San Diego Car Accident Lawyer Blog

An unidentified woman was injured in a serious three-vehicle crash that occurred on June 22, 2011, around 6:07 a.m. near Anaheim High School. The multiple-car accident involved three vehicles: a Honda sedan, a Nissan Frontier and a Ford Focus.

Firefighters had to remove a woman from the Focus. Fortunately, the other two drivers did not have any injuries.

From the present information, it is unclear what caused this major car accident. Since the collision involved three cars, any of the drivers could have been responsible for causing the auto accident. It would be interesting for the investigating officers to determine whether any of the drivers were driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug. Though the investigation is in process, the victims should consult an Orange County car accident lawyer who would assure that they obtain timely and fair compensation to cover the cost of hospitalization, medical costs, loss of wages, and other accident-related damages.

Our personal injury law office sincerely hopes that the injuries suffered by the victim heal soon.

Continue reading "Woman Injured In Anaheim Three-Vehicle Crash" »

21-year-old West Covina resident Manal Darwiche was killed and her 18-year-old unidentified passenger from Garden Grove suffered serious injuries in an Irvine solo car accident that occurred about 1 a.m. near Sunnyhill and Shady Canyon on June 22, 2011. According to Irvine Police Department Lt. Julia Engen, both the victims were travelling east on Shady Canyon in a 1997 Nissan Sentra when they struck a tree.

Darwiche was pronounced dead at the accident scene. Her passenger was immediately transported to a nearby hospital to receive treatment for her injuries. Investigating officers do not believe that any other vehicle was involved. There is limited information on what appears to have caused the loss of control and come to a stop at a median.

The family members of this deceased victim as well as the injured victims should consult with an Orange County car crash lawyer, who will inform the victims of their legal rights and options. If it is found in the investigation that a vehicle malfunction made the driver lose control of the vehicle, then the automaker will be held liable for Darwiche’s wrongful death and the injuries suffered by her passenger.

Two years prior to this accident, another fatal crash occurred at the same location. Investigators may want to look into whether the road is safe and even.

A knowledgeable Orange County car accident lawyer will help the victims and their family members obtain compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of future earnings, loss of love, care and companionship, and other accident-related damages.

Continue reading "One Woman Dies, Another Suffers Injuries In Orange County Solo Vehicle Crash" »

3-year-old Milena Avila was killed in a Santa Ana car accident that occurred on May 18, 2011, around 4:40 p.m. at Edinger Avenue and Kensington Park Drive. According to the responding Orange County officials, the victim was riding in her car seat when the car was broadsided by another vehicle due to unknown reasons. Three other people also suffered injuries in this car accident.

According to the coroner's office, the injured girl was immediately transported to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana for treatment, where she was pronounced dead after three hours. There is limited information and no clarity on the accident. Was one of the drivers intoxicated? Did a traffic violation occur? Was one of the drivers was negligent or distracted?

Whatever are the results of the investigation, an irreversible tragedy has happened and no consolation can be enough for loss of Avila. Though it is a tough time for Avila’s family, it would be in their best interest to seek counsel from an experienced car accident lawyer serving Orange County to obtain fair compensation to cover for funeral and burial costs, loss of love, for trauma suffered by the family and other accident-related expenses.

Our law office offers deepest sympathies to the family who has lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence.

Continue reading "3-Year-Old Girl Dies In Orange County Car Accident " »

Steve Gomez, 15, was killed in a fatal Santa Ana car accident that occurred on November 23, 2010, in Orange County, approximately 130 miles from San Diego. According to authorities, this fatal auto accident occurred when Jose Luis Gomez, 20, drove his 2007 Chevy Impala at a high rate of speed, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed it into a tree.

Steve Gomez was a front seat passenger in Jose Gomez’s car and was pronounced dead at the accident scene. Jose Gomez and two other passengers traveling in the car suffered serious injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The officials stated that the driver, Jose Gomez was under the influence of drugs after “huffing” (inhaling from a paper bag or other container) automotive grade nitrous oxide just before the accident occurred. Police believe that he was probably inhaling the substance while driving the car.

