Attorney Blog

Santa Fe Springs: 605 Freeway Semi Crash Seriously Injured Child

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31^st, a crash on the 605 Freeway involving a semi seriously injured a child. The collision between the Honda Civic, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Altima, and semi occurred in the northbound lanes near Telegraph Road and left a 4-year-old boy in critical condition. The truck driver fled the scene of the crash. Authorities are investigating the incident and have asked that witnesses contact Officer Destiny Tafoya at 562-868-0503, explains a California truck accident lawyer.

Santa Fe Springs accounted for 2 of the 390 fatalities and 420 of the 64,178 injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants in traffic accidents in Los Angeles County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of counties with similar populations, giving those with the poorest records the highest rankings, with 1^st place considered the worst. That year, Los Angeles ranked 18^th out of 58 similarly sized counties.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the child who was seriously injured on the 605 Freeway last Tuesday a full recovery.

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune originally reported this Santa Fe Springs semi crash.

Resources for accident victims, such as books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California truck accident lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Anaheim: Kyung Namgoong Killed, Three Injured in Crashes with Wrong-Way Driver

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

In a span of about 15 minutes early last Sunday morning, 53-year-old Kyung Namgoong was killed and three people were injured in two freeway crashes involving a wrong-way driver. Kyung was a passenger in the vehicle involved in the first head-on collision, which occurred on the westbound 91 Freeway near Coal Canyon at about 1:47 a.m. The second collision occurred on the eastbound 241 Toll Road near Weir Canyon Road at 2:02 a.m. She was pronounced dead at 2:52 a.m.; the condition of the three people who were injured has not been released to the public. Authorities are investigating whether drugs or alcohol contributed to these crashes, explains an auto accident attorney in Orange County.

Anaheim accounted for 13 of the 101 fatalities and 2,769 of the 16,620 injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants throughout Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of cities with similarly sized populations, ranking those with the poorest records the highest, with 1^st place being the worst. That year, Anaheim ranked 4^th out of 13 cities for fatal and injury accidents.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Kyung Namgoong, the woman who was killed in the crash with the wrong-way driver. We would also like to wish the three people who were injured a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported these two Anaheim accidents.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an auto accident attorney in Orange County, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Special Offers for Clients and Friends of the Firm Available Today!

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Today, January 26^th, 2012, marks the completion of two projects California personal injury lawyer James Ballidis is excited to share with clients and friends of the firm: the Preferred Friends Card and a book revealing the secrets to health, wealth, and success, Champions: Knockout Strategies For Health, Wealth, and Success.

To show appreciation for its clients and friends, Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie created an exclusive program to offer them free, lifetime legal support, referrals to discounted professional services, and special promotions from local vendors—and much, much more! All of this can be accessed 24 hours a day with the Preferred Friends Card. Details about the program and instructions for obtaining a card are outlined in the firm’s January newsletter. Please contact the firm at 949-752-7474 or at contactus@allenflatt.com to join the mailing list, or visit AFBLaccess.com to register for the card and a chance to win a free seven-day cruise!

While online, visit Amazon.com to learn more about Champions: Knockout Strategies For Health, Wealth, and Success, a book California personal injury lawyer Ballidis collaborated on with leading experts and entrepreneurs from around the world. The book is not about law but a compilation of truly remarkable secrets to obtaining health, wealth, and success written by people who have excelled in their fields. Some of the authors are world-renowned. Purchase the book and not only will all of these secrets be yours but also tons of great bonuses. Just email your receipt to bonus@CelebrityPressPublishing.com.

Thank you for your support! We hope you enjoy the benefits and bonuses of becoming a Preferred Friends Cardholder and reading Champions!

Garden Grove: Pedestrian Augustine Choi Struck, Seriously Injured

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

At around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 21^st, 97-year-old pedestrian Augustine Choi was struck and seriously injured in a Garden Grove crosswalk. The accident occurred at the intersection of Brookhurst Street and Stanford Avenue, and the driver remained at the scene to administer aid, explains an Orange County injury lawyer. Choi sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Garden Grove accounted for 4 of the 41 fatalities and 47 of the 914 injuries suffered by pedestrians in traffic accidents throughout Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of cities with similar populations. Those with the poorest records receive the highest rankings, with 1^st place being the worst. That year, Garden Grove ranked 16^th out of 56 cities for pedestrian accidents involving adults aged 65 and older.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish Augustine Choi, the pedestrian who was struck and seriously injured last Saturday, a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including articles on pedestrian rights and the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Montclair: Two Injured in Semi Crash on 10 Freeway

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18^th, two people were injured in a semi crash on the 10 Freeway in Montclair. The incident involved a semi that had struck the center divider and burst into flames and at least one other vehicle. Paramedics transported the truck driver and an occupant from the vehicle to local hospitals. Hazardous materials teams worked throughout the night to clean up fuel that had spilled in the accident, with the freeway reopening around 6:30 this morning, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Montclair accounted for none of the 192 fatalities and 355 of the 10,983 injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants in traffic accidents in San Bernardino in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. That year, large trucks contributed to 29 of the fatalities and 410 of the injuries suffered in the county.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the two people who were injured in the semi crash on the 10 Freeway last night a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Montclair accident.

Resources for accident victims, such as books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Fountain Valley: Car Accident Left Cyclist Seriously Injured

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11^th, a car accident left a cyclist seriously injured in Fountain Valley. At the intersection of Bushard Street and Talbert Avenue two sport utility vehicles collided, the impact sending one of them into a 29-year-old man on a bicycle who was waiting for the traffic signal to change. He suffered major trauma and was transported to a local hospital. Authorities are investigating the crash; however, they do not believe alcohol or drugs were a factor, explains an auto accident attorney in Orange County. Witnesses are asked to contact the Fountain Valley Police Department’s traffic bureau at 714-796-7939.

Fountain Valley accounted for none of the 12 fatalities and 42 of the 1,201 injuries suffered by cyclists in traffic accidents in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of cities with similar populations. Those with the poorest records receive the highest rankings, with 1^st place being the worst. That year, Fountain Valley ranked 7^th out of 104 cities.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the cyclist who was seriously injured in the car accident yesterday a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Fountain Valley collision.

Resources for accident victims, such as books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an auto accident attorney in Orange County, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Anaheim: Several Injured in 57 Freeway Crash

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 4^th, several people were injured in a multiple-vehicle crash on the 57 Freeway in Anaheim. The collision, which occurred near Wagner Avenue and involved at least five vehicles, sent 12 people to the hospital. The accident snarled traffic to Bastanchury Road, with the carpool and fast lane reopened around 11:20 a.m., explains an auto accident lawyer in Orange County.

Anaheim accounted for 13 of the 101 fatalities and 2,769 of the 16,620 injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants in traffic accidents throughout Orange County, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of counties with similar populations, giving those with the poorest records the highest rankings, with 1^st place considered the worst. That year, Orange County ranked 32^nd out of 58 counties with similar populations.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the 12 people who were injured in the 57 Freeway crash this morning a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Anaheim collision.

Resources for auto accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with an auto accident lawyer in Orange County, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Garden Grove: Two Vehicles Struck, Seriously Injured Pedestrian Gregory Martin

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28^th, two vehicles struck and seriously injured pedestrian Gregory Martin in Garden Grove. The accident occurred near the intersection of West Street and Acacia Avenue when a Dodge Magnum hit Martin and fled the scene. Martin was then struck by an SUV and dragged for more than 700 feet along West Street until the driver finally stopped the vehicle at Garden Grove Boulevard. Paramedics transported Martin to a local hospital in critical condition. The driver of the SUV remained at the scene for questioning, while investigators located the Magnum, which had been abandoned in Santa Ana. Authorities are investigating the accident, explains an Orange County injury attorney.

Garden Grove accounted for 4 of the 41 fatalities and 47 of the 914 injuries suffered by pedestrians in traffic accidents in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of counties with similar populations, giving those with the poorest records the highest rankings. First place is considered the worst. That year, Orange County placed thirteenth out of fifty-eight counties for pedestrian safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish Gregory Martin, the pedestrian who was struck by two vehicles and seriously injured last night, a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Garden Grove accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including articles on pedestrian rights and on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Paramount: Student Calvin Charles Killed in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13^th, 14-year-old Calvin Charles was killed in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Paramount. The Dominguez High School student was crossing at the intersection of Alondra Boulevard and Hunsacker Avenue when he was struck by a small, white pickup truck. The driver did not stop to administer aid to the teenager. Authorities are investigating and have asked that anyone with information concerning the accident call 562-623-3500. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call 800-222-8477, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Paramount accounted for none of the 177 fatalities and 17 of the 5,215 injuries suffered by pedestrians in traffic accidents throughout Los Angeles County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of counties with similar populations, ranking those with the poorest records the highest, with 1^st place being the worst. That year, Los Angeles County placed 3^rd out of 58 counties for pedestrian safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Calvin Charles, the student who was killed by the hit-and-run driver.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Paramount pedestrian accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on pedestrian rights and the injury and wrongful death claims process are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Anaheim: Hit-and-Run Driver Caused Multiple-Car Crash

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 10:50 a.m. on Monday, December 19^th, a hit-and-run driver caused a multiple-car crash in Anaheim. At the intersection of Euclid Street and Catherine Drive a Chevrolet Cavalier turned left into oncoming traffic and collided with a Honda Civic, the impact sending it into a parked Chevrolet Tahoe. The driver of the Civic sustained injuries and was transported to a hospital; fortunately, her child was not hurt. Police have yet to apprehend the driver of the Cavalier, who fled the scene of the crash on foot, explains an auto accident attorney in Orange County.

Anaheim accounted for 13 of the 101 fatalities and 2,769 of the 16,620 injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants in traffic accidents throughout Orange County, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of cities with similar populations, giving those with the poorest records the highest rankings. 1^st place is considered the worst. That year, Anaheim ranked 4^th out of 13 cities for traffic safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the driver who was injured in the multiple-car crash in Anaheim a full recovery from her injuries.

The Orange County Register originally reported this hit-and-run accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including articles and books on the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an auto accident attorney in Orange County, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Lake Forest: Hit-and-Run Driver Struck and Killed Bicyclist

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly after 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13^th, a hit-and-run driver struck and killed a bicyclist in Lake Forest. The accident occurred near the intersection of Serrano Road and Ridge Route. The 47-year-old cyclist was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Witnesses reported seeing a white van leaving the scene of the crash heading north on Serrano Road. The Major Accident Reconstruction Team is investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call 855-847-6227, explains an Orange County injury attorney.

Lake Forest accounted for none of the 12 fatalities and 19 of the 1,201 injuries suffered by bicyclists in traffic accidents throughout Orange County, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. Statewide, cyclist fatalities decreased by 9.2 percent, from 109 in 2008 to 99 in 2009.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the bicyclist who was struck and killed in Lake Forest last night.

The Orange County Register originally reported this hit-and-run accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including articles and books on the injury and the wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with an Orange County injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

California: Alcohol-Related Traffic Fatalities Decline

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Alcohol-related traffic fatalities have reached a record low in Orange County and throughout California, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Whereas the incidence of DUI deaths rose steadily from 1998 to 2005, it has decreased annually over the past 6 years. Compared to 2009, when there were 950 fatalities, 791 people died in accidents in which alcohol was a contributing factor in 2010, explains an auto accident attorney in Orange County, where fatalities declined from 44 in 2009 to 36 in 2010, reported the Orange County Register.

Over the years, state and local traffic agencies have received increased funding to conduct DUI checkpoints and other enforcement efforts. Holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, mark periods of maximum enforcement throughout the state. Last year, during its “AVOID the 38” Winter DUI Campaign, which spanned from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, December 17^th to midnight on Sunday, January 2^nd, Orange County law enforcement agencies arrested 743 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

While celebrating the holidays with family and friends this winter, make sure to designate a sober driver and report intoxicated ones you encounter on the roads.

Additional information, such as articles on transportation safety, auto accidents, and the injury claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with an auto accident attorney in Orange County, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Westminster: 6 Injured in Crash on 22 Freeway

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Monday, December 12^th, 6 people were injured in a crash on the 22 Freeway near Beach Boulevard in Westminster. According to one witness, a sport utility vehicle spun out of control, crashed into the center divider, and was struck by two other vehicles. Paramedics transported three of the occupants to trauma centers and the other three to nearby hospitals. Authorities are investigating the multiple-vehicle collision, explains an auto accident lawyer in Orange County.

Westminster accounted for 2 of the 101 fatalities and 529 of the 16,620 injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants in traffic accidents in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. That year, traffic fatalities in the state decreased by 10.3 percent, from 3,434 to 3,081.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish a full recovery to the 6 people who were injured in the crash on the 22 Freeway yesterday.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Westminster accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an auto accident lawyer in Orange County, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

La Mesa: Drunk Driver Caused Multiple-Vehicle Accident that Killed Celia Torres and David Gonzalez

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 9^th, a drunk driver caused the multiple-vehicle accident on California Highway 125 near La Mesa that killed 73-year-old Celia Torres and 16-year-old David Gonzalez. While traveling in a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, 39-year-old Justin Foulds failed to decelerate for slowing traffic and rear-ended a Nissan Pathfinder, the impact sending it into a Lincoln, causing that vehicle to crash into a Ford truck. The Silverado and the Pathfinder became engulfed in flames. Foulds was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

La Mesa accounted for 3 of the 163 fatalities and 333 of the 16,242 injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants in traffic accidents throughout San Diego County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. That year, alcohol contributed to 103 of the fatal and 1,754 of the injury accidents that occurred in the county.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the families of Celia Torres and David Gonzalez, occupants of the vehicle that was struck by the drunk driver last Friday.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this multiple-vehicle accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Newport Beach: DUI Driver Struck, Seriously Injured Student Crystal Morales

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7^th, a DUI driver struck and seriously injured 17-year-old Newport Harbor High School student Crystal Morales. The accident occurred at the intersection of Margaret Drive and Irvine Avenue when 38-year-old Costa Mesa resident Marnie J. Lippincott struck Morales as she traversed a crosswalk. She sustained major head trauma and internal bleeding and was transported to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, where she remains in a medically induced coma. Police arrested Lippincott on suspicion of driving under the influence and causing injury, explains an Orange County injury lawyer.

Newport Beach accounted for none of the 41 fatalities and 41 of the 914 injuries suffered by pedestrians in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of cities with similar populations, giving those with the poorest records the highest rankings, with 1^st place considered the worst. That year, Newport Beach ranked 15^th out of 104 cities for pedestrian safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish Crystal Morales, the student who was struck by the DUI driver and seriously injured, a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Newport Beach pedestrian accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on pedestrian rights and the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Van Nuys: Christina Lynn Ruvalcaba Killed, Blanca Ruvalcaba Injured in Hit-and-Run Accident

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, a driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into two pedestrians in Van Nuys, causing the injuries that ultimately killed one and seriously injured the other. While traveling on Erwin Street just west of Vesper, 33-year-old Alfonso Garnica-Mozgueda swerved into two women who were standing near a parked truck, the impact throwing 34-year-old Blanca Ruvalcaba several feet. Ruvalcaba and her 39-year-old sister, Christina Lynn Ruvalcaba, were transported to the hospital, where Christina succumbed to her injuries. A baby who was in the truck was not hurt in the incident. Garnica-Mozgueda fled the scene on foot, but was later apprehended and charged on suspicion of murder. Authorities have asked witnesses to the hit-and-run accident to call Officer Douglas Larkin of the Valley Traffic Division Detectives at 818-644-8036, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Los Angeles County accounted for 177 of the 596 fatalities and 5,215 of the 13,083 injuries suffered by pedestrians in traffic accidents throughout California in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of counties with similar populations, ranking those with the poorest records the highest. Placing in 1^st is considered the worst. That year, Los Angeles ranked 3^rd out of 58 counties for pedestrian safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Christina Lynn Ruvalcaba, the woman who was killed in the hit-and-run accident on Sunday. We would also like to wish Blanca Ruvalcaba a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this incident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups, articles on pedestrian rights and the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Orange County: Facebook Postings Led to Juror's Dismissal

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

In Orange County, one of the jurors of a murder trial was dismissed after posting information about the people involved in the proceedings on Facebook, including that she wanted to contact the accused killer, Christian William Carney, after the trial and criticism of her fellow jurors, explains an Orange County injury lawyer. Upon discovering the postings, Deputy District Attorney Ebrahim Baytieh requested the judge to dismiss the juror, as well as subject her to legal prosecution. Superior Court Judge William Froeberg had instructed jurors not to share information about the trial on social media websites or elsewhere online. He dismissed the juror; however, no charges have been filed, reported the Los Angeles Times.

This incident illustrates that posting information on the internet concerning a case is considered highly detrimental, be it a trial for murder or personal injury. In the latter instance, if the plaintiff claiming to have suffered injuries as a result of the defendant’s negligent actions posts content that contradicts this claim, he or she may jeopardize the case. Given that the law on whether or not such information can be considered admissible evidence is still evolving, plaintiffs should refrain from sharing information relevant to their case online. Recently, a judge in New York deemed a plaintiff’s historical Facebook and MySpace accounts as discoverable because they contained content pertinent to the plaintiff’s claims of personal injury and pain and suffering.

Additional information on the personal injury claims process is available to the public free of charge.

To request a free book or article, or to discuss a specific legal matter with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Carson: Hit-and-Run Driver Fatally Struck Pedestrian Papaivai Masaga

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 26^th, the driver of a black Ford Mustang fatally struck 58-year-old pedestrian Papaivai Masaga in Carson and fled the scene. Masaga was crossing in the 22000 block of Main Street when the accident occurred and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The vehicle, which authorities believe is a model year between 1994 and 1998, was last scene traveling westbound on West 223^rd Street. Police have asked that witnesses contact the sheriff’s Carson station at 310-830-1123, explains a California personal injury attorney.

Carson accounted for none of the 177 fatalities and 28 of the 5,215 injuries suffered by pedestrians in traffic accidents throughout Los Angeles County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of counties with similar populations, giving those with the poorest records the highest rankings, with 1^st place considered the worst. That year, Los Angeles ranked 3^rd out of 58 counties for pedestrian safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Papaivai Masaga, the pedestrian who was fatally struck in Carson last Saturday night.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this hit-and-run accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Los Angeles: Drunk Driver Struck, Killed Motorcyclist David Mack

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 1:45 a.m. on Monday, November 21^st, a drunk driver struck and killed 25-year-old motorcyclist David Mack in downtown Los Angeles. The collision occurred near the intersection of Seventh and Olive streets. Mack was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. An occupant of the driver’s vehicle was injured and transported to a local hospital. After obtaining a warrant to draw blood from the driver, 30-year-old Patrick Benton Traylor, police arrested him on suspicion of murder, explains a California personal injury attorney.

Los Angeles County accounted for 80 of the 383 fatalities and 2,709 of the 10,479 injuries suffered by motorcyclists in traffic accidents throughout the state in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. That year, motorcyclist fatalities decreased by 29.6 percent, the first decline since 1998, marking the end to an 11-year, 175 percent increase.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of David Mack, the motorcyclist who was struck and killed by the drunk driver on Monday.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this collision.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on motorcyclist accidents and on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Orange County: Freeway Congestion Costing Drivers Time and Money

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Congestion on Orange County and Los Angeles freeways is costing drivers time and money, according to the Texas Transportation Institute’s (TTI) 2011 Congested Corridors Report. Some of the worst areas included the stretch of the northbound 405 Freeway between MacArthur Boulevard and Brookhurst Street, where motorists wasted 433,000 hours in afternoon traffic and 1.8 million gallons of fuel in 2010; the 8.4 miles of the northbound 5 Freeway from Sand Canyon Avenue to 17^th Street, with 297,000 hours spent in traffic delays at a cost of 1.2 million gallons of fuel; and the northbound 55 Freeway from the 73 toll road to 4^th Street and Irvine Boulevard. The most congested stretch of highway, however, was the three miles of the 110 Freeway between the 10 Freeway and Stadium Way, where drivers wasted 1,440 hours in traffic and 2.1 million gallons of gasoline, explains an auto accident attorney in Orange County.

The highways listed in the report not only had the most stop-and-go traffic but also had somewhat unpredictable patterns of congestion, making it challenging for motorists to accurately plan how long their commutes would take.

There were 23,680,643 licensed drivers in California in 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA). Between 2005 and 2009, the mean travel time to work was 27 minutes for commuters in the state and 26.1 minutes in Orange County, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Orange County Register originally covered the release of this report.

Additional information on transportation issues and safety, auto accidents, and the personal injury claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

To request a free book or article, or to speak with an auto accident attorney in Orange County, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Santa Ana: Five Injured in Car Accident

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before noon on Tuesday, November 15^th, five people were injured in a car accident in Santa Ana. The collision between the Nissan Altima and the Diamond Environmental Services septic truck occurred at the intersection of First Street and Euclid Street after one of the vehicles failed to stop for a red light. All four occupants of the Altima were injured, a 2-month-old girl critically. The driver of the truck also suffered trauma. Authorities are investigating the crash, explains an Orange County car accident lawyer.

Santa Ana accounted for 2 of the 101 fatalities and 1,625 of the 16,620 injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants in traffic accidents in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. That year, the number of traffic fatalities in the state decreased by 10.3 percent, from 3,434 in 2008 to 3,081 in 2009, the lowest level recorded since 1975.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the five people who were injured in the car accident yesterday a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Santa Ana crash.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County car accident lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Mecca: Boy Seriously Injured after He Fell from Moving School Bus

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 3:30 p.m. on Monday, November 15^th, a 5-year-old boy fell from an open door in a moving school bus and was seriously injured in Mecca. The accident occurred near the intersection of Hayes Street and 70^th Avenue. While the California Highway Patrol described his injuries as major, the Fire Department listed them as moderate. He was airlifted to a hospital for treatment. Authorities are investigating the accident, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

The leading cause of non-fatal injuries for children aged 19 and younger, falls send approximately 8,000 children to hospital emergency rooms every day, totaling about 2.8 million incidents a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls are among the leading causes of traumatic brain injury, accounting for 50 percent of cases among children aged 14 and younger.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the boy who was seriously injured when he fell from the moving school bus yesterday a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Mecca accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Costa Mesa: James McClain Killed in Pedestrian Accident

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 8 p.m. on Friday, November 11^th, 56-year-old James McClain was killed in a pedestrian accident in Costa Mesa. A vehicle struck him near the intersection of Irvine Avenue and Anniversary Lane. He was pronounced dead hours later at a local hospital. Authorities are investigating the accident, explains an Orange County injury attorney.

