Sacramento Injury Attorney Blog

This past weekend Sacramento news reports that a tragic Sacramento train accident took the lives of three people in a collision between a light rail train and a vehicle. According to reports, 22-month-old Damian Antiwon Williams, his grandfather Leon Williams Sr. and his aunt, Shantal Hope Williams were all killed when the vehicle they were in was broadsided by the Sacramento Regional Transit train. The accident remains under investigation, with investigators reviewing video and other evidence from the crash site to determine the various factors involved.

Whenever a significant accident occurs with catastrophic personal injuries, it is important to speak to an experienced Sacramento personal injury attorney to answer your personal injury questions and determine your next steps. Where a wrongful death occurs, the surviving family members may have numerous questions about determining fault and their right to compensation where another's negligent conduct caused the harm.

In train accidents many different issues may arise. For example, were the gates working properly? Were all warning signals functioning? Were the tracks properly maintained? Although initial reports indicate that here the driver of the car went around the crossing arm before being hit, other factors may have contributed to the incident. A knowledgeable train accident attorney can investigate all potential sources of fault and determine the survivors right to compensation.

In addition to the victims in the car, several train passengers were also injured, with three adults and three juveniles taken to nearby hospitals for treatment of injuries. Whether adequate safety precautions were in place on the train should also be investigated.

Continue reading "Tragic Sacramento Light Rail Accident Devastates Family" »

San Francisco news reports that distracted driving may be a substantial factor in the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) shuttle bus crash that killed a passenger. Reports indicate that the driver, Wallace Richardson, may have been distracted by a conversation with the man who died in the accident. As a result of the crash, Dr. Kevin Mack died from serious injuries sustained after being thrown from the vehicle.

The shuttle bus accident occurred moments after Richardson was engaged in a conversation with Mack. According to reports, Richardson was talking with Mack then subsequently ran a red light. The shuttle bus then collided with a big-rig truck. The truck driver tried to avoid the accident by slamming on the brakes, but wasn't able to stop the semi from crashing into the shuttle bus.

If you have been involved in any motorvehicle accident it is important to consult with an experienced Sacramento injury attorney to discuss your rights and determine your next steps. In many situations, it may be possible to obtain compensation for your injuries.

The shuttle involved in this accident did not have seat belts however none were required by law. Whether factors other than driver error played a role in causing the accident or impacting the extent of the injuries will be investigated.

In any personal injury accident more than one factor may be to blame. Under California law, where more than one person is responsible for causing an injury, each person may be responsible for paying damages based on their percentage of fault.

Continue reading "Driver Distracted Moments Before Fatal Shuttle Bus Crash" »

Santa Clara County's annual "Avoid the 13" campaign was a success this year - with fewer drunk driving arrests than in previous years. No DUI deaths were reported, although one DUI injury accident occurred in Gilroy. The annual DUI accident campaign is conducted over 17 days in the end of December and seeks to crack down on impaired motorists during the holiday season. The most arrests occurred on New Year's Eve, which typically shows a rise in DUI activity.

The decreased incidence of drunk driving accidents is good news. Unfortunately however, drunk driving accidents still occur far too often in California and throughout the United States. Statistics reveal that drunk driving accidents represent 40% of total traffic deaths, with the highest incidence of drunk driving death occurring between Thanksgiving and New Years Day.

The "Avoid the 13" campaign is aimed at reducing this number. During the first nine days of this year's crack down, the Morgan Hills Police Department (MHPD) arrested18 people of a suspicion of DUI.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, it is important to speak to a Sacramento accident attorney immediately to answer your injury questions and determine your next steps. Often the families of victims feel are worried about their next steps, feeling both devastated about the injury and the senseless nature of the accident. Consulting with a knowledgeable Sacramento injury attorney can provide peace of mind along with critical advice during this difficult time.

