Southern California Injury Law Blog

According to new federal safety data, traffic fatalities in Orange County have decreased 15% in 2008 from the previous year but O.C. motorcycle accident deaths have increased 44%. There are several reasons for the increase; less skilled riders, a bad economy and more powerful riding equipment.

It started with the high cost of fuel and now with lower incomes, more than ever people are turning the cars in for motorcycles. However, driving a motorcycle is not like driving a car. Newer motorbikes are heavier, faster and more difficult to control. In California over one-third of all motorcycle accident victims did not have the proper Department of Motor Vehicle endorsement on their licenses.

It is not unusual for me to see an accident outside one of the motorcycle performance shops in Orange County. You know the guy, just bought the bike, can't wait to ride, has little training on this bike, pulls from the parking lot and gives too much throttle, inevitably dumping the bike.

The California Office of Traffic and Safety is encouraging every motorcycle driver to get trained through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Graduates of these programs qualify for DMV endorsements and won’t have to take the skills exam. I recommend that you go out with a seasoned rider, and learn the performance and tendencies of your new machine.

With the exception of bad motorcycle accident data, Orange County ‘s vehicle fatalities are decreasing and DUI deaths are down thanks to more awareness and social responsibility. California vehicle fatalities were down 14% last year, the lowest level since 1975.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle or vehicle accident, don’t hesitate to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you are able. You can call us at 1 866 752-7474 for immediate help.

James Ballidis is an attorney with the firm of Allen, Flatt, Ballidis & Leslie.

The family of 90-year old Charles Gaal has filed suit in Orange County Circuit Court against Dr. Wesley Meyers for medical negligence. The family is suing the dentist for allegedly dropping tools down this elderly man’s throat—twice. The lawsuit claims that in 2006 the doctor dropped an “implant screwdriver tool” and in 2007 a “mini-wrench”.

Gaal underwent multiple medical procedures to remove the tools but never completely recovered. He suffered a heart attack in 2007 and died a few days later. Dr. Meyer’s was fined $17,000 by the state during their investigation.

Although this case is rather extreme, medical errors are on the rise here in the U.S. in the form of drug interactions, wrong medicines, hospital infections and surgical errors.

Our office does not offer legal representation for medical malpractice issues. However, we may still be able to help. Call us at 1 866 752-7474 if you are in Southern California and we may be able to refer you to a specialist. Also James Ballidis of our office wrote a book. "Avoid Lawyer Advertising Hype. A Lawyer's Method For Finding a Lawyer." We will send you this informative book for free if you want to use a lawyer's method for finding the right attorney for you. It gives you practical advice on how to easily research and locate an attorney, what to ask and how to check their track record. Call us at 1 866 752-7474. We want you to Soar Above, not just survive an accident.

The preventable death of a 2-month old infant here in Orange County this week reminds us all that seat belts saves lives and in this case, a properly used infant car seat could have saved this baby’s life.

The Garcia family of Santa Ana was driving southbound on the I-5 freeway in Tustin when they drifted into the neighboring truck’s lane. California Highway Patrol reports that after hitting the truck’s left corner, Garcia lost control of the van then turned sharply onto the dirt embankment and overturned. The baby was thrown from the vehicle and was killed instantly.

Seat belts have long been required for infants and children. They are more likely to be injured because of the forces subjected to their small body during an accident. Smaller in size, a force that may shake a 210 pound man, may throw children and infants during a collision, even if the collision is not significant to the balance of the occupants. No one will suffer more than the Garcia family. We as a community, law enforcement and neighbors should always continue to stress safety for infants and children in an auto.

Garcia suffered moderate injuries and the four other passengers who were wearing their seatbelts suffered only minor injuries. The truck driver pulled over immediately but was unharmed during the incident.

Auto accidents happen when you least expect them and typically they happen close to your home as in this case. Orange County accident lawyers can handle local accidents better than anyone because of their expert local knowledge.

California Highway Patrol reported at least 5 people are dead following a suspected blown tire on one of Orange County’s busiest freeways recently.

The accident occurred on the southbound I-5 freeway around ten o’clock in the morning. A 37- year old man and 33-year old woman, plus 3 additional passengers were in a Chevrolet Tracker when witnesses described that the vehicle suddenly veered off the highway and went down the embankment. The SUV finally stopped behind the bookstore in the El Paseo shopping center. Orange County Coroner’s office verified that all five victims were burned beyond recognition.
The Geo Tracker was made by General Motors between 1989-2004.

During the years 1991-1993, this vehicle received the worst possible rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The death rate was almost three times the average for all passenger vehicles. This car has a high risk for head injury for the driver.
The accident is still under investigation.

Tire defects can cause damage and injury. However, every driver should be able to negotiate a blown tire by safely pulling to the side of the road. Otherwise we would all be killed because at one time or another we have all experienced a flat tire. This collision should be no exception.

If you know anyone who has been in an auto accident they need to speak to an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as they can. We can will review possible recalls of tire and other safety issues that a car owner may not be aware of. Allen Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie have been serving Orange County since 1974.