Accident Attorneys' Group

Personal Injury Lawyers of CA

Jun
5

By

Chrysler Refuses to Recall

Category: Auto Accident, Auto Safety, Car Accident, Negligence, Product Liability, Wrongful Death Tags: , , , , , , ,

1993-1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee photographed in ...

1993-1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee photographed in Alexandria, Virginia, USA. Category:Jeep ZJ Grand Cherokee (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The federal government has issued a warning to Chrysler and Chrysler car owners that certain models have defective properties that make them incredibly dangerous; however, the carmaker is declining to officially recall the models.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has asked Chrysler to recall 2.7 million Jeep vehicles. The 1993-2004 Grand Cherokee models and the 2002-2007 Liberty models are all at risk to cause deadly fires.

At this point, fifty-one people have died in these models after being rear-ended and then trapped in a burning vehicle. These specific cars have fuel tanks that are behind the rear axle; and a collision from behind can cause a leak in the tank, which then creates a fire that quickly engulfs the Jeeps.

NHTSA has confronted Chrysler with the problem, but the company has not complied with establishing a recall or a solution. It has until June 18 to issue a formal response to NHTSA explaining why it will not recall the vehicles.

Chrysler stands by its models, claiming that safety is a top priority when manufacturing each vehicle. According to its CEO, Sergio Machionne, “[Chrysler] stands behind the quality of its vehicles.” The company supposedly rejects the recall because the dangers of any rear-end collision are high, and its Jeeps are not to blame specifically for the fatalities.

Though the millions of Jeeps that are under question passed original safety standards, NHTSA does not feel that that is enough to ignore an overlooked defect that it causing dozens of deaths. NHTSA has not provided a way to fix the issue at this point; however, alerting drivers of the dangers and getting the vehicles off of the road officially is a good first step.

Whether you have been injured in an accident due to a defect or something else, contact a Los Angeles accident attorney. A lawyer can assist you in finding negligence, filing claims and can award to you the highest possible compensation for the damages that you have suffered.

Jun
4

By

Huntington Beach Woman Killed in Car Accident Involving Drunk Driver

Category: Auto Accident, Blog, Car Accident, Motorcycle Accidents, Safety Tips Tags: , , , , , , ,

MD500N helicopter of the Huntington Beach (Cal...

MD500N helicopter of the Huntington Beach (California) Police Department (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kelly Morehouse, 25, was killed over the weekend after she and her boyfriend were struck by another car. The two were riding his motorcycle when the grisly accident took place.

Morehouse and her boyfriend, Taylor Rolfson, 24, left the company of their friends on his bike on Saturday night when they were hit by a Lexus sedan. The collision occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Goldenwest Street at Rio Vista Drive in Huntington Beach, California.

Tadashi Mizutani, 68, is the driver of the Lexus. He was booked immediately following the accident on suspicion of driving under the influence. He did not suffer any serious injuries.

Morehouse and Rolfson were not as fortunate. They were both taken to the hospital and Morehouse had died while there. Rolfson is expected to make a recovery; however, both of his legs are broken.

Because of the death and the injuries that were caused by the accident, Mizutani faces felony charges. He was released the next day from jail after posting a $100,000 bail.

Friends and family of the couple are devastated by the news. According to close friends, Rolfson was prepared to spend the rest of his life with Morehouse. They had been together for seven years.

Morehose worked as a waitress at Michele’s Sugar Shack Café and had recently earned her Master’s Degree in Education.

The events of this accident are incredibly unfortunate, but they do serve as a reminded to all drivers out there to not drink and drive – it can kill people.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, whether it was caused by a drunk driver or a simple miscalculation, contact a Newport Beach injury attorney today. The lawyers and staff of the firm can assist you in filing claims, finding negligence; and can award to you the highest compensation possible, including punitive damages in the event of a death.

Jun
3

By

Tragic Accidents Plagued the State this Weekend

Category: Auto Accident, Blog, Negligence, Personal Injury Tags: , , , , , ,

A woman is loaded into an air ambulance that l...

A woman is loaded into an air ambulance that landed on Ski Hill Rd. after a head-on crash near Lifford Rd. on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011. She was flown to Toronto’s Sunnybrook hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. Another woman was also airlifted to the same hospital with serious injuries. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In Southern California, two accidents occurred over the weekend that caused major distress for police officers and those involved. A Los Angeles crash produced one fatality and a San Diego collision left an injured child abandoned in a wrecked vehicle.

