19-Vehicle Pileup Closes Southbound Freeway in LA Mountains

On Tuesday, a big rig truck and nineteen vehicles collided on a freeway in the mountains of Los Angeles. The accident left at least fifteen people with minor injuries and two in critical condition.

Television news video footages taken on the incident showed more than one and a half dozen cars, SUVs, pick-up trucks, and a big-rig truck piled up on top of each other in a bunch of wreckage.

According to reports, the said multiple-vehicle accident occurred at around 9:45 in the morning at the southbound side of California Route 14 in Agua Dulce. Said route is commonly known as the Antelope Valley Freeway where cars bound for Los Angeles basin from the high desert bedroom communities often speed up.

The California Highway Patrol said that all southbound lanes and two northbound lanes were closed and re-opened at around 2:08 in the afternoon the same day.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain, Mark Savage, said that fortunately for the people involved in the vehicle pile-up, there was neither fire nor hazardous material spill at the accident scene.

At least one person was trapped in the wreckage; firefighters were able to free that person immediately using Jaws of Life. A group of ambulance also responded to the scene and transported the injured victims to hospitals. Savage further said that most of the injuries sustained by the victims were minor expect for the two who were listed in critical condition.

At present, the major cause of the accident was not yet determined, but the investigation is still under way.

Such vehicle pileup accidents are common in mountain areas, which are both elevated and densely-populated with a lot of vehicles passing by. In California where vehicle pileups frequently occur, many victims suffer from different injuries ranging from minor to severe, and in worst cases, death.

This type of car accident encourages personal injury lawyers to extend their legal assistance to the victims who are in need of help. According to a Los Angeles motorcycle lawyer, in most lawyers’ countless experiences in defending victims of vehicle accidents and their families, they were able to gain a good reputation in providing clients the best legal assistance they deserve.

Woman Involved in a Single Vehicle Accident Refuses Help

A woman who rammed her car into a building in Boyle Heights tried to refuse help coming from the people who witnessed the single accident on Tuesday morning.

According to reports, the woman was driving with a rate of speed of 60 to 80 mph when the car she was driving rammed into a building east of downtown Los Angeles.

Witnesses said that the woman sped fast while driving in Boyle Avenue, swerved onto the other side of the street, and went over the curb, causing the car to ram into the Enki Youth and Family Services Building.  

One of the witnesses stated that he and his friend were the first ones who responded and helped the woman, but the woman seemed unwelcome to the help they extended to her. The woman allegedly even yelled at her rescuers and tried to piss them off.

Respondents further stated that they had to dig the woman to free her from the wrecked car and the woman even tried to run. Therefore, respondents had to detain the woman until the police arrived.

Although witnesses speculated that the woman had a medical condition that may caused her impairment, authorities are still determining the main cause of the accident. Alcohol was also suspected as a factor to the incident. Nevertheless, the woman was transported to the nearest hospital as a precautionary measure even though there was no apparent sign of personal injury on her.

Meanwhile, the building is being restricted from unauthorized persons until the premise was declared safe.

Allegedly the woman was not arrested probably due to the absence of a complaint since nobody sustained injury from the single car accident. But, she would definitely be required to pay for damages incurred by the incident. If that will be the case, she may no longer need to obtain the services of a vehicle accident lawyer to assist her in bringing out a defense for her actions.

Pittsfield Train-Pedestrian Accident Kills Man

A pedestrian accident involving a train in Pittsfield, Massachusetts last Tuesday left a man dead.

According to the initial investigation, the accident occurred at around 7:10 in the evening, February 28, in Downtown Railroad Tracks.

Police said that an unidentified man who was walking through the tracks along Depot Street was struck by a CSX locomotive pulling another train engine. The impact of the collision pinned the man under the first engine train.

Authorities are still conducting an investigation to determine why the fatal train–pedestrian accident happened hundreds of yard behind a restaurant near the area. They are also tracking the point of entry of the victim, since the tracks are enclosed by a chain-link fence except for the un-gated entrance where the construction workers passed by to access the tracks.  It was still unclear whether the man entered onto the rails.

