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University Researchers Study Motorcycle Crash Deaths in Los Angeles
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-motorcycle-safety18-2009oct18,0,6000706.story
Oklahoma State University researchers have undertaken the largest comprehensive study of fatal motorcycle crashes since USC’s 1981 Hurt study, the LA Times reports. The $3.1 million dollar study is funded by the highway reauthorization bill, the National Traffic and Highway Safety Administration, the American Motorcyclists Association, and various individual states. Researchers aim to explain the growing number of motorcycle crash fatalities in the past decade.
The study, which commenced last December in Los Angeles, will examine a sample size of 300 crashes to decipher the determining factors of the growing number of crashes. Initial theories include the repeal of helmet laws in many states, and the increasing average age of the motorcycle rider (41 years).
According to the LA Times article, there are about 100,000 motorcycle crashes annually in the United States. In 2008, 5,290 of these crashes resulted in death. In 2007, there were 85 fatalities resulting from motorcycle crashes in Los Angeles County alone, according to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.
Hopefully, this study will shed light on the causes of motorcycle crashes and allow motorcyclists as well as other drivers on the road to develop an awareness of the major risk factors involved in riding in order to prevent future accidents.
If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle crash, contact a California motorcycle injury attorney, to find out how you can receive compensation for medical expenses, lost time from work, and pain and suffering.
Victim of Dog Attack to Sue Laguna Hills and Orange County Animal Care Services
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/dogs-christian-county-2609339-suit-one
The Orange County Register reports that a 62-year-old Laguna Hills ophthalmologist, who was attacked by three bull mastiffs in Laguna Hills last December, is suing the city of Laguna Hills as well as Orange County’s Animal Care Services for negligence, claiming city and county officials knew that the dogs were dangerous due to complaints previously filed about the trio of vicious dogs.
The victim claims that she was walking around her mother’s neighborhood when the three dogs, each weighing between 95 and 130 pounds, attacked her for approximately ten minutes while neighbors attempted to halt the attack by kicking the dogs and hitting them over the head with a shovel. The dogs, which were euthanized later that day, caused severe physical injuries which prevented the woman from working and led to great emotional distress, the lawsuit contends.
City and county attorneys argue they are not liable for the attack due to state law, despite the several previous complaints regarding the dogs’ violent propensities.
According to the Center for Disease Control, 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and one in five dog bites results in injuries that require medical attention. A startling 31,000 Americans underwent reconstructive surgery due to dog bites in 2006 alone. Dog bite attacks are often serious and require intensive medical treatment. They can leave both physical and emotional scars that are difficult to surmount. Experienced dog bite attorneys will fight aggressively to get victims compensation for the damages – both economic and non-economic – associated with a dog bite injury.
El Cajon Hit and Run Critically Injures Bicyclist
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/oct/15/el-cajon-8212-hit-and-run-driver-struck/?metro&zIndex=183284
An El Cajon driver struck and critically injured a bicyclist before fleeing the scene late last night, the San Diego Tribune reports. The 47 year old bicyclist was near death on the sidewalk before being taken to the hospital, where he is currently in critical condition. The man’s name has not been released.
Police continue to search for the driver of the dark, possibly maroon, 1990s model General Motors car similar to a Pontiac Grand Am or a Buick.
I wish the injured bicyclist well as recovers from his serious injuries and offer my support to the police department and investigators as they seek out the driver who caused this incident.
In 2007 alone, there were 10,521 bicycle collisions resulting in injuries, according to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.
At Law Office of Renee J. Nordstrand, we aggressively pursue hit and run drivers so that you can recover compensation for medical expenses as well as lost earnings from work. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a hit and run driver, consult with an experienced attorney who will give you the answers you need.
Repeat Drunken Driver Sentenced for 15 years to Life for Killing Friend
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/gandarilla-county-prosecutors-2601141-passenger-orange
A Long Beach man was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison after causing a fatal accident that killed his passenger and friend on February 16, 2008. The man had a blood-alcohol level of 0.17 (more than twice the legal limit) when he made an illegal left turn into oncoming traffic. A Chevrolet Tahoe crossing legally through the intersection struck the passenger side door, instantly killing the passenger.
The driver had two previous drunken driving convictions on his record, in one of which he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.33.
Los Alamitos City Council members are considering a new proposal in which drunk drivers that cause a car accident may have to pay the city for police and fire department costs. The costs for offenders would vary according to the accident’s severity and the injuries (if any) sustained. This program has already been enacted in Anaheim, Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa.
Drunken driving accident victims not only need experienced legal representation, they absolutely deserve it. As a client of our firm, you will be working with an experienced attorney from the very beginning of your case through its conclusion. Your questions and concerns will not go unanswered.
Anaheim Bicyclist Struck by Semi-Truck
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/truck-bicyclist-alexander-2598159-kraemer-ramp
An unidentified Anaheim biker was struck and pinned underneath the front bumper of a semi-truck early this morning, the Orange County Register reports.
The incident occurred at Kraemer Boulevard and the 91 freeway off-ramp, according to police. As the bicyclist approached the eastbound off-ramp of the 91 freeway, the semi-truck turned right onto Kraemer, striking the biker. The biker was taken to UCI Medical Center after suffering serious injuries.
The incident occurred just one day after a trial began in the Huntington Beach case of a 14 year old boy who was struck and killed by a motorist while riding his bicycle. In this case, the defendant faces felony charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated and driving under the influence and causing bodily injury. The defense counsel has argued that the defendant suffered a seizure at the time of the accident and could not control his vehicle as it struck the young bicyclist.
