Southern California Injury Law Blog

At about 7:20 a.m. on Monday, June 17, a seven-vehicle collision on Interstate 15 injured seven people in San Diego. The accident, which involved a semi truck, occurred on the northbound side of the freeway south of Miramar Road. Emergency responders transported seven people to area hospitals. Authorities are investigating the crash.

“Under California law, those who have been injured in a traffic accident may file civil claims against the driver at-fault for the crash in order to be compensated for the expense of their recoveries,” explained California car accident attorney James Ballidis.

The California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current records indicate that 5,241 people were killed or injured in collisions that occurred in San Diego in 2010. The OTS ranked San Diego 10th out of 13 cities with populations of more than 250,000 for its incidence of fatal and injury motor vehicle collisions that year; 1st place is the worst possible ranking.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish a full recovery to the seven people who were injured in the seven-vehicle collision on Interstate 15.

www.fox5sandiego.com originally reported this San Diego crash.

Additional information on the injury and the wrongful death claims process is available to the public free of charge through our office.

If you would like to request a free book or article, or to speak with a California car accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

At about 4:35 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 48-year-old Fernando Lopez, 53-year-old David Becker, and 59-year-old Maryann Looram were injured in a crash with a wrong-way driver in Agua Dulce. While traveling southbound on the northbound 14 Freeway in a white Dodge pickup truck, 54-year-old Rick Allen Walker collided head-on with another vehicle at Vasquez Rocks, triggering a chain-reaction accident involving nine vehicles. Thirteen people suffered trauma in the accident. Emergency responders airlifted three victims to an area hospital to receive treatment for major trauma. Becker and Looram sustained broken backs, and Lopez suffered a compound facture to the left arm. Authorities arrested Walker on suspicion of driving under the influence of methamphetamine. The accident is under investigation.

“Motorists who drive while intoxicated and cause injury accidents may face criminal charges and civil actions,” explained California car accident lawyer James Ballidis. “The state will penalize them for breaking its laws and the victims will hold them liable for the expenses associated with their recoveries.”

Throughout Los Angeles County, 72,010 people were killed or injured in traffic accidents that occurred in 2010, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. The OTS ranked Los Angeles 15th out of 58 counties for its incidence of fatal and injury accidents in a rating system in which 1st place is considered the worst.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish a full recovery to Fernando Lopez, David Becker, and Maryann Looram, as well as the others who were injured in the crash with the wrong-way driver.

KTLA.com originally reported this Agua Dulce collision.

Additional information on the injury claims process is available to the public free of charge through our office.

If you would like to request a free book or article, or to speak with a California car accident lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

At about 6:10 a.m. on Monday, June 17, 23-year-old motorcyclist Frank Aldana Escalante, of Lakewood, and 65-year-old motorist Marianne Krone, of La Palma, were killed in a collision in Long Beach. A California Highway Patrol officer briefly pursued Escalante after observing him riding at speeds in excess of 100 mph on the 605 Freeway but ceased to chase him after he exited on Spring Street. Escalante continued riding to the intersection of Wardlow Road and Norwalk Boulevard, where he struck the minivan Krone was driving, the impact causing it to rollover multiple times. Authorities are investigating the accident.

“After a fatal accident, the families of the victims may hold the negligent party liable for their losses by filing wrongful death claims,” explained California car accident lawyer James Ballidis.

In 2010, 1,874 people were killed or injured in traffic accidents that occurred in Long Beach, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current records. Speeding was a factor in 254 of the fatal and injury collisions, with Long Beach ranking 12th out of 13 cities with similarly sized populations for its incidence of such accidents in a rating system in which 1st place is considered the worst.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the families of Frank Aldana Escalante and Marianne Krone, the motorcyclist and the motorist who were killed in the collision.

The Press-Telegram originally reported this Long Beach crash.

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

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

At about 2:20 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 21-year-old Esmeralda Bello was killed in a DUI accident near Ventura. While traveling southbound on Victoria Avenue at a high rate of speed, Jose Rodriguez lost control of the vehicle in which Bello was riding while rounding a curve near Olivas Park Drive, causing the vehicle to leave the road and roll down an embankment. Bello was pronounced dead at the scene. Rodriguez and another passenger were transported to a hospital to receive treatment for minor to moderate trauma. Authorities arrested Rodriguez on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

“When a passenger is killed in a crash, his or her family my file a wrongful death claim against the negligent driver in order to hold him or her liable for their loss,” explained California car accident lawyer James Ballidis.