If it is found that the car driver was indeed driving under influence of drugs or other intoxicants, then he will be held liable for Steve Gomez’s wrongful death. Jose Gomez will most likely violated California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) which states that “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.”

Jose Gomez may be held liable to pay victim’s family with compensation to cover cost of funeral and burial, loss of anticipated earnings of the deceased, loss of love and compassion, and other accident related damages.The victim’s family can seek counsel from an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who would assure that the guilty is brought to justice.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Car Accident Caused by Driver Under the Influence of Drugs Kills Teen " »

Francisco Cinto, 40, was killed in a fatal Orange County car accident on September 28, 2010, on the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 (I-5) south of Alicia Parkway. According to the California Highway Patrol, a SUV collided with Cinto’s disabled car on the I-5 freeway, approximately 80 miles north of San Diego in Southern Orange County.

Cinto turned on the hazard lights of his Toyota Corolla when the car became disabled. A 21-year old female driver of 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe crashed into the rear of Cinto’s disabled car. The female driver was driving behind another vehicle before this auto accident occurred. The vehicle in front of the SUV turned suddenly in front of Cinto’s Toyota Corolla and hit it at a speed of 70mph.

Firefighters pulled Cinto out of his car and pronounced him dead at the accident scene. The SUV driver suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Saddleback Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

Our deepest condolences go to all those who knew and loved Cinto for such a tragic and heart rendering loss. We also offer our thoughts and prayers to the driver of the SUV and hope that she recovers from her injuries.

It appears from the news report that the fatally injured driver of the Toyota Corolla had to turn on his hazards and could not get over to the shoulder. It also seems that the driver of the Tahoe was travelling behind another vehicle and did not see the Corolla in time to avoid the collision. It is possible that the driver of the Tahoe was travelling too close behind the other vehicle to see that a car was stopped on the highway. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21703: "The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and far-sighted, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway."

Where negligence is involved, the Cinto’s family can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced Orange County car accident lawyer will be able to better advice victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

Continue reading "Fatal Orange County Auto Accident Kills Santa Ana Man " »

A 23-year old suspected drunken driver injured five persons in a two-vehicle car accident along Interstate 5 (I-5) on September 27, 2010. According to California Highway Patrol officer Denise Quesada, this fatal Orange County car accident occurred on the northbound I-5 freeway south of State Route 91 (SR-91) around 12:26 a.m. Quesada said that one of the vehicles overturned on the right shoulder of the road.

Sabha Mikha, driving a 2004 Mazda, was arrested on the suspicion of felony drunken driving. All five people who suffered injuries in this car accident were identified as Maria Garcia-Salas, 24, who was driving a 1993 Ford Explorer, and Rosa Garcia, 5, Elizabeth Garcia, 22, Evelyn Aguilar, 19 and Jesus Garcia, 20. All the injured victims suffered minor to moderate injuries.

If Mikha is determined to have been at fault in this case, then he could face not only criminal DUI charges, but could also be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization and other related damages.

According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." It would be in the best interests of injured victims in to seek advice of an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable.

We offer our sympathies to all those who suffered injuries in this car accident and hope that they recover to their complete health soon.

Continue reading "Five People Injured in Orange County Auto Accident" »

A four-car accident injured two people on September 14, 2010, around 6:38 a.m. This Orange County car accident occurred on Bristol Street and Sunflower Avenue in Costa Mesa, approximately 80 miles from San Diego. According to the authorities this car accident involved a white Chevrolet Suburban, gold Ford Explorer, a white van, and a blue Chevrolet SUV.

Captain Fred Seguin said that the two injured victims were transported by the Costa Mesa Fire Department to local hospitals with moderate injuries. Police diverted traffic to eastbound and westbound Bristol Street near South Coast Plaza.

Investigating officers need to determine what caused this four-car accident. If it is found that this auto accident occurred due to the negligence or inattentiveness of any of the four car drivers then the responsible driver will be responsible to compensate the injured victims for the cost of their medical care, any lost earnings and wages, the damage to their vehicles, and pain and suffering. The injured victims should consult with an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer about their rights and to make sure that they do not miss out on any compensation, such as MedPay or Underinsured Motorist coverages, that they may be entitled to.

