car accidents - as there are more of them on the road than any other type of vehicle.

Further, some drivers were under the impression that they didn't need to wear seat belts while driving SUVs as they were "safer" in an SUV than in a smaller car.  These statistics clearly indicate that SUVs did get into a substantial amount of car accidents in California.  One potential reason for these numbers could be that the drivers of SUVs may have been driving negligently or without seat belts which could have resulted in more serious injuries, including fatal brain damage or brain injury.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Fresno, please visit our Fresno Lawyers Website.

A man was struck and killed by a train either New Year's evening or in the early morning of New Years 2009.  The injured man suffered serious injuries including, but not limited to brain injuries and brain trauma.  The train accident occurred south of Ventura Street between G & H streets in Fresno, California.

The train accident victim's age was not determined as he did not have any identification on him.  Although he was believed to be homeless, he most recently was staying at the Visalia Rescue Mission located in Visalia, California about 45 miles away from Fresno, California.

This train victim also has a brother in Parkside of San Francisco, California.  If you have any information as to the identity of the train accident victim or if you were a witness to this collision, please contact the Fresno Police Department.

Additionally, if you were ever involved in a train accident or a metro collision in Fresno, please visit our Fresno train accident attorneys and speak with one of our knowledgable personal injury attorneys.

Arrests have been steadily increasing in Fresno, California for impaired drivers which has been reducing the number of car accidents and fatalities.

According to the NHTSA, the Fresno Police Department Traffic Unit with 22 officers had 1984 arrests in 2001.  By the end of 2002, the number of DUI arrests was increased to 2067.  After 20 officers were added to the force, increasing the traffic unit to 42, the number of DUI arrests increased to 2186.  This number increased dramatically in 2004 to 2525 DUI arrests.

In 2004, the Fresno Police arrested 4,518 people for driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license.  11,706 unlicensed drivers were also cited and fined while in Fresno county.  And a total of 22,738 vehicles were impounded for traffic and criminal offenses.  Along with increasing revenue for Fresno, seat belt usage was increased from 82% in 2002 to 93% in 2004.

Traffic fatalities were also down 42.3% in 2004 from 2002 which represents twenty-two familes, friends and loved ones who didn't have to buy a loved one because the negligent or impaired drivers were off the road.  Just in 2004, the Fresno Neighborhood Traffic Unit (NTU) issued 21,368 citations, impounded 5,968 vehicles, arrested 723 drivers for DUI, confiscated 16 guns, arrested 361 individuals on felony charges and 5,177 individuals for misdeameanors.

Despite these improvements, car accidents still occur.  If you were involved in a car or truck accident, merely exchange information with the other drivers at the scene of the incident and never acknowledge fault for the accident.  Never say such things as, "I was going to fast, and I didn't see you" or "I'm sorry for hitting you with my car."  It is important to consult with one of our Fresno car accident attorneys as you may not have all of the information - and the other driver may have been more at fault.  An attorney who specializes in car accidents should therefore be contacted immediately, especially before you speak with your insurance company or the insurance companies of the other drivers. 

Therefore, if you have been injured in a car accident in Fresno or any motor vehicle accident in Fresno, you can further research your rights by visiting our Fresno personal injury website.

What should you look for when selecting a motorcycle helmet to protect your head and brain if you are involved in a motorcycle accident or collision?

Motorcycle helmets which meet the minimum Federal safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have a thick inner liner usually about one-inch thick of firm polystyrene foam.  Helmets which fail to comply with these standards, and will also fail to protect your head or brain if involved in a motorcycle crash, normally only contain soft foam padding or simply no padding at all.

Upon laying your bike down or being involved in a motorcycle collision, your helmet's chin straps should be used which will secure the helmet to protect your head, brain and spine from road rash, scraping and bruising.  Additionally, to absorb and protect from brain injury, your motorcycle helmet should generally weigh about three (3) pounds.  If your helmet weighs one pound or less than it is likely a novelty helmet, and it will not protect the wearer.

Generally, unsafe helmets are noticeably smaller in diameter and thinner than ones meeting the DOT standard.  Additionally, full-face motorcycle helmets when worn correctly generally protect more than non-full-face helmets.  There is also a smaller likelihood that the full-face helmets will be separated from the rider upon a motorcycle accident.

All riders know of a friend who has been involved in an accident and the damage that can occur at even low speeds.  It is therefore important that you always wear a DOT approved motorcycle helmet which is secured properly as well as other protective gear to make sure you can always return to your loving family.

If you or a loved was was injured in a motorcycle accident in Fresno, California, please contact one of our motorcycle injury attorneys to discuss the payment of your medical bills and just compensation for any brain injuries or head trauma that you may have suffered.

Many wrongful deaths occur here in Fresno and the surrounding areas, but do they get legal attention? Yesterday we spoke of several California residents who were killed in a plane crash in Montana. There were undeniable implications that there were faults in the chain of command system used by the company that owned the plan. Further research shows that even more evidence will point to this plane crash being the result of negligence and the cause of so many wrongful deaths.

The cause of the crash is yet to be determined, but authorities are saying that it is possible that the plane was holding 4 people over its weight limits of 10 people. In addition to the violations of the weight regulations, the air craft did not even have the technology necessary for an investigation purposed in determining the cause of the crash if one ever were to happen. Even further, the air craft was not legally certified to carry those California residents and other passengers; who were considered commercial passengers. One could even look at the fact that small air ports, such as the one that the plane was to land on, do not have the mandatory radar and / or technology to operate proper protocol in circumstances where planes need to give distress calls.

With all of these concerning issues one has to wonder why is something not being done about "accidents" such as these. Issues such as authorization and certification, and the lack of attention given by those in charge of running and sending out commercial planes are serious negligence and legal issues. Families are in mourning over the loss of their loved ones because of the negligence on the part of aircraft authorities.

If you are a family member of one of the victims who died in this crash, or who died in any other crash  in Fresno that was related to mechanical malfunctions causing the wrongful death of your loved one please contact our Fresno Wrongful Death Attorneys at 800-785-9924 for a free consultation.