Costa Mesa accounted for 2 of the 41 fatalities and 62 of the 914 injuries suffered by pedestrians in traffic accidents in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of cities with similar populations. Cities with the poorest records receive the highest rankings, with first place being the worst. That year, Costa Mesa ranked 4^th out of 56 cities for pedestrian safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of James McClain, the pedestrian who was killed last Friday.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Costa Mesa accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Los Angeles: Driver Struck, Killed Ozenia Brown

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 10^th, a driver struck and killed 79-year-old Ozenia Brown in a South Los Angeles crosswalk. While traveling in a Chevrolet van near the intersection of 110^th Street and Western Avenue, 70-year-old James Willie Douglas failed to yield to Brown. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are investigating the pedestrian accident, according to a California personal injury lawyer.

Los Angeles County accounted for 177 of the 596 fatalities and 5,215 of the 13,083 injuries suffered by pedestrians in traffic accidents throughout California, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of counties with similar populations. The agency gives those with the poorest records the highest rankings, with 1^st place considered the worst. That year, Los Angeles ranked 3^rd out of 58 counties for pedestrian safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Ozenia Brown, the woman who was struck and killed in the crosswalk yesterday.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this pedestrian accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups and books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Santa Ana: Drunk Driver Struck, Killed 2-Year-Old Boy

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday, November 9^th, a drunk driver struck and killed a 2-year-old boy in Santa Ana. The accident occurred at the intersection of Fifth Street and North Bewley Street when 23-year-old Angel Alberto Cruz Perez exited the parking lot of a nearby bar at a high rate of speed and hit a mother crossing the street carrying her 1-year-old daughter and holding the hand of her 2-year-old son, the impact knocking the mother and girl to the ground and pulling the boy under the SUV. The family was transported to a local hospital, where the boy was pronounced dead and the mother and girl received treatment for their injuries. Perez fled the scene of the accident but was later apprehended at a nearby mobile home park, where police arrested him on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, felony hit-and-run, felony DUI, and driving without a license, explains an Orange County injury lawyer.

Santa Ana accounted for 7 of the 41 fatalities and 160 of the 914 injuries suffered by pedestrians in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of cities with similar populations, ranking those with the poorest records the highest, with 1^st place being the worst. That year, Santa Ana ranked 1^st out of 13 cities for fatal and injury child pedestrian accidents.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the 2-year-old boy who was struck and killed by the drunk driver last night. We would also like to wish a full recovery to the mother and 1-year-old girl who were injured.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Santa Ana accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Covina: Car Struck, Seriously Injured Two Students in Crosswalk

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 7 a.m. on Monday, November 7^th, a car struck and seriously injured two students in a crosswalk near Gladstone High School in Covina. The two 14-year-olds suffered blunt-force injuries and were airlifted to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. The driver of the Honda Civic involved in the crash told investigators that she did not see the teenagers. Authorities are investigating the accident, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Covina accounted for none of the 177 fatalities and 16 of the 5,215 injuries suffered by pedestrians in traffic accidents in Los Angeles County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of cities with similar populations, ranking those with the poorest records the highest. First place is considered the worst. That year, Covina ranked 22^nd out of 98 cities for pedestrian safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the two students who were struck and seriously injured in the crosswalk yesterday a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this pedestrian accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups and books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Irvine Lake: Jorge Cisneros Killed, Five Injured in DUI Crash

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 6^th, 18-year-old Jorge Cisneros was killed and five others were injured in a DUI crash near Irvine Lake. While traveling at a high rate of speed on Santiago Canyon Road, 18-year-old Jesus Manzo Torres lost control of the 1996 Subaru Legacy, crashing into a tree, the impact shearing the vehicle in two, with the front half wrapping around the tree. Firefighters spent more than an hour extricating Cisneros from the wreckage; however, he died from his injuries while being transported to a local hospital. Torres’ legs were severed, and three passengers were ejected, landing more than 50 feet away from the vehicle. Authorities arrested him on suspicion of manslaughter and driving under the influence, explains an Orange County car accident attorney.

Orange County accounted for 101 of the 2,373 fatalities and 16,620 of the 207,651 injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants in traffic accidents throughout California in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. That year, alcohol contributed to 62 of the fatal and 1,340 of the injury collisions that occurred in the county.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Jorge Cisneros, the passenger killed in the accident near Irvine Lake yesterday. We would also like to wish all of the vehicle occupants who were injured a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this fatal DUI crash.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County car accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Santa Ana: Four Seriously Injured in Pedestrian Accident

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 3^rd, four people were seriously injured in a pedestrian accident in Santa Ana. While crossing Civic Center Drive near Spurgeon Street, two women and two children, ages 1 and 3 years, were struck by a Volvo sedan. The 3-year-old was pinned under the right front tire of the vehicle until the driver moved it off of her. A 5-year-old child who had been walking with the group was not struck. The pedestrians were taken to a local hospital for treatment, as was the driver, who reportedly suffered from a medical condition. Police believe the accident was caught on surveillance video and are investigating, explains an Orange County injury lawyer.

Santa Ana accounted for 7 of the 41 fatalities and 160 of the 914 injuries suffered by pedestrians in traffic accidents in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of counties with similar populations, ranking those with the poorest records the highest, with 1^st place considered the worst. That year, Orange County ranked 13^th out of 58 counties for pedestrian safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the four pedestrians who were seriously injured in Santa Ana yesterday a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this pedestrian accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Home Gardens: Chain-Reaction Car Accident Injured Four

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Tuesday, November 1^st, a chain-reaction car accident injured four people in Home Gardens. The collision occurred when a Ford F-250 pickup failed to stop for traffic on Lincoln Street at Magnolia Avenue, crashing into the last car of five waiting at a red light, the impact sending two of the vehicles into the intersection. Four vehicle occupants were sent to local hospitals for treatment. Authorities are investigating the crash, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Riverside County accounted for 172 of the 2,373 fatalities and 10,963 of the 207,651 injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants in traffic collisions throughout California, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. That year, traffic fatalities decreased by 10.3 percent in the state.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the four people who were injured in the chain-reaction car accident yesterday a full recovery.

The Press-Enterprise originally reported this Home Gardens crash.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Anaheim: Motorist Struck, Critically Injured Child on Scooter

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 5:20 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25^th, a motorist struck and critically injured a child on a scooter in Anaheim. While traveling westbound on North Street, the driver of a Jeep collided with an 11-year-old girl who was riding near the intersection with Sabina Street. She was transported to a local trauma center for treatment. Authorities are investigating the accident, explains an Orange County injury lawyer.

Anaheim accounted for 3 of the 12 fatalities and 94 of the 1,210 injuries suffered by bicyclists and 8 of the 41 fatalities and 110 of the 914 injuries suffered by pedestrians in traffic accidents throughout Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration classifies the riders of bicycles, two-wheel nonmotorized vehicles, tricycles, and unicycles powered solely by pedals as pedalcyclists. That year, 13 percent of all pedalcyclists killed and 20 percent of those injured in traffic accidents were under the age of 16.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the child who was struck and critically injured while riding her scooter on Tuesday a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Anaheim collision.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

San Fernando Valley: Two Killed, Two Injured in Separate Motorcycle Accidents

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Within the span of an hour, two people were killed and two were injured in separate motorcycle accidents in the same San Fernando Valley location on Sunday, October 23. The incidents occurred in the northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway near Branford Street, the first involving a collision between two motorcyclists shortly before 10:30 a.m. that resulted in injuries to both riders. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment. About an hour later, while splitting lanes in heavy traffic, a motorcyclist and his passenger were fatally struck by a semi truck. Authorities believe the riders may have been participating in a charity event for Autism Speaks organized by the Love Ride Foundation and are investigating the accidents, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Los Angeles County accounted for 80 of the 383 fatalities and 2,709 of the 10,479 injuries suffered by motorcyclists in traffic collisions throughout California in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Record’s System. That year, motorcycle fatalities decreased by 29.6 percent, marking the end of an 11-year, 175 percent increase in the state. While the CHP does not track the incidence of motorcycle crashes involving lane splitting, it acknowledges that the practice is legal as long as done in a “safe and prudent manner.”

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the families of the two motorcyclists who were killed in the crash with the semi last Sunday. We would also like to wish the two riders who were injured a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this San Fernando Valley accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Costa Mesa: Two Injured in 405 Freeway Crash Involving Multiple Vehicles

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 6:20 a.m. on Thursday, October 20^th, two people were injured in a crash in the southbound lanes of the 405 Freeway near the 73 toll road. The collision involved multiple vehicles, including a Lincoln limousine, an airport shuttle van, a Hyundai Tiberon, a Ford Explorer, and a Toyota Solara, the latter of which was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the accident. The driver of the Solara was thrown from the vehicle, while the driver of the Explorer was trapped in the wreckage after the vehicle rolled over. Both suffered trauma and were transported to a local hospital. Authorities are investigating the incident, explains an Orange County car accident attorney.

Costa Mesa accounted for 1 of the 101 fatalities and 991 of the 16,620 injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants in traffic accidents in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the crash statistics of cities with similar populations, giving those with the poorest records the highest rankings, with 1^st place being the worst. That year, Costa Mesa ranked 3^rd out of 56 cities for fatal and injury traffic accidents.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the two people who were injured in the crash involving multiple vehicles on the 405 Freeway yesterday a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Costa Mesa collision.

Resources for accident victims, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of the free resources, or to speak with an Orange County car accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

California Personal Injury Attorney Exposed Insurer Bad Faith

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Insurance companies are obligated to engage in fair practices when processing the claims of their insured. Given that policyholders tend only to contact their insurers during times of tragedy or calamity, this expectation of fairness is especially high, making acts of bad faith all the more egregious.

Recently, a prominent, multi-billion dollar insurance company attempted to withhold its insured’s full policy limit from him after an auto accident resulting in serious injuries. Ultimately, a California personal injury attorney not only obtained a sum larger than the policy but also discovered the deceptive practices the insurer employed in its effort to evade paying its insured. A settlement for bad faith was quickly reached.

To learn more about insurer bad faith, or to speak with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Anaheim: Disneyland Employee Fatally Struck While Cycling Home

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

At approximately 12:30 a.m. this morning, an SUV fatally struck an employee of Disneyland while she was cycling home from work in Anaheim. The collision occurred on the 1-5 over pass in an eastbound lane of Ball Road. Paramedics transported the cyclist to a local trauma center, where she was pronounced dead. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene for questioning. Authorities are investigating the accident, explains an Orange County injury lawyer.

Anaheim accounted for 3 of the 12 fatalities and 94 of the 1,201 injuries suffered by bicyclists in traffic accidents in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. That year, 99 bicyclists lost their lives in collisions, a decrease of 9.2 percent from 2008, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the woman who was fatally struck while cycling home from Disneyland.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Anaheim accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Wilmington: Motorcyclist Edward Wayne Myricks II Killed in Crash with Semi

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 6 a.m. on Friday, October 7^th, 39-year-old motorcyclist Edward Wayne Myricks II, of Carson, was killed in a crash with a semi in Wilmington. While riding south on Alameda Street at Pacific Coast Highway, Myricks collided with the truck, which was in the midst of making an illegal U-turn. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are investigating the crash, explains a California personal injury attorney.

Los Angeles County accounted for 80 of the 394 fatalities and 2,709 of the 10,479 injuries suffered by motorcyclists in traffic accidents in California in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. That year, the number of motorcyclists killed in crashes decreased by 29.6 percent—the first decline recorded by the California Office of Traffic Safety since 1998.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Edward Wayne Myricks II, the motorcyclist who was killed in the collision with the semi truck last Friday.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Wilmington collision.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Santa Ana: Alvaro Flores Struck Twice, Killed in Pedestrian Accident

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 4^th, 33-year-old Alvaro Flores, of Tustin, was struck twice and killed in a pedestrian accident in Santa Ana. While traveling in the 100 block of South Newhope Street near First Street, a driver noticed Flores lying in the road and stopped to administer aid. However, before she could, a dark sedan struck him, dragging him between 40 and 50 feet. When the car finally stopped, two of its occupants exited to check the condition of the victim and then returned to the vehicle, which promptly drove away. Shortly thereafter, a silver Honda Civic dragged the victim another 30 to 40 feet. The driver failed to stop but was later apprehended. Authorities are searching for the occupants of the first vehicle and have requested that witnesses call 714-245-8214, explains an Orange County injury attorney.

Santa Ana accounted for 7 of the 41 fatalities and 160 of the 914 injuries suffered by pedestrians in traffic accidents that occurred throughout Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. That year, the number of pedestrians killed in crashes in the state declined by 9.2 percent, from 620 in 2008 to 563 in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Alvaro Flores, the pedestrian who was fatally struck on Tuesday.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Santa Ana hit-and-run accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with an Orange County injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Burbank: Man Killed While Helping Driver of Disabled Vehicle on 101 Freeway

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 11 p.m. on Saturday, October 1^st, a man was killed while helping the driver of a disabled vehicle on the 101 Freeway in Burbank. After changing a tire on the vehicle, the 55-year-old Long Beach man was returning to his car when a 2008 Pontiac G6 swerved from its lane and struck him. He died at the scene of the crash. The driver who had just received help with his tire was hit with debris from the collision and suffered moderate trauma. Paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver of the Pontiac was not hurt. Authorities are investigating the accident, according to a California personal injury lawyer.

Burbank accounted for 543 of the 73,561 fatalities and injuries suffered in motor vehicle traffic collisions in Los Angeles County in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current data. The OTS compares the accident statistics of cities with similar populations, ranking those with the poorest records the highest. Placing in 1^st is considered the worst. That year, Burbank ranked 18^th out of 56 cities.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the man who was killed while helping the driver of the disabled vehicle on the 101 Freeway. We would also like to wish the man who was injured a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Burbank accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Echo Park: Pedestrian Accident Seriously Injured Three Girls

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, September 27^th, a pedestrian accident seriously injured three girls in Echo Park. While traversing Temple Street in a marked crosswalk, the girls were struck by a car that failed to stop. The driver claimed that she was blinded by the morning sun and could not see the crosswalk, which, according to witnesses, has been the subject of numerous complaints to the city. The girls were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities are investigating the incident, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Los Angeles County accounted for 177 of the 596 fatalities and 5,215 of the 13,083 injuries suffered by pedestrians in traffic accidents throughout California in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. Nationwide, crashes claimed the lives of 4,092 pedestrians and injured 59,000 that year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Children aged 15 years and younger accounted for 7 percent of the fatalities and 25 percent of the injuries.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the three girls who were injured in Echo Park yesterday a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this pedestrian accident.

Additional information, such as links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on the process of pursuing an injury claim, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Huntington Beach: Father and Two Children Injured in Pedestrian Accident

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 4:30 p.m. on Monday, September 26^th, a father and his two children were struck and injured while crossing a Huntington Beach street. The pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Edwards Street and Central Park Drive when a driver turning left failed to stop for the group. The father, who was holding his 1-year-old infant, rolled over the vehicle’s hood, both sustaining minor injuries. The vehicle also collided with the man’s three-year-old, who was on a tricycle. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities are investigating the accident, explains an Orange County injury attorney.

Huntington Beach accounted for 3 of the 41 fatalities and 60 of the 914 injuries suffered by pedestrians in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. That year, there were 596 fatalities and 13,083 injuries suffered by pedestrians throughout the state.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the father and his two children who were injured yesterday a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Huntington Beach accident.

Resources for accident victims, such as links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Camarillo: Four Men Killed and Two Others Injured in Car Accident

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 6 a.m. on Monday, September 19^th, four men were killed and two others suffered serious injury in a car accident in Camarillo, explains a California personal injury lawyer. The crash occurred on Pleasant Valley Road when 78-year-old William Thomas Kimbell broadsided a 1997 Toyota Camry with his 2002 Cadillac sedan, the impact killing three of the occupants immediately. The other two occupants were transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where one of them later died. Kimbell broke several bones and sustained internal injuries. Authorities are investigating the collision and have asked witnesses to call 805-662-6755.

Camarillo accounted for 3 of the 50 fatalities and 432 of the 4,259 injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants in traffic crashes in Ventura County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of cities with similar populations. Those with poor records place higher in the OTS’s ranking system, with 1^st place being the worst. That year, Camarillo ranked 15^th out of 104 cities.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the families of the four men who died in the car accident on Monday. We would also like to wish a full recovery to the two men who were injured.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this crash.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Pacific Palisades: Basil Max Price III Killed in Ferrari Crash on PCH

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 18^th, 23-year-old Basil Max Price III, of Pomona, was killed in a crash involving a Ferrari on PCH in Pacific Palisades. While traveling at speeds as high as 90 to 100 mph, 24-year-old Vladimir Skvortsov, of Upland, lost control of the vehicle and struck a power pole, the impact shearing the vehicle into two pieces before it fell more than 30-feet to the beach. Both men were ejected from the sports car. Authorities pronounced Price dead at the scene, while Skvortsov was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Court records from San Bernardino County indicate that in addition to DUI convictions in 2007 and 2009, Skvortsov was also cited for driving under the influence last January. Police are investigating if alcohol was a factor in this accident, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Alcohol contributed to 7,171 of the 73,561 fatalities and injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants in traffic accidents in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. Statewide, alcohol-involved traffic fatalities decreased by 7.6 percent that year, from 1,025 in 2008 to 950 in 2009. Throughout the nation, such accidents claimed 10,839 lives, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Basil Max Price III, the man who was killed in the Ferrari crash on PCH last Sunday morning.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Pacific Palisades accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Costa Mesa: Tree Fell on Car, Killing Driver Haeyoon Miller

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 15^th, a tree fell on a car in Costa Mesa, killing the driver, 29-year-old Haeyoon Miller of Tustin. The 50-foot-tall, 10-ton eucalyptus tree came crashing down on Miller’s vehicle at the intersection of Irvine Avenue and 17^th Street, the impact crushing the occupant compartment, explains an Orange County injury lawyer. Rescuers used 4-by-4s and airbags to temporarily lift the tree off the vehicle to enable paramedics to administer aid. While treating the woman, the tree dropped a few inches; however, additional injuries were not suffered. Unfortunately, she died at the scene of the accident.

Authorities are investigating what caused the 60-year-old bluegum eucalyptus to suddenly fall. A preliminary, external examination of the tree by the city’s arborist did not reveal any signs of disease. The city plans to conduct an internal examination of the tree, as well. Authorities have also begun investigating the condition of the eucalyptus trees that line Irvine Avenue and other city streets.

A native of Tasmania and southeastern Australia, bluegum eucalyptus was first introduced to California in 1856 and has since been widely used for ornamental purposes throughout the state, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The tree, which generally does not form a taproot, or primary root, usually reaches its maximum height by age 10.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Haeyoon Miller, the woman who was killed when the tree fell on her car last Thursday.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Costa Mesa accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Santa Ana: Van Struck, Critically Injured Pedestrian

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 6:15 a.m. this morning, a van struck and critically injured a pedestrian in Santa Ana. While crossing at the intersection of McFadden Avenue and Bristol Street, a 41-year-old man was hit by a Ford van, suffering major head trauma from the impact. Paramedics transported him to a local hospital. Authorities are investigating the accident and have asked witnesses to contact the Santa Ana police at 714-245-8701, explains an Orange County injury lawyer.

Santa Ana accounted for 7 of the 41 fatalities and 160 of the 914 injuries suffered by pedestrians in traffic accidents in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. Throughout the state, such accidents claimed the lives of 596 pedestrians and injured another 13,083.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the man who was struck and critically injured by the van this morning a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Santa Ana accident.

Additional information, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on pedestrian rights, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Rialto: Skateboarder Jonathan Olagues Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

On the evening of Sunday, September 4^th, 12-year-old skateboarder Jonathan Olagues was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Rialto. While riding along a residential street, Olagues was struck by a speeding Chevrolet Camaro. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Camaro, 21-year-old Matthew Cory Hudson, did not stop to administer aid. Police later located the vehicle, and a chase ensued; however, they were unable to apprehend Hudson at the time, as he was driving recklessly through crowded streets. Fortunately, the Camaro’s license plate was found at the scene, linking Hudson to the crash. After conducting an interview, police arrested him on suspicion of vehicular homicide and gross negligence, explains a California personal injury attorney.

Rialto accounted for 3 of the 39 fatalities and 33 of the 472 injuries suffered by pedestrians in motor vehicle traffic accidents throughout San Bernardino County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. That year, 596 pedestrians were killed and another 13,083 were injured in traffic collisions statewide.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Jonathan Olagues, the skateboarder who was killed in the hit-and-run crash last Sunday.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Rialto accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California personal injury attorney , feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Los Angeles: Impaired Teen Driver Caused Fatal 110 Freeway Crash

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 2:40 a.m. on Sunday, September 4^th, an impaired teen driver caused a fatal crash on the 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles. While attempting to avoid a rear-end collision, an 18-year-old driving a Smart car swerved onto the right shoulder of the southbound lanes, striking a disabled 1971 Chevy Monte Carlo. Upon impact, both vehicles burst into flames, and the Monte Carlo rolled over, killing one of the three men who had exited the car. The other two men sustained serious injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital. The teen was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and second-degree murder, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Los Angeles County accounted for 73,561 of the fatal and injury motor vehicle traffic accidents suffered in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current data. That year, 6,959 of the collisions occurred between 9 p.m. and 2:59 a.m. Young drivers are more prone than adults to dangerous driving behaviors, such as neglecting to wear a seat belt, speeding, and driving under the influence. Not only are motor vehicle collisions the leading cause of death for drivers between 16 and 19 years old but this age group is also four times more likely than older drivers to crash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the man who was killed in the accident caused by the impaired teen driver. We would also like to wish a full recovery to the two men who were seriously injured.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this fatal crash.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Highland Park: Car Accident Claims the Life of a 2-Year-Old Girl

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Friday, August 26^th, a car accident in Highland Park claimed the life of a two-year-old girl. While traveling in the southbound lanes of the 110 Freeway, a GMC Yukon and a Nissan Altima collided, causing the Altima to burst into flames. Despite efforts to free the toddler from the fiery wreckage, her mother and good Samaritans were unable to save her, explains a California personal injury attorney.

