Accident Attorneys' Group

Personal Injury Lawyers of CA

May
15

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Anaheim Crash Causes Multiple Injuries

Category: Auto Accident, Blog, Car Accident 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)

Early Sunday morning, Anaheim experienced a major collision at Gilbert Street and La Palma Avenue.

The driver, whose identification is currently unknown, had been drinking that evening. The suspect reached the intersection, and instead of stopping at the red light, crashed into two stopped vehicles.

The two vehicles were filled with passengers. It has been reported that eight people were injured in the accident, but their current conditions have not been disclosed.

The driver who caused the accident was arrested on site and faces the charges of a felony DUI.

Paramedics responded quickly and rushed the wounded to the hospital. At this point, there does not appear to be any fatalities.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and very dangerous. Sometimes offenders get away with a ticket, and other times their actions cause damage to innocent people. A felony DUI conviction, for what this driver was arrested, can lead to 180 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, a four-year license restriction period and an 18-month alcohol education program. Felony convictions can have serious impacts on one’s future as well, including employment.

If you or something you know has been involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact an injury attorney today to learn more about your rights as the victim.

May
14

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Police Search for Former Billionaire Club Member and Ex-Convict for Manslaughter Charges

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

San Francisco just before sunset. This panoram...

San Francisco just before sunset. This panorama was taken at the Twin Peaks and is stitched from 12 portrait format images. For stitching PTGUI was used. Français : San Francisco au coucher du soleil. Vue panoramique depuis Twin Peaks réaliée en assemblant 12 images format portrait avec PTGUI. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In August of last year, Edmond Ralph Capalla was hit and killed by a taxi cab while crossing the street in San Francisco. Justice has not been served, but it can be now.

San Francisco police are searching for Reza Eslaminia, a once wealthy man whose previous trial in the 1980s opened the public’s eyes to the Billionaire Boys Club, onto whom to press charges. He was connected to the 1984 death of his father and was later sentenced to life in prison. However, in an appeal, the charges were dropped and he moved to San Francisco after being freed.

Eslaminia and his father, Hedayat Eslaminia, a former Iranian government official lived in exile in the Bay area. Eslaminia became a member of the Billionaire Boys Club while living with father. This social club was an investment group that recruited sons of billionaires to join in on get-rich-quick schemes. The death of Eslaminia’s father was suspected to be a kind of botched extortion job.

Eslaminia and an associate were brought to trial. They were convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life without possibility of parole. In 2000, Eslaminia’s conviction was overturned and he was released from prison. He then began working as a taxi driver in San Francisco.

On the night of Capalla’s death, Eslaminia was driving his taxi and ran a red light. He then hit another car, spun out of control and crashed into Capalla, who was crossing the street. Police immediately arrested him for the crime, but a judge ruled that there was not enough evidence to charge him for a felony and he was released.

Law enforcement is now filing charges against him for misdemeanor manslaughter. The warrant was released on March 29 and he has still not been found. Eslaminia is also wanted in a 2008 DUI case from Los Angeles on a separate warrant.

Once he is arrested, he will be tried and faces possible jail time. It is important that he is captured, as his criminal record needs to be addressed and so future offenses can be stopped.

Accidents happen far too often, unfortunately. Whether it’s a vehicle crash, hit and run or pedestrian collision, it is important to enlist an accident attorney.

May
13

By

Man Nearly Beaten to Death in Huntington Beach

Category: Blog, News, Personal Injury Tags: , , , , , , ,

Surfers abound near Huntington City Pier

Surfers abound near Huntington City Pier (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On Friday evening, a fight apparently broke out between two groups of teenagers at Murdy Park in Huntington Beach. A woman and her boyfriend witnessed the fight and attempted to break it up. This then led to four teens ran after the man and beating him nearly to death with their skateboards.

The four teens whose names, ages and genders are currently unavailable were arrested on suspicions of murder following the attack.

The woman passing by attempted to cease the fighting, but was then attacked. Her boyfriend, the 25-year-old victim, then intervened to save her. The kids chased him across the street to a Laundromat and beat him severely. The man was immediately rushed to the UCI Medical Center’s trauma center and underwent emergency surgery.

The teens are currently detained and face attempted murder charges. The complete details of the event are unknown, but the police are investigating the two versions. The woman’s story claims that the two of them endeavored to stop the fight and were consequently attacked; a father of one of the teens claims that the man assaulted his child and the others first, and was then attacked in self-defense.