On Saturday afternoon in East Los Angeles, a crash occurred after police were led on a high-speed pursuit. A reckless driver in an SUV that may have been stolen sped away from the police after they attempted to pull him over. The chase lasted five minutes and concluded when the SUV crashed into a truck and another car.

The accident took place in El Sereno around the 5300 block of Poplar Boulevard. Paramedics arrived on the scene and immediately found one dead bystander.

Four others were injured from the accident, three men and one woman. One man was in critical condition, while the other three injured parties were reported to be in fair conditions.

The driver of the SUV tried to escape once more after exiting his wrecked vehicle, but officers caught up to him. He was arrested and suffered injuries from bites of a police dog.

The accident is still under investigation, but the driver will likely face criminal charges for both the status of the SUV and the results of the crash.

On Sunday evening in Old Town, San Diego, a vehicle collision occurred resulting with an injured child and a runaway driver. The accident was reported by witnesses who saw a truck dangling off of the edge of the Interstate 5 Southbound freeway.

California Highway Patrol rushed to the scene where they were told by witnesses that a man ran from the crash, despite there being an injured child in the backseat.

Officers found a two-year-old child strapped into the vehicle’s backseat as it hung off of the highway. The child’s condition is currently unknown; however, it was transported to Rady Children’s Hospital immediately.

The driver of the truck is suspected to be a Hispanic male in his 30s. He was seen wearing a white shirt, black shorts, and sandals. CHP is working hard to find the runaway and is currently investigating the registration information of the vehicle.

Accidents are incredibly unfortunate, no matter the situation. If you or someone you know was involved in an accident, whether it caused fatalities or included runaway drivers; contact a Los Angeles accident attorney today for assistance. Our lawyers will help you in finding medical attention and filing claims; and will ensure that you receive the highest possible compensation for the damages that you suffered, including punitive damages for instances of death.

May
31

By

Dog Crashes Truck into House

Category: Auto Accident, Blog, Car Accident Tags: , , , , , ,

Just Two Dogs in a Car

Just Two Dogs in a Car (Photo credit: jeckman)

Redding, California experienced something new on Wednesday afternoon: a dog accelerated a truck into a house.

The dog was seated in the front seat of the truck originally. Apparently he felt the need to use the bathroom, and could not wait for his driver to stop. He began his business on the center consul but his foot slipped. The dog then fell down near the driver’s feet and he pushed down on the accelerator.

The driver attempted to halt the vehicle but he failed, and the truck smashed into a house.

According to a neighbor, the driver claimed that he had the brake pedal all the way to the floor, but could not stop.

No one in the house or the truck was injured. The same neighbor explains that the boys were out of the house at the time, which is fortunate because they may have been at risk for injuries.

The neighborhood seems to understand that it was an accident and are just all thankful that no one was hurt.

The accident occurred at Bobwhite Way and Partridge Drive around 2 p.m.

This crash seems humorous because it was caused by a dog, but accidents like this can lead to much more serious consequences. Vehicular collisions are destructive enough, but having one go through a house can damage much more than property. Thankfully in this instance, there were no fatalities or injuries.

If you or someone you know has been in a collision, whether it was caused by dog or human, contact a northern California accident lawyer today.

May
30

By

Officer Injured in Accident Caused by Texting Teen

Category: Auto Accident, Blog, Car Accident, Safety Tips Tags: , , , , , ,

English: Taken off the overpass over Californi...

English: Taken off the overpass over California State Route 78 at El Camino Real in Oceanside, California Español: Yo estaba en Oceanside, California cuando tomé esta fotographía de California State Route 78 y El Camino Real. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On Wednesday afternoon in Ramona, California, a new teen driver caused an accident that involved three vehicles and one police officer. All those involved in the accident were taken to the hospital with injuries.

The teen driver was on the eastbound side of the State Route 78 in a 2011 Ford Fusion. She then rear-ended a 61-year-old driver in a 2006 Chevrolet HHR who was stopped to make a left turn on Earlham Street.

The station wagon was then pushed into the intersection and hit a Chula Vista police officer who was riding his bike off duty. The officer was airlifted to the hospital after the crash caused him to fall from his bike and roll around the road; and the other two drivers were taken by ambulance to a doctor.