Los Angeles County accounted 390 of the 2,373 traffic-related fatalities and 64,178 of the 207,651 injuries suffered throughout the state in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety compares the accident statistics of counties with similar populations, giving those with the poorest records the highest rankings, with 1^st place being the worst.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the 2-year-old girl who was killed in the accident in Highland Park last Friday.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this car accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Pacoima: Drunk Driver Caused Wrong-Way Freeway Crash

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 27^th, a drunk driver caused a wrong-way crash on the 5 Freeway in Pacoima. While traveling south in the northbound lanes, he collided with a truck and several other vehicles, seriously injuring four people. The man suffered minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Authorities are investigating the accident, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Los Angeles County accounted for 31,087 of the fatal and injury motor vehicle traffic accidents that occurred throughout the state in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. The OTS compares the accident statistics of counties with similar populations, ranking those with the poorest records the highest. Placing 1^st is considered the worst. That year, Los Angeles placed 1^st out of 13 counties with similar populations.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the four people who were injured in the wrong-way freeway crash caused by the drunk driver a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Pacoima accident.

Resources for accident victims, including books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Lancaster: Van Struck, Critically Injured Two Bicyclists

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 27^th, a minivan struck and critically injured two bicyclists in Lancaster. While crossing the intersection of Avenue L and 4^th Street West, the van was struck by another vehicle, the impact sending it into a group twenty cyclists. Although the riders were all wearing helmets, one of them sustained major head trauma and another was seriously injured. Authorities are investigating the accident and have asked that witnesses call 661-948-8466, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Lancaster accounted for 1 of the 22 traffic-related fatalities and 36 of the 3,714 injuries suffered by bicyclists in Los Angeles County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Nationwide, 630 bicyclists were killed and 51,000 injured in crashes in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the two people who were struck and critically injured last Saturday a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this bicycle accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Garden Grove: Rollover Crash Trapped Two People

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly after 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23^rd, a rollover crash left two people trapped in their vehicle in Garden Grove. While turning left at Cypress Street, a Ford Taurus collided with a Nissan Murano that was traveling east on Garden Grove Boulevard, the impact sending the Murano into the center divider before it rolled over twice. Firefighters extricated the two occupants, one of whom was transported to a local hospital. The driver of the Taurus was not injured, explains an Orange County car accident attorney.

Garden Grove accounted for 8 of the 101 fatalities and 778 of the 16,620 injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants in traffic accidents in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). That year, the number of traffic-related fatalities decreased by 10.3 percent in the state, the lowest level recorded since 1975, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the person who was injured in the rollover crash yesterday a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Garden Grove collision.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as articles and books on the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County car accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Two Injured in Semi Crash on 57 Freeway

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 5:00 a.m. this morning, two people were injured in a semi crash on the 57 Freeway near Diamond Bar Boulevard. The collision, involving two big rigs, left diesel fuel in the southbound lanes, which Caltrans crews were still cleaning up at 8 a.m. Both drivers were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities are investigating the incident, explains a California truck accident lawyer.

California accounted for 236 of the 3,380 fatalities and 4,874 of the 74,000 injuries suffered in large truck accidents that occurred throughout the country in 2009, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and California Highway Patrol statistics. That year, large trucks accounted for 7 percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes, 2 percent of the vehicles involved in injury crashes, and 3 percent of the vehicles involved in property-damage-only crashes.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the two drivers injured in the semi crash on the 57 Freeway a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this truck crash.

Additional information, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury claim, is available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California truck accident lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Inglewood: Pregnant Pedestrian Brittney Cheeseman Seriously Injured in Hit-and-Run Accident

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

At approximately 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 20^th, 18-year-old pedestrian Brittney Cheeseman was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident in Inglewood. Cheeseman, between five and six months pregnant at the time, was struck while crossing at the intersection of Manchester Boulevard and Market Street when a grey Nissan ran a red light. She was transported to a local hospital, where doctors determined that the fetus was no longer alive. The driver, Janine Rachel Mayfield, fled the scene of the crash but was later apprehended and charged on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, explains a California personal injury attorney.

Inglewood accounted for 4 of the 177 fatalities and 63 of the 5,215 injuries suffered by pedestrians in motor vehicle accidents throughout Los Angeles County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). That year, more pedestrian fatalities and injuries occurred in Los Angeles than in any other county in the state.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to Brittney Cheeseman, as well as wish her a full recovery from her injuries.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this hit-and-run pedestrian accident.

Additional information, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

California Workplace Dog Bite Injuries: Who Is Responsible?

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

We've all seen cartoon depictions of mailmen being chased by angry dogs, but these cartoons reflect reality. Each year, than 3,000 U.S. Postal Service mail carriers are attacked by dogs. And postal workers aren't the only ones at risk: delivery persons, newspaper carriers, utility workers, repairmen and landscapers are also at risk of on-the-job dog bites.

Who pays for your injuries if you are attacked by a dog while at work?

California Worker's Compensation - If you were on the dog owner's property because of your job duties, you may file a California worker's compensation claim. Your employer will be responsible for your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages.

California Dog Bite Lawsuit - You may also be able to file a lawsuit against the owner of the dog or the owner of the property. In many cases, the owner can be held accountable for any injury his dog inflicts. The laws vary from city to city, so speak to an Orange County dog bite attorney about your claim.

A dog bite lawsuit may include compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, disfigurement, lost wages and more.

If you were attacked by a dog while at work in Orange County, contact the California dog bite injury attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie at 866-981-5596 to learn about your options. The initial consultation is free.

Man Dies In Garden Grove Workplace Accident

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 49-year-old machine operator died after he was crushed by a circular knitting machine.

The Orange County industrial accident occurred at American Apparel in Garden Grove at about 2:39 p.m. on Friday, August 19. Tuan Phan was operating the circular knitting machine when he became stuck in the device. He died thirty minutes after the accident.

When you say goodbye to your loved one in the morning, you expect to see them after work. But, every year, almost 6,000 American workers don't make it home.

Workplace deaths may be caused by:

Motor vehicle crashes
Machinery malfunctions
Toxic exposure
Slips and falls
On-the-job violence
Falling objects
Electrical accidents
Fire and explosions
Safety violations and improper training
Building code violations

Worker's compensation provides benefits to families who have lost a loved one to a workplace death. These benefits include: compensation for medical costs, payment of funeral costs, and a portion of the loved one's salary. However, these benefits cannot make up for the loss of the loved one.

By law, you cannot sue your loved one's employer for his death. However, in many cases, there is a third party who shares blame for the death. For example, if a loved one dies because a piece of workplace machinery malfunctions, the manufacturer of the defective machine may held liable.

A California wrongful death lawsuit can help your family financially and emotionally. For more information contact the Orange County wrongful death attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie, 866-981-5596.

Victorville: Hit-and-Run Driver Who Struck and Killed Pedestrian Damisha Ford Arrested

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 5 p.m. on Monday, August 15^th, San Bernardino police arrested the hit-and-run driver who struck and killed 29-year-old pedestrian Damisha Ford on Friday, August 12^th in Victorville. On the night of the accident, a group of Teazers Night Club patrons chased 28-year-old Broderick Lee Allen from the venue, throwing bottles at the 2009 Dodge Charger in which he attempted to leave. When two vehicles blocked his path, Allen accelerated quickly in reverse, fatally hitting Ford. He fled the scene, abandoning the Charger, of which he was not the registered owner, in a nearby area. He faces charges of hit-and-run driving resulting in death and vehicular manslaughter, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Victorville accounted for 2 of the 39 traffic-related fatalities and 21 of the 472 injuries suffered by pedestrians in San Bernardino in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). The Washington DC-based coalition for reform, Transportation for America, recently ranked the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metro area as the fifth most dangerous in the nation for pedestrians.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Damisha Ford, the pedestrian who was struck and killed by the hit-and-run driver last Friday night.

The Press Enterprise originally reported this accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Fountain Valley: Two People Injured in Car Accident

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 5:20 p.m. on Monday, August 15^th, two people were injured in a car accident in Fountain Valley. The crash occurred when a 91-year-old Santa Ana woman traveling northbound on Brookhurst Street veered her Buick Le Sabre into oncoming traffic, striking a southbound Ford F150 pickup truck. The impact caused the Buick to rollover, seriously injuring the woman. The 21-year-old Santa Ana man who was driving the truck also suffered trauma. They were both taken to local hospitals. Investigators have requested that anyone with information about this crash contact the Fountain Valley Traffic Bureau at 714-593-4481, explains an Orange County car accident attorney.

Fountain Valley accounted for 511 of the 18,867 fatalities and injuries that were suffered in motor vehicle collisions throughout Orange County in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current data. The OTS compares the traffic statistics of cities with similarly sized populations. Those with the poorest records rank the highest, with 1^st place being the worst. That year, Fountain Valley ranked 1^st out of 104 cities.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the two people who were injured yesterday a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this car accident.

Resources for accidents victims and their families, such as books and articles on the process of pursuing a personal injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County car accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Huntington Beach: Drunk Driver Struck, Seriously Injured Motorcyclist

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 12^th, a drunk driver struck and seriously injured a motorcyclist in Huntington Beach. The accident occurred when the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck attempted to merge back into the northbound lane of Pacific Coast Highway after using the bicycle lane to bypass traffic and collided with the motorcycle rider, the impact sending him into a Honda Civic sedan. Paramedics transported him to a local hospital in critical condition. The driver of the truck fled the scene but was later apprehended and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence causing injury, hit and run causing injury, reckless driving causing injury, and possession of marijuana, explains an Orange County injury lawyer. Police have requested that witnesses contact the department’s traffic bureau at 714-536-5666.

Huntington Beach accounted for 3 of the 17 fatalities and 67 of the 759 injuries suffered by motorcyclists in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). That year, traffic accidents claimed the lives of 383 motorcycle riders and injured another 10,479 throughout the state.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the motorcyclist who was struck and seriously injured by the drunk driver a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing a personal injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

San Bernardino Detective Killed in Irvine Bicycle Accident

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department detective was killed when his bicycle was struck by an SUV while he was bicycling in Irvine.

The accident occurred at about 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10. Duane Parkison of Irvine was riding north on Shady Canyon Road. He was approaching the intersection with Quail Hill Parkway when he was struck by a Mercedes-Benz that was also travelling north. The thirty-five-year-old driver of the SUV and her infant passenger were not injured, but Parkison was knocked off his bike.

When emergency responders arrived at the scene, two other bicyclists were administering CPR on Parkison. Parkison was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The cause of the collision is under investigation and police have not determined who was at fault. Neither drugs nor alcohol are considered a factor in this tragic Orange County bicycle crash.

Parkison was married with three children. He had worked for the Sherriff's Department for 15 years.

The Orange County bicycle accident attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie would like to offer out condolences to the Parkison family.

Anaheim: One Killed, One Seriously Injured in Car Accident

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 8:30 p.m. on Friday, August 5^th, one person was killed and another seriously injured in a car accident in Anaheim. The crash occurred on Ball Road near Magnolia Avenue when a woman driving a black Lincoln veered into oncoming traffic, crashing head-on into a silver Mazda, the impact causing it to rollover. Authorities pronounced the woman dead at the scene of the accident. The driver of the Mazda suffered major trauma and was airlifted to the hospital, while three children who were also occupants of the vehicle were transported by ambulance, explains an Orange County car accident attorney.

Anaheim accounted for 2,129 of the 18,867 fatal and injury motor vehicle traffic collisions that occurred throughout Orange County in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most recent statistics. That year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded a nationwide total of 33,808 traffic-related fatalities, the lowest number since 1950.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the driver who was seriously injured, as well as the three children, a full recovery. We would also like to offer our condolences to the family of the woman who was killed in the accident.

The Orange County Register originally reported this car accident.

Additional information, such as books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County car accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Three Women Killed In Santa Ana Freeway Crash

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Sara Flores, Angela Cid-Del Prado, and Elda Nava-Mayo, were on their way home from church when the SUV they were riding in was involved in a fiery Orange County car crash.

The Buena Park traffic accident occurred at about 10:15 a.m. on Monday, August 8, 2011 northbound Santa Ana Freeway near Beach Boulevard. Sara Flores, 40, Angela Cid-Del Prado, 49, and Elda Nava-Mayo, 24, were passengers in a 2000 Ford Excursion SUV. Thirty-two-year-old Ruth Nava-Torres of Downey was driving. A 16-year-old girl was also in the car. The five women were headed home from a Crystal Cathedral church service.

As the vehicle was leaving Interstate 5, Ruth Nava-Torres lost control on the sharply curving off-ramp. The SUV hit a guardrail and flipped. The vehicle rolled 40 feet until it stopped in a grassy area. Sara Flores, Angela Cid-Del Prado, and Elda Nava-Mayo were flung from the SUV. The vehicle burst into flames. Bystanders rescued the driver and the 16-year-old girl from the fiery wreck.

The driver and the 16-year-old girl were injured and taken to UC Irvine Medical Center in critical condition. The other women died at the scene.

Only the driver was wearing a seatbelt. The 2000 Ford Excursion has an alarm that won't turn off unless the driver is buckled in.

One Dead, Three Injured in Huntington Beach Chain Reaction Crash

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman is dead and three people are injured after two separate, but related, Huntington Beach car crashes involving six different cars.

The accidents occurred on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The first crash occurred around noon on Adams Avenue just west of Bushnard Street. Seventy-nine-year-old Mary Therese Ehrenfeld of Huntington Beach was driving a Buick Regal sedan with no passengers when she crashed into 60-year-old Cynthia Lynn Kelber. Kelber was driving a Jeep Cherokee with no passengers. Ms. Ehrenfeld died at the scene. Ms. Kelber was taken to Hoag Memorial Hospital where she was treated for minor injuries

The first accident stopped traffic. At 12:45 p.m., drivers were still waiting for traffic to clear and a second accident occurred on Adams Avenue east of Bushard . A pick-up truck that had stopped because of the first accident was rear-ended by a passenger car. The truck crashed into the vehicle in front of it and that vehicle crashed into the next vehicle a head. An adult and a nine-year-old boy were taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

One Dead, Four Injured in Head-on Collision In Anaheim

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Five cars were involved in a high-speed accident that left one driver dead and another critically injured.

The Orange County car accident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2011 at the intersection of Ball Road and Magnolia Avenue in Anaheim. Fifty-one-year-old Dellene Burgeson of Anaheim woman was driving a black Lincoln westbound on Ball Road. She was travelling at a high rate of speed when she crossed the divider and plowed into incoming traffic. She crashed into a silver Mazda and overturned.

There were four people in the Mazda. The driver of the Mazda was airlifted to Western Medical Center in critical condition. He is expected to survive. His wife sustained a fractured arm. Two children sustained minor injuries. They were taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Another moving vehicle and two parked cars were also damaged in the accident, but no additional injuries were reported. Police are investigating the cause of the Anaheim car crash.

Victorville: Hit-and-Run Driver Who Struck and Killed Dejaun Rene Smith Arrested

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Thursday, August 4^th, police arrested the hit-and-run driver who struck and killed a pregnant woman in Victorville on July 29^th. While traveling northbound along Balsam Road in a Ford F-250 pickup truck, 36-year-old Brandon Lee McCollough hit 20-year-old Dejaun Rene Smith, who was pushing her 14-month-old daughter in a stroller along the right shoulder. The impact of the crash killed Smith, who was 5 months pregnant, and injured the baby girl. Although McCollough fled the scene, investigators were able to link him to the vehicle involved in the accident. He faces charges of manslaughter and hit-and-run resulting in a death, explains a California personal injury attorney.

Victorville accounted for 31 of the 590 fatal and injury motor vehicle traffic accidents involving pedestrians in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. In a study of pedestrian safety in the nation’s metropolitan areas, the group Transportation for America ranked the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario area as the 5^th most dangerous in 2011.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Dejaun Rene Smith, the woman who was struck and killed by the hit-and-run driver.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this pedestrian accident.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Orange County: Hit-and-Run Driver Who Critically Injured Ava O'Conner Arrested

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last Monday evening, police arrested 41-year-old Sarwat Syed, the hit-and-run driver responsible for the crash that critically injured 4-year-old Ava O’Conner in Orange County on June 20^th. The accident occurred in the northbound lanes of the 405 Freeway near Laguna Canyon Road when Syed’s Yukon Denali collided with the vehicle in which O’Conner was riding, the impact sending it off the roadway. The girl was transported to a local hospital, where she underwent a nine-hour operation. She is still recovering from her injuries. Syed faces felony hit-and-run charges, explains an Orange County car accident attorney.

Children aged 14 years and younger accounted for 179,000 of the 2,217,000 people injured in traffic accidents involving motor vehicles that occurred throughout the United States in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That year, such accidents claimed the lives of 33,808 people, 1,314 of whom were children. In this country, traffic collisions are the leading cause of death for children aged 3 to 14.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish Ava O’Conner, the girl who was critically injured by the hit-and-run driver on June 20^th, a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this story.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with an Orange County car accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

News Update: Orange Hit-And-Run Driver Arrested

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

In June, we posted a news article about an Orange hit-and-run accident that left a four-year-old girl critically injured. This week, police arrested the driver who caused the tragic Orange County car crash.

Four-year-old Ava O'Connor was injured on June 20 when her family was returning home from Pretend City in Irvine. Her mother, Anette Argo, was driving when an SUV hit the family vehicle and forced it off the northbound San Diego (405) Freeway and into a ditch. The driver of the SUV left the scene.

Ava sustained critical injuries and underwent a tracheotomy and more than nine hours of surgery to fix her jaw, upper palette, eye sockets and nose. Her brother Gaven suffered a broken collar bone. Her mother suffered extensive damage to her right leg.

On Monday, police arrested 41-year-old Sarwat Syed of Ladera Ranch. She was identified as the hit-and-run driver from an insurance claim that she made on June 21. Police were able to match her vehicle with a partial license plate.

After her arrest, Syed was released from Orange County Jail on $50,000 bail.

Ava is out of danger and recovering at home.

Pomona: Driver of Stolen Car Caused Fatal Accident

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 1:45 a.m. on Monday, August 1^st, a woman driving a stolen car caused a fatal accident in Pomona. The incident occurred when 26-year-old Lorraine Martinez crashed into a Nissan Maxima while turning left on Holt Avenue, the impact sending the vehicle into a light pole. It subsequently burst into flames. Neither of the two occupants survived. Martinez, who is unlicensed, was arrested on suspicion of auto theft, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Pomona accounted for 758 of the 73,561 fatal and injury motor vehicle traffic collisions that occurred in Los Angeles County in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. The OTS compares the traffic safety statistics of cities and counties with similar populations, with a ranking of 1^st indicating the worst traffic record. That year, Pomona placed 22^nd out of 56 cities.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the families of the two people who were killed in the crash caused by the driver of the stolen car.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this fatal accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Koreatown: Truck Accident at Yoshinoya Injured Six

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday morning, six people were injured in a truck accident at a Yoshinoya restaurant in Koreatown. The incident occurred at the intersection of Normandie Avenue and Beverly Boulevard when a flatbed tow truck crashed into the front of the restaurant, the impact sending one woman across the room and injuring some of the employees. A witness reported that she heard the driver tell occupants of the eatery that his brakes had failed, according to a California truck accident attorney.

Los Angeles County accounted for 46 of the 236 fatal and 1,464 of the 4,874 injury motor vehicle traffic collisions involving trucks in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol’s most current statistics. Nationwide, such accidents claimed 3,380 lives and injured 74,000 people, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the six people who were injured in Yoshinoya yesterday a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Koreatown crash.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as articles and books on the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California truck accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Riverside: Barry Robert Steele, Worker Struck on 91 Freeway, Died

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Sunday, July 24^th, 51-year-old Barry Robert Steele, of Beaumont, died from the injuries he sustained when a drunk driver struck him while he was doing roadwork on the 91 Freeway in Riverside. 21-year-old Brandi Holmes was driving on a suspended license when she hit Steele and then attempted to flee the scene of the accident. She was subsequently arrested and charged for multiple traffic violations, including reckless driving and driving under the influence, explains a California personal injury attorney.

The risk of suffering serious or fatal injuries in an accident is especially high for road construction and repair workers: not only do many of them operate heavy equipment but they all must share the road with motorists. Over the years, crashes involving reckless, distracted, or intoxicated drivers have claimed the lives of several road workers. The California Department of Transportation reports that 178 employees have been killed on the job since 1924.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Barry Robert Steele, the worker who died last Sunday due to the injuries he sustained when he was struck on the 91 Freeway.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Riverside accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including articles and books on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Motorcyclist Dragged 30 Feet In 91 Freeway Motorcycle Crash

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A motorcyclist is in critical condition after being dragged 30 feet in an Orange County motorcycle accident.

The crash occurred on Monday, July 25 at 4:45 p.m. on the eastbound 91 freeway west of Gypsum Canyon Road.

The motorcyclist was splitting lanes between the No. 1 and No. 2 lanes and was travelling at a faster rate of speed than the surrounding traffic. A driver of a Toyota Camry moved into the No. 1 lane and hit the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was thrown from his bike into the No. 2 toll lane. He was struck by a Jeep Liberty and thrown back into the No. 1 lane. In the No. 1 toll lane, the victim was struck by a BMW and dragged under the vehicle for 30 feet.