No matter which version of the story is valid, the fact is that a man was seriously beaten by four teenagers with skateboards. His current situation is unavailable; but hopefully because he was quickly taken to the hospital, he will make a full recovery. The severity of his condition will likely impact the outcome of the teens’ trial, as the charges that they face currently are only attempted murder.

Unfortunate events like this can happen to anyone at anytime, and it is important to know what to do next. Medical bills add up and emotional stresses can be more harmful than physical injuries. Contact an injury attorney today to start working on receiving your due compensation.

May
9

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Culver City Family Receives $8.8 Million for Wrongful Death

Category: Blog, News, Wrongful Death Tags: , , , , , ,

A picture of a Culver City bus taken on April ...

A picture of a Culver City bus taken on April 17, 2008, at the intersection of Westwood and Wilshire Boulevards in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Three years ago, Leroy Grissom was killed by a police officer in Culver City. The twenty-seven year old was shot three times in the back after being pulled over by a police officer who suspected him of robbing an electronics store.

Though he did commit the crime, he did not pose any additional threats once pulled over in the parking lot and he was unarmed. Because of this, the attack on him was unwarranted.

Grissom died from the gunshot wounds. His family outraged by the cop’s actions, filed a federal lawsuit against the Culver City Police Department for the wrongful death.

Wednesday, the federal jury found the defendant guilty and awarded the family $8.8 million in damages. The police department is unsure whether an appeal will be filed yet or not.

Despite Grissom committing a crime, there is no excuse for a police officer to shoot a civilian without any threat present. Grissom was unarmed and cooperating; however, he was still killed.

If you feel that you have experienced a serious injury or death and the fault lies with someone else, contact an injury attorney today to receive information on your rights.

May
8

By

LAPD Racial Profiling Goes to College

Category: Blog, News Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Bell 206 ...

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Bell 206 Jetranger helicopter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As the school year comes to an end at University of Southern California (USC), students who are anxious to graduate or to complete another year look for experiences in which they can relax and avoid the stresses of upcoming finals and deciding grades.

Nate Howard, a senior at USC, attempted to provide an event like that last Friday night. He threw a party at his house near the campus to celebrate the upcoming graduation that was registered with campus police and required student IDs at the door to ensure that it would not get out of hand. However, at about 2 a.m. Saturday, the Los Angeles Police Department arrived in a manner that suggested it had gotten severely out of hand.

Over 80 LAPD officers showed up to the house in riot gear and with a helicopter after receiving noise complaints from the neighbors. They used excessive force to empty the house of students, applied handcuffs and even arrested six students – Howard was one of them.

The reason for LAPD’s unnecessarily intense reaction to noise complaints? Perhaps the fact that the party was comprised of mostly African-American students, so prejudices and stereotypes were utilized.

Since the event, USC has seen protests and even held a meeting with LAPD on campus. Howard was accompanied in his protest by over 100 students that held signs reading, “We are scholars not criminals.” The party organizer also criticizes LAPD’s priorities as it sent 80 officers to one party when they could/should have been doing something else.

The next day after the protest, a panel of LAPD officers spoke with a packed audience of students in a USC auditorium that holds 1200. LAPD Captain Paul Snell explained how the police responded to a noise complaint and felt threatened, but “[he does] not believe that this was race-based.”

However, based on the fact that there was a party across the street from Howard’s house that was attended by mostly white students and was handled in a much more tame way, that doesn’t seem true. Sarah Tither-Kaplan explains how her party was just as loud and police arrived after receiving noise complaints, but no one was arrested or forced out.

LAPD assures the students that it will look further into the matter after hearing that all attendees of the meeting felt that the attack was race-based. Depending on LAPD’s next move, it may face trial for a lawsuit of racial discrimination.

If you feel that you have been mistreated, abused, neglected or simply want appropriate compensation for any suffering that you have experienced, contact an accident attorney today to see what you can do.

May
3

By

DiGiorno and California Pizza Kitchen Frozen Pizzas Recalled

Category: Blog, News, Safety Tips Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

California Pizza Kitchen logo

California Pizza Kitchen logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The two popular brands of frozen pizza made by Nestle Pizza Company were found to have plastic pieces embedded in their products. The total amount of pizzas that are affected is unknown; however, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Safety Inspection Service and the Food and Drug Administration have administered the recall in order to prevent any further issues.