Traffic accidents claimed the lives of or caused injury to 391 people in Ventura in 2010, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. Alcohol was a factor in 47 of the collisions that resulted in injury or death, with Ventura ranking 19th out 53 cities for its incidence of fatal and injury DUI crashes.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Esmeralda Bello, the woman who was killed in the DUI accident.

The Ventura County Star originally reported this crash.

Additional information on the wrongful death claims process is available to the public free of charge through our office.

If you would like to request a free book or article, or to speak with a California car accident lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

At about 7:33 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 58-year-old Rueybin Chiou was seriously injured in a DUI crash near Oxnard. While traveling westbound on Pleasant Valley Road, 25-year-old Crystal Flores veered into opposing lanes of traffic near Hailes Road and collided head-on with Chiou’s vehicle. Emergency responders extricated both drivers from the wreckage and transported them to an area hospital to receive treatment for major trauma. Authorities subsequently arrested Flores on suspicion of felony DUI.

“When a motorist drives while intoxicated and harms others, he or she may face criminal charges and civil claims,” explained California car accident lawyer James Ballidis, “as the state will punish the motorist for violating its laws and the victims will hold him or her liable for their recovery-related expenses.”

In 2010, 1,245 people were killed or injured in crashes that occurred in Oxnard, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. The OTS ranked Oxnard 6th out of 53 similarly sized cities for its incidence of fatal and injury motor vehicle collisions that year; 1st place is the worst possible ranking.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to wish a full recovery to Rueybin Chiou and Crystal Flores.

The Ventura County Star originally reported this Oxnard DUI crash.

Additional information on the injury claims process is available to the public free of charge through our office.

If you would like to request a free book or article, or to speak with a California car accident lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

At about 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 16, one person was injured in a pedestrian accident in Oxnard. A vehicle struck the person in the 2500 block of C Street. Emergency responders transported the victim to Ventura County Medical Center to receive treatment. Authorities are investigating the accident.

“When a pedestrian is injured in a traffic accident, he or she may hold the at-fault party liable for the expense of the recovery,” explained California pedestrian accident lawyer James Ballidis, “such as for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.”

Sixty-nine pedestrians were killed or injured in traffic accidents that occurred in Oxnard in 2010, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current records. The OTS ranked Oxnard 17th out of 53 similarly sized cities for its incidence of fatal and injury pedestrian accidents that year; 1st place is the worst possible ranking.

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

The Ventura County Star originally reported this Oxnard pedestrian accident.

Additional information on pedestrian rights and the injury claims process is available to the public free of charge through our office.

If you would like to request a free book or article, or to speak with a California pedestrian accident lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

At about 2:22 a.m. on Sunday, June 16, 23-year-old Sergio Carlos Escalera was killed and three people were injured in a crash in San Bernardino. While traveling westbound on Interstate 210, Escalera lost control of the sedan just before the Interstate 215 interchange and collided with the guardrail, causing the vehicle to roll down the freeway overpass embankment multiple times before landing on Little Mountain Drive. Escalera was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Authorities suspect Escalera may have been racing another vehicle when the accident occurred.

“Motorists who harm others while violating traffic safety laws may be held liable for the expenses associated with their recoveries or losses,” explained California car accident lawyer James Ballidis.

In 2010, 1,101 people were killed or injured in traffic accidents that occurred in San Bernardino, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s most current records. The OTS ranked San Bernardino 19th out of 53 cities with populations of a similar size in a rating system in which 1st place is considered the worst.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Sergio Carlos Escalera. We would also like to wish a full recovery to the three people who were injured in the crash.

The Press-Enterprise originally reported this San Bernardino accident.

Additional information on the injury and the wrongful death claims process is available to the public free of charge through our office.

If you would like to request a free book or article, or to speak with a California car accident lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

At about 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, a vehicle struck and killed 24-year-old Dustin Alan Marine in Temecula. The accident occurred at the intersection of Rancho California Road and Margarita Road. He was taken to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries a short time later. Authorities are investigating the pedestrian accident.

“When a motorist’s negligence causes the death of a pedestrian, the family of the victim may hold the motorist liable for their loss by filing a wrongful death claim,” explained California pedestrian accident lawyer James Ballidis.

Traffic accidents claimed the lives of or caused injury to 6 pedestrians in Temecula in 2010, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. The OTS ranks cities with populations of a similar size based on their accident records, giving those with the highest incidences of fatal and injury collisions the highest rankings, starting with 1st place. That year, Temecula ranked 53rd out 53 cities with populations of between 100,001 and 250,000.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of Dustin Alan Marine, the pedestrian who was struck and killed.