Continue reading "Costa Mesa Auto Accident Injures Two" »

A 30-year old Santa Ana man was killed in an Orange County car accident when he was ejected from a compact car that hit a couch on Interstate 5 (I-5) on September 12, 2010, around 9:29 p.m. According to California Highway Patrol, this auto accident occurred north of La Veta Avenue in Orange, approximately 80 miles from San Diego.

Roy Kosgue, 20, from Irvine was driving his 2000 Toyota Corolla car at 65 mph when he ran into a black couch sitting on the pathway. Kosgue applied his brakes but was not able to avoid hitting the couch.

The impact of the traffic collision forced Kosgue to lose control of his vehicle and it collided into the left rear side of a 2000 GMC Safari. The middle rear passenger in the Safari was ejected out of the car and later pronounced dead by the Orange County Fire Department.

California Highway Patrol officer Denise Quesada said that it is unknown whether the couch was the primary reason behind this car accident or if the driver of the Corolla was distracted. Investigating officers are trying to determine what caused this fatal car crash.

If is found that Kosgue’s inattentiveness caused this fatal car wreck, then he might be responsible to pay the victim’s family compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of financialsupport, and loss of love and compassion.

Continue reading "Fatal Orange County Car Accident Caused by a Couch on Freeway" »

Enrique Aniceto, 47, was standing next to his disabled 2010 Honda when he was struck by another vehicle on June 19, 2010, in Anaheim. The Orange County Register reports that this accident happened along the westbound lanes of the 91 Freeway (SR-91).

Aniceto was pronounced dead at the accident scene. It appears that there occurred an initial collision between two cars followed by another fatal crash along the Fastrak Lane of the freeway close to the Imperial Highway exit. We offer our deepest condolences to Aniceto’s family and friends for such a tragic loss.

The investigation is in progress to know the root cause of this car crash. The driver of the other car failed to notice a stranded car and Aniceto. This leads us to doubt his alertness while driving. Was he driving under influence or was he distracted and negligent? Under California law, it is unlawful for anyone to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of any drug or alcohol per California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a). If the driver who struck Aniceto is determined to have been responsible for the accident, he or she could be held liable for Aniceto's wrongful death. Aniceto family may be entitled for compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related expenses.

Continue reading "Anaheim Car Accident Kills Disabled Motorist" »

Two people sustained serious injuries on June 10, 2010, in an Irvine car crash when the driver lost control of his green colored Toyota Tacoma pickup. The driver of Toyota, Daniel Stirewalt, 23, was later arrested on the suspicion of drunken driving.

According to the Orange County Register news report, Stirewalt was driving east towards Walnut Avenue when he failed to negotiate a curve near Kazan Street. His vehicle then hit the center median and rolled over. The passenger riding in Stirewalt’s vehicle had to be pulled from the vehicle and transported to a nearby hospital with head injuries.

In accidents like these where a single vehicle accident is caused by a negligent driver, his injured passenger may be entitled for compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, and other related damages. In this particular case, the driver may have been in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) for driving under the influence of alcohol. That section states, “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.”

Consulting with an experienced Irvine personal injury attorney is important in these cases because there are a variety of defenses which may be raised by the insurance company, including alleging that the injured victim is responsible for his own injuries for getting into a car with a driver he should have known was intoxicated and unfit to drive. That is a favorite insurance defense argument. In addition, a trained car accident lawyer may be able to have the negligent driver’s insurance company pay for his attorneys’ fees, rather than having the injured person being responsible for this bill.

Continue reading "Two People Injured in Irvine Car Crash" »

An unidentified man was seriously injured in an Anaheim car crash when he was hit by a Lexus IS 350 while walking in a crosswalk on June 11, 2010. According to Orange County Register, this pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of State College Boulevard and La Palma Avenue while the Lexus was trying to take a right turn.