In 2007, there were 124 bikers killed and 10,590 bikers injured in collisions in California, according to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a vehicle to bicycle accident, veteran personal injury attorneys can help you recover compensation for you medical bills as well as pain and suffering. We understand the trauma and difficulty of going through a bicycle accident, and will provide the kind of experience and resources that make a difference.
1.4 Million Americans Suffer Traumatic Brain Injuries Annually
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, there are 1.4 million cases of traumatic brain injuries that are reported annually in the United States. As an additionally large number of cases go unreported or untreated, the number of people suffering from brain injuries in the U.S. could be even higher.
The leading cause of traumatic brain injuries is falls, at 28%. Motor vehicle crashes are second on the list, accounting for 20% of all traumatic brain injuries.
Suffering from traumatic brain injuries can affect one’s language and communication skills, emotional behaviors, sensory perceptions, and ability to process information. It has also been correlated with increased risk for Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
At Law Office of Renee J. Nordstrand, we have successfully handled cases involving traumatic brain injury and understand how to approach these life-changing situations with compassion and persistence from a legal, medical, and practical real-life standpoint.
Santa Ana Employees Hospitalized After Inhaling Unknown Substance at Work
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/santa-colon-odor-2595337-building-called
Seven people were taken to area hospitals this morning after complaining of respiratory problems at a Federal Building in Santa Ana, the Orange County Register reports. All of those hospitalized had inhaled an undisclosed substance on an elevator in the Federal Building.
Building employees were evacuated as investigators attempt to determine what the substance is and why it caused respiratory problems. In addition, the ventilation system in the building has been shut down.
As the substance in the elevator has yet to be disclosed while the investigation is ongoing, many questions remain unanswered. How did the substance get into the elevator? Is this a toxic substance with the potential for long term illness? In the midst of many lingering questions, we wish a safe and full recovery to all of those who experienced respiratory problems or other illnesses today.
The inhalation of toxic substances can cause serious health problems, such as asthma, respiratory disorders, neurological problems, brain damage, cancer, and, in some cases, death. If you or someone you know has suffered a serious illness due to toxic substance inhalation, experienced personal injury attorneys can help.
Drunk Driving Crash Kills 2 on Highway 118
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/sep/28/2-killed-2-injured-in-suspected-dui-crash/
Two well-known Ventura County DJs were killed early Sunday morning when their car was struck head-on by an alleged drunk driver. David Joseph Garcia, 34, of Port Hueneme and Alex Estrada, 33, of Ventura were returning from a charity fundraiser, Relay for Life along with Garcia’s wife, Sonia, who was seriously injured and remains in intensive care as of Monday.
The incident occurred at 5:36 a.m. David Garcia was driving eastbound on Highway 118, when the drunken driver, who was heading west in the eastbound lane, collided with Garcia’s car.
According to the Ventura County Star, 30% of the 27 traffic deaths in 2009 in Ventura County roadways patrolled by the CHP have involved drunk drivers.
My thoughts are with the Garcia and Estrada families in their time of loss.
If a drunk driver has claimed the life of a loved one, accident attorneys can help to compensate you for medical expenses, funeral costs, property damage and losses of expected income, companionship, support, parental guidance and others, as well as for pain, suffering and grief. Punitive damages may also be awarded in some cases.
Do Unsafe Intersections Cause Metrolink Trains to Hit High Numbers of Pedestrians and Cars?
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/metrolink/la-me-buena-metrolink27-2009sep27,0,2843534.story?page=1
An article in the Los Angeles Times reports that, from its inception in 1993 up to September 2008, 244 people have been killed on Los Angeles’ Metrolink Commuter Rail System. The Times cites Buena Vista Street in Burbank and Sunland Boulevard in Sun Valley as two of the Metrolink’s most dangerous crossings, where multiple drivers have been struck and killed by trains in recent years.
Critics say Metrolink officials have not done enough to develop safety upgrades in the areas where streets cross the railroad tracks, even after major accidents resulting in pedestrian and train passenger deaths. The National Transportation Safety Board ruled that poor intersection design and traffic lights contributed to the death of a 63-year-old driver at Buena Vista Street in 2003, even though Metrolink took no responsibility for the incident.
Family members of those killed by Metrolink trains advocate that Metrolink make numerous improvements, including warning systems, redesigned crossings, public safety campaigns, and photo enforcement cameras. To date, little to no upgrading has been done.
In cases where pedestrians or drivers are killed by trains, a personal injury attorney can help. At Law Office of Renee J. Nordstrand, we examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, and determine whether the intersection may have been poorly designed or maintained. If so, a city or maintenance agency may be held responsible.
Sixth Grader Hit by a Car on His Way to Class
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/sep/24/oak-park-student-hit-by-car-in-stable-condition/
A sixth grade student at Medea Creek School in Oak Park was hit by a car on his way to class on Tuesday, according to the Ventura County Star. The eleven-year-old boy was hit only 300 yards away from campus as he exited his mother’s vehicle.
The driver who hit him was traveling at approximately 20 miles per hour when the boy got out of his mother’s vehicle and stepped in front of the driver, who swerved and narrowly avoided hitting him head-on, instead hitting the boy with the passenger side mirror.
The boy was in the intensive-care unit at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles as of Tuesday night.
This young boy’s family would do well to contact a California Personal Injury attorney who can help his family determine if he’s entitled to monetary compensation for his medical expenses and pain and suffering.