The motorcyclist was taken to a hospital in critical condition. No one else was injured.

The cause of the 91 freeway motorcycle crash is under investigation.

Huntington Beach: Oriana Millan Killed in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Friday, July 22^nd, 24-year-old Oriana Millan was killed in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Huntington Beach. Shortly before 2:00 a.m. that morning, 32-year-old Jason Roberts struck Millan and 25-year-old Harlan Coffman while they were crossing Brookhurst Street. Millan was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, and Coffman sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Roberts proceeded to drive to Laguna Beach, where he called police to report that his car had become disabled due to striking an animal on Pacific Coast Highway. Upon their arrival at the market where Roberts parked the vehicle, police believed that he struck a person and arrested him on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, explains a California personal injury lawyer. Anyone who witnessed the crash has been asked to call the Huntington Beach Police Department at 714-536-5666.

Huntington Beach accounted for 77 of the 1,299 fatal and injury pedestrian accidents that occurred in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. That year, the number of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents in the state decreased by 9.2 percent, from 620 in 2008 to 563 in 2009. Nationwide, pedestrian fatalities decreased by 7 percent, from 4,414 in 2008 to 4,092 in 2009.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Oriana Millan, the woman who was killed in Huntington Beach last Friday. We would also like to wish a full recovery to Harlan Coffman.

The Orange County Register originally reported this hit-and-run pedestrian accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Eight Things To Do After An Orange County Motorcycle Accident

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The unfortunate truth is that juries are biased against motorcyclists. Motorcyclists are seen as reckless and irresponsible. If you have been injured in an Orange County motorcycle-car crash, you may be blamed for the accident even if the other driver is clearly at fault.

If you have been injured in a California motorcycle accident, you need to protect your injury claim. Our Orange County motorcycle lawyer suggest the following:

1. Stay at the scene of the accident until the police and emergency personnel arrive.

2. File a police report

3. Get contact information for the other driver and for any witnesses to the accident. Contact information should include: name, phone number, insurance company, and driver's license number.

4. If you are able to, take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to the vehicles.

5. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.

6. Don't discuss the accident with the other driver or the insurance adjustor.

7. Keep records of your property damage, medical care, and anything related to the crash.

8. Contact an Orange County motorcycle accident attorney.

An Orange County motorcycle accident attorney will be able to determine if your injuries were the result of negligence on the part of the other driver. He will help you file your claim and get the evidence you need to support your case.

Want to know more? Contact the Orange County motorcycle accident attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie at 866-981-5596.

Downtown Los Angeles: Road Rage to Blame for Fatal Bicycle Accident

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last night, a 62-year-old bicyclist was killed in an accident involving two vehicles, for which authorities believe road rage may be to blame. While traveling north on Figueroa Street, the driver of a Chevrolet Avalanche and the driver of a Kia were reportedly involved in a dispute. After turning left onto 8^th Street, the driver of the Avalanche struck the bicycle rider while attempting to pass the Kia near Francisco Street. Police detained the driver of the Avalanche for questioning and may file criminal charges against him, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Los Angeles County accounted for 4,268 of the fatal and injury bicycle accidents that occurred throughout the state in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. The OTS compares the accident statistics of cities and counties with similarly sized populations, giving those with the poorest records the highest scores, with a ranking of 1 being the worst. That year, Los Angeles ranked 15 out of 58 counties for bicycle safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the man who was killed in downtown last night.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this fatal bicycle accident involving road rage.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including articles and books on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Two Die in Seal Beach Motorcycle Crash

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A motorcyclist and his passenger are dead after the driver of the motorcycle lost control of his Harley-Davidson and crashed into a car.

The Orange County motorcycle accident accident occurred at 11:18 a.m. on Sunday, July 17 on the northbound I-405 near the Seal Beach Boulevard exit. The 60-year-old make motorcyclist and his 57-year-old female passenger were travelling at about 65 M.P.H. in a right side of the freeway. The motorcycle began fishtailing and the driver control of his motorcycle and careened across the I-405 freeway to the slow lane. After hitting the rear left corner of a Honda Accord, the motorcyclist and his passenger were launched head first into a concrete road-construction divider. Although they were both wearing full helmets, the force of the crash into the cement wall caused severe head injuries.

The two riders were taken to Long Beach Memorial Hospital and were pronounced dead at 12:07 p.m. and 12:25 p.m.

The Seal Beach motorcycle crash is still under investigation. Police officers do not know what caused the driver to lose control of the motorcycle.

Downtown LA: Driver Struck, Seriously Injured Mother and Baby during Art Event

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last night, the driver of a Cadillac struck and seriously injured a mother and her baby during an art event in downtown LA. The accident occurred when the driver attempted to parallel park the vehicle and applied the accelerator instead of the brake, causing the vehicle to jump onto the sidewalk on which the mother was pushing her baby in a stroller. Both were transported to a local hospital, where the 2-month-old was placed on life support. Authorities are investigating the accident, explains a California personal injury attorney.

Los Angeles County accounted for 7,008 of the fatal and injury motor vehicle traffic accidents involving pedestrians that occurred throughout the state in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. In the United States, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for children aged 3 to 14, with those under 14 accounting for 1,314 of the 33,808 fatal pedestrian accidents suffered in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the mother and the baby who were seriously injured in downtown LA last night a full recovery.

The Los Angles Times originally reported this pedestrian accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Hilmar: Modesto Woman Critically Injured in Crash Involving Two Semi Trucks

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 3:00 p.m. yesterday, a Modesto woman was critically injured in a crash involving two semi trucks on Highway 165 and Johnson Avenue in Hilmar. The accident was triggered when the driver of a semi failed to notice that traffic had stopped due to an incident in the northbound lanes of the highway and continued to travel 45 miles per hour, rear-ending a Dodge Ram pickup truck. The impact sent the Dodge into the Mazda Tribute the woman was driving, which, in turn, crashed into the back of the semi that was stopped in front of it. The woman suffered major trauma and was airlifted to a Modesto hospital for treatment. The driver of the pickup sustained minor injuries, while neither of the semi drivers was harmed. Authorities are investigating the collision, explains a California truck accident lawyer.

Merced County accounted for 1,720 of the fatal and injury motor vehicle traffic accidents that occurred throughout the state in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. Due to the size and weight of large trucks, accidents involving them tend to result in serious and fatal injuries, especially for the occupants of passenger vehicles. In 2009, 70 percent of the 3,163 people killed in traffic collisions with large trucks where passenger vehicle occupants, while 14 percent were truck occupants, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the woman critically injured in the crash involving two semi trucks yesterday a full recovery.

The Merced Sun-Star originally reported this Hilmar accident.

Resources for accident victims, such as books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California truck accident lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

El Dorado: Semi's Brakes Fail, Causing Fatal Accident

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last night, a semi truck’s brakes failed while the vehicle was hauling limestone on Highway 50 in El Dorado, causing a fatal accident. The driver, a 40-year-old Missouri man, proceeded to swerve into and out of the westbound and eastbound lanes to pass vehicles, which is when he struck a pickup truck, the impact sending the two vehicles into an embankment. The cab of the semi rolled over, while the trailer separated from the tractor. The semi driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver of the pickup, a woman in her 70s from Placerville, was airlifted to a hospital in Roseville to receive treatment for the major injuries she sustained, explains a California truck accident attorney.

El Dorado County accounted for 1,148 of the fatal and injury motor vehicle collisions that occurred throughout the state in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current statistics. Nationwide, large truck accidents accounted for 3,380 of the 33,808 fatalities and 74,000 of the 2,217,000 injuries suffered in traffic accidents that year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the truck driver who was killed in the semi accident resulting from brake failure. We would also like to wish the woman who was injured in the crash a full recovery.

The Sacramento Bee originally reported this El Dorado collision.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or a wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California truck accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

California Auto Accident Assistance

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Blogs and articles on California collisions, accidents statistics, and pursuing a personal injury claim can now be found at

Motorcycle rider killed in La Habra Left Turn Accident

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 20-year-old motorcyclist has died at the scene of a La Habra motorcycle-car crash.

The Orange County motorcycle accident occurred at 5:22 p.m. on Monday July, 11, 2011 at the intersection of Euclid Street and Country Hills Drive in La Habra. The motorcyclist was on one of two motorcycles vehicle traveling south of Euclid. A car traveling north on Euclid started to make a left turn onto westbound Country Hills and cut in front of the motorcycles. One motorcyclist was able to avoid a collision, the other crashed into the car. The driver, Bryan Hodges, 20, of La Habra, died at the scene from his injuries.

Hodges was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

The teenage driver of the car was unharmed. No one else was involved in the accident. Drugs and alcohol did not contribute to the crash.

The California left-turn motorcycle accident is still under investigation. Police are trying to determine who had the right of way. No charges have been filed.

The driver, a licensed juvenile, was alone in the vehicle and not injured. Authorities determined that no alcohol or drugs were involved and no arrests have been made.

Swim Safe: Seven Tips To Prevent Drowning Deaths in Orange County

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Every year, more than 3,000 people drown in the U.S. According to the Orange County Fire Authority, sixteen people in Orange County have drowned so far this year. However, the swimming season has just started.
Most drowning deaths are preventable. The OCFA and the Orange County wrongful death attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie offer these drowning prevention tips.

These tips should be used in built-in pools, spas, inflatable pools and at the beach or lake.

1. Pools should be fenced and have a pool alarm. They should be kept covered when not in use.
2. Always assign an adult to watch the children. The adult should avoid distractions, especially cell phone use or texting.
3. When swimming, have a swimming buddy and look out for each other.
4. Never combine drinking and swimming.
5. Never dive into unfamiliar water. Always jump feet first.
6. Wear a life jacket when boating.
7. Be prepared for an emergency.

We hope these tips will help you and your loved ones enjoy the water and have a safe and happy summer.

For information about drowning and wrongful death lawsuits, contact Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie at 866-981-5596.

Capitola: Skateboarder Struck, Killed Maryann Slettehaugh

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 3:10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5^th, a 17-year-old skateboarder struck and killed 83-year-old Maryann Slettehaugh in Capitola. The teenager was riding from Cliff Drive to the Stockton Avenue Bridge and Capitola Village when he rolled through a stop sign at Cliff Drive and Wharf Road at about 15 to 20 mph, striking Slettehaugh, who was crossing the street at the time. She was transported to a local hospital, where she died that night. Although it is illegal to skateboard in Capitola starting at Wharf Road, the skateboarder was not arrested, explains a California personal injury lawyer. The accident is under investigation, and police have asked anyone with information to call 831-475-4242 or 831-475-2791.

Santa Cruz County accounted for 121 of the fatal and injury pedestrian accidents that occurred in the state in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. The OTS compares the traffic safety records of cities and counties with similarly sized populations, giving those with the highest number of victims or collisions per 1000 residents in a population group the highest ranking, which is 1. That year, Santa Cruz ranked 5^th out 58 counties with similar populations.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Maryann Slettehaugh, the woman who was struck and killed by the skateboarder last Tuesday.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel originally reported this pedestrian accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as links to pedestrian advocacy groups and books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Los Angeles: Girl Suffered Eye Injury From Illegal Firecracker

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 11 p.m. last night, a 12-year-old girl suffered an eye injury when someone lit an illegal firecracker near her face. The incident occurred in the 600 block of West 42^nd Place in South Los Angeles. Paramedics took the girl to a nearby hospital, where efforts were made to prevent her from losing sight in the injured eye, explains a California personal injury attorney.

Under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, fireworks are classified as hazardous substances. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that illegal fireworks, such as M-80s and quarter sticks, are extremely dangerous and should never be handled by consumers. In 2010, firework-related injuries sent 8,600 people to hospital emergency rooms, with people under the age of 20 accounting for more than 50 percent of cases.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the girl who suffered an eye injury from an illegal firecracker a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this accident.

Resources for the victims of accidents and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

El Segundo: Driver Fatally Struck Bicyclist

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 2:30 a.m. on Monday, July 4^th, a driver fatally struck a bicyclist who was riding along Vista Del Mar near Hyperion Way in El Segundo. The driver did not stop his vehicle to administer aid to the bicyclist, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Unfortunately, police do not have a description of the driver or the vehicle, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Los Angeles County accounted for 4,268 of the fatal and injury motor vehicle accidents involving bicyclists in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. That year, 99 bicyclists were killed in California, a decrease of 9.2 percent from 2008. Nationwide, there were 630 fatal accidents, the majority of which occurred in urban areas, at non-intersections, and between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 p.m.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the bicyclist who was fatally struck in El Segundo on Monday.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

San Pedro: Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly after 2 a.m. on the morning of Sunday, July 3^rd, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. The accident occurred near the intersection of Pacific Avenue and 14^th Street. The man was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. Witnesses described the vehicle as a white Ford F-150 pickup truck with either a gold or silver stripe, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

San Pedro accounted for 7,008 of the fatal and injury motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians that occurred in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. That year, there were 6,264 fatal and injury hit-and-run accidents. Throughout the state, 563 pedestrians were killed, a 9.2 percent decrease from the previous year.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the man who was killed in the hit-and-run accident last Sunday morning.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this accident.

Additional information, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on pursuing an injury or wrongful death claim, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Multi-vehicle Crash in Orange Leaves Family of Five Hospitalized

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

One O.C. family won't be enjoying this weekend's fireworks. A mom and four of her children are hospitalized after a crash on the eastbound 22 in Orange.

The Orange County car accident occurred at about 9:21 a.m. on Thursday, June 30 on eastbound 22 just east of Fairview Street. Traffic had slowed down and a Pacific Seafood box truck was not able to stop in time. It slammed into a Cadillac CTS and pushed the Cadillac into a Dodge Caravan van.

The driver of the Pacific Seafood truck was uninjured as were the occupants of the van. But, the family of five inside the Cadillac was not so lucky. A mom; three daughters ages 13, 10, and 6; and a nine-month-old baby boy were taken from the scene by ambulance.

A mother; her three daughters, and her 9-month-old son were to the hospital in three ambulances. There is no word on their condition.

The Orange accident attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie wish the family a fast and full recovery.
The accident is still under investigation.

Four-Year-Old Seriously Injured in Orange County Hit-And-Run

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A trip to the playground left a little girl fighting for her life after a hit-and-run accident in Orange.

The Orange traffic accident occurred at 12:30 p.m. on June 20 in the northbound lanes of I-405 near Laguna Canyon Road. Annette Argo had spent the morning with her two children Ava, four, and Gaven, nine, at Pretend City, a children's play area in Irvine. The family was on their way home when the car was hit by an SUV and crashed off the highway and into a ditch. The driver of the SUV left the scene.

A Good Samaritan called 911. Mrs. Argo and her children were taken to the hospital.

Gaven suffered a broken clavicle (shoulder bone); he was treated and released. Mrs. Argo sustained extensive damage to her right leg.

Little Ava suffered the most severe injuries, especially to her face. After the accident, doctors spent more than nine hours operating on her jaw, upper palate, eye sockets and nose.

The family is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who can provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the driver. California Highway Patrol officers say the driver was in a black GMC Suburban and the license plate number contains "6NPV".

San Dimas: Semi Crash Killed Three People

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 2:45 a.m. this morning, a semi crash killed three people in San Dimas, California. The accident occurred in the southbound lanes of the 57 Freeway when a sedan and a tractor-trailer collided, the impact causing the car to rollover, pinning the three female occupants. Unfortunately, they did not survive. Authorities are investigating the cause of the truck accident, explains a local attorney.

San Dimas accounted for 76 of the 73,561 fatal and injury motor vehicle traffic accidents that occurred in Los Angeles County in 2009, according to current California Office of Traffic Safety statistics. That year, collisions involving large trucks claimed 3,380 lives and injured 74,000 people, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the families of the three women who were killed in the semi crash this morning.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this San Dimas collision.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California truck accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Yorba Linda: Rollover Accident Injured 6 People

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 10:40 a.m. this morning, a rollover accident in Yorba Linda injured 6 people. A Chevrolet Suburban and a Dodge Magnum collided on the 91 Freeway, the impact causing the sport utility vehicle to roll once, ejecting one of its passengers. All five of the occupants sustained injuries in the crash and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. One of the occupants of the Magnum was also injured, explains an Orange County car accident attorney.

Yorba Linda accounted for 145 of the 18,867 fatal and injury motor vehicle traffic accidents that occurred in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most recently recorded accident statistics. That year, 24,474 vehicle occupants were killed and 2,011,000 were injured in crashes across the country, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the 6 people who were injured this morning in the rollover accident a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Yorba Linda crash.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on the personal injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County car accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Santa Monica: Police Investigate Pedestrian Accident That Killed UCLA Student Melissa Del-Aguila

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Santa Monica police are investigating the pedestrian accident that killed UCLA student Melissa Del-Aguila early last Saturday morning. Specifically, they are trying to determine how she traveled from a sports bar in Brentwood, where witnesses reported seeing her at about 1 a.m., to the 2400 block of Wilshire Boulevard, where she was struck and killed by a taxi while running across the street at about 2:30 a.m. Given the 1.3 miles between the locations and the fact that Aguila was wearing 5-inch heels, investigators believe someone drove her and are trying to determine if she was fleeing that vehicle when she was hit by the cab, explains a California personal injury attorney. The Santa Monica Police Department has asked that anyone with information about this accident contact Detective Chris Dawson at 310-458-8954 or Sergeant Jeff Wiles at 310-458-8950.

Santa Monica accounted for 114 of the 7,008 traffic accidents that killed or injured pedestrians in Los Angeles County in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current data. OTS compares the traffic safety statistics of counties in the state with similar populations, giving a higher ranking to those with the greatest number of victims or collisions per 1000 residents, with a ranking of 1 being the highest or worst. That year, Los Angeles County placed 3^rd out of 58 similarly sized counties.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Melissa Del-Aguila, the UCLA student who was struck and killed last Saturday morning.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this pedestrian accident.

Resources for victims and their families, such as links to pedestrian advocacy groups and books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Brea Car Crash Leaves Teen Critically Injured; Police Suspect DUI

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police are investigating a Brea car crash that left a teenage boy fighting for his life while the boy's friends fled from the scene of the accident.

The Orange County single vehicle accident occurred at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 20111 on Imperial Highway, west of Berry Street, in Brea. 19-year-old Manuel Zepeda was driving two of his friends in a 1990 Honda CR-V hatchback. The vehicle was traveling west when Zepeda lost control of his car and struck a fence on the north side of the street between Viking Avenue and Berry Street.

Zepeda and his front seat passenger left the vehicle and fled the scene of the accident.

When police arrived, they found a teenage boy trapped in the back seat. He was extracted by firefighters and taken UCI Medical Center in Orange. He is being treated for a skull fracture and a lacerated spleen and remains in critical condition.

Police found Zepeda a short distance away. The young man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and for leaving the scene of an accident. Zepeda sustained minor injuries and was also taken to UCI Medical Center for treatment. The third teen was not found.

The Brea car crash is still under investigation, but police believe that alcohol is to blame for the accident.

Anaheim: SUV Struck and Injured Motorcyclist

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 10:30 yesterday morning, an SUV struck and injured a motorcyclist in Anaheim. The collision occurred on Ball Road when the driver of a Toyota RAV4 hit a Harley Davidson motorcycle while changing lanes, the impact sending its rider into the driveway of the North Orange County ROP Career & Technical campus. Paramedics transported the rider to a local hospital for treatment, explains an Orange County injury attorney.

Anaheim accounted for 52 of the 140 fatal and injury motorcycle accidents suffered in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current data. That year, the number of fatalities suffered by motorcyclists across the state decreased by 29.6 percent, from 560 in 2008 to 394 in 2009—marking the end of an 11-year, 175 percent increase.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the motorcyclist who was struck and injured by the SUV yesterday a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Anaheim crash.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including articles and books on the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Buena Park: Two People Injured in Car Accident

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 7:30 a.m., two people were injured in a car accident in Buena Park. An Infiniti triggered the three-vehicle crash when its driver lost control of the vehicle upon entering the 91 Freeway at Beach Boulevard and it spun into traffic, colliding with a Mazda and a BMW. The drivers of the Mazda and the BMW were injured, explains an Orange County car accident attorney.

Buena Park accounted for 412 of the 18,867 fatal and injury motor vehicle traffic accidents that occurred in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most recent statistics. OTS Rankings compare the traffic safety statistics for cities and counties with similarly sized populations, with a ranking of 1 signifying the poorest safety record. That year, Buena Park placed 29^th out of 104 cities.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the two drivers injured this morning a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this car accident.

Resources for accident victims, such as books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County car accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

San Diego: Woman in Critical Condition after Dog Attack

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 75-year-old San Diego woman is in critical condition after a dog attack yesterday. A neighbor’s two pit bulls entered the woman’s backyard through a hole in the fence and bit her repeatedly. They retreated when her husband rushed into the yard to help her. The Department of Animal Control subsequently euthanized the dogs, and police are investigating the attack, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

In the United States, someone seeks medical attention for dog bites every 40 seconds, with more than 50 percent of attacks resulting in serious injuries. Over 70 percent of attacks occur on the property of the dog owner, with nearly 60 percent of injuries inflicted by pit bulls. Under California’s strict liability laws, the owner of a dog may be held liable for any injuries inflicted to a person by his or her dog, regardless of whether or not the dog had bitten before or if the owner acted negligently.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the woman who was critically injured yesterday a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this dog attack.