Due to the said accident, the McKay Street to Depot Street extending to the west end of the parking lot along Depot was closed to traffic while authorities are conducting an investigation.

When such train–pedestrian accidents occur, there are federal laws that exist to determine who shall be held liable, and the corresponding settlement arising from the damages that a victim of the accident will be entitled to. Additionally, if evidence reveals that the carrier was at fault, there are also factors to determine the extent of its liability.

In such instances, a lawyer specializing in train–pedestrian accidents and personal injury is the best to rely on, like a Los Angeles injury attorney who is knowledgeable enough of the federal laws concerning the accident and who will pursue the case with highest dedication and competency.

Personal Injury Sustained by Two in a Fiery Crash in Montclair

Last Tuesday night, a tanker truck that crashed with two cars ended into a fiery wreck, which injured two people. 

The accident happened at around 11:10, Tuesday night, in San Bernardino (10) Freeway at Montclair, California. This event greatly affected the flow of traffic within the vicinity that morning due to the all night road closure.

Two people sustained personal injuries and both were rushed by the firefighters to the hospital via airlift. The authorities did not yet disclose the conditions of the two whom were injured.

According to the information gathered by the California Highway Patrol, the tanker truck collided through the center divider and then burst into flames.

Factors to the accident could possibly be either the driver fell asleep while driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicated substance. Another suspected reason includes mechanical error.

At present, the main cause of the accident is still under investigation but Montclair Fire Department chief, Steve Jackson, said that apart from themselves, several agencies are also conducting analysis regarding the accident like the Caltrans and the LA County Hazmat. Therefore, causes were expected to be determined in no time.

The east bound side of the freeway was re-opened at about 5:45 in the morning followed by the re-opening of all lanes by 6:20 am.

To recover from their personal injuries and damages sustained from the fiery accident, any injured individual may seek legal assistance from a Los Angeles personal injury attorney to represent them in court and pursue their case until it is fully resolved. It is the best option there is upon dealing with vehicle accidents such as these.

Senior Student’s Bright Future Ended in Tragic Automobile Accident

A senior student from Brattleboro Union High School was killed in an automobile accident while six others were seriously injured.

The accident occurred last Sunday at around 2 o’clock in the afternoon when a Subaru Outback driven by senior student Daniel Bliss, 17 – years old together with Rita Corbin was struck from the side by a Mercury SUV while they were approaching Route 10 South coming from Mount Herman Station Road.

The collision created a strong impact that even air bags didn’t work in both vehicles. Bliss instantly died in the accident scene while Corbin was brought to University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center where she was treated for the serious injuries she sustained. Firefighters had to cut the Subaru’s roof before they were able to remove Corbin from the vehicle.

On the other hand, five other people from the other vehicle were injured. The SUV driver Nicole Trovato, 19 – years old and her 4 passengers were transported to the same hospital where Bliss and Corbin were brought and were also treated for their minor personal injury sustained. They were released shortly.

Bliss family and the principal together with the other students from the said school were in deep sorrow and mourning for Bliss’ death. According to them, Bliss is a good student. They were also praying for the fast recovery of Corbin and the five others involved in the accident but they were released in a short time.

According to reports, the glare from the sun may have been a factor in the said automobile accident. Initially, the driver of the SUV admitted to police officers conducting the investigation that she never saw Bliss pull out onto the road. However, the investigation is still going on.

It’s either solar radiance had caused the SUV driver’s blindness to Bliss’ car or Bliss’ car had exceeded the maximum speed limit. The maximum speed limit in US is varies according to the type of vehicle and in locations. Commonly, speed limit for cars is 80 mph during day time and 65 mph during night. Speed limit for trucks at all times is 55 mph. In school zones, maximum speed only limits to 25 mph.