Continue reading "Santa Clara County Drunk Driving Crackdown Successful; Fewer DUI Accidents Reported During Holiday Season Than A Year Ago" »

The family of a boy killed in an Alaska drunk driving accident will receive a $1 million dollar settlement. The wrongful death lawsuit was filed after Eric and Lori Landers' son Matthew died after being trapped inside the back on an SUV that had plunged into a river.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is critical to speak to a Sacramento accident attorney immediately to discuss your next steps and answer your personal injury questions. During this difficult time, it is important to have someone on your side who can protect your interests. A skilled California personal injury attorney can ensure your rights are represented and that you and your family receive the compensation you deserve after suffering harm in an accident.

Here, the wrongful death lawsuit arose after the Landers had reluctantly allowed Matthew to go on a summer fishing trip to Alaska with a family friend. Under the friend's supervision, the 12-year-old got into the car with a drunk driver who had been partying all night. The driver then crashed the vehicle into a river. Although the driver and two other passengers survived unharmed, the boy was unable to get out of the car and died. The driver subsequently pled guilty to negligent homicide and DUI.

Although the family friend - Randy Sozanski - was not charged with a crime, he was found responsible for the death based on a theory of negligent supervision of a minor. The family had entrusted him with the care of their son, who they relied on to make the right choices in his care of Matthew. According to reports, Sozanski had taken Matthew to a bonfire, where five adults drank beer and smoked pot. Because it had started to rain when the group was preparing to leave, Sozanski put Matthew in the car rather than in the back of his pickup truck where he had ridden before. A couple hours after the accident, the driver of the car had a .083 blood alcohol content, although sources believe it may have been much higher at the time of the incident.

Continue reading "Family Of Boy Killed In Drunk Driving Accident Receives $1 Million Settlement" »

Sacramento news reports that a Sacramento jury has found Ford Motor Company at fault in a fatal automobile accident that took the life of two people and injured two others. The jury awarded the three plaintiffs $73 million in damages. $50 million of the award was for punitive damages, based on what jurors considered was "despicable" conduct by Ford. This included Ford's failure to warn its customers and dealers of a defective tire on its 15-passenger, E-350 Econonoline van. The plaintiffs also asserted that the Econonoline van was unsafe as well due to its design.

If you have been injured in a car crash, or lost a loved one in an automobile accident, it is important to contact an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer immediately to begin an investigation and to determine your next steps. Often, several different theories of liability may exist and it is important to begin as soon as possible evaluating just what happened in any accident.

In this instance both a personal injury action based on negligence and a wrongful death action were filed. A wrongful death action can arise out of any personal injury action involving the death of an individual as the result of another's wrongful conduct. A wrongful death claim may be brought by the surviving family members for medical expenses and past and future economic and non-economic damages.

Here, the tread separated on the rear right tire of the Econonoline van, causing it to skid off Interstate 5. Evidence introduced at trial showed that Goodyear Tire and Rubber contacted Ford officials about the defective product, but those officials did not contact its dealers or costumers. Additionally, the E-350 van had been the target of several federal advisories.

Continue reading "Jury Finds Ford Negligent In Fatal Automobile Crash In Marlene Shirley v. Ford Motor Company " »

According to Summit, California news a teenager has been arrested and charged with DUI and vehicular manslaughter in a drunk driving accident that killed three people. The driver, from Meadow Vista, lost control of his Subaru Outback and ran into a utility pole and a tree. The tragic car accident occurred around 7:30 Thursday night on Applegate Road near Boole Road.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries, or is a victim of wrongful death as the result of a car accident, it is critical to speak to an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer at once to determine your next steps. Where serious personal injuries or a wrongful death occurs, it may be possible to obtain compensation.

Car accidents can occur for a number of reasons, including:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving - such as driving while texting
• Negligent roadway design
• Defective automobile parts
• Driver error

Here, the reports indicate that the driver had been drinking and the accident occurred in an instant. In fact, although many factors may lead to car accidents, drunk driving remains the leading cause of car accidents in the United States. Statistics indicate that more than 40% of traffic fatalities are the result of drink and driving.