Resources for the victims of dog attacks, such as books and articles on their rights, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Culver City: Suspected Drunk, Distracted Driver Injured Several Cyclists

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 2 a.m. this morning, a suspected drunk, distracted driver struck and injured several cyclists in Culver City. Members of a group called Midnight Ridazz, the cyclists who were hit had been waiting in the bike path that runs along Jefferson Boulevard for fellow riders to catch up to them after visiting a scenic outlook in Baldwin Hills. Eleven cyclists were transported to local hospitals to receive treatment for their injuries, one in critical condition. Police arrested the 27-year-old driver and are investigating the accident, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration classifies bicyclists and other cyclists, such as the riders of two-wheel nonmotorized vehicles, tricycles, and unicycles powered solely by pedals, as pedalcyclists. According to NHTSA’s most current accident statistics, 630 pedalcyclists were killed and 51,000 injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2009, a decrease of 12 percent in fatalities since 2008. The majority of fatal accidents occurred in urban areas, at non-intersection locations, and between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 p.m.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish a full recovery to the cyclists who were struck and injured by the suspected drunk, distracted driver last night.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Culver City accident.

Resources for the victims of cycling accidents, including books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

CA Dog Bite Lawyer: Most Dog Bite Attacks Involve Dogs With No History Of Biting

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

On May 28, a 4-year-old boy in Brooklyn, New York was fatally mauled by a Cane Corso mastiff. The dog belonged to the boy's mother's boyfriend. Jayelin Graham, his mother, and three siblings had just returned to the appointment when the dog attacked young Jayelin and bit him on his head, neck and body. Family and neighbors struggled to remove the dog, but it was too late. The boy was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The dog's owner describes the dog as a "large Scooby Doo", but neighbors said the dog was vicious and had killed a pet rabbit. How do parents know if a dog is likely to attack their child?

A 2007 study published in the journal Injury Prevention found that 80 percent of dogs that bite children have not bitten before, but most dogs that bite suffer from anxiety or medical problems. More than half the dogs involved in the study had medical conditions.

Most bites occurred because the dog felt his food or territory was threatened. Children are much more likely to become California dog bite victims if a dog feels that food, toys or other belongings are threatened.

The California dog bite attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie would like to remind parents that children should be supervised when interacting with dogs. Even the most loving family dog can attack if sick or injured.

For more information, read our article, "What should you do if your child has been bitten by a dog?"

Bell Recalls More Than 30,000 Bicycle Helmets. Are You At Risk?

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A properly fitted bicycle helmet is the best protection against head injury in an Orange County bicycle accident. To learn more about helmets, read our article "Preventing Orange County Bicycle-Car Accidents".

However, to offer protection, the helmet must be on a rider's head. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a voluntary recall of the Bell Sports full-face bicycle helmets. The plastic buckle that connects the chin straps can fail and cause the helmet to come off the wearer's head.   If the bicyclist is in an accident, he may lose the protection of the helmet and sustain serious injury.

Models affected:

The recall involves Bell Exodus in youth sizes. These full-face helmets have a plastic buckle on the chinstrap and an angled visor. Only the following model numbers are affected:

Color: Orange/Grey/Black   Part/Model Number: 1003825/035011898025

Color: Blue/Grey/Gold/White/Black   Part/Model Number: 1006714/035011917719

The model and part number can be found on a removable sticker located on the side of the helmet

The recall comes after one report of a buckle failing during a bicycle accident. The bicyclist sustained an injury that required stitches below the wearer's eye. If you or your child owns a recalled Bell Exodus bicycle helmet, you should stop using it immediately and contact Bell Sports at (866) 892-6059 for a replacement or refund.

If your helmet has malfunctioned during a California bike accident, contact the Orange County bicycle injury attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie at 866-981-5596.

Ten Injured In San Clemente Pile-Up Crash

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Ten people were injured in a San Clemente car wreck when multiple vehicles crashed on the northbound I-5. Police are blaming the accident on driver distraction.

The three vehicle accident occurred on the northbound 5 Freeway near the Avenida Pico exit in San Clemente on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 15. Police believe that the accident occurred when the driver of a Dodge traveling north in the fast lane rear-ended the Nissan traveling ahead of him. The force of the crash pushed the Nissan into an adjacent lane where it struck a Mercedes-Benz.

There were six occupants in the Nissan; all six, including a 26-year-old male driver, were taken to Mission Hospital. Two of the occupants sustained major injuries, two suffered moderate injuries, and two suffered minor injuries.

There were four people in the Dodge. All four were taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange for treatment of minor injuries.

The driver of the Mercedes was not injured.

The crash is still under investigation, but police believe that the Orange County accident was caused by a distracted driver. The drivers of the Nissan and the Mercedes had slowed down for traffic, but the driver of the Dodge did not.

Neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to be contributing factors.

Jefferson Park: Pregnant Woman and Several Others Injured in Bus Accident

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last night, a pregnant woman and several others were injured in an accident involving a Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus and another vehicle in the Jefferson Park district of Los Angeles. The collision occurred near West Adams Boulevard and 6^th Avenue. While most passengers suffered minor injuries, the 25-year-old pregnant woman was listed in serious condition. The vehicle was damaged to the extent that firefighters had to use specialized hydraulic equipment to free its driver, who was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the crash, explains a California personal injury attorney.

Throughout the country, 24,474 vehicle occupants were killed and 2,011,000 injured in motor vehicle traffic accidents in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s most current crash data. That year, there were a total of 221 fatal and 10,000 injury traffic accidents involving buses. The deadliest times to drive were midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, with 1,024 and 1,072 fatal crashes, respectively.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish a full recovery to the passengers and the driver who were injured in Jefferson Park last night.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this bus accident.

Resources for accident victims, including books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Anaheim: Three Injured in Semi Accident

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 1 p.m. on Monday, June 6^th, three people were injured in a semi accident in Anaheim. The crash was triggered when the driver of a Honda Ridgeline ran a red light at the intersection of Miraloma Avenue and Miller Street and crashed into a Fresh Foods Concepts truck, the impact sending it into several parked vehicles and a pedestrian. Both drivers and the pedestrian suffered moderate to serious injuries and were transported to local hospitals, explains an Orange County truck accident attorney.

Anaheim accounted for 2,129 of the 18,867 fatal and injury motor vehicle traffic accidents that occurred in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. That year, Anaheim placed 4^th out of 13 cities with similar populations for traffic safety. OTS calculates its rankings according to the number of victims or collisions per 1000 residents in a city; the higher the number of either, the higher the ranking, with a ranking of 1 being the highest, or worse.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish a full recovery to the three people who were injured in the semi accident last Monday.

The Orange County Register originally reported this collision.

Additional information, including articles and books on the injury claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County truck accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Driver in Deadly Newport Beach Crash Taking Prescription Drugs

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Toxicology tests have been completed on the woman who caused a fatal multi-vehicle traffic accident in Newport Beach last January. The woman was taking prescription antipsychotic drugs that may impair driving.

The California highway accident occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, January 15, 2011. Twenty-seven-year-old Julie Allen was speeding down Coast Highway in Newport Beach. She veered into the left turn lane at Riverside and bounced off the corner. The car went airborne over a convertible and landed on a motorcycle. A total of 10 vehicles were involved in the accident and three people died in the crash. One of the three was Allen who sustained severe brain injuries and a skull fracture. Christopher De La Cruz, 49, of Laguna Niguel, and Linda Burnett, 69, of Santa Ana, also died in the Newport Beach accident.

This week, the Orange County Coroner's Office released a report stating that Allen had the antipsychotic drugs Olanzapine and Quetiapine in her system. These drugs are commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia; both drugs may cause drowsiness and dizziness and those who use them should not drive until they know the effects of the drug.

Allen had suffered from bipolar disorder and was consistently taking her medication. No other drugs were found in her blood.

Update 6/8/2011: Police have determined that excess speed caused the accident.

Three Injured in Anaheim Big Rig Crash

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Three people sustained serious injuries when an SUV ran a red light and crashed into a semi-truck at the intersection of Miraloma Avenue and Miller Street.

The Anaheim semi-truck accident occurred on Monday, June 6, 2011 at 12:58 p.m. The driver of a Honda Ridgeline headed north on Miller Avenue ran a red light and crashed into a west bound Fresh Foods Concepts tractor-trailer. The big rig truck had had green light on Miraloma Avenue. The impact caused the truck driver to lose control of his vehicle. The 18-wheeler hit a corner, went up on the sidewalk, and careened into a restaurant parking lot where it hit 5 other vehicles. Fortunately, the vehicles in the parking lot of the Alea Cafe were empty.

The driver of the Honda sustained traumatic injuries and was taken to the hospital. The driver of the truck was also seriously injured and was taken to another hospital. A pedestrian who was standing between two of the parked vehicles sustained moderate injuries and was taken to a third hospital.

The Orange County commercial truck accident remains under investigation.

Cheerleader Dies, Friend Injured, In Irvine Drunk Driving Crash

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A repeat drunk driver is being blamed for an Irvine accident that left one young girl injured and another brain dead.

The tragic Orange County car crash occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday, May 29. Ashton Sweet, Krista Merassa, Alison Rivas and Parisa Ghaemi were celebrating Parisa's 15th birthday. They had stayed out till midnight so they could celebrate the instant that Parisa Ghaemi turned 15. Parisa's father was driving the girls to the Ghaemi's house where they planned to spend the night.

Unfortunately, they never made it there. A pick-up truck crashed into the car at the intersection of Culver Drive and Irvine Boulevard. It hit the car near the back seat where Ahton and Krista were sitting. Fourteen-year-old Ashton suffered an irreversible brain injury. She was taken to Western Medical Center in Anaheim where she was kept alive on a breathing machine so that her organs could be evaluated for donation. Fifteen-year-old Krista sustained a punctured lung, broken ribs and lacerations. She was taken to Western Medical Center in critical condition. Krista is expected to recover. The others sustained minor injuries.

The driver of the pick-up truck, Austin Farley, 26, of Irvine, was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Farley had at 15 criminal cases on file including previous DUI arrests in 2005 and 2009. A prior drug-possession charge had been dismissed. He is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.

The Orange County auto accident attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie would like to offer the Sweet family our condolences.

San Diego: Bicyclist Killed in Rollover Accident Involving SUV

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 6:30 p.m. yesterday, a bicyclist was killed and two other people injured in a rollover accident involving an SUV in San Diego. The SUV careened off of state Route 56 in Rancho Penasquitos, tumbling down an embankment before landing on the bike path on which two cyclists were riding. One of the cyclists died at the scene, and the other was taken to a nearby hospital, as was the driver of the SUV, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

When collecting accident statistics, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration classifies bicyclists and other cyclists, including the riders of two-wheel nonmotorized vehicles, tricycles, and unicycles powered solely by pedals, as pedalcyclists. In 2009, NHTSA recorded 630 traffic-related pedalcyclist fatalities and 51,000 injuries. That year, 99 bicyclists were killed in traffic accidents in California, a 9.2 percent decrease from 2008.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the bicyclist killed in the rollover accident involving the SUV. We would also like to wish a full recovery to the two people who were injured.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this San Diego crash.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Irvine: Drunk Driver Seriously Injured Ashton Sweet and Four Others in Crash

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 29^th, a suspected drunk driver seriously injured 14-year-old Ashton Sweet and four others in Irvine. The crash occurred at the intersection of Culver Drive and Irvine Boulevard when 26-year-old Austin Farley struck the Mercedes-Benz in which Sweet and the others were riding. Farley, who has a record of past offenses for impaired driving, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Unfortunately, Sweet suffered irreversible brain damage and is on life support at a local hospital. The other occupants of the Mercedes-Benz were also hospitalized for their injuries, according to an Orange County car accident lawyer.

Memorial Day Weekend is one of the most dangerous spans of time to be on the road, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2009, NHTSA recorded 473 traffic-related fatalities throughout the three-day holiday, 42 percent of which involved alcohol. That year, 45 people lost their lives and 1,465 were arrested for driving under the influence in California.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish a full recovery to the vehicle occupants injured in the crash involving the drunk driver in Irvine last Sunday. During this difficult time, Ashton Sweet and her family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this accident.

Additional information, including books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County car accident lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Thousand Oaks: Owner of Costa Mesa's Eat Chow, Eric Doran, Killed in Car Accident

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly after 5 a.m. last Friday morning, 36-year-old Eric Doran was killed and his wife critically injured in a car accident on the 101 Freeway in Thousand Oaks. Doran, the owner of the Costa Mesa restaurant Eat Chow, was traveling in a classic Model A roadster when a 1998 Dodge Ram pickup truck rear-ended his vehicle, the impact forcing it into the back of a Honda Accord. His wife remains in serious condition at a local hospital, explains a California personal injury attorney.

Nationwide, fatal and injury traffic accidents tend to peak over long holiday weekends. In 2009, 473 motorists lost their lives in crashes throughout Memorial Day Weekend, 42 percent of which involved alcohol, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Los Angeles County, there were three traffic-related deaths from 6:01 p.m. on Friday, May 27^th through Monday, May 30^th at 6 a.m., and the California Highway Patrol arrested 298 people on suspicion of driving under the influence.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Eric Doran, the man who was killed in a car accident in Thousand Oaks last Friday. We would also like to wish his wife a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this collision.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Huntington Beach: Hit-and-Run Driver Struck, Seriously Injured Pedestrian

Thu, 26 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around ten o’clock last night, a hit-and-run driver struck and seriously injured a pedestrian at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Chrysler Drive in Huntington Beach. The pedestrian was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Shortly after the collision, police found the driver not too far from the accident scene and arrested him, according to an Orange County car accident attorney.

Huntington Beach accounted for 77 of the 1,299 fatal and injury pedestrian accidents that occurred in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current statistics. In a recent report by Transportation for America, a Washington D.C.-based coalition working on transportation reform, Southern California ranked 27^th in the nation as the most dangerous place to walk. From 2000 to 2009, Orange County accounted for 454 of the 6,957 pedestrian fatalities suffered in the state—which was found to be the 16^th most dangerous in the nation.

The Orange County Register originally reported this accident.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish a full recovery to the pedestrian who was seriously injured after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Huntington Beach last night.

Resources for accident victims, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on pedestrian rights, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County car accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Fountain Valley: Teenage Driver Seriously Injured in Car Accident

Wed, 25 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 12:30 p.m. yesterday, a teenage driver was seriously injured in a car accident in Fountain Valley. The 18-year-old was traveling along Rose Avenue when her Ford Focus collided with a Mazda SUV at Bushard Street, the impact causing her to suffer severe head injuries. She was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The 17-year-old driver of the SUV remained at the scene for questioning. Authorities are investigating this crash and have requested that anyone who witnessed it call the Fountain Valley Police Department at 714-593-4481, according to an Orange County car accident attorney.

Fountain Valley accounted for 511 of the 18,867 fatal and injury motor vehicle traffic collisions suffered in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current accident statistics. That year, the city received an OTS ranking of 1, meaning that out of 104 cities with similar populations, it placed the worst for traffic accidents.

The Orange County Register originally reported this car accident.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the teenage driver who was seriously injured in Fountain Valley yesterday a full recovery.

Additional information, including books and articles on the injury claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County car accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Repeat DUI Driver Charged in Laguna Niguel Pedestrian Accident Death

Tue, 24 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Placentia man has been charged for the California wrongful death of a Laguna Niguel woman and for the injury of two others.

The Orange County pedestrian accident occurred on February 13, 2011. Pedestrian Mara Lynnes Steves, 48 of Laguna Niguel Hall was attempting to locate the owner of a stray dog when she became an Orange County car crash victim.

Adam Harrison Hall, 27, of Placentia drove through a red light on Moulton Parkway and Nueva Vista Drive in a Ford sport utility vehicle. He crashed into a Toyota SUV that had the green light and was passing through the intersection. Hall then lost control of his SUV and drove over a curb and onto the sidewalk where he struck Ms. Steves.

Ms. Steves was pronounced dead at the scene. The dog she was helping was seriously injured and was taken to a veterinarian.

The driver of the Toyota suffered a bruised leg and his passenger suffered a broken collarbone. Hall suffered bumps and bruises.

Blood tests show that Hall was under the influence of several drugs at the time of the Orange County crash, including methamphetamine, morphine, pain killers, anti-anxiety pills, muscle-relaxers, insomnia medication and more.

On Tuesday, May 24, Hall was charged with the murder of Ms. Steves and the injury of the two occupants of the Toyota. He was also charged with driving under the influence causing bodily injury with sentencing enhancements for causing injury to more than one person.

Hall was on probation for two prior DUI convictions,

The Orange County pedestrian attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Ms. Steves. Ms. Steves was a wife and mother and an active member of her community.

Buena Park: Drunk Driver Caused Fatal Collision

Mon, 23 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly after 1 a.m. on Friday, May 20^th, a drunk driver caused a fatal collision in Buena Park. The driver, 21-year-old Christen Payne, was traveling at a high rate of speed on the 91 Freeway when she rear-ended a disabled vehicle, killing the occupant. Authorities subsequently arrested Payne on suspicion of driving under the influence. The California Highway Patrol has asked that anyone who witnessed the accident call 714-892-4426, according to an Orange County auto accident attorney.

Buena Park accounted for 32 of the 1,951 fatal and injury traffic accidents in which alcohol was a contributing factor in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current statistics. That year, drunk drivers caused 950 fatal crashes throughout California, 75 fewer than the previous year.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the man who was killed last Friday night.

The Orange County Register originally reported this fatal collision.

Additional information, including articles and books on the injury and wrongful death claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County auto accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Car Seat Safety: Child Sustains Fatal Injuries In Tustin Car Crash

Mon, 23 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A three-year-old girl has died from injuries sustained in a Tustin car accident.

The two-vehicle crash occurred on Sunday, May 15 at 4:40 p.m. on eastbound Edinger Avenue at Kensington Park Drive in Tustin. A male driver broadsided another car that was carrying a man, a woman and the child, 3-year-old Milena Avila.

The side impact hit the car near Milena who was sitting in her car seat. She was critically injured and was taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana. She died of her injuries about three hours after the Orange County accident.

Three others were injured in the crash. Their conditions are not known.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

While reading an article about the accident, I noticed a comment that said "car seats could not be trusted." It is true that the little girl died despite being buckled up. When a car crashes into the side of a vehicle, anyone sitting near the point of impact is likely to suffer serious injury or death. While the car seat could not save Malina's life, car seats do offer the best protection for children in almost every type of accident. Please buckle your child up when in the car.

For more information about car seats, read our article, "How can be sure your car seat is safely installed?"

The Tustin car accident injury lawyers at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to Milena's family. We are very sorry for your loss.

DUI Driver Arrested For Hwy 91 Rear-end Accident

Fri, 20 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A female driver has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and causing a fatal California rear-end accident.

The Orange County car crash occurred just after 1 a.m. on Friday, May 20 on the 91 freeway near Knott Avenue. A 37-year-old man was driving his 2000 Toyota Matrix on the westbound 91 freeway in Buena Park when his car stalled.

Twenty-one-year-old Christen Payne was also headed west in a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta. The Long Beach woman was driving at a high rate of speed when she crashed into the stalled Toyota. The man inside suffered fatal injuries from the impact and died at the scene.

Payne was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Police believe that damage on the Toyota indicates that the vehicle may have stalled after an earlier collision. The crash is currently under investigation.

San Bernardino: Chase Scarbough Died After Johnson Valley Off-Road Accident

Wed, 18 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Monday morning, 10-year-old Chase Scarbough, of San Bernardino, lost control of his off-road vehicle while riding in the Johnson Valley Off Road Recreation area near Victorville. After being thrown to the ground, he complained of minor pain. The following morning, drinking water caused him to vomit. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died from internal injuries he had sustained in the crash. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the accident, explains a California truck accident attorney.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission defines recreational off-road vehicles, or ROVs, as motorized vehicles having four or more low-pressure tires designed for off-road use and intended by the manufacturer primarily for recreational use by one or more persons. From January 2003 to August 2009, the CPSC received reports of 116 fatalities and 152 injuries suffered in accidents involving ROVs. Just last August, eight spectators were killed at the California 200 off-road race in Johnson Valley when a racer lost control of his vehicle and plowed into the crowd.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Chase Scarbough, the San Bernardino boy who died yesterday.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Johnson Valley off-road accident.

Additional information, including books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California truck accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Santa Ana: Three Injured in Crash Involving 1968 Jaguar

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 1:20 p.m. on Monday, May 16^th, three people were injured in a crash involving a 1968 Jaguar on the 5 Freeway. Authorities believe the collision, which also involved a Honda Civic, a Toyota Yaris, and a semi truck, was triggered when the Jaguar lost one of its wheels. A woman and two children were transported to a local hospital to have their injuries treated, according to an Orange County auto accident attorney.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Santa Ana accounted for 1,574 of the 18,867 fatal and injury traffic accidents that occurred in Orange County in 2009. That year, Orange County received an OTS ranking of 32 for traffic accidents out of 58 counties with similar populations; under this ranking system, a county placing 1^st would be considered the worst, while 58^th would be considered the best.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish a full recovery to the three people who were injured in the crash involving the 1968 Jaguar.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Santa Ana accident.

Additional information, including books and articles on the injury claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County auto accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Three Injured in Santa Ana Chain Reaction Crash

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman and her two children sustained injuries after a four-vehicle crash on I-5 in Santa Ana.

The Orange County motor vehicle accident occurred on Monday, May 16 at 1:20 in the afternoon on northbound I-5 just north of North Main Street and south of the 22 freeway. Four vehicles were involved in the collision: a 1968 Jaguar, a Honda Civic, a Toyota Yaris and an 18-wheeler truck. The California chain-reaction accident blocked four lanes of the I-5.

The female driver of the Yaris and her two young children sustained injuries in the Santa Ana accident. They were taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange for treatment. There is no word of their condition.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation; however, the Jaguar had lost its right-rear wheel either before or during the collision. One officer suggested that the loss of the wheel may have caused or contributed to the crash.

Tustin: 3-Year-Old Girl, Milena Avila, Killed in Car Accident

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly after 4:40 p.m. on Sunday, May 15^th, a motorist broadsided a car carrying a man, a woman, and a 3-year-old girl at the intersection of Edinger Avenue and Kensington Park Drive in Tustin. The girl, Milena Avila, suffered critical injuries and died about three hours later at Western Medical Center in Santa Ana. Three other vehicle occupants were also injured in the crash. Authorities are investigating the car accident, explains an Orange County auto accident attorney.