The Right to Recover Full Amount Billed for Medical Services

The Court decisions in Hanif v. Housing Authority (1988) 200 Cal. App. 3rd 635 and Nishihama v. City and County of San Francisco (2001) 93 Cal. App. 4th 298 are to the effect that when a personal injury victim is insured, the damages that may be recovered is limited to the amount actually paid or incurred, not the amount stated in the actual medical billing.

These decisions draw disapproval from some, especially personal injury lawyers who represents the victims.

For starter, the insured victim pays premium to the insurance company. And if any one is entitled to benefit from such “investment” it is he who pays the same.

In effect, the decisions negate this simple logic.

It allows the defendant to benefit from the victim’s prudence and from the output of negotiation between the insurer and the hospital, clinic or medical institution as the case may be, which wouldn’t have materialized in the first place if the victim didn’t insure himself.

That was the concurring opinion in another more latter case. But, being a mere opinion, it has no binding effect to future cases with the same points in issue.

The court will still follow Hanif and Nishihama.

It may or may not be overturned in the near future. Let’s just hope that the Supreme Court uphold what is more beneficial to the injured person.

After all, the victim had already suffered personal injury. It’s not right that he suffers once more.

Negligence – Personal Injury

Personal Injury occurs when a person suffers injury because of the negligence of another. Personal injury incidents are rising annually. It is alarming that it is considered as one of the leading cause of death worldwide. What makes it more disturbing is the fact that we can prevent such circumstances if only we will be a little careful with our actions.

However, not all causes of personal injury results from others negligent act. Others happen because of our own negligence.

In the news posted on June 2, 2008, entitled “Man Shoots Self while showing How to handle a Gun” relates an incident where a man accidentally shoots himself while trying to show to his girlfriend how to handle a pistol.

The investigators relate that the man told them that he forgot that he just reloaded the gun and squeeze the trigger while putting the gun into the driver’s door panel. The bullet went through his inner left thigh.

According to the investigators, the man was so embarrassed for what happened because he was an ex-military and has knowledge in handling a gun.

Isn’t that alarming, because of our own negligence we cause an injury to others and to ourselves?

I think it is the time to accept the truth and do something about it. With the increasing number of personal injury cases, we blame it to others. Sometimes we put our blame on the government such as defective roads and we include even weather condition for such incidents.

I think it is the time to accept that we are the cause of it. Because of our own reckless and unreasonable act, we cause an injury to others and to ourselves.

I think for every action we make, we shall consider how it will affect others. We have rights granted to us by the law. However, such rights end when we violate other people’s right.

Another Look at Motorcycle Accidents

Is it so hard for drivers to remain vigilant on the roads? It seems that traffic regulations, traffic safety programs, and all kinds of safety warning signs on the road will never be enough to keep the roads of California accident-free. Even safety devices, like the seat belts or helmets, are taken for granted by drivers.

No wonder fatality rates among these motorists are still on the rise, despite all attempts of the government to reduce vehicle accidents. Amid these vehicle accidents, one of the most severe casualties are from motorcycle accidents.

Day after day, we hear of motor accidents on the news. Poor individuals suffer severe injuries because of being hit by other motorists. Let’s take the example of a motorcycle driver who was riding along Wilshire Blvd. when a car heading the opposite direction made a sudden and unsignaled left turn within a few feet away.

He was taken by surprise thus disabling him to avoid the incoming crash. In split seconds, he flew away from his motorcycle and plummeted onto the side of the road. He suffered second degree burns from brushing onto the pavement. He also sustained multiple cuts and bruises, along with broken bones on his arms and legs, and a dislocated shoulder.

Vehicle drivers need to be on guard at all times. They need to understand they may put other people’s lives in danger if they are not careful with their driving.

It is sad enough that many people lose their lives to these accidents. It is a much depressing thought that people who are responsible for these accidents seem apathetic about the pain and suffering they cause to the families of the individuals they have committed wrong to.