The USDA is recalling the California Pizza Kitchen Limited Edition Grilled Chicken with Cabernet Sauce frozen pizza and the DiGiorno Crispy Flatbread Pizza Tuscan Style Chicken frozen pizza. The FDA is additionally recalling the California Pizza Kitchen Crispy Thin Crust White frozen pizza and the DiGiorno Pizzeria! Biana/White frozen pizza.

The defective pizzas were produced during February 26 and March 9 and shipped nationwide.

Nestle and the FSIS and FDA were made aware of the issue after consumers complained about finding the plastic pieces in the food. One customer even chipped a tooth while eating the product. Apparently the spinach that was used in making these pizzas is the culprit.

Any customers who have experienced issues with the listed products should contact Nestle for further instructions.

Recalls can be dangerous or they can simply be inconvenient. Luckily for Nestle, no serious harm has been brought to its customers and hopefully this recall will prevent any future damage. If you or someone you know has had any experience with a defective product, contact the Accident Attorneys’ Group today to find out what you can do.

Apr
23

By

Dog Attack in Riverside, California

Category: Blog, Dog Bite, Safety Tips Tags: , , , , , , ,

American Pit bull Terrier (Schatzi)

American Pit bull Terrier (Schatzi) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Two young toddlers, ages one and two years old, were taken to the hospital after they were attacked by an eight year old pit bull. The boys were playing in a family friend’s backyard when the friend’s dog went for them. It is unknown whether the boys were alone in the yard or if the parents were present before the assault.

The dog has been quarantined and will be moved to a humane facility.

As of now, it is a mystery as to what caused the attack on the boys. It is possible that the dog lashed out without any provocation, or it is possible that the boys were harassing the dog prior to the attack. It is easy to forget that dogs are animals that are programmed with instincts and if/when they are feeling threatened, they react as any animal would.

Pit bulls were bred to fight. Now that dog-fighting is illegal across America, the breed has been brought into homes, but their nature to protect and attack once threatened cannot be easily erased. It is vital that pit bull owners know how to train this breed and do not abuse its over protectiveness.

Pit bull terriers and rottweilers have accounted for 73% of the fatal dog attacks since 2005. This number includes adult and child deaths. In fact, dog attacks are the fifth highest reason that child go to emergency rooms due to voluntary activities (i.e. playing sports).

Being attacked by a dog is a serious issue. Not only can an attack cause disfigurement or fatalities, it also demands serious medical attention. Today, attack victims suffer over $1 billion in financial losses annually. Not only are medical bills high, but the loss in wages, permanent disabilities, possible property damage, and more create an enormous monetary setback.

Having an attorney help sort through the insurance claims and damages is vital with dog attacks. Contact one of our great injury lawyers today.

 

Apr
17

By

The Importance of Driving with Sufficient Insurance

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

St. Patrick's Day Collision 3 of 4

St. Patrick’s Day Collision 3 of 4 (Photo credit: 7mary3)

Sometimes it may seem like a good idea to drive without insurance. It’s expensive, confusing and a person only needs it when he/she gets pulled over or is in accident. Most people are unaware of how much driving uninsured can hurt themselves and others.

In California, fifteen percent of the population is uninsured and driving. Perhaps they are driving safely and abiding every street law, but that is unlikely. If a car accident occurs and the uninsured driver is not at fault, it is possible to file a claim and receive compensation; however, it usually requires an attorney and the compensation has potential to be incomplete. It is also protocol that the driver loses his/her license for a period of time.

If that same driver got into a car accident where he/she was at fault, then it would be his/her responsibility to cover damages for the other driver. This could mean out-of-pocket payment for medical bills, lost wages and property damage.

Many times it is not the uninsured driver that suffers the most. When insured drivers are hit by those who are uninsured, they become monetarily responsible for the accident. Either they must have the proper underinsured motorist coverage on their own plan; or they have to rely on out-of-pocket payment, assets that can be liquidated into compensation, or the financial cooperation of hospitals and auto repair shops.

Uninsured drivers affect the lives of others with their irresponsible driving. A small fender-bender may not seem like much for which to not get compensated or for which to pay someone else, but a major collision with serious injuries or even death can bankrupt the uninsured driver at fault as well as prohibit appropriate damages for the victim.

It is always a better choice to drive with insurance for you and for others. If you have been in an accident, whether you are insured or not, contact one of our great accident attorneys for a free consultation and help figuring out your next move.