In 2009, Tustin accounted for 294 of the 18,867 fatal and injury traffic collisions that occurred in Orange County, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. That year, the number of traffic fatalities in the state decreased by 10.3 percent, from 3,434 in 2008 to 3,081 in 2009. Nationwide, midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays was the deadliest time to drive, with 1,024 and 1,072 fatal crashes, respectively, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Milena Avila, the 3-year-old girl killed in the car accident on Sunday. We would also like to wish a full recovery to the vehicle occupants who were injured.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Tustin crash.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with an Orange County auto accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Orange County Accident Attorneys | California Commuter Car Crashes

Mon, 16 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

In Southern California, we have traffic. Over 12 million cars travel our freeways and most of them do so during commute hours. Congested highways mean that everyone on the road has a higher risk of being involved in an Orange County car crash, and it doesn't matter how carefully they drive.

Statistically, every driver in Southern California will be involved in a car accident at least once in their life!

As highways become overloaded with vehicles, drivers have less room to maneuver through traffic. When there is an open spot, everyone hurries to fill it. An accident can happen in just seconds. With so much going on, you may not see the other driver coming.

Because determining liability is difficult in California congested traffic accidents, you may need an Orange County auto accident attorney. You can learn more in our article: "More Cars, More Accidents: What You Need To Know About California Congested Traffic Car Crashes."

If you are involved in an Orange County congested traffic accident, you may have medical bills, car repairs and increased insurance premiums. Make sure you protect your accident claim; download our guide: 7 Mistakes That Could Sabotage Your Accident Claim. If you have any questions, our Orange County accident attorneys can help. Contact Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie at 866-981-5596.

Learn how to avoid accidents; read our article: "Orange County Accident Attorney's Top Eight Tips For Avoiding Commuter Traffic Accidents."

Ventura: Drunk Driver Fatally Struck Bicyclist with Hummer, Injured Several Others

Thu, 12 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 7 p.m. last night, a drunk driver fatally struck a bicyclist and injured several others with his Hummer in Ventura. While traveling west on Telegraph Road, 49-year-old Satnam Singh collided with two bicyclists, both of whom suffered serious injuries; he continued west without stopping, rear-ending a pickup truck at Petit Avenue, and injuring the three occupants inside. Near Mara Avenue, Singh hit a 20-year-old college student on a bicycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Two witnesses followed Singh to his nearby home, and police arrived soon afterward. Upon refusing to exit the vehicle, officers used a police dog to distract Singh while they entered the car from the rear. He was taken to a local hospital for the treatment of minor injuries and arrested, explains a California injury lawyer.

A total of 413 people were killed or injured in traffic accidents in Ventura in 2009, 57 of which involved alcohol, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current accident statistics. That year, crashes claimed the lives of 61 bicyclists there. Statewide, the number of fatalities suffered in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or greater decreased by 7.6 percent from 1,025 in 2008 to 950 in 2009.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the bicyclist who was fatally struck by the drunk driver in the Hummer last night in Ventura. We would also like to wish a full recovery to the two bicyclists and three vehicle occupants who suffered injuries.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this story.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Road debris Causes Injury In Tustin Motorcycle Crash

Tue, 10 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

An Orange County motorcyclist sustained moderate injuries after a road-debris accident on the 55 Freeway in Tustin.

The Orange county motorcycle crash occurred at 6:49 a.m. on Friday, May 6, 2011.on the southbound 55 transition to the southbound I-5. A motorcyclist was headed south on his Harley Davidson when his wheel struck a piece of lumber that was left on the road. The motorcyclists sustained multiple injuries.

Road hazards debris is especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Even small objects that have little effect on a car can cause a motorcycle to spin out of control. A bit of lumber that carelessly fell off a truck may cause serious injury and cost a motorcyclist thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost wages and property damage.

The Tustin motorcycle injury attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie help victims of motorcycle accidents throughout Southern California. To discuss your claim with a personal injury attorney, contact our office at 866-981-5596.

South Los Angeles: One Person Killed and Two Injured in Car Accident

Mon, 09 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly after 2 a.m. on Sunday, one person was killed and two others injured in a car accident in South Los Angeles. The crash occurred when a motorist traveling west on Manchester Avenue hit an eastbound vehicle while turning left onto Figueroa Street, the impact inflicting the driver with fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, while his passenger received treatment for critical injuries. The westbound motorist was also hospitalized for serious injuries. Authorities said drugs and alcohol did not contribute to the crash, according to a California injury lawyer.

In 2009, 73,561 people were killed or injured in traffic accidents in Los Angeles County, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety's most current statistics. That year, Los Angeles placed 18 out of 58 counties in the state with similar populations for traffic fatalities and injuries, with one being the worst and 58 the best according to the Office of Traffic Safety’s ranking system. Overall, the number of fatalities suffered in traffic accidents in the state decreased by 10.3 percent from 2008 to 2009.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the person who was killed in the car accident yesterday. We would also like to wish a full recovery to the two people who were injured.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this South Los Angeles car accident.

Additional information, including books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Anaheim: Two Pedestrians Struck and Seriously Injured

Fri, 06 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last night, two pedestrians were struck and seriously injured within miles of each other in Anaheim. The first accident occurred shortly after 8 p.m. at the intersection of Knott and Lincoln avenues when police responded to reports that a vehicle had hit a pedestrian. They arrived to find the pedestrian in the street suffering from life-threatening injuries. The pedestrian was taken to a nearby hospital. Upon questioning the driver, police received another report of an accident a few miles away at the intersection of Crescent Way and Lincoln Avenue. There they found another critically injured pedestrian; however, this time the driver had not remained at the scene. According to witness accounts, the hit-and-run driver was traveling in a dark, 2000 or newer Toyota Camry. Authorities are investigating both of these accidents and have asked anyone with information to call the Anaheim Police Department at 714-765-7900, according to an Orange County injury lawyer.

In 2009, Anaheim accounted for 150 of the 1,299 fatal and injury pedestrian accidents that occurred in Orange County, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current accident statistics. Throughout the state there were 563 pedestrian fatalities, a 9.2 percent decrease from the previous year. Nationwide, the majority of pedestrian accidents occurred when a vehicle traveling straight struck a person crossing a roadway as opposed to walking along the street, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the two pedestrians who were struck and seriously injured last night a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported these pedestrian accidents.

Additional information, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on pedestrian rights, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Two Pedestrians Critically Injured In Separate Anaheim Traffic Accidents

Fri, 06 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Cinco de Mayo was a dangerous day for Anaheim pedestrians. Two pedestrians were left fighting for their lives after separate and unrelated Anaheim traffic accidents.

Both Orange County pedestrian accidents occurred on Thursday night, May 5, 2011. The first crash was at Knott and Lincoln avenues at 8:05 p.m. A vehicle struck a pedestrian at the intersection. The driver called the police and stayed to answer questions about the accident. The pedestrian was taken to a nearby trauma center.

Only minutes later, a second pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Crescent Way. The driver had fled the scene and an injured woman was in left lying in the street. Her injuries were life-threatening. She was taken to a trauma center.

Witnesses say the driver who caused the pedestrian accident was in a dark-colored car similar to a 2000 or later Toyota Camry.

The pedestrian accidents are under investigation. It is not known if alcohol was involved in either crash.

Lake Forest: Driver Responsible For Nicole Davenport's Death Ran Red Light

Thu, 05 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Authorities have determined that the driver responsible for the death of 23-year-old Nicole Davenport in a January 14^th car accident ran a red light. Davenport was turning left from the westbound lane of Bake Parkway onto Northpointe Drive when she was struck by an eastbound 2007 Toyota Tacoma. Paramedics transported her to Mission Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. While investigators knew one of the drivers had failed to stop for the traffic signal, they were not sure at the time which one. Yesterday, they arrested the driver of the Tacoma, 20-year-old Jose Javier Fernandez Ramirez, after finding him at fault for the traffic violation and subsequent fatal accident. He faces a felony charge of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, explains an Orange County auto accident attorney.

In 2009, Lake Forest accounted for 185 of the 18,867 fatal and injury traffic accidents that occurred in Orange County, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. Statewide, the number of traffic fatalities decreased by 10.3 percent, from 3,434 in 2008 to 3,081 in 2009. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the deadliest hours to be on the road that year were midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Nicole Davenport, the woman who died in the traffic accident on January 14^th.

The Orange County Register originally reported this story.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you are a California resident and would like to request a free book or article or discuss a specific legal matter with an auto accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Lancaster: Drunk Driver Killed Pedestrian in Hit-and-Run Accident

Mon, 02 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last Friday night, a drunk driver killed a pedestrian in a hit-and-run accident in Lancaster. When 25-year-old Isidro Peralta stopped at a checkpoint at about 11:30 p.m., police noticed that the window of his vehicle was shattered and the front end covered in blood splatter. They found the body of the 50-year-old man he hit at the intersection of 10^th Street and Avenue J-8. Police arrested Peralta on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter, felony hit-and-run, and felony driving under the influence, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

In 2009, a total of 61 pedestrians were killed or injured in traffic accidents in Lancaster, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current statistics. That year, pedestrian fatalities decreased by 9.2 percent from 620 in 2008 to 563 in 2009, the lowest tally recorded since 1975.

Whether walking inside or outside of a crosswalk, pedestrians have the right of way in most cases. If a driver strikes a pedestrian, the driver may be held liable for expenses related to the pedestrian’s injuries. In the unfortunate event that the pedestrian does not survive the accident, his or her family may pursue a wrongful death claim against the driver.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the pedestrian who was killed by the drunk driver last Friday night.

KTLA.com originally reported this hit-and-run accident.

Resources for the victims of pedestrian accidents and their families, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Woman Dies In Westminster Rear-end Accident

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

One woman is dead after a multi-vehicle accident on the 405 Freeway.

The Orange County highway accident occurred on Wednesday, April 27 just before 11 a.m. Traffic was heavy on the 405 and the drivers of a 2000 Porsche and a 2006 Hyundai had slowed down and stopped in the No. 1 of the northbound 405 near Edwards Street. But, a third driver in a 2006 Toyota did not stop and crashed onto the Hyundai. The Hyundai was pushed into the Porsche and both vehicles ended up on the center divider.

The driver of the Hyundai, 23-year-old Deanna Mauer of Fountain Valley, suffered critical injuries. She was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange. She was pronounced dead at 6 p.m.

Two others, a man and a woman, sustained minor injuries. They were taken to Fountain Valley Hospital and Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.

The cause of the Winchester car crash is under investigation. No arrests have been made.

The Winchester auto accident attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie offer our condolences to the family of Ms. Mauer.

Westminster: Collision on 405 Freeway Injured Three People

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 11:00 a.m. this morning, a collision on the 405 Freeway in Westminster left three people injured. The accident was triggered when a Toyota rear-ended a Hyundai, the impact sending the vehicle into a Porsche. Both the Toyota and the Hyundai subsequently struck the center divider, critically injuring the driver of the Hyundai. She was transported to a local hospital, along with two other vehicle occupants. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, according to an Orange County auto accident attorney.

Westminster accounted for 490 of the 18,867 fatal and injury traffic accidents that occurred in Orange County in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current accident statistics. That year, the number of deaths suffered in crashes in the state decreased by 10.3 percent, the lowest level recorded since 1975. Nationwide, fatal collisions decreased by 9.9 percent from 2008 to 2009.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish a full recovery to the three people injured in the collision on the 405 Freeway in Westminster this morning.

The Orange County Register originally reported this car accident.

Additional information, including books and articles on the injury claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County auto accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Distracted Biking? New Legislation Seeks To Prevent Orange County Bicycle Crashes

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Many people are aware of the dangers of distracted driving; what they don't realize is that distracted bicyclists may also cause accidents. A bicyclist using a hand-held cell phone is less stable on his bike and less likely to pay attention to surrounding traffic. This can put the bicyclist and others in danger from an Orange County bicycle crash.

Senator Joe Simitian, a Democrat from Palo Alto has authored a bill that he believes will reduce cell-phone related accidents in California. The bill increases fines for motorists caught using a hand-held cell phone to talk or text while driving. The bill also makes it illegal for bicyclists to talk on a hand-held cell phone while riding. The first offense ticket would cost a bicyclist $20; the fine would be increased to $50 for additional offenses.

Some bicyclists and bicycling advocates see the bill as an obstacle for those who use their bikes as transportation. They believe that bicyclists need more rights, not less.

The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 24-12. It must now pass an Assembly vote in order to become law.

The Orange County bicycle accident attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie represent victims of bicycle-car accidents in Orange County and throughout California. While we support the rights of bicyclists, we also suggest pulling into a safe place before using your cell phone. We have seen too many bicyclists become victims of distracted driving crashes.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month: How Much Of A Problem Is CA Distracted Driving?

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving was the main factor in 16 percent of fatal crashes and 20 percent of injury crashes in 2009. This makes distracted driving just as dangerous as speeding or drunk driving; 116 Californians lost their lives in distracted driving crashes that year.

Many distracted driving crashes are attributed to cell phone use. In California, drivers may not text or use a cell phone without a hands-free device. Bus drivers and drivers under age 18 may not text or use a cell phone of any type.

Despite the law, drivers continue to text and talk on hand-held cell phones. According to preliminary statistics, CHP officers issued more than 11,000 cell-phone-use and 397 texting-while-driving citations to Orange County drivers last year.

Why are cell phones so dangerous? A driver who is travelling at 60 M.P.H. can travel the length of a football field in five seconds, about the time it takes to send a text message. The delay in reaction time is the same of that of a drunk driver with a .08 blood alcohol level.

Hands-free cell phones are legal in California, but they may not be safe. Researchers have found drivers who use hands-free cell phones also show delayed reaction times. Learn more in our article, "Can Hands-Free Devices Prevent Orange County Distracted Driving Accidents?"

The Orange County accident attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie urge you to put away your cell phone this month. We wish you safe driving.

Irwindale: Woman Killed in Collision with Semi

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Early this morning, a woman was killed in a collision with a semi truck on the 210 Freeway in Irwindale. The crash was triggered when the woman’s red sedan bounced off a guardrail and was struck by a semi, the impact fatally ejecting her from the vehicle. Three other people sustained injuries in the accident and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, explains a California truck accident attorney.

Nationwide, a total of 24,474 vehicle occupants were killed and 2,011,000 injured in motor vehicle traffic accidents in 2009, the most recent year for which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released accident statistics. That year, police recorded more than 5.5 million crashes, 28 percent of which resulted in injury and less than 1 percent in death. Large trucks accounted for 7 percent of the vehicles involved in fatal crashes.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the woman who was killed in the collision with the semi truck this morning. We would also like to wish a full recovery to the three people who were injured.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California truck accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Driver Killed In Lake Elsinore Semi Truck Crash

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A trucker died when his 18-wheeler overturned and burst into flames after colliding with a disabled car on Interstate 15 in Lake Elsinore.

The Riverside County trucking accident occurred at about 11 a.m. on Monday, April 25. Twenty-two-year-old Jonathan Winsor of Murrieta was travelling south on I-15 when he had a tire blowout on his 1999 Dodge Durango. He pulled onto the shoulder about 2.7 south of Indian Truck Trail and called a friend for help. Twenty-two-year-old Joel Duenas arrived at the scene in a 1994 Honda Civic.

The men were standing next to their vehicles, when a trucker who was traveling in the right lane veered onto the right shoulder. The Freightliner 18-wheeler struck both the Dodge and the Honda. Mr. Duenas was struck by the Honda and thrown down an embankment. He was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar with critical injuries. Mr. Winsor was not injured.

The trucker lost control of his vehicle. The semi-truck went off the road, jack-knifed and overturned on the embankment before bursting into flames. The load of flour spilled on the road. Firefighters put out the flames, 37-year-old Greg Scott of La Habra, died at the scene.

The California semi truck accident remains under investigation.

Canoga Park: Teenager Alex Romero Killed in Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 9 p.m. last night, a motorist struck and killed teenage bicyclist Alex Romero in Canoga Park, fleeing the scene afterward. The hit-and-run accident occurred on De Soto Avenue near Valerio Street. Police believe the driver was traveling in a gray Toyota Corolla. Witnesses are asked to contact the LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8034 or (818) 644-8032, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

Statewide, the number of bicyclists killed in traffic accidents decreased by 9.2 percent from 109 in 2008 to 99 in 2009, the lowest since 1984, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. That year in Los Angeles County, 4,268 bicycle riders lost their lives or were injured in traffic accidents. Moreover, hit-and-run was a factor in 6,264 fatal and injury crashes.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Alex Romero, the teenager who was killed in Canoga Park last night.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this hit-and-run bicycle accident.

Additional information, such as books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal issue with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

One Man Killed in DUI Motorcycle Crash on 405

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A two motorcycle accident on the 405 Freeway left a Burbank man dead. The other man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The California motorcycle crash occurred on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at about 4:40 p.m. Two motorcyclists were travelling east on the 405 Freeway near the 10 Freeway. They were travelling at a high rate of speed in between the number three and number four lanes. One of the motorcyclists, a 23-year-old from Burbank riding a 2010 Ducati, rear-ended the other motorcyclist, a 29-year-old from North Hollywood on a 2004 Honda. Both riders were ejected from their motorcycles.

The Honda motorcycle slid under a car.

The 23-year-old rider was taken to UCLA Medical Center. His injuries proved to be fatal and he was pronounced dead at 4:52 p.m. The 29-year-old rider also sustained injuries. He was taken to the hospital, but was released into the custody of the California Highway Patrol. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The northbound 405 Freeway was closed for several hours as emergency crews cleared the scene. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

La Habra: Destiney Mendoza and Rochelle Romero Critically Injured and Four Killed in Truck Crash

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Early Sunday morning, a truck crash in La Habra killed four people and critically injured 25-year-old Destiney Mendoza and 21-year-old Rochelle Romero. 21-year-old David Huizar, Jr., 22-year-old Delora Bravo, 22-year-old Jimmy Alonso Gonzales, and 25-year-old Paul Romero were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. According to authorities, Huizar was driving faster than the 25 mph speed limit on South Walnut Street when he lost control of the truck and slammed into a three-story-tall tree, the impact crushing the vehicle’s roof down to its doors. Firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to cut away the roof and free the two surviving victims. Beer cans were found inside the vehicle; authorities are awaiting toxicology reports to determine if alcohol was a factor, explains an Orange County truck accident attorney.

In 2009, La Habra accounted for 435 of the 18,867 fatal and injury accidents in Orange County, 49 of which were alcohol-related, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current statistics. Fatal traffic accidents in which one or more driver had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or greater decreased by 7.6 percent, from 1,025 in 2008 to 950 in 2009. That year, individuals aged 21-24 accounted for the highest percentage of drivers in fatal crashes involving alcohol.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the families of David Huizar Jr., Delora Bravo, Jimmy Alonso Gonzales, and Paul Romero, the four people killed in the truck crash last Sunday. We would also like to wish a full recovery to Destiney Mendoza and Rochelle Romero, the two women who were critically injured in the accident.

The Orange County Register originally reported this La Habra accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County truck accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Heart Attack Blamed For California School Bus Accident

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman is on life support after a heart attack caused her to crash into a Concord, California school bus. Fortunately, no one else was injured.

The California bus accident occurred at 7:55 a.m. on Monday, April 18. The Mt. Diablo Unified School District bus was traveling east and was stopped at the stoplight at Cowell Road and Babel when a Volvo sedan traveling west on Cowell Road went through the stoplight.

The Volvo sideswiped another vehicle travelling in the same direction and the hit the bus head-on and stopped. When emergency personnel arrived, the driver of the Volvo was unconscious. The 59-year-old Pittsburg woman was taken to the hospital where doctors confirmed a "cardiac event". The woman has been placed on life support.

No one on the school bus was injured.

Other victims of California school bus accidents have not been so lucky. On April 12, three teenagers sustained injuries when a Sacramento school bus collided with another vehicle at an intersection. The week before, six teens were injured when their bus was rear-ended at a stop sign by a driver under the influence of narcotics.

Walnut Park: Pedestrian Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 1 a.m. this morning, a suspected drunk driver killed a pedestrian in Walnut Park. The driver, 23, ran a stop sign at the intersection of California Street and Pacific Boulevard, losing control of his vehicle and striking a 42-year-old man who was walking on the sidewalk nearby. His vehicle overturned when he crashed into a brick wall further down the street. Paramedics transported him to a local hospital for the treatment of minor injuries, where he was arrested upon his release, explains a California injury lawyer.

Statewide, the number of pedestrian fatalities recorded by the California Office of Traffic Safety decreased by 9.2 percent from 620 in 2008 to 563 in 2009, the lowest annual tally since the federal government began recording fatality statistics in 1975. That year, a total of 7,008 pedestrians were injured or killed in traffic accidents in Los Angeles County.

Pedestrians have rights, whether walking inside or outside of a crosswalk. If a driver’s negligence causes injury to a pedestrian, the driver may be held responsible for any medical bills and other injury-related expenses the pedestrian incurs. If the pedestrian dies as a result of the injuries, his or her family may pursue a wrongful death claim against the driver.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the pedestrian who was killed by the suspected drunk driver in Walnut Park.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this pedestrian accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Tustin: Marco Acuapan Died from Injuries Sustained in Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

After spending more than four months in a coma from the injuries he sustained in a hit-and-run bicycle accident in Tustin, 22-year-old Marco Acuapan died last week. On November 17^th, 65-year-old Renato Demartino struck Acuapan with his red Ford Mustang while he was riding in the bike lane of Walnut Avenue near Browning Avenue. Demartino did not stop to administer aid to Acuapan, who suffered serious head trauma from the impact, instead fleeing the scene and abandoning his vehicle in a nearby neighborhood. In late November, he pleaded not guilty to charges of hit and run with permanent and serious injury, making an unsafe turn or lane change, and failing to use his headlamps at night, explains an Orange County injury lawyer.

In 2009, Tustin accounted for 25 of the 1,437 bicyclists killed or injured in Orange County, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. Nationwide, 630 bicyclists were killed and 51,000 injured in traffic accidents, a 12 percent decline from the previous year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That year, a majority of the fatal accidents occurred in urban areas, at non-intersection locations, and during the daytime.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Marco Acuapan, the bicyclist who died last week from the injuries he sustained in a hit-and-run accident.

The Orange County Register originally reported this story.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Granada Hills: One Person Seriously Injured in Car Accident

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly after 5 a.m. this morning, one person was seriously injured in a car accident on the 118 Freeway in Granada Hills. The crash occurred just west of Woodley Avenue. All eastbound lanes were shut down until 5:43 a.m. while the accident was cleared. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, explains a California personal injury attorney.

In Los Angeles County, a total of 73,561 people were killed or injured in traffic accidents in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current accident statistics. Fatal motor vehicle crashes decreased by 10 percent from 2008 in California. Nationwide, traffic fatalities also decreased by 10 percent, down to 33, 808 deaths, the lowest number recorded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since 1950.

Everyone at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish a full recovery to the person who was seriously injured in the car accident this morning.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Granada Hills crash.

Additional information, including books and articles on the injury claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Anaheim: Drunk Driver Who Killed Cameron Cook in Custody

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

The drunk driver who killed 18-year-old Cameron Cook last Saturday night in Anaheim is in custody at Orange County Jail. Shortly before midnight, 24-year-old Ashley Bryan, of Highland, struck the disabled vehicle by which Cook was standing on the right shoulder of the northbound lanes of the 57 Freeway. The impact of the collision pushed the vehicle to the right, causing it to push Cook backward over the overpass railing. Paramedics transported him to UCI Medical Center, where he died from his injuries early Sunday morning. Bryan faces two felony charges, one for gross vehicle manslaughter and another for driving under the influence, explains an Orange County injury attorney.

Pedestrian accidents accounted for 109 of the 2,129 fatal and injury traffic crashes that occurred in Anaheim in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current accident statistics. California Highway Patrol data indicate that 164 pedestrians were killed in collisions on state freeways that year, a decrease from the 185 pedestrians who were killed the previous year.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Cameron Cook, the pedestrian who was killed by the drunk driver last Saturday night.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Anaheim accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups and books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Marine Alex Martinez Critically Injured in Costa Mesa Assault

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 2:00 a.m. last Sunday morning, marine Alex Martinez was critically injured in a Costa Mesa assault. Martinez, 21, and his friend, Victor Zavela, also 21, were waiting for a ride in the parking structure at Triangle Square when they became involved in a verbal confrontation with two other men, 24-year-old Mark Allen Vasquez and 25-year-old John Vela. Vasquez struck Martinez in the head, sending him to the concrete floor, on which he received a second impact to the head and fell unconscious. As of Monday, he was still in critical condition at Western Medical Center. Vasquez was arrested and charged with felony assault, explains an Orange County injury lawyer.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem in the United States, impacting, on average, about 1.7 million people annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, the severity of TBI varies from a brief loss of consciousness to an extended period of unconsciousness, amnesia, or death. Moreover, the consequences of such an injury range from a mild concussion to long-term cognitive, sensory, and linguistic limitations.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish Alex Martinez, the marine critically injured last Sunday morning, a full recovery.

The Daily Pilot originally reported this Costa Mesa assault.

Additional information, including books and articles on the injury claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to discuss your rights and options with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Torrance: Teenager Struck Several Cyclists, Critically Injuring Adam Rybicki

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 7:15 a.m. last Sunday, a teenager struck several cyclists on a residential street in Torrance, critically injuring 49-year-old South Bay resident Adam Rybicki. He was taken to a nearby hospital and is currently in a coma. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the driver, 19-year-old Jaclyn Andrea Garcia, has been convicted of four traffic violations since 2009, two of them for speeding. Authorities arrested her on suspicion of driving under the influence, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

A total of 593 people were killed or injured in traffic collisions in Torrance in 2009, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current accident statistics. Alcohol was a factor in 43 of the crashes, 3 of which were caused by a driver under the age of 21 years old. That year, 14 bicyclists were killed or injured in traffic crashes.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish a full recovery to Adam Rybicki and the other cyclists injured by the teenage driver in Torrance last Sunday.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this accident.

Additional information, including articles on bicycle accidents and books on the injury claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Teen Killed in Anaheim DUI Crash

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A teen survived an Anaheim car crash, only to be killed by a California drunk driver.

At about 11:40 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, two teens in a 2001 Camaro were headed north on the 57 south of Katella Avenue when their vehicle spun out of control. The car came to a rest facing north on the right shoulder of the road where it partially blocked the No. 5 lane. The 18-year-old driver, Logan Vescio, and his friend, 18-year-old Cameron Cook exited the disabled car to check for damages. As Vescio went back to turn on the emergency lights, Cook stood on the right shoulder near the rear of the car.

While Cook was standing near the Camaro, a Honda Civic traveling north struck the front left side of the car. The crash pushed the Camaro to the right. It hit Cook and pushed him backward over the overpass railing. Cook fell more than 50 feet.

Cook was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange where he died at 5:08 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Vescio was knocked on his back and sustained a head injury. He was pulled to the side of the road by another driver who stopped to help.

The driver of the Civic, 24-year-old Ashley Bryan of Highland was arrested on Sunday on the suspicion of driving under the influence. Her blood-alcohol level was 0.17 percent, more than twice the legal limit. She faces felony charges of gross vehicle manslaughter and driving under the influence.

Trabuco Canyon: Car Accident Injured Two People

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday afternoon, a car accident on Live Oak Canyon Road in Trabuco Canyon injured two people. Paramedics rushed one of the victims to the hospital. The other victim, however, was trapped in one of the vehicles; firefighters used hydraulic rescue equipment to free her from the wreckage. Additional information on the circumstances of the accident has not been released, explains an Orange County injury lawyer.

In 2009, the most recent year for which the California Office of Traffic Safety has released accident statistics, a total of 18,867 people were killed and injured in traffic collisions. Moreover, Orange County ranked 32 out of 58 counties with similar populations for fatal and injury traffic accidents. The California OTS ranks counties and cities by the number of victims or collisions per 1000 residents in a population group. A ranking of 1 indicates that a county had the highest number of collisions or victims of all counties its size in the state.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the two people injured in the car accident in Trabuco Canyon yesterday a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this crash.

Resources for accident victims, such as books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Perris: Skydivers Patrick McGowan and Chris Stasky Killed in Midair Collision

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday, skydivers Patrick McGowan and Chris Stasky were involved in a midair collision above the city of Perris, falling 200-300 feet to their deaths. Emergency responders arrived at Perris Valley Skydiving to find bystanders administering CPR to the two men. They were pronounced dead at approximately 4 p.m. The National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, and local authorities are investigating the accident, explains a California injury lawyer.

Skydiving originated from parachuting, an emergency evacuation method developed during World War I. The sport evolved during the post-war years. It is self-regulated, meaning that participants voluntarily follow a set of basic requirements established by the U.S. Parachute Association.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this skydiving accident.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the families of Patrick McGowan and Chris Stasky, the two skydivers killed in the midair collision yesterday.

Additional information, including books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Fullerton: Two People Injured in Car Crash

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 11:30 a.m. yesterday, two people were injured in a car crash in Fullerton. The accident was triggered when a Honda Accord struck a utility support pole near Bastanchury, causing it to fall onto a GMC Yukon and a Ford Expedition. The two sport utility vehicles collided as a result. Both drivers sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, explains an Orange County injury lawyer.

Nationwide, 24,474 vehicle occupants lost their lives and 2,011,000 were injured in traffic accidents in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s most recent accident statistics. That year, the California Office of Traffic Safety recorded 883 fatal and injury accidents in Fullerton. Overall, traffic fatalities decreased by 10 percent in California from 2008 to 2009.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the two people injured in the car crash yesterday a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Fullerton auto accident.

Resources for accident victims, such as books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

San Diego: Two People Injured While Car Surfing

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Some time around 2 a.m. this morning two men were injured while car surfing in San Diego. The men were engaging in a form of car surfing known as “hot-boarding,” during which they stood on their skateboards and were towed by a vehicle. Other forms of car surfing include standing on the hood of a moving vehicle or exiting the vehicle to dance beside it and re-enter, the latter commonly known as “ghost riding.” The car towing them was traveling at a high rate of speed, causing the men to release their grip. One man suffered scrapes and bruises; the other, however, collided with a Chevrolet truck, suffering serious head injuries. He is in critical condition. The driver of the vehicle that was towing them fled the scene, explains a California injury lawyer.

Car surfing is extremely dangerous and accidents resulting from it often result in fatalities. In one of the few government studies conducted on the practice, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 99 incidents between 1990 and 2008, 58 percent of which resulted in fatality. 78 percent of the deaths were attributed to head trauma.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the two men injured in the car surfing accident this morning a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this San Diego accident.

Resources for accident victims, such as books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Orange: Pedestrian Injured When Car Crashed into 7-Eleven

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday at around 5:45 p.m., a woman crashed her GMC pickup truck into the front window of a 7-Eleven on Main Street in Orange. While parking the vehicle, she accidently pressed down on the gas pedal instead of the brake. Paramedics transported a female pedestrian who was injured in the accident to a nearby hospital, explains an Orange County injury attorney.

In the United States, a pedestrian died in a traffic accident every two minutes and was injured every nine minutes in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s most recent accident statistics. That year, there were a total of 4,092 pedestrian fatalities and 59,000 injuries. The city of Orange accounted for 20 of the pedestrian injuries and fatalities suffered in the state of California.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish a full recovery to the pedestrian who was injured when the car crashed into the 7-Eleven yesterday.

The Orange County Register originally reported this pedestrian accident.

Resources for the victims of pedestrian accidents, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on pedestrian rights, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Speeding Motorcyclists Sentenced for Fatal Newport Beach Accident

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

In 2008, 46-year-old Andrew Parker was killed when two speeding motorcyclists crashed into the back of his car. Recently, the motorcyclists pled guilty to felony vehicular manslaughter and were sentenced for their role in the fatal Lake Forest motor vehicle crash.

On April 25, 2008, two young men bragged about plans to speed. They raced down the 241 toll road in Lake Forest at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour and crashed into the back of an Alfa Romero driven by Mr. Parker. The force of the crash knocked the car off the road and into a light pole. It then flipped and landed upside down. Mr. Parker had to be cut free of his vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The motorcyclists survived. Blaise Aaron Meadows was thrown off his motorcycle and sustained several fractures. Daniel Cody Burkett left the scene. At the time of the crash, Burkett was on probation for a 2007 misdemeanor conviction for evading police.

Most motorcyclists are aware of the dangers that face them as they share the highway with larger vehicles. They drive defensively in order to avoid deadly crashes. However, the few motorcyclists who behave recklessly get media attention. These stories can bias a jury when deciding a CA motorcycle accident claim.

If you have been injured in an Orange County motorcycle crash, you need an attorney who can overcome these biases. Contact the Newport Beach motorcycle accident attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie: 866-981-5596.

Preventing Orange County Car Crashes: What To Do If Your Car Has A Safety Defect?

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

There have been 69 vehicle recalls since March 1. With all the car recalls that are going on, you may wonder what you can do if your vehicle has a safety defect. If there is something wrong with your vehicle and you believe that it is a safety concern, you can do the following:

1. Check the manufacturer's web site to check for recalls.

2. If there is no recall, contact your dealer. Let the dealer know of your safety issue. If your car is still under warranty, the dealer should fix the problem at no charge. If your car is not under warranty, keep the receipt. If a recall is issued later, the manufacturer should reimburse you for the fix.

3. Report your concern to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). You can either call the toll free number, 888-327-4236, or go to the website. The NHTSA follows up on car safety complaints and the more reports it gets, the more likely that there will be an official investigation.

If a safety defect in your car causes an accident or injury, you may have an Orange County accident claim against the vehicle's manufacturer. To learn more, contact the Newport Beach personal injury attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie: 866-981-5596.

Huntington Beach: Crash Involving Lotus Exige and BMW Injured Two

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 10:40 p.m. last night, two people were injured, one seriously, in a crash involving a Lotus Exige and a BMW 330ci in Huntington Beach. While making a northbound left turn onto Newland Street, the driver of the BMW collided with the Lotus, which was traveling west on Yorktown Avenue. Paramedics transported the drivers to a local hospital. Authorities received conflicting accounts of the accident from witnesses and have requested that anyone with information call 714-536-5666, explains an Orange County injury lawyer.

In 2009, traffic crashes claimed the lives of 33,808 people and injured another 2,217,000 in the United States, a 9.7-percent decrease in the number of fatalities recorded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2008. During this same period of time, traffic fatalities declined by 10 percent in California, with NHTSA recording 2,816 deaths in the state.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the drivers injured in last night’s crash involving the Lotus and the BMW a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this Huntington Beach accident.

Resources for accident victims, such as books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Tustin: Car Fatally Struck Pedestrian Berna Martinez

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 11:45 a.m. yesterday, a car fatally struck 74-year-old Berna Martinez while she was crossing Red Hill Avenue in Tustin. The driver of the car, a Mercury Sable, was exiting the I-5 freeway when she hit Martinez, dragging the pedestrian several blocks before witnesses alerted her to stop. Authorities pronounced Martinez dead at the scene. While investigators have indicated that the accident initially occurred at a lighted, controlled crosswalk, they have not determined if Martinez was in the crosswalk when she was struck or which party had the right of way, explains an Orange County injury attorney.

In 2009, the most recent year for which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, has released accident statistics, traffic accidents claimed the lives of 4,092 pedestrians and left another 59,000 injured. On average, one pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every nine minutes. According to NHTSA, 72% of the fatalities were suffered in an urban setting, 76% occurred at non-intersections, and almost 90% happened during normal weather conditions.

The Orange County Register originally reported this pedestrian accident.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Berna Martinez, the pedestrian who was fatally struck in Tustin yesterday.

Resources for the victims of pedestrian accidents and their families, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups and books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Tustin Pedestrian Dies in Orange County Pedestrian Car Crash

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Tustin woman is dead after being struck and dragged by a car driven by an elderly woman.

The Tustin pedestrian accident occurred on Monday, March 21 just before 11:45 a.m. near the intersection of Red Hill and El Camino Real. Seventy-four year old Beverly Martinez was crossing the street near an I-5 freeway exit ramp. She was struck by a Mercury Sable. The driver continued for more than a mile dragging Ms. Martinez under her vehicle as she travelled down El Camino Real to Newport Avenue. The body came loose from the vehicle on Newport Avenue near Sixth Street. Ms. Martinez was found near the center divider. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 79-year-old woman driver of the Mercury drove an additional half-mile before witnesses were able to stop her at Newport and Irvine Boulevard. The driver was examined by paramedics and interviewed by police, but was not arrested.

Intersection of Red Hill and El Camino Real is a well-lit, controlled crosswalk. The accident is under investigation, but police say drugs and alcohol are not believed to have been a factor. They do not know who had the right of way at the time of the crash and if the heavy rain at the time played a role in the Orange County crash.

Malibu: Motorcyclist Killed in Crash on Pacific Coast Highway

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 9 p.m. last night a motorcyclist was killed in a crash on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. The driver of a car reportedly turned into the path of a motorcyclist while leaving Geoffrey’s restaurant. Authorities pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene of the collision. The accident is under investigation, explains a California personal injury attorney.

In 2009, 4,462 motorcyclists were killed and 90,000 were injured in crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s most recent accident statistics. The highest proportion of collisions occurred between a motorcycle rider and a fixed object. Fatal accidents occurred most frequently between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., while the majority of injury accidents were reported from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the motorcyclist who was killed in the crash on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this motorcycle accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Man Hospitalized After Orange Motorcycle Crash

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A motorcyclist was injured after a crash with two cars on Southbound 55 in Orange.

The Orange County motorcycle crash occurred on Thursday, March 17 at about 7:49 a.m. at the intersection of SR55 and SR22.

A man riding a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle was splitting the car-pool lane and fast lane when the motorcyclist collided with a Toyota Corolla that pulled out of the car-pool lane. After the crash, the motorcyclist bounced off the Corolla and crashed into a second Toyota Corolla that was in the fast lane.

The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries; he was treated by paramedics at the scene and transported to the hospital. The other drivers were uninjured.

Both the car-pool lane and the No. 1 lane were blocked for about 15 minutes while the wreckage was cleared.

"Lane splitting" is a term used to describe the movement of a motorcycle between two lanes as it quickly travels through slower traffic. Lane splitting is illegal in all states except California. There is no conclusive data about the safety or dangers of lane splitting.

The Orange traffic accident is still under investigation.

Huntington Beach: Man Seriously Injured in Motorcycle Crash

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 6:30 yesterday morning, a man was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in Huntington Beach. The accident, which occurred near the intersection of Magnolia Street and Yorktown Avenue, involved a 1996 Honda Civic and a Suzuki motorcycle. While the driver of the Honda was not hurt, the motorcycle rider sustained major injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. Police have asked that anyone who witnessed the collision call (714) 536-5666, according to an Orange County injury attorney.

2009 was the first year in eleven that the number of fatalities suffered by motorcyclists did not increase; in fact, it declined by 850 fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s most recent accident statistics. That year, 4,462 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents and 90,000 were injured. 394 of the fatalities were suffered in California.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the man who was seriously injured yesterday in Huntington Beach a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this motorcycle crash.

Resources for accident victims, including books and articles about the process of pursuing an injury claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

HB Police Arrest Driver Responsible For Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Huntington Beach police have arrested a man suspected of striking and seriously injuring a motorcyclist on Thursday, February 24^th. The hit-and-run motorcycle accident occurred near the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Slater Avenue. Authorities believe that Hill, 47, was driving the black Dodge Magnum that hit the 29-year-old motorcycle rider. He was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run and driving on a suspended license, as well as an outstanding DUI warrant from a different case. Police continue to investigate the accident and have asked witnesses to call 714-536-5670, explains an Orange County injury attorney.

In 2009, motorcycles involved in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (25 percent), while large trucks had the lowest (3.7 percent), according to the most recent motorcycle accident statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. From 1992 to 2009, the occupant fatality and injury rate for all occupants, including motorcyclists, decreased by 26.8 percent and 40 percent, respectively. That year, motorcycle accidents claimed 4,462 lives and injured 90,000 people.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the motorcyclist injured in the hit-and-run accident in Huntington Beach a full recovery.

The Orange County Register was the source of this accident coverage.

Additional information on motorcycle accidents and the injury claims process is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request a book or an article, or to speak with an Orange County injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Orange County: Injury Accidents Accompany Wet Roads

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

While many of the accidents that occurred on Orange County’s wet roads this morning fortunately did not leave anyone hurt, a few people were seriously injured. Shortly before 9:00 a.m., a Honda Civic rolled several times on the Ortega Highway, critically injuring one person. On the I-5 south of Camino Capistrano, a three-vehicle collision left two people injured. Paramedics rushed one person to Mission Hospital for treatment of major injuries, and another reportedly suffered injuries to the face, explains an Orange County auto accident attorney.

According to the most recent accident statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, rainy weather was a factor in 2,410 of the fatal and 170,000 of the injury accidents that occurred in 2009. Southern California drivers should be especially careful after it first rains, as the build up of engine oil and grease on the roads mixes with the water, making them slick.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the people injured in the accidents on the wet roads this morning a full recovery.

The Orange County Register was the source of this accident coverage.

Additional information, including books and articles on the common causes of traffic accidents and the process of pursuing an injury claim, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County auto accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Los Angeles: Driver Fled Scene of Hit-and-Run Accident on City Bus

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 5:30 this morning, a Hyundai and a Prius collided near the intersection of 7^th Street and Alvarado Street in downtown Los Angeles. Police suspect one of the drivers had run a red light. The driver of the Hyundai fled the scene of the crash on a city bus. The occupants of the Prius were transported to a nearby hospital to receive treatment for their injuries. Authorities impounded the Hyundai and are investigating the hit-and-run accident, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

In 2008, the most recent year for which the California Highway Patrol has released accident statistics, 247 people were killed and 22,091 injured in hit-and-run accidents. Rear-end collisions accounted for 35 of the fatalities and 7,841 of the injuries. The majority of the accidents involved vehicles and pedestrians, accounting for 122 fatalities and 2,366 injuries.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the occupants of the Prius who were injured in the hit-and-run accident this morning a full recovery.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this hit-and-run accident.

Resources for accident victims, including books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Huntington Beach: Police Searching For Driver Who Struck Motorcyclist

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last week, the driver of either a black Dodge Charger or Magnum struck and seriously injured a motorcyclist near the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Slater Avenue. The 29-year-old motorcycle rider was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Huntington Beach Police Department has asked that witnesses or anyone with information about the accident call (714) 536-5670, according to an Orange County auto accident attorney.

Nationwide, 4,462 motorcyclists were killed and 90,000 were injured in traffic accidents in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA. In 2008, the most recent year for which the California Highway Patrol has released accident statistics, Huntington Beach accounted for 35 of the 537 fatal and 801 of the 11,390 injury motorcycle accidents that occurred throughout the state.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the motorcyclist who was injured by the hit-and-run driver a full recovery.

The Huntington Beach Independent originally reported this accident.

Additional information on the injury claims process is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request a free book or article, or to discuss a specific legal matter with an Orange County auto accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

7-year-old Seriously Injured in Orange County 3-Car Crash

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 7-year-old child sustained serious injuries after a Westminster accident involving three cars.

The crash occurred at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 4, 2011 at the intersection of Hazard Avenue and Purdy Street in Westminster. The boy was a passenger in an eastbound Honda Accord that turned left into the path of a westbound Toyota Sequoia. The Accord was sideswiped by the SUV resulting in significant damage to the right rear portion of the vehicle. The boy was sitting in the right rear seat. He sustained head injuries and was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange for treatment. The boy is listed in serious condition.

The driver of the Sequoia sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.

The Honda also crashed into a Nissan Xterra that was stopped at a stop sign. No one in that vehicle was injured.
The cause of the crash currently under investigation by the Westminster Police Department.

The Orange County car crash attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie offer our well-wishes to the boy and his family and hope he makes a fast and full recovery.

Industry: Two Women Killed in Semi-Truck Crash on 60 Freeway

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 1:40 a.m. this morning, two women were killed when a semi truck crashed into their vehicle on the 60 Freeway in the city of Industry. The truck was transitioning from the southbound 605 Freeway to the 60 Freeway when it jackknifed through the center divider, striking the Nissan Altima carrying the women. They were pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. Authorities are investigating the accident, explains a California truck accident attorney.

In 2009, the most recent year for which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, has released accident statistics, 3,380 people were killed in accidents involving large trucks. Jackknifing was a factor in 6.5% of the fatal accidents. Moreover, large trucks accounted for 7% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the families of the two women who were killed in Industry this morning.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this semi-truck crash.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California truck accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Anaheim: Pedestrian in Critical Condition after Hit-and-Run Accident

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A pedestrian remains in critical condition after she was struck early last Saturday morning. The hit-and-run accident occurred in the north crosswalk of Harbor Boulevard at Katella Avenue. The driver of the vehicle that hit the woman stopped shortly before fleeing the scene, leaving the woman to suffer from life threatening injuries. Police are looking for a mid-‘90s to mid ‘00s white Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, or Maxima. They believe the driver is a male in his mid-40s. Anyone with information about the driver’s whereabouts or this accident is asked to call the Anaheim police traffic investigators at 714-765-1900, explains an Orange County injury lawyer.

The majority of the 59,000 pedestrian accidents that resulted in injuries in 2009 occurred at intersections and between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., followed by 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA. That year, traffic accidents claimed the lives of 4,092 pedestrians.

Everyone at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the pedestrian injured in Anaheim last Saturday a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this pedestrian accident.

Resources for the victims of pedestrian accidents and their families, such as links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on pedestrian rights, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Driver in Fatal Newport Beach Bicycle Crash Had 15 Prior Citations

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Newport Beach driver who was arrested last month for the drunk driving death of bicyclist Amine Britel has a long record of reckless driving citations.

Twenty-two-year-old Danae Marie Miller was traveling east bound on San Joaquin Hills Road near Spyglass Road when she hit the 41-year-old cyclist with her Volkswagen Jetta at about 6:00pm on Monday, February 21, 2011. Britel was killed at the scene of the Newport Beach bicycle car crash.

Court records show that in the past 5 years, Miller has received 15 traffic citations. In Orange County, a driver's license can be suspended if a driver accumulates 4 points on his or her record in 12 months, 6 in 24 months, or 8 in 36. However, attending traffic school can erase those points and allow a driver to retain his or her license. Miller went to traffic school so the 8 points that she accumulated between 2005 and 2008 were not be recorded. Her tickets included: speeding or driving too fast for conditions, driving the wrong way on a street, failure to stop at a stop sign, and talking on her cellphone while driving. Miller had no prior drunk driving convictions.

Miller was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and released on bail.

Britel's death is the fourth cyclist death from a Newport Beach traffic accident in two years.

Injured Man Sues After Huntington Beach Ambulance Accident

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Huntington Beach man has sued for more than $10,000 in damages after a Huntington Beach car accident caused by a distracted ambulance driver.

The Orange County car wreck occurred at about 10:45 a.m. on January 27, 2011 at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Atlanta Avenue. An ambulance ,which not using a siren or lights, sped through a red light and crashed into the side of a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. The ambulance then hit a second vehicle.

In California, ambulance drivers responding to an emergency call may go through a red light only if both the red lights on the emergency vehicle and the siren are activated.

The ambulance was responding to a non-emergency call. The driver of the ambulance said he did not see the traffic signal at the intersection because he was reading information about the call.

The driver of the Jetta, 29-year-old Adam Tomalas sustained soft-tissue injuries. Tomalas filed the lawsuit against the City of Huntington Beach on February 17.

Alcohol a Factor in Fatal Newport Beach Bicycle Accident

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

The driver responsible for a fatal bicycle accident in Newport Beach last night was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. An Orange County injury attorney recounts the accident.

CHP Finds Bus Driver Liable for Crash that Injured Several Teens

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

After investigating a bus crash that seriously injured several teens near Lake Gregory in the San Bernardino Mountains yesterday, the California Highway Patrol, CHP, found that the bus driver was liable for the accident. While rounding a sharp turn in the mountain road, the bus driver drifted into the opposing lane, striking the SUV carrying Lake Arrowhead residents Mark and Jacquelynn Peebles. The driver was killed in the accident and the 23 young passengers sustained injuries ranging from moderate to critical, explains a California injury lawyer.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the teens and young adults injured in the accident a full recovery. We would also like to offer our condolences to the family of the driver.

The Los Angeles Times reported this accident information.

Resources for accident victims and their families, including books and articles on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

To request one of these free resources, or to speak with a California injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Newport Beach: Suspected Drunk Driver Struck and Killed Bicyclist

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 6 p.m. last night, a suspected drunk driver struck and killed a bicyclist in Newport Beach. The bicycle accident occurred on San Joaquin Hills Road near Spyglass Road when 22-year-old Danae Marie Miller, of Newport Coast, collided with the bicycle rider. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police arrested her on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and are investigating the accident, explains an Orange County injury attorney.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, classifies bicyclists and other cyclists, including the riders of two-wheel nonmotorized vehicles, tricycles, and unicycles powered solely by pedals as pedalcyclists. In 2009, the year for which the most recent accident statistics are available, pedalcyclists accounted for 630 of the 33,808 fatalities and 51,000 of the 2,217,000 injuries suffered in traffic accidents. Alcohol, drugs, or medication were a factor 10.6% of the fatal accidents involving pedalcyclists.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the bicyclist who was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver in Newport Beach last night.

The Orange County Register originally reported this bicycle accident.

Resources for accident victims, such as books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with an Orange County injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Orange

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 11 p.m. last night, a woman was killed in a pedestrian accident in Orange. An Orange County injury lawyer recounts the accident.

Several Teenagers Injured in Lake Gregory Bus Accident

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Earlier today, several teenagers were injured in a bus accident near Lake Gregory. A California personal injury lawyer offers details about the crash.

Update: Two People Killed in Lake Gregory Bus Crash

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

New reports by KCAL-TV, Channel 9 indicate that two people died in the bus crash near Lake Gregory. In earlier coverage of the accident, a California personal injury lawyer wrote that only one person had been killed.

More Than 20 Pasadena Teens Injured in San Bernardino Bus Accident

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A bus carrying a Pasadena church group of teenagers crashed and slid off a highway in the San Bernardino Mountains. The driver was killed and more than 20 others were hurt.

The California bus accident occurred on Monday, February 21. The teens, members of the Light of Love Mission Church in Pasadena, were headed home from a weekend retreat at Pinecrest Christian Conference Center when their bus collided with another vehicle. The road was snowy and the bus slid off the highway and down a hillside. It hit a power pole and a tree before coming to rest.

The driver of the bus, identified as 61-year-old Won Seok Chae, died at the scene. Twenty four others were injured, including the two occupants of the SUV. The other 22 were high school and middle school students on the bus. Ten of the students were pinned under their seats in the crash.

Highway 189 was closed until late Monday while victims were evacuated and the wreckage was cleared. The accident remains under investigation.

The Orange County car accident injury attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie wish the injury victims a fast and thorough recovery.

Orange: Pedestrian Fatally Struck While Walking Dog

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 11 p.m. last night, a car fatally struck a pedestrian while she was walking her dog in Orange. The woman was traversing a crosswalk with her boyfriend and dog at the intersection of Chapman Avenue and Citrus Street when a Toyota Matrix struck her. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. Her boyfriend sustained minor injuries, and the dog was unharmed. Authorities are investigating the accident, explains an Orange County injury lawyer.

In 2009, the most recent year for which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, has released accident statistics, 4,092 pedestrians were killed and 59,000 injured in traffic accidents. The majority of the fatalities, 74.8%, were suffered in nonintersection locations. Moreover, nonintersection locations accounted for 82.9% of the fatal accidents suffered by pedestrians between the ages of 25 and 34. 918 of the fatal accidents that year occurred between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the pedestrian who was fatally struck while walking her dog in Orange last night.

The Orange County Register originally reported this pedestrian accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or wrongful death claim, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Lake Gregory: One Person Killed and Twenty-Four Injured in Bus Crash

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before noon, a bus carrying more than twenty-four teenagers collided with a car on Highway 189 near Lake Gregory, the impact sending it down a snowy embankment and into several trees. One person was killed and twenty-four were injured in the bus crash. Authorities have set up a triage area near the accident scene, while seriously injured passengers are being air lifted to nearby hospitals, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s most recently released accident statistics, 24,474 vehicle occupants were killed and 2,011,000 injured in traffic accidents in 2009. Bus crashes accounted for 221 of the fatalities and 10,000 of the injuries, with 139 of the fatal and 9,000 of the injury accidents attributable to a collision between a bus and another motor vehicle.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the person who was killed in the bus crash near Lake Gregory today. We would also like to wish a full recovery to the twenty-four people who were injured.

This accident was originally reported by KCAL-TV, Channel 9.

Additional information, including books and articles on the process of pursuing an injury or wrongful death claim, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these resources, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Man Arrested for DUI after Huntington Beach Hit-and-run Accident

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Riverside man is in custody after a leaving the scene of an accident in Huntington Beach.

The Huntington Beach hit-and-run accident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 19. Police received two calls reporting an accident at Beach Boulevard and Edinger Avenue.

According to witnesses, a man driving a blue Mazda pickup truck hit a brown compact car. After the driver of the car pulled over, the truck kept driving southbound on Beach Boulevard. A witness gave the license plate number of the truck to the police.

A police officer stopped the truck at Beach Boulevard and Ellis Avenue and the driver, 50-year-old Augustine Mendoza, was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

Mendoza is currently on probation for prior DUI convictions and a hit-and-run. He was also charged with violating probation. He is being held at the Huntington Beach Police Department jail.

The accident victim left the scene before police arrived. It is not known if he sustained any injuries.

L.A. Woman Killed in Costa Mesa Car Crash After Car Disabled on 405

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Los Angeles woman died of injuries after two cars crashed into her vehicle which was disabled on the 405 Freeway in Costa Mesa.

The first Costa Mesa car accident occurred at 11:03 p.m. on Friday, February 18. It was raining and the freeway was wet. Twenty-one-year-old Hannah Bartle was headed northbound in the No-2 lane of the 405 Freeway when her Suzuki Aero spun out and she lost control of her vehicle and crashed.

Another vehicle, a Chevy Cavalier, in the same lane tried to swerve past Bartle’s car, but ended up sideswiping it. Only moments later, Bartle’s car was rear-ended by a Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Bartle was rushed to Fountain Valley Regional Hospital. She died from her injuries at about 12:30 a.m. on Saturday.

The two other drivers suffered minor injuries.

Rainy weather causes hundreds of accidents in California. The best way to avoid Orange County wet road accidents is to slow down. Learn more in our article, “Orange County Car Accidents: Can Wet Weather Car Crashes Be Prevented? “

Auto Accident on 73 Toll Road Seriously Injured One

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

At about 6:30 last night, an auto accident on the 73 Toll Road seriously injured one person. An Orange County auto accident attorney offers details about the incident and discusses accident statistics.

Family Sues Huntington Beach Over Baby's Pedestrian Accident Death

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A family has filed a claim for $40 million dollars against the city of Huntington Beach for the death a three month old baby who was struck by a car and killed at an intersection last September.

On the morning of September 7, 2010, three-month-old Ruby Gould was crossing the intersection at Springdale Street and Croupier Drive with her mother and two cousins when an Orange County car accident occured. A car near the intersection was hit by another car and then crashed into the family.

Ruby Gould suffered a severe head injury and died at the scene of the Huntington Beach pedestrian accident.

Rob Gould, the baby’s father, blames the city of Huntington Beach for the accident. The claim says that the city could have prevented the accident with better signs and that the crosswalk was negligently and dangerously designed. The lawsuit accuses the city of failing to maintain the public crosswalk in a reasonably safe condition. The intersection had no operational traffic control signals, stop signs, yield signs or warning signs. Mr. Gould is suing the city for ten million dollars.

Ruby’s mother, Renee Gould, sustained a broken back and a dislocated shoulder. She was taken to UCI Medical Center. She is also filing a ten million dollar claim.

One cousin, Daisy Chuntz, suffered a broken femur. The other cousin, Jacob Chuntz, was not physically injured. However both children suffered emotional distress during and after the accident. Each of the children has filed a ten million dollar claim.

The four claims were filed on February 11.

Aliso Viejo: Woman Critically Injured in Car Accident

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 6:30 last night, firefighters arrived at the scene of an accident involving two vehicles on the 73 Toll Road near the Aliso Creek Road exit in Aliso Viejo. One of the vehicles, a Ford Explorer, had rolled over, ejecting a female occupant. The woman was critically injured and transported to a nearby hospital, as was a child who was also injured in the accident, explains an Orange County auto accident attorney.

In 2009, rollover accidents claimed 8,267 lives, accounting for approximately 35% of the fatalities suffered in passenger cars and light trucks, according to the most recent accident data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA. As of 2007, the agency has required all passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,536 kg (10,000) or less to be equipped with electronic stability control systems, providing drivers with greater vehicle control in situations conducive to rollover.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the woman critically injured in Aliso Viejo last night a full recovery. We would also like to wish a full recovery to the child who was injured.

The Orange County Register originally reported this car accident.

Resources for accident victims, such as articles and books on the injury claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request an article or a book, or to speak with an Orange County auto accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Bicycle Safety Enforcement Operation kicks off in Orange County

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

On average, one cyclist a month is killed in an Orange County bicycle car crash. Newport Chief of Police Jay Johnson believes many of these deaths can be prevented. So, he created the Bicycle Safety Enforcement Operation, a cooperative effort to educate drivers and bicyclists about the traffic violations that cause fatal California bicycle accidents.

On Saturday, February 19 and on Thursday, February 24, extra police officers from Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Laguna Beach will be on duty in areas frequented by both bicyclists and motor vehicles. These officers will be looking for traffic violations by both motorists and bicyclists.

Police expect some resistance to the program. Some drivers believe bicyclists have no place on the road. Bicyclists may believe that being cited for traffic violations is a form of harassment. But, police believe that education of both bicyclists and drivers and traffic rule enforcement are the best way to prevent Orange County bicycle accident fatalities.

The Newport Beach bicycle accident attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie fight for the rights of bicycle accident victims. Every day, we help the individuals and families whose lives are forever changed by bicycle-car crashes. We support these efforts to reduce Orange County bicycle crash deaths.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an Orange County bicycle accident, we’d like to help. Contact Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie at 866-981-5596 to schedule a free legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer.

Pedestrian Mara Steves Killed While Helping Dog in Laguna Niguel

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last Sunday, pedestrian Mara Steves was killed while helping a stray dog in Laguna Niguel. An Orange County injury lawyer discusses the circumstances of the incident and offers accident statistics.

Laguna Niguel: Mara Steves Struck and Killed While Rescuing Dog

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly after 11:00 last Sunday morning, 48-year-old Mara Steves was struck and killed while rescuing a stray dog in Laguna Niguel. The accident occurred near the intersection of Moulton Parkway and Nueva Vista Drive: a Toyota 4Runner and a Ford Explorer collided, one or both of the vehicles crashing into the sidewalk where Steves was standing with the dog. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of the vehicles suffered minor to moderate injuries, explains an Orange County injury lawyer.

In 2009, the most recent year for which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, has released accident statistics, 33,808 people were killed and 2,217,000 injured in traffic accidents. Pedestrians accounted for 4,092 of the fatalities and 59,000 of the injuries. According to the California Highway Patrol’s most recent accident statistics, Laguna Niguel accounted for none of the 31 pedestrian fatalities and 4 of the 785 injuries that occurred in Orange County in 2008.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Mara Steves, the woman struck and killed while rescuing a dog in Laguna Niguel last Sunday.

The Orange County Register originally reported this pedestrian accident.

Additional information, including books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these free resources, or to speak with an Orange County injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Santa Clarita: Pedestrian Killed on Set of "NCIS: Los Angeles"

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday morning a pedestrian was killed on the set of CBS’s crime drama “NCIS: Los Angeles” in Santa Clarita. The victim, a 52-year-old security guard, sustained fatal injuries when he was struck by a production van that sped through a parking lot on set and struck a tent he was standing near. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Production of the show has been suspended while state regulators investigate the fatal accident, explains a California personal injury attorney.

In California, occupational injuries claimed 301 lives in 2009, the most recent year for which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has released accident information. Transportation incidents accounted for 95 of the fatalities, 17 of which were attributed to a vehicle striking an employee. Protective service occupations accounted for 25 of the deaths. That year, 4,092 pedestrians were killed and 59,000 injured in traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the pedestrian who was killed on the set of “NCIS: Los Angeles” in Santa Clarita yesterday.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this pedestrian accident.

Resources for accident victims and their families, such as books and articles on the injury and wrongful death claims process, are available to the public free of charge.

For more information, or to discuss a specific legal matter with a California personal injury attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Santa Clarita: Fatal Pedestrian Accident Involving "NCIS: Los Angeles"

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly after 10:00 a.m. this morning, a fatal pedestrian accident occurred during the filming of “NCIS: Los Angeles,” a CBS crime show. The incident occurred in the 25200 block of Anza Drive. The pedestrian was taken to a nearby hospital, however, did not survive the injuries sustained in the accident. Authorities have not released further details, explains a California personal injury lawyer.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Traffic Safety Facts, 4,092 pedestrians were killed and 59,000 injured in traffic accidents in 2009, the most recent year for which the agency has released accident statistics. The majority of the fatalities occurred at nonintersection locations, while most of the injuries were sustained in intersections. Fatal and injury accidents occurred with the greatest frequency between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the pedestrian who was killed during the filming of “NCIS: Los Angeles” this morning.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this fatal pedestrian accident.

Additional information, including links to pedestrian advocacy groups and articles on pedestrian rights, is available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request one of these resources, or to speak with a California personal injury lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Huntington Beach Ranks Number One For Drunk Driving Accidents

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Huntington Beach may have more drunk drivers than any other similar-sized city in California.

A report released by the Office of Traffic and Safety lists Huntington Beach as having more drunk driving crashes than the 56 other California cities with populations between 100,000 and 250,000.

In 2009, there were 195 alcohol-related collisions for 2009 in which the victims were killed or injured. In 2010, alcohol was a factor in five of nine fatal Huntington Beach accidents.

Other Orange County cities included in the top ten were Costa Mesa and Orange. Fullerton, Mission Viejo, Irvine and Garden Grove were also on the list, but had lower rankings.

Huntington Beach has been consistently ranked in the top 10 cities with the alcohol-related collisions since 2005. However, police also work hard to prevent Huntington Beach drunk driving crashes. The DUI arrest rate for Huntington Beach is 1.28 percent ; the California average is .9 percent.

The Office of Traffic and Safety OTS has also compiled a list of the top 50 DUI cities in California in 2010. were listed in its annual performance report. On that list, which includes cities of all sizes, Huntington Beach is ranked No. 16 and Santa Ana is ranked at No. 8. Orange, Newport Beach and Fullerton are also on the list.

If you have lost a loved one to a Huntington Beach drunk driving car accident, you have rights. Learn more about your right to file a wrongful death claim in our article: “Every Orange County DUI Death is a Wrongful Death: Families Who Lose a Loved One to Drunk Driver Have Rights.”

For more information, contact the Orange County accident attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie at 866-981-5596.

Irvine: Car Accident Injured One

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

At 6:43 this morning, authorities received a report of a car accident on Jamboree Road near Walnut Avenue in Irvine. Two Toyotas, a Tacoma and a Camry, collided, striking the center divider. One person was injured and taken to a nearby hospital, explains an Orange County auto accident attorney.

Traffic accidents claimed the lives of 24,474 vehicle occupants and left another 2,011,000 injured in 2009, the most recent year for which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, has released crash statistics. Nationwide, the agency found that traffic fatalities had dropped by 10% from 2008.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish the person who was injured in Irvine this morning a full recovery.

The Orange County Register originally reported this car accident.

Resources for accident victims on the injury claims process are available to the public free of charge.

If you would like to request a book or an article, or to discuss a specific legal matter with an Orange County auto accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

Studio City: Big Rig Collided With Several Vehicles, Crushed SUV

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

This morning, a big rig crash in Studio City left the driver of an SUV seriously injured. A California truck accident attorney discusses the incident.

Update: Driver of Big Rig Arrested on Suspicion of DUI

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

The big-rig driver who crashed into the center divider of the 101 Freeway and crushed a SUV in Studio City this morning has been arrested on suspicion of DUI. Read a California truck accident attorney's account of the accident.

Drugged Driver Convicted in Fatal Newport Beach Bicycle Accident

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

An Orange County woman has been convicted for causing a fatal Newport Beach bicycle accident and fleeing the scene. She was under the influence of prescription drugs at the time of the crash.

The accident occurred at about 6 a.m. on Dec. 9, 2009. The woman, Patricia Ann Izquieta, 38, of Riverside was driving north in the far right lane of Jamboree Road when her car drifted toward the curb and struck a bicyclist. The bicyclist, 49-year-old Donald Murphy of Irvine, was thrown off his bike and to the curb. He died at the scene from his injuries.

Izquieta continued to drive for more than a mile. Murphy’s bicycle was caught on her bumper and she dragged the bike with her. When she was arrested at a parking lot further down the road, she was found to be under the influence of three separate prescription medications.

This week Izquieta pled guilty to charges of felony hit and run causing death, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated without gross negligence and charges of misdemeanor driving without a license with an enhancement for causing great bodily injury. She faces up to three years in prison.

As many as one-third of highway accidents involve drivers who are using a medication that may affect their driving ability. Read our library article: “Medicated Drivers on California Highways: Nearly One-third of Accidents Involve Drivers Taking Medication” for more information.