In such cases where surviving family members lose their loved one to a wrongful death in a motorcycle accident, it is vital for them to know that they can turn to personal injury lawyers who know a great deal about accident claims.

At Last, the Congress Makes their Move on Mattel Issue

It is indeed a great decision for our legislators to have a closer look on what is really going on in the Mattel toy recalls issue. According to the recent news report that I have read on the internet (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20638306/), Mattel Inc.’s Chief Executive Robert Eckert will present himself in both houses of the U.S. Congress for inquiries regarding the matter. The separate Congressional hearings are set to take place in the next two weeks after the third major toy recall was ordered by Mattel last September 4.

Mattel Inc., the largest toy producer in the world, has made three toy recalls in a little over one month. This is due to a test result that their Chinese supplier has been using undue amount of lead in their paints to cover their toys. However, there were no reported incidents of poisoning yet. Still, many speculated that if this thing was not discovered, it would cause numerous personal injuries leaving Mattel having to face a lot if personal injury claims filed against them.

In my opinion, the Congress should have taken action as early as the first outburst of complaints and uncertainties from the consumers. The customers of Mattel should know the real background of this story because it involves the safety of children. Even more, our legislators should castigate the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is the government agency authorized to oversee product safety and recalls.

As for Mattel, this should serve as a lesson for them to be more cautious in entering into deals. Cheaper cost of toy production is acceptable only if it does not compromise the safety of our people. Public health and security are more important than gaining more income.

Finally, I think that this should be a wake up call for our leaders to limit or even cease our products importation coming from China. Maybe then, it would create an impact for them to be stricter in implementing laws on product safety and liability.

Drunk Driving Victims

Drunk drivers are dangers to the road. They can be hazards to themselves and to others. In California, where there are a lot of bars and night clubs, drunk drivers are a growing problem. Due to the bustling night life, like a moth to a flame, a lot of individuals especially young ones are drawn to the allure of partying all night, sometimes without regard to their own safety.

Drunk drivers can easily cause serious personal injuries and even wrongful death to other pedestrians or drivers. If you are a victim of a drunk driver, you are entitled to pursue personal injury claims against the negligent person.

In California, a drunk driver is not only liable for the personal injury caused to another person, he or she is also made criminally liable for driving under the influence of liquor and for driving recklessly which endangers the lives of other people.

As a victim of a car accident due to a drunk driver, you can claim damages for your personal injuries but not without the help of experienced professional personal injury lawyers.

In your case, the drunk driver is not your only option in pursuing your claims. Bar or club owners can also be held liable for serving liquor to already intoxicated patrons. As you can see, it is not easy to pursue personal injury claims as a result of car accidents, especially one involving a drunk driver. There are a lot of laws involved relating to theories of liability, as well as matters of evidence and filing deadlines among others that needs to be remembered when it comes to car accident liability claims. You should let your trusted personal injury lawyers to champion your cause.

How to Protect Yourself From Insurance Companies After Making A Claim

After making a claim or asking for a lawyer’s help in pursuing your claim you should not speak with anyone about the incident except to your lawyer. If anyone contacts you and asks you about the incident, refer them to your lawyer. Insurance companies also hire investigators to question your neighbors and friends and take pictures of you to determine your condition. If this happens contact your lawyer immediately.

Do not forget to take pictures of your injuries as well as damage to your property as this will help you and your lawyer to show the damages you incurred as a result of the accident.

Also, be sure to keep your appointments with your therapists, doctors and other medical providers. The only way you will be able to claim for your injuries is if you have documents, like medical reports and bills, to support your claim. Without this, it will be difficult if not impossible to secure your claims for personal injuries. It will also be hard for your lawyer to prove that your injuries are serious and continuing if you don’t have medical records to show that you have been treating for a continued period of time.

In the end, just document everything, i.e., prescriptions, doctors’ billings, transportation, and send them to your lawyer. Your lawyer knows how to include these things in your personal injury claims.