According to the Orange County Register news report, the pedestrian was conscious and suffered severe back injuries as a result of the impact. Investigation is still being conducted to determine the exact cause of this pedestrian accident. As for now it is believed that the Lexus driver was at fault as the pedestrian was walking on the marked crosswalk, thereby having the right of way under California law. If the driver of Lexus was negligent, distracted, or was driving under influence, the pedestrian may be entitled to compensation for his injuries.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Injured In Anaheim Car Accident" »

A hit-and-run car accident in San Clemente left a 26-year old man dead and his five-year old son injured. A 1993 Chevrolet Camaro rear-ended a 2004 Ford Explorer making it overturn. The man driving the SUV died on the spot and the son was taken to a local hospital. The Chevrolet driver deserted the accident scene but was apprehended later by Border Patrol K-9 unit. The Chevrolet driver, a 43-year-old male, was arrested near the San Onofre State Beach area. He has been charged for multiple felonies.

Our office wishes to offer our sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers to the young man’s friends and family and wish a speedy recovery to his young son. It is hard to imagine how they must be feeling after theis tragic accident and the reckless behavior by the man who caused it. Losing someone you love is never easy but losing them due to a criminal act is awful. We hope that the investigation gets finished soon and justice is meted out.

Ross Jurewitz is an Orange County auto accident lawyer and the managing attorney of the Jurewitz Law Group, a California law firm dedicated to representing people seriously injured and the families of people killed by the negligence of others. If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a car crash in California, please order your free copy of Mr. Jurewitz's book, The Ten Biggest Mistakes that can Destroy Your California Accident Case. It is full of helpful information that will help you protect your legal rights and it is free to all California residents.

42-year old Khuong Nguyen suffered serious injuries on the night of March 5, 2010 when a car crashed into him in the parking lot of Ramada Inn Plaza on Garden Grove Boulevard.
The car, a Jeep Liberty SUV, was being driven by 58-year old Dzung Truoung into the parking lot of the Garden Grove hotel when it hit Nguyen and dragged him until he was finally sandwiched between the SUV and a wall. Truoung claims that the brakes failed to operate and he tried to stop but to could not do so. The police officials are investigating the car crash and appropriate legal action might be taken against the auto-makers, in case of brake system malfunction, or Truoung.

The Orange County car accident left Nguyen with severe leg injuries. Nguyen can file a claim in civil court for damages against the Truoung. Our office prays Nguyen has a quick recovery and regains full use of his legs and body. This is a horrible auto accident and clearly one that could have been avoided with reasonable care.

Continue reading "Man Seriously Injured in Orange County Car Accident" »

The Supreme Court of California for the County of Orange will hear the product liability case against automaker Suzuki Motors and the associated Takata Corporation in regards to a July 2006 car accident that left Andrea Bardonner dead.

Andrea Bardonner was accompanied by her two daughters, Nichelle and Makayla, on July 27, 2006, when her 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara tumbled down a steep embankment causing the vehicle to roll-over. Nichelle and Makayla suffered permanent injuries in the accident. Bardonner’s seat belt developed a slack after the roof rails and the windshield bent inwards, resulting in her ejection from the vehicle. This led to severe injuries to Bardonner who later succumbed to death.

Attorneys for the Bardonner family allege that Suzuki Motors and Takata Corporations, which manufactures seatbelts for the Suzuki and is responsible for the driver and passenger restraint systems in place, were well aware of the defects in the safety system and hence the defendant is accused of intended negligence.

As personal injury lawyers, our office always supports the search for truth and justice after someone has been injured. The typical questions that we have to ask following an accident are: (1) was the accident caused by the negligence or carelessness of another person/company; (2) if so, did that negligence actually cause the injury to occur; and (3) what is the extent and nature of that injury so that a jury can determine what amount to compensate the injured person or the family of the wrongful death victim for their loss. Product liability cases like these, involving alleged defective vehicles, are very specialized and require lawyers and experts who are very familiar with the factual issues involved in the manufacturing of cars and SUVs and the required safety components that are used to prevent death and serious injury.

Continue reading "Orange County Car Accident Lawsuit against Suzuki goes to Trial" »