Serious Injuries
New Mexico School Bus crash leaves driver dead and 9 injured
A bus driver died and nine students were injured Monday when a school bus went off a road and lodged in an embankment in northern New Mexico, authorities said Monday.
The driver died at the scene of the crash that investigators said might have been caused by a medical event.
Initial reports indicated the bus had rolled over, but authorities later said that was not true.
The bus carrying nine elementary, middle and high school students crashed off State Road 111 near La Madera in Carson National Forest, Rio Arriba County sheriff’s spokesman Jake Arnold said.
The mountainous, isolated area is popular for hunting, hiking and camping.
Two of the students who attend schools in the tiny, rural school district of Mesa Vista had broken bones.
“It is a tragedy and we are very saddened by events today,” district superintendent Tracie Phillips said. “We are providing counseling for all of students, including those involved in the crash.”
It was not clear if the driver, Pat Valdez, 69, might have had had a heart attack and later died from the crash, authorities said.
“We don’t know if the driver died from a medical event, died from the crash or died from a combination of both,” Arnold said.
The Office of the Medical Investigator will determine the cause of death, he said.
Eight students were taken to Espanola Hospital for treatment. Six were treated and released while two others were transported to University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, Espanola Hospital spokeswoman Niki Allcorn said.
One student was airlifted to UNM hospital from the scene, Allcorn said.
An 8-year-old suffered a broken back and 16-year-old had a broken jaw, authorities said.
School officials say the students were headed to Ojo Caliente Elementary, Mesa Vista Middle and Mesa Vista High schools from Vallecitos in northern Rio Arriba County.
Images from a KOB-TV helicopter showed the bus lodged in an embankment. It appears to have gone off a cliff around 15 miles from the schools in Ojo Caliente, a resort town known for its hot springs. The roads are surrounded by mesas, sagebrush and rocky terrain.
An investigation of the crash was ongoing by the Rio Arriba Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police. Authorities blocked off access to roads leading to the crash site.
The isolated Mesa Vista Consolidated School District is located in El Rito and is around 120 miles north of Albuquerque. It has an enrollment of close to 400 students.
Bus Accidents and Personal Injury Liability
Demand accountability from those responsible for the bus accidents. A bus driver is a “common carrier” who owes you the “highest duty of care!” Many times the insurance companies for the bus companies (i.e., many times they are “self insured”) will play “hardball” if you try to settle the case yourself or you have employed a lawyer who does not have the litigation experience to handle such a complex bus case. We at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have over twenty-five years of litigation experience and know how to handle the insurance companies to your advantage. We are prepared to front all costs required for the necessary investigation and expert witnesses needed to prepare your case for trial as well as file all government claims. Unfortunately, the reality is that most bus accident victims usually sustain serious/catastrophic injuries which many times results in death. Over the past twenty years attorney Gary A Kessler has a proven successful track record demanding accountability from the responsible parties and obtaining outstanding results for his clients.
The laws regarding bus accident cases are complex and include many facets of the law. It is vital to family members to seek the advice of an experienced bus accident lawyer such as Gary A Kessler at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler to protect your rights and those of your loved ones.
The bus accident attorney Gary A Kessler and the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler are compassionate and fully understand that you are attempting to cope with serious injuries associated with a bus accident. Such bus accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its wrongful death and bus accident cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention necessary to obtain a successful result for your bus accident case.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is prepared to front all costs required for a thorough investigation and top expert witnesses to prepare for the trial of your case. As in all bus accident and serious personal injury cases, we advance all legal costs to prepare and present our client’s claim, and receive for our services only a percentage of what we recover for our attorney fees on their behalf. Upon settlement our costs shall be reimbursed to us from the gross recovery. If there is no recovery, no attorneys fees or costs are owed to our firm. Contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today so we can preserve the evidence and demand compensation and accountability from the responsible party.
If you have been seriously injured or a family member sustained fatal injuries involving a bus, you need to contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler or another experienced law firm immediately to protect your legal rights and preserve the evidence. Claims for damages against a public entity or governmental entity are complex and they have “strict time limitations”. So do not delay and contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today!
Collision in Laguna Beach kills 2
According to an Los Angeles Times news report, a head-on traffic collision in Laguna Beach early Tuesday killed two people and injured another, forcing the closure of Laguna Canyon Road between El Toro Road and State Route 73.
Authorities received calls reporting the accident around 6:40 a.m., according to Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Louise Callus. Emergency personnel found two vehicles involved in the collision and debris scattered across the northbound and southbound lanes of the roadway, a police statement said.
Two adult men inside a “severely damaged” Honda Accord were declared dead at the scene, officials said. The driver of the second vehicle, a Tesla, was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, Callus said.
Investigators said the Tesla was leaving Laguna Beach and veered into oncoming traffic causing the collision. No additional details were immediately available.
Automobile Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability
While the accident on February 24 remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from an experienced wrongful death lawyer. An experienced attorney can advise the victims of their legal rights and decide the best course of action in recovering the maximum compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Also, in unique and complex situations such as this one, an attorney can hire a highly skilled independent investigator to reconstruct the scene of the accident to determine who is at fault.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is a prominent and highly respected law firm in California and the United States. Gary A Kessler has been serving the people as an experienced wrongful death attorney for over twenty years dedicated and committed to obtaining the best results for his clients in each and every case. Through experience and education, our firm is able to expertly evaluate complex medical injuries and pursue wrongful death claims.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler has a sustaining record of outstanding results for their client’s wrongful death cases throughout California. Our firm specializes in difficult automobile vs. tractor-trailer rig(s), collision cases, uninsured motorists cases, rollover accident cases, bus and train collision litigation, defective product liability litigation, boating collision death cases, boating capsizing and drowning cases, backyard pool drownings, jacuzzi spa drownings, association and community pool drownings, accidental shootings, tractor-trailer and commercial vehicle fatality, fuel tank fire cases and wrongful death cases.
The term “wrongful death” is defined as the death of an individual as a result of the negligence, carelessness, intentional act of another individual, corporation, company or entity. Filing a proper wrongful death claim is extremely difficult and complex for families because they are not only dealing with their grief over the death of a beloved family member, but also complex issues of compensation as well. Wrongful death claims are usually sought after by relatives, siblings, or members of the decedent’s estate who have lost a considerable amount of money as well as loss of support and grief due to the wrongful death of the decedent.
In most states, if the death of a relative or spouse was caused by the wrongful act of another, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party or parties. In order to file a wrongful death claim, you must be able to prove that you will experience severe future emotional and financial hardship because of the loss of the death of a relative, family member or spouse.
L.A. teen was among 5 killed near Las Vegas
Las Vegas-13-year-old Angela Sandoval was one of five people killed Saturday in a crash on Interstate 15 north of Las Vegas, where police said a man drinking and driving rear-ended the van Angela was riding in, causing it to flip.
The others killed were Genaro Fernandez, 41, of Norwalk; Raudel Fernandez-Avila, 49, and Belen Fernandez, 53, of Lynwood; and Leonardo Fernandez-Avila, 45 of Los Angeles. Two others in the van were seriously injured.
Las Vegas police arrested the driver they say is responsible for the crash, Jean Soriano, 18, of Mission Viejo.
Cause of the Las Vegas Crash
While this devastating Las Vegas accident remains under investigation, the family members of those accident victims who were fatally injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Alcohol impaired driving accidents and wrongful death liability
Three hurt in big rig accident
Three people were injured, two of them seriously, in a crash between a vehicle and a big rig on the I-10 in Desert Center Sunday, fire officials said.
The crash on the westbound side, east of Red Cloud Mine Road, was reported just before 2 p.m., according to Cal Fire’s Melody Hendrickson.
Two patients were airlifted to trauma centers; one was taken to a hospital by ambulance, Hendrickson said.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Cause of the Desert Center Crash
While this devastating Riverside County accident remains under investigation, the family members of those accident victims who were seriously injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Riverside County personal injury lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a personal injury claim.
Liability for Serious Injuries in Car Accidents
Seeking immediate counsel from an experienced personal injury automobile accident attorney is well-advised following a car crash. In severe accidents such as this one the victims would benefit from speaking to an experienced personal injury lawyer regarding the protection of their legal rights and the compensation they are entitled to. And while it is uncertain who is liable for this incident, an attorney can also hire a highly skilled independent investigator to reconstruct the scene of the accident and determine who is responsible.
Attorney Gary A Kessler and the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler are compassionate and fully understand that you are attempting to cope with extreme serious injuries associated with a catastrophic injury. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its catastrophic injury cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention neccessary to obtain a successful result for your catastrophic injury case.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is prepared to front all costs required for a thorough investigation and top expert witnesses to prepare for trial of your case. As in all catastrophic injury and serious personal injury cases, we advance all legal costs to prepare and present our client’s claim, and receive for our services only a percentage of what we recover for our attorney fees on their behalf. Upon settlement our costs shall be reimbursed to us from the gross recovery. If there is no recovery, no attorneys fees or costs are owed to our firm. Contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today so that we can preserve the evidence and demand compensation and accountability from the responsible parties who caused you or your family member catastrophic injuries!
If you or a family member sustained catastrophic injuries you need to contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler, an experienced law firm, immediately to protect your legal rights and preserve the evidence. The laws and time limitations can be complex so protect your legal rights by contacting the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today.
Desert Hot Springs man in wheelchair injured in crash
Desert Hot Springs police on Saturday continued to investigate a collision that left a man in a wheelchair significantly injured.
Also on Saturday, that man — whose name has not been released — remained hospitalized, said police Detective Jim Henson. His condition was not available.
Just before 10 p.m. Friday, the 57-year-old Desert Hot Springs man was struck by a Lincoln Continental on southbound Palm Drive at Buena Vista Avenue, police said.
He was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs with major injuries.
The Lincoln’s driver stopped at the scene and is cooperating with police. He is not in police custody.
Investigators have not determined if speed or alcohol were factors in the collision, which occurred at a four-way intersection with no crosswalks.
Just before 10 p.m. Friday, the 57-year-old Desert Hot Springs man was struck by a Lincoln Continental on southbound Palm Drive at Buena Vista Avenue, police said.
He was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs with major injuries.
The Lincoln’s driver stopped at the scene and is cooperating with police. He is not in police custody.
Investigators have not determined if speed or alcohol were factors in the collision, which occurred at a four-way intersection with no crosswalks.
The intersection was open Saturday afternoon, but chalk markings and burned flares from Friday night were scattered across the road.
Cause of the Desert Hot Springs Crash
This remains an ongoing investigation by the Desert Hot Springs Police Department. While this devastating Riverside County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the accident victim who was seriously injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled personal injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a personal injury claim.
Right of Way
- Pedestrians always have the right of way. So, no matter where you encounter a pedestrian on the road, they always have the right of way. This includes crosswalks, round-a-bouts, at intersections not marked with signals and at street corners. Crosswalks are sometimes defined by white lines or flashing lights. Crosswalks are outlined in yellow near schools.
California Pedestrian Law
“Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(b) This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
(c) The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.
(d) Subdivision (b) does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Source: California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report
Pedestrians need to be especially cautious on our roadways because they are more vulnerable to injury or death. There were two pedestrians killed and two injured in car accidents in Twentynine Palms in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report. In San Bernardino County 39 pedestrians died and 440 were injured in 2009.
In California, there were 598 pedestrians killed and 12,418 injured in 2009, according to the CHP traffic report.
National data compiled by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Authority shows that pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the United States were up 4.9% in 2010 to 4,280 deaths and injuries were up 19% in 2010 to 70,000 people injured.
2 dead in solo vehicle crash
Two people are dead after a solo-vehicle car accident on Saturday afternoon just east of Hanford, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A 27-year-old woman from Armona was driving a 2009 Hyundai Elantra west on Highway 198 near 6th Avenue just after 3 p.m. when she drifted left into the dirt median, the CHP said. The woman overcorrected to the right and the vehicle spun off the road. It then traveled down an embankment and overturned, the CHP said.
A 91-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman, both passengers, died as a result of the crash. Neither has been identified pending notification of family.
A 22-year-old female passenger was taken to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno with major injuries. The driver was taken to Adventist Medical Center in Hanford with minor injuries.
Cause of the King County Crash
As passengers, the deceased likely could have done nothing to prevent this fatal collision that ultimately took their lives. The California Highway Patrol will surely look at the speed of the vehicle, witness reports, and other factors to determine what occurred and who was responsible. Collisions such as this one can have countless causes, including unsafe passing maneuvers, swerving to avoid an object in the road, falling asleep at the wheel, driving under the influence, or driver distraction.
Automobile Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability
While the accident March 16 remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from an experienced wrongful death lawyer. An experienced attorney can advise the victims of their legal rights and decide the best course of action in recovering the maximum compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Also, in unique and complex situations such as this one, an attorney can hire a highly skilled independent investigator to reconstruct the scene of the accident to determine who is at fault.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is a prominent and highly respected law firm in California and the United States. Gary A Kessler has been serving the people as an experienced wrongful death attorney for over twenty years dedicated and committed to obtaining the best results for his clients in each and every case. Through experience and education, our firm is able to expertly evaluate complex medical injuries and pursue wrongful death claims.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler has a sustaining record of outstanding results for their client’s wrongful death cases throughout California. Our firm specializes in difficult automobile vs. tractor-trailer rig(s), collision cases, uninsured motorists cases, rollover accident cases, bus and train collision litigation, defective product liability litigation, boating collision death cases, boating capsizing and drowning cases, backyard pool drownings, Jacuzzi spa drownings, association and community pool drownings, accidental shootings, tractor-trailer and commercial vehicle fatality, fuel tank fire cases and wrongful death cases.
The term “wrongful death” is defined as the death of an individual as a result of the negligence, carelessness, intentional act of another individual, corporation, company or entity. Filing a proper wrongful death claim is extremely difficult and complex for families because they are not only dealing with their grief over the death of a beloved family member, but also complex issues of compensation as well. Wrongful death claims are usually sought after by relatives, siblings, or members of the decedent’s estate who have lost a considerable amount of money as well as loss of support and grief due to the wrongful death of the decedent.
In most states, if the death of a relative or spouse was caused by the wrongful act of another, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party or parties. In order to file a wrongful death claim, you must be able to prove that you will experience severe future emotional and financial hardship because of the loss of the death of a relative, family member or spouse.
Pedestrian hit by truck in East Village
A 20-year-old pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries Wednesday when a truck struck her at a busy East Village intersection, authorities reported.
The woman was walking in a crosswalk on 10th Avenue at about 8:15 a.m. when the red Dodge pickup hit her as the driver was making left turn from 10th Avenue, according to San Diego police.
She was briefly trapped under the vehicle and sustained a fractured pelvis and other trauma, SDPD Sgt. Ray Battrick said. She was taken to UCSD Medical Center in critical condition.
Authorities closed the street crossing to allow access for emergency vehicles and follow-up investigation. The roadways were open again shortly before 10:30 a.m., though traffic remained heavy in the area.
The motorist, a man in his 30s, stopped after the crash and cooperated with police. Intoxication was not believed to have been a factor in the incident, according to Battrick.
Cause of the San Diego Crash
This remains an ongoing investigation by the San Diego Police Department. While this devastating San Diego County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the accident victim who was seriously injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled personal injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a personal injury claim.
Right of Way
- Pedestrians always have the right of way. So, no matter where you encounter a pedestrian on the road, they always have the right of way. This includes crosswalks, round-a-bouts, at intersections not marked with signals and at street corners. Crosswalks are sometimes defined by white lines or flashing lights. Crosswalks are outlined in yellow near schools.
California Pedestrian Law
“Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950 (a) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(b) This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
(c) The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.
(d) Subdivision (b) does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Source: California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report
Pedestrians need to be especially cautious on our roadways because they are more vulnerable to injury or death. There were two pedestrians killed and two injured in car accidents in Twentynine Palms in 2009, according to the California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Report. In San Bernardino County 39 pedestrians died and 440 were injured in 2009.
In California, there were 598 pedestrians killed and 12,418 injured in 2009, according to the CHP traffic report.
National data compiled by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Authority shows that pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the United States were up 4.9% in 2010 to 4,280 deaths and injuries were up 19% in 2010 to 70,000 people injured.
7 Killed, Dozens Hurt in Yucaipa Tour Bus Crash
The bus full of tired tourists from Mexico was slowly winding its way down the mountain from the ski resort town of Big Bear when it suddenly picked up speed. The driver shouted to call 911 — the brakes had failed. The bus left Tijuana early Sunday for the three-hour ride to ferry people up to Big Bear for a day in the snow.
The bus rear-ended a Saturn sedan, swerved, flipped and slid on its side. A Ford pickup in the oncoming lane plowed into it, righting the bus and tossing passengers out shattered windows before it came to a halt.
At least eight people were killed Sunday night and dozens more were injured when the tour bus crashed on a mountain road near Yucaipa.
The bus and two other vehicles collided around 6:30 p.m. Sunday on State Route 38 north of Yucaipa and below Forest Falls, authorities said.
Authorities believe the bus rear-ended a sedan, crashed with a pickup truck pulling a trailer and then rolled over.
The sedan was carrying three people, and the truck had one occupant, officials said.
More than 35 people were injured, according to CHP spokesman Mario Lopez. Some injuries were minor, and some were severe.
The bus was going slowly down the hill and was being passed by other vehicles, including the Saturn, when it suddenly sped up for an unknown reason, according to a person involved in the investigation who requested anonymity because the probe was ongoing.
The bus traveled about a mile from the point it struck the Saturn until it came to a stop, said California Highway Patrol Officer Leon Lopez.
Government records showed the bus, operated by Scapadas Magicas of National City, Calif., recorded 22 safety violations in inspections over a year — including brake, windshield and tire problems.
The crash littered State Route 38 with body parts, winter clothing and debris. The bus stood across both lanes with its windows blown out, front end crushed and part of the roof peeled back like a tin can.
It took firefighters more than two hours to extricate all the injured from the twisted wreckage.
Some of the victims were ejected from the bus, while others were trapped inside.
“It’s a horrific scene,” Lopez said. “Probably one of the worst ones I have seen in my career. There are victims inside the bus, outside the bus, personal belongings [everywhere].”
At least five patients — two minor girls and three adults — were transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center. One of the girls and one adult were reportedly in critical condition.
Victims were also taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Redlands Community Hospital, Community Hospital of San Bernardino and St. Bernardine Medical Center.
The cause of the crash remains unclear, but the bus driver reportedly told investigators the bus had brake problems while coming down the mountain.
Witnesses said that they saw smoke coming from the back of the bus and that it was going very fast, said Michelle Profant, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Transportation.
Investigators will determine if mechanical failure or driver error was to blame. The road, which sometimes closes in winter during snow storms, was dry at the time.
The bus driver, Norberto B. Perez, approximately 52, of San Ysidro, was in serious condition, authorities said.
The driver told investigators the vehicle had brake problems.
The National Transportation Safety Board sent a team to the scene to help in the probe.
Federal transportation records show the bus company was licensed to carry passengers for interstate travel and that it had no crashes in the past two years.
Stephen Keppler of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, a group with industry and government members, said buses and trucks average about two violations for each inspection.
Overall, buses operated by the firm flunked 36 percent of random inspections, the records indicate. That’s higher than the national average for similar companies — a 21 percent failure rate.
Investigators are interviewing witnesses, and they have spoken to the bus driver at the hospital.
Authorities said the bus departed from Tijuana early Sunday and appeared to be heading back there from Big Bear when it crashed.
Information on the bus indicated it was registered to Scapadas Magicas of National City.
Federal authorities said 75% of carriers in the same class have a better safety record.
As a result of the findings from roadside inspections, the U.S. Department of Transportation had placed Scapadas Magicas on a watch list that prioritized its buses for intervention and roadside inspection.
The trip was organized by Tijuana-based InterBus Tours, according to a Facebook posting by the company, which said, “We regret deeply that this happened.”
The company’s Facebook page advertises travel packages from Tijuana to Disneyland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, Las Vegas and area vineyards.
On Friday, it advertised two upcoming trips: one to Big Bear on Sunday and another to Knott’s on Monday.
The National Transportation Safety Board has sent a team to the crash site to investigate. The Mexican consulate was also at the scene.
At least 17 people were still hospitalized, including at least five in critical condition. One is a girl.
The pickup driver was in extremely serious condition, said Peter Brierty, assistant county fire chief. Three people were in the Saturn