It has been reported that the officer suffered severe trauma and is critical condition. The teenager and the other driver are being treated for moderately serious injuries.

Upon investigation of the accident, law enforcement has found evidence that suggests the young woman was texting right before the collision. Texting while driving is against the law; and when they complete their investigation, she could face charges.

The State Route 78 was closed in an area for a while near Ramona Community Park.

Currently 41 out of 50 states ban texting while driving; and when the action causing accidents and injuries, the penalties become more serious.

If you or someone you know has been in an accident and requires legal assistance, contact a San Diego accident attorney. Our lawyers and staff can help you file claims and award you the best possible compensation for the damages that you suffered.

May
29

By

Chris Brown Facing Charges after Minor Accident

Category: Auto Accident, Blog, Car Accident, News Tags: , , , , , , ,

Chris Brown

Chris Brown (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The R&B singer Chris Brown risked violating his probation last week when he hit another vehicle in Los Angeles. According to reports, Brown may not have given accurate insurance information to the other driver; and if that is true, he could be sentenced to jail.

On May 21, Brown’s Range Rover bumped into a Mercedes-Benz. There was no real damage to either car; however, common procedure is to exchange insurance and identification information. According to the other driver, Brown was very reluctant to give her the information and then the information that she finally obtained may have been false.

Brown is still on probation after assaulting his girlfriend Rihanna in 2009; and providing false insurance information violates that probation. Brown claims that the information was valid and that the other driver’s statements are incorrect. His attorneys have attempted to contact the victim of the accident, but they have not had much luck.

If Brown is found guilty in this matter, he can serve four years in jail. Though the accident was only minor and no real damage was done, his unwillingness to oblige may create severe consequences.

This is not the first time that Brown’s information lacked credibility or truth. He was required to serve time in community labor after the previously mentioned assault; and though he stated that it had been completed, there were no records of his attendance.

Car accidents can cause serious damage or minor dents; but either way, all of those involved must follow proper procedure. Driving without proper insurance or a valid I.D. is illegal. In this instance, the other driver did not experience serious damage to her car or herself; but in accidents that do demand reparation, dealing with insured drivers is much easier.

If you or someone you know has been in an accident and needs information, contact the Accident Attorneys’ Group. Whether you are an uninsured driver or were hit by one, our lawyers can help you file the appropriate paperwork that will assist you in receiving the highest possible compensation available.

May
28

By

Newport Beach Crash Kills Five

Category: Auto Accident, Blog, Car Accident Tags: , , , , ,

English: Newport Center in Newport Beach, Cali...

English: Newport Center in Newport Beach, California. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A fatal car accident has been officially cleared off of the road early this morning. The scene included a burnt car split in half and dead bodies.

In Newport Beach on Monday afternoon, a car carrying five passengers struck a tree and then proceeded to split in two and catch fire. All passengers have been declared dead.

The Infiniti crashed on Jamboree Road and Island Lagoon Drive. Upon impact, four out of the five travelers were ejected from the vehicle and died on site; however, one passenger was found only partially ejected and was taken to a hospital by ambulance. The injuries were too grave, though and the fifth passenger died before reaching a doctor.

The passengers have yet to be identified; however, it has been reported that they are five teenagers from the Irvine area. There were three women and two men involved in the accident.

The accident did not include any other vehicles and the cause is still being investigated. At this point, it is unknown whether speed or alcohol was a factor in the crash; but every possibility is being explored.

The scene was officially cleared at 3:50 a.m. this morning.

This accident has been named the worst that has been seen by officers. Fatal accidents are always tragic, but ones that involve so many victims and those that are so young are especially unfortunate.

If you or someone you know has been in an accident, contact an injury lawyer in order to make your first step toward recovery.

May
24

By

Major Collision on the 405 Freeway

Category: Auto Accident, Blog, Car Accident, Truck Accidents Tags: , , , , , , , ,

English: Santa Monica Freeway at the interchan...

English: Santa Monica Freeway at the interchange with Freeway 405, near Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A big rig and another vehicle crashed into each other today, creating a massive traffic jam for this morning’s commuters. Though no injuries were reported, the accident was certainly serious.

The big rig that was hit was carrying 700 gallons of fuel. When the second vehicle collided with the truck, the entirety of that fuel spilled over the freeway. The spill spread across two miles of highway and consequently blocked three lanes of traffic on the northbound 405.

The accident occurred in West Los Angeles, around Waterford Street and Sepulveda Boulevard in Brentwood. In addition to the lane blockage at Montana Street, the onramps of Santa Monica Boulevard and Wilshire Boulevard were closed for hours after the accident.

Around 6:00 a.m. the collision occurred. The onramps and lanes were expected to be reopened fully at about 8:30 a.m. as stated by California Highway Patrol.

No injuries have been reported from the accident; however, traffic was hellish. It is important to be vigilant if you are found in situations like these as heavy traffic can create additional collisions.

Accidents are scary and inconvenient no matter how minor they are. Whether you or a passenger suffered major injuries or simply your car received a few dents, there are many steps that you must take to right each infraction. To ensure that you are completing each task correctly and receiving the best possible compensation, recruit a member of the Accident Attorneys’ Group. He/she will work with you to file claims, to find medical assistance and to receive appropriate repayment for the damages suffered.

May
23

By

$5 Million Settlement due to McDonald’s Burger

Category: Auto Accident, Blog, Car Accident, Negligence, News Tags: , , , , , ,

English: A selection of value-menu hamburgers ...

English: A selection of value-menu hamburgers from American fast food chains. Clockwise from left to right: McDonald’s McDouble, Burger King Buck Double, Sonic Drive-In Jr. Deluxe Burger, Wendy’s Double Stack. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In January 2012, a sheriff’s deputy caused an injurious accident in Santa Clara County that has now cost him $5 million to settle. And it all occurred because of a hamburger.

Deputy Greg Markovic crashed into Diem Van Lam’s 1994 Honda around 4 a.m. on January 9th. According to the report, Markovic was eating a McDonald’s hamburger and took his eyes off of the road due to its distraction.

The accident occurred after the deputy bit into his burger, put it back down, reached for his radio (which got stuck), turned on his rear amber warning lights by accident, looked down to correct the mistake, and then he hit Van Lam’s vehicle on the driver’s side. There is also speculation that the sheriff may have run a red light before impact.

Markovic survived the accident without any real injury, but Van Lam suffered a skull fracture, torn aorta, and broken ribs.

The deputy is no longer on patrol due to a “permanent disability” that he attained after a child rescue mission of another accident.

The claim was brought to the sheriff after the accident and both parties have now agreed on a settlement of $5 million dollars.

Being distracted while driving causes most of the accidents that drivers face. Perhaps your accident was/will not be caused by a fast food hamburger, but distractions come in many forms and they can all be destructive. If you or someone you know has been in an accident, contact the Accident Attorneys’ Group for a free consultation and essential information that will help you move forward.

May
22

By

Big Rig Crash in Bakersfield

Category: Auto Accident, Blog, Car Accident, Negligence, News, Truck Accidents

English: In , USA

English: In , USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Two Wisconsin men were involved in an accident on Monday in Bakersfield, California. The driver apparently was enduring a coughing fit when the truck crashed into a canal.

The 37-year-old driver was en route in his semitruck with a passenger resting in the sleeping compartment southbound on Highway 99. He began coughing and his truck veered off of the road. His distraction prevented him from the stopping the movements.

The truck moved across lanes and then crashed into guardrails, down an embankment and into an irrigation canal. The mess took hours to clear.

Traffic was backed up for a large portion of the day as CHP cleared the wreck. Paramedics also arrived on the scene; the driver suffered minor injuries and his passenger was killed in the accident.

The passenger has been identified as Keith Michael Zeamer from De Pere, Wisconsin. His body was found submerged under parts of the cab that had gone underwater.

This accident is very unfortunate for everyone involved. Thankfully the truck did not hit any other cars as it traveled across the lanes; however, it is distressing that the crash still caused a fatality.

Driving while distracted is incredibly dangerous, no matter what the distraction is. It impairs visibility, judgment and reactions. If you find yourself in a situation where you are or will be distracted, take caution to avoid an accident; like pulling over until you’re safe to drive once more.

If you or someone you know has been in an accident, no matter the cause, contact a car accident attorney today. Hiring a lawyer ensures that your claims are all filed correctly and your compensation is competitive.

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