Continue reading "Teenager Arrested After Drunk Driving Accident Kills Three" »

News reports that a 24-year-old man from Eureka was killed in a drunk driving car accident last week on State Route 299. The accident occurred in the early morning hours, just east of Lord Ellis Summit. Reports indicate that Chad Elliot Scott was driving westbound on the road when his car was struck head on by another man's vehicle. The other driver had a level of intoxication above the legal limit and had allowed his vehicle to cross over the double yellow lines. Scott's passenger also sustained serious injuries.

If you have been injured in a car accident or drunk driving accident it is important to contact an experienced Sacramento drunk driving accident attorney to begin investigating the case and advise you on your crucial next steps.

Driver intoxication is one of the leading causes of car accidents in California and across the United States. Nearly 20,000 people are killed each year in alcohol related crash, with thousands more receiving serious injuries. In fact, 40% of all traffic deaths are related to drunk driving. When a drunk driving accident occurs, not only does a driver face criminal penalties as the result of his or her actions, but may also be held liable for injuries caused in a civil personal injury or wrongful death action.

A driver who operates his or her vehicle under the influence may be considered reckless or negligent. Victims injured by negligent drunk drivers face physical pain, medical bills, loss of wages, emotional distress and enjoyment of life. Where injuries are severe or permanent, families may experience economic loss and mental anguish. Where a death occurs, the survivors may bring a wrongful death claim for medical expenses, financial support, loss of love and companionship and in some cases, punitive damages.

Continue reading "Eureka Man Killed In Drunk Driving Accident" »

Allstate Insurance Company has issued it annual list of safest cities for driving - this includes ranking cities based on factors such as fewest car accidents and injuries. Unfortunately, Northern California cities did not rank very high. According to the list, San Francisco ranks 185, Sacramento 140, Stockton 102 and Modesto 91. ABC News cites traffic and busy freeways as reasons big cities don't fare as well on safety rankings.

If you have been involved in a car accident in California, it is important to contact a Sacramento auto accident attorney immediately to protect your rights and to determine your next steps. Even though filing a lawsuit may be the furthest thing from your mind, understanding the steps to take and talking to an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer can provide you valuable guidance and preserve your options should you decide to file a lawsuit in the future.

Taking the top spot as America's safety driving city is Fort Collins. Fort Collins earned the number one spot for the second year in a row. Based on statistics, an average driver in Fort Collins will have a car accident once every 14 years - nationally the average is once every 10 years.

Many factors may lead to causing a car accident in Sacramento and throughout the country. These include driver error - sometimes caused by negligent or reckless driving such as distracted driving or driving while under the influence. In fact statistics now place distracted driving as causing 80% of all accidents. Drunk driving also leads to significant number of accidents, with DUIs causing nearly 40% of all traffic deaths.

Other causes of auto accidents include defective auto parts - with a record number of recalls blamed this year on parts that were not properly tested or failed to perform as intended. In these situations, it may be possible to file a California product liability lawsuit and recover damages for injuries sustained as the result of a defective part. Another potential contributor to Sacramento car accidents is negligent roadway design. In certain circumstances the design of the road itself may cause an accident, with inadequate signage, improper warnings or lack of proper safety considerations.

Continue reading "Sacramento Car Accidents High On Allstate List " »

KSEE 24 News out of Fresno and Visalia reports that a 32-year-old Encino man has been arrested in a fatal DUI accident that occurred last weekend. Sancho Kibufu was allegedly driving under the influence on Golden State Boulevard in Madera when his car went across the centerline, hitting a car carrying four teenage boys from Chowchilla. Three of the boys suffered serious injuries and one was killed. Kibura is being charged with vehicular manslaughter.

If you have been injured in a car accident, including a drunk driving auto accident it is important to contact an experienced Sacramento auto accident attorney to determine your next steps. Not only do drunk drivers face criminal penalties, but they may also be liable in civil actions for personal injury and wrongful death.

Drunk driving injury accidents are far too common. Statistics provided by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reveal that 17,013 people were killed due to alcohol related car accidents in 2005, representing forty percent of the nation's total traffic deaths. This figure has likely increased since last reported.

Where a victim dies as the result of a drunk driving auto accident, families are torn apart without any warning and suffer an unimaginable loss. Although speaking to a drunk driving accident attorney may be the furthest thing from your mind, it is crucial in order to protect your right to obtain compensation. In many situations, survivors may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for medical bills, mental anguish and the loss of companionship.

Continue reading "Encino Man Arrested In Fatal Car Crash Involving Chowchilla Teens" »

Bakersfield news reports that a former substance abuse counselor was arrested on DUI charges after a drunk driving accident. According to the news, Jessica Woodward slammed her car into the back of a California Highway Patrol vehicle while the officers were performing a traffic stop. The driver and the two officers all received injuries and were treated at local hospitals.

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is important to contact a Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyer to provide advice concerning your next steps.

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of car crashes in the United States - representing 40% of the total traffic deaths. On average, a drunk driving accident occurs every 30 minutes, putting all California drivers at risk.

If you suffer injuries as the result of a DUI crash, the drunk driver may be liable for civil damages in addition to facing criminal charges. If you are injured by a drunk driver, an experienced Sacramento personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for medical bills, physical pain, lost wages, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment. If the damages are permanent, you may also recover damages required for future care, economic loss and mental anguish.

Here, the police officers were the victims - injured when the drunk driver hit their vehicle. Criminal charges were filed - it is unknown whether the officers will seek to recover civil damages as well.

Continue reading "Drunk Driving Accident Injures CHP Officers" »

In a significant California Supreme Court case, Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions, the court determined that personal injury victims, such as those injured in car accidents, medical malpractice and bicycle accidents, are not entitled to receive more in compensation for medical costs than the insurance company pays the health care provider.

Many consider this decision a victory for insurance companies because it denies accident victims the full cost of their medical care - and what their injury is worth - instead paying those injured the value of the negotiated rate between an insurance company and the particular medical provider. If you have suffered any type of personal injury, contact an experienced Sacramento accident lawyer to discuss you next steps and determine what this decision may mean for you.

In Howell v. Hamilton Meats, a San Diego woman - Rebecca Howell - was injured in a car/ truck accident when an employee driving Hamilton Meats' truck illegally turned in front of her, causing a car accident. As a result of the incident, Howell sustained serious injuries requiring surgery and significant medical costs.

Hamilton Meats accepted responsibility for the accident and conceded liability as well as the need for the medical treatment Howell received. However, the meat company objected to the amount of money the jury awarded Howell. The jury awarded Howell the full amount of her medical costs, even though this amount had been discounted based on negotiations between her health care providers - including the physicians who treated her and Scripps Memorial Hospital - and her preferred provider organization (PPO) policy. The defense argued that because of the favorable agreements, Howell was not entitled to the larger balance of the original bills but only to an amount adjusted downward to reflect the agreed amount.

The trial court then reduced the jury award to reflect the actual amount the medical providers accepted as payment. On appeal, the Court of Appeals determined that the reduction was improper and violated the "collateral source" rule which provides that "payment made to or benefit conferred on the injured party from other sources are not credited against the defendant's liability." In other words, in situations such as here where Hamilton Meats' liability is established, a negligent party should not benefit from the favorable negotiations between third parties.

Continue reading "California Supreme Court Determines Accident Victims Only Entitled To Amount Paid By Insurance In Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions, Inc." »

NBC news reports that 75 former NFL players have sued the National Football League alleging that the NFL concealed the risks of concussions. Riddell - the helmet manufacturer - has also been included in the lawsuit.

According to the lawsuit, the NFL knew or should have known about the link between brain and head injuries and long-term health problems.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) such as concussions can have serious, long term and sometimes-permanent consequences if not detected and treated. TBIs can occur in a variety of circumstances and arise from a blunt or sudden trauma to the head. Often associated with car accidents, TBIs can occur as the result of any blow to the head, such as a motorcycle accident, a bicycle accident or sports injury as is alleged here.

Symptoms of TBIs may not show up immediately and may be vague - such as headaches, dizziness and confusion. However, if you're received a jolt or blow to your head its imperative to seek medical attention immediately. Where you have been involved in an accident, speaking to a brain injury lawyer is important in order to preserve your right to bring a lawsuit and determine your next steps.

Here, the lawsuit alleges that the NFL "knew as early as the 1920s of the harmful effects on a player's brain of concussions; however, until June of 2010 they concealed these facts from coaches, trainers, players and the public."

Continue reading "Brain Injury Law Suit Filed Against NFL" »

KTVU News reports that two separate pedestrian accidents occurred this past Thursday in 2 different train accidents. In one accident, a train headed toward Sacramento struck and killed a pedestrian in San Leandro. Capitol Corridor train No. 528 running between San Jose and Sacramento struck the man while he was crossing Davis Street. In the second accident, San Joaquin train No. 701 from Bakersfield to Sacramento struck a pedestrian west of Merced.

If you have been injured or a loved one has suffered a wrongful death in any type of pedestrian accident, it is important to speak to an experienced Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyer immediately to protect your rights and discuss your next steps.

Pedestrian accidents include any time an individual is struck and injured or killed by a motor vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle, truck or train. Several factors affect whether the driver may be found responsible for an accident and as a result must compensate you for your injuries. For example - was the pedestrian following the rules of the road such as crossing in a cross-walk, crossing with a walk sign or only crossing railroad tracks when the gates are up and no lights are flashing? Conversely, was the driver of the car, truck, motorcycle or train driving responsibly? Was he or she following all safety precautions - including not using a cell phone or texting - was the driver following all appropriate safety precautions and all the necessary rules of the road?

Continue reading "Two Pedestrian Accidents Occur With Trains Bound For Sacramento" »

The Silicon Valley Mercury News reports that a man has been arrested for a DUI as a result of the Golden Gate Bridge crash last weekend that closed several lanes of traffic and resulted in serious injuries.

A 37-year-old Colman man has been arrested on charges of driving under the influence after his Mercedes SL550 rear-ended another vehicle in the southbound lane, which then veered across lanes and into the northbound lanes and into oncoming traffic.

In California and throughout the United States, drunk driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents and represents 40% of the total traffic deaths. If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is important to contact an experienced Sacramento personal injury attorney to protect your legal rights. Victims injured by negligent drunk drivers face medical bills, loss of wages, physical pain and emotional distress. Many times, it may be able to recover compensation for your damages.

Here, several issues factor affect the injured right to compensation. Not only was the driver who caused the accident potentially DUI, but several reports also indicate that a long standing problem - the lack of barriers between the north and south bound lanes contribute to the potential for dangerous accidents.

Continue reading "Golden Gate Bridge Collision Caused By Suspected DUI" »

A Fresno school bus accident occurred Thursday morning after a woman driving a car rear-ended the bus. Six students from Central High School, west campus, were taken to the hospital with injuries. The car driver was also hospitalized and in being investigated for being under the influence of narcotics, potentially facing DUI charges as a result of this accident.

In California and throughout the United States, drunk driving is the leading cause of auto accidents. 40% of traffic related deaths are the direct result of driver intoxication. Victims injured face medical bills, emotional distress, physical pain and lost wages. If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is important to contact an experienced Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyer to help protect your legal rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Many times accident victims are unaware of the extent of their injuries until several days or even weeks have passed. As a result, it is essential to document the circumstances surrounding the accident and begin an investigation into what happened while the details are fresh in everyone's minds.

Continue reading "California School Bus Accident Leads To Minor Injuries - DUI Charges Pending " »