The Press-Enterprise originally reported this Temecula pedestrian accident.

Additional information on pedestrian rights and on the wrongful death claims process is available to the public free of charge through our office.

If you would like to request a free book or article, or to speak with a California pedestrian accident lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

At about 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, a vehicle struck and fatally injured a cyclist in Pasadena. The man was riding in the 1100 block of East Del Mar Boulevard, between Wilson and Michigan avenues, when he was hit. Emergency responders transported him to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are investigating the accident.

“When a family loses a loved one to a traffic collision, they may hold the at-fault party liable by filing a wrongful death claim,” explained California bicycle accident lawyer James Ballidis.

Eighty-nine bicyclists were killed or injured in traffic accidents that occurred in Pasadena in 2010, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. The OTS ranked Pasadena 4th out of 53 similarly sized cities for its incidence of fatal and injury bicycle accidents in a rating system in which 1st place is considered the worst.

All of us at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis, and Leslie would like to offer our condolences to the family of the cyclist who was struck and fatally injured.

The Los Angeles Times originally reported this Pasadena accident.

Additional information on the injury and the wrongful death claims process is available to the public free of charge through our office.

If you would like to request a free book or article, or to speak with a California bicycle accident lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

At about 1:14 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, a woman was killed and two people were injured in a two-vehicle crash in Valencia. The collision occurred at the intersection of Commerce Center and Henry Mayo drives. Emergency responders pronounced one person dead at the scene and transported two victims to the hospital. Authorities are investigating the accident.

“When a traffic collision causes injury or death, the victims or their families may hold the at-fault party civilly liable for the expenses associated with their recoveries or losses,” explained California car accident attorney James Ballidis.

Traffic accidents claimed the lives of or caused injury to 796 people in Santa Clarita in 2010, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. The OTS ranked Santa Clarita 25th out of 53 cities with populations of between 100,001 and 250,000 residents for its incidence of fatal and injury accidents that year; 1st place is the worst possible ranking.

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 crash. We would also like to wish a full recovery to the two people who were injured.

The Los Angeles Daily News originally reported this Valencia crash.

Additional information on the injury and the wrongful death claims process is available to the public free of charge through our office.

If you would like to request a free book or article, or to speak with a California car accident attorney, feel free to call 866-981-5596.

At about 5:15 a.m. on Thursday, June 13, three people were injured in a DUI crash in San Jacinto. While speeding east on East Main Street, two motorists collided near the intersection with Ramona Expressway, the impact sending one into a traffic signal. Attempting to flee, the other driver ran a red light and struck a third vehicle. Emergency responders transported three people to area hospitals. Authorities arrested Danny Lopez Jr. on suspicion of felony DUI causing injury and Cynthia Salgado-Flores on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI. The accident is under investigation.

“Those who operate motor vehicles while intoxicated are subject to criminal penalties and civil lawsuits,” explained California car accident lawyer James Ballidis. “The state will punish them for violating its laws, and the victims will hold them liable for the cost of their recoveries.”

San Jacinto accounted for none of the 164 fatalities and 132 of the 10,594 injuries suffered by motor vehicle occupants in crashes that occurred in Riverside County in 2010, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. Alcohol was a contributing factor to 20 of the crashes that resulted in injury or death in the city that year. Speeding was a factor in 20 of the accidents, as well.

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 DUI crash.

The Press-Enterprise originally reported this San Jacinto collision.

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

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

Shortly before 6 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11, a motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a turning vehicle in Centerville. The rider was traveling eastbound on Highway 180 behind a truck; when the truck turned onto Oliver Avenue, the rider continued eastbound through the intersection and collided with a 1999 Chevrolet that was turning onto Oliver from the westbound lane of the highway. Emergency responders transported him to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are investigating the crash.

“When a family loses a loved one to a traffic accident, they may file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party,” explained California motorcycle accident lawyer James Ballidis.

Throughout Fresno County, 12 motorcyclists were killed and 141 were injured in traffic accidents in 2010, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The California Office of Traffic Safety ranked Fresno 57th out of 58 counties for its incidence of fatal and injury motorcycle accidents in a rating system in which 1st place is considered the worst.

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 collision with the turning vehicle.

The Fresno Bee originally reported this Centerville crash.

Additional information on the injury and the wrongful death claims process is available to the public free of charge through our office.

If you would like to request a free book or article, or to speak with a California motorcycle accident lawyer, feel free to call 866-981-5596.