Sacramento Injury Attorney Blog

The Palo Alto Daily News reports that last month's fatal bicycle crash between a 47-year-old bicycle and a 26-wheel truck was caused by an "unsafe turn" the bicyclist made. The collision occurred as the woman was headed down Alpine Road next to the big rig.

For unknown reasons, the woman turned her bicycle and fell to her right side. The truck's tires struck the woman, killing her instantly. The truck driver - Gabriel Manzur Vera - was moving from the right westbound lane to turn right onto the interstate. He had his right blinker on and was looking in his review mirror. After looking forward, Vera felt a bump. Although the report concludes the specific cause for the accident was the turn, the "legal cause" was not revealed. Legal cause includes any action - no matter how small - that contributes to injury or damage.

Trucking and big rig accidents are often the most serious California motor vehicle accidents. Truck drivers have a responsibility to drive safely and with care. Those that share the road with big rigs should also keep several safety tips in mind - chief among these is understanding that trucks need room to maneuver and that drivers have enormous "blind spots," especially on the right side.

Continue reading "Portola Valley Bicycle Accident Caused By "Unsafe Turn"" »

A man who was walking along Stockton Boulevard was injured after being struck by the Regional Transit light rail train. He had been talking on his cell phone when he was hit.

Reports indicate that he suffered serious injuries.

Although the facts and circumstances surrounding this accident are unknown, it serves as a reminder to pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings. Often pedestrians are injured, even when they have the right of way, as the result of being distracted by cell phone calls, texting and music. When a person is hit by another vehicle - train, car, bus or even bicycle - the injuries can be severe. People simply cannot protect themselves from the force of the impact.

Continue reading "Sacramento Train Accident Injures Pedestrian" »

The Washington Post reports that a family whose daughter was killed by a hit-and-run driver in a drunk driving accident has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit in Maryland against JMGM Group, which does business as Dogfish Head Alehouse.

Legal commentators note that the suit may be difficult to win in Maryland because it is one of only a few states in the country that does not have "dram shop" laws - laws which hold taverns, bars and restaurants civilly liable for continuing to serve intoxicated patrons.

In California, bars and restaurants that continue to serve alcohol to obviously intoxicated adults and minor may be held liable for harm they cause. This includes property damage and serious personal injury or wrongful death. Often this provides another avenue to seek compensation for those injured due to the recklessness of others.

Continue reading "Bar Sued For Drunk Driving Accident" »

According to the San Jose Mercury News, a 62-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of DUI after she was involved in two hit and run drunk driving accidents minutes apart. First, she injured two people while backing out of a parking space. She hit two different parked cars, pinning one man between the cars and injuring another woman who was sitting inside. The man sustained serious, non-life threatening injuries and was taken to Stanford Hospital.

After leaving the scene of this accident, the woman subsequently lost control of her car, which began fishtailing and hit two more parked cars. She continued driving, but ran into a tree on the center median.

In California and throughout the United States, drunk driving remains the leading cause of auto accidents causing injuries and fatalities.

Here, the extent of the man's injuries are unknown but will undoubtedly create medical expenses, possible rehabilitation and lost time at work, pain and suffering, and significant inconvenience.

Victims of drunk driving may be able to obtain compensation for these damages.

Continue reading "Atherton Woman Arrested For DUI After Injuring Two " »

Reports indicate that fewer car accidents and truck accidents occurred this past Thanksgiving weekend, although California DUI arrests were up. California Highway Patrol (CHP) attributes the decline in accidents to an increased police presence. The Northern division of the CHP, which includes Mt. Shasta, Crescent City and Yreka reported no fatal collisions. In Colusa County, only one major injury accident was reported.

The CHP Valley Division, including Sacramento, mounted a similar crackdown over Thanksgiving, aimed at reducing drunk-driving accidents.

In the United States drunk driving is the leading cause of car accidents, followed by distracted driving. The lives of victims injured as the result of others negligence may change in an instant, often facing lifelong medical costs, physical pain and loss of enjoyment of life. Whether the increased police presence, or the growing awareness of distracted driving and serious risks of drinking and driving, fewer accidents and fewer DUIs is good news for all California drivers and passengers.

Continue reading "Fewer Sacramento Car Accidents Over Holiday Weekend" »