Sacramento Injury Attorney Blog

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" »

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" »

Woodland, California news reports that two separate Northern California train accidents - one near Davis and another in Oakland - were responsible for causing significant delays and personal injuries. The Davis train accident happened around 4:50 p.m. when a Sacramento woman was driving westbound on Country Road 32A, west of CR-105A. Reports indicate that she was driving under the influence and drove her car off the road and onto the railroad tracks. She left the vehicle to call for assistance, and an Amtrak train hit the car while she was waiting. The force of the collision caused her car to catch fire, but fortunately none of the passengers on board were injured. The Sacramento woman was arrested on a suspicion of drunk driving.

Passengers involved in the Oakland train accident were not so lucky. Reports indicated that about 17 people received personal injuries as the result of that train collision. If you have sustained personal injuries as the result of a train accident or any other motor vehicle accident, it is critical to contact an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and determine your next steps. Many times, it may be possible to recover compensation for your injuries.

The Oakland crash occurred when one Amtrak train ran into another train that was unloading passengers. The moving train was going about 15-20 miles per hour, and officials reported that it ran through a red light. The Oakland Fire Department Chief noted, "According to the Amtrak representative, the train traveling should never have continued past the red signal." However, a separate Amtrak spokesperson declined to comment on any of the factors that may have lead to the crash. The incident is still under investigation and may take between three to six months to complete.

Continue reading "Two Separate Northern California Train Accidents Cause Numerous Injuries" »

A recent story out of Texas revealed a startling statistic - more than 4 million Americans admit to drunk driving. In a study conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), four million drivers admitted to driving under the influence, meaning that the true number of impaired drivers is much greater. The CDC notes that alcohol impaired drivers were on the road at least 112 million times last year, a decrease of 30% since 2006.

These statistics are alarming and groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) continued to be concerned. As stated by a representative "It's very, very frightening news to see that four million Americans, and those are just the ones that have admitted to drinking and driving, it's a frightening thought, all of us are put at risk. While 30 percent is down which is certainly exciting to hear, nonetheless, it's still very frightening to hear the number of individuals that are risking not only their own lives, but the lives of others."

If you or a loved one has been injured in a California drunk driving accident, contacting an experienced Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyer is important to protect your rights, answer your personal injury questions and provide you crucial advice concerning your next steps.

Victims injured by negligent drunk drivers fact medical bills, loss of wages, physical pain and emotional distress. In the event of a wrongful death, families are torn apart without warning. Although filing a lawsuit may be the furthest thing from your mind at this difficult time, it is important to speak to a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to protect your future and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Continue reading "4 Million Americans Admit Driving Under The Influence" »

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" »

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" »

According to San Luis Obispo news, two men were killed in a Northern California drunk driving crash. The drunk driving accident occurred after a 21-year-old man crashed his car on Avila Beach Drive. According to reports, Evan Green of Chico missed a left hand curve in the road, over-corrected and crashed through a fence. The vehicle then landed on its head, killing the right front and right rear passengers.

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is important to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and determine your right to compensation.

Many people injured are unsure of their rights, especially when they are the passengers of a drunk driver. Drunk driving accidents can be devastating to all involved, especially when the accident includes friends or colleagues traveling together. Many times victims and their families are reluctant to take the necessary steps to preserve their rights to recover damages for the losses incurred.

Continue reading "San Luis Obispo Drunk Driving Crash Kills Two " »

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 " »

News from Marin County reports that a man has been arrested on a suspicion of drunken driving. The man is charged with causing a drunk driving accident after his car collided with a median wall and caused eight cars to run into each other.

If you have been injured in a drunk driving auto accident, contact an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer to begin investigating the incident and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Here, the man's Saturn coupe struck the median causing approaching cars to swerve, leading to a chain reaction of five other collisions. Although several people suffered injuries, none were life threatening.

If you have been in a car accident, the first thing to do is to do your best to determine whether you or anyone else in your vehicle needs medical attention. Even if immediate medical attention is not needed, be aware that symptoms often show up days or even weeks after an accident. Traumatic brain injuries are notoriously overlooked as they often are not recognized until days after an accident.

Continue reading "Marin Drunk Driving Accident Causes Injuries And Delays" »

The family of a man convicted of vehicular murder as the result of a Novato drunk driving accident must pay restitution to the family of the Novato girl he killed.

According to the Pacific Sun, although Edward Schaefer died after being stabbed on a San Quentin prison yard, his estate is still required to compensate the girl's family for lost wages as well as funeral and medical expenses.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a California drunk driving accident, a skilled drunk driving accident lawyer can help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, emotional distress and funeral expenses.

Here, Schaefer was cleared of his criminal conviction as the result of his stabbing death. But his death did not relieve his estate of his obligation to pay nearly $1.4 million to the estate of the family of the girl he killed.

Continue reading "Marin County Drunk Driver's Estate Must Pay Restitution" »

The Oakland Tribune reports that Oakland has the fewest DUI car crashes among California's biggest cities. The study reviewed 13 of the state's biggest cities, including San Francisco and Sacramento.

The number of Oakland pedestrian accidents and hit-and-run injuries placed them at #3. Oakland ranked #5 for bike accidents.

If you have been injured in a DUI accident, or any other injury throughout the Bay Area, an experienced California personal injury lawyer can help.

The study reports that the 131 people were injured or killed in Oakland accidents where alcohol was involved. Although this number is still too high, it is a significant improvement. The city's partnership with a number of nationwide and statewide sobriety programs is credited with the improvement.

The Oakland Police Department has just received a traffic safety grant to look at ways to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Continue reading "Oakland Has Fewest DUI Accidents Among California's Big Cities" »

As the result of numerous fatal and serious California car accidents, Corte Madera has started the Start Smart safe driving program designed to teach teen drivers about road safety and the dangers of drunk driving. One person attending was from Novato High School where a drunk driving accident recently claimed the life of a classmate.

One method the Smart Start program uses to teach about the effects of drinking on your driving skills is to provide goggles that simulate the effects of being intoxicated. Wearing the goggles, students are instructed to try to complete common field sobriety tests. They also shown instructional - and frightening - films such as "Red Asphalt" designed to warn teens about the dangers of drink and driving, as well as distracted driving.

According to the Novato Patch, teens account for 14% of traffic deaths in California, with the most common reasons being drunk driving and distracted driving. Statistically distracted driving has been shown to be more dangerous than drunk driving due in large part to the frequency teens text and drive and the misguided belief that you can send "a quick text" without losing focus on the road.

Continue reading "Corte Madera Class Aims At Reducing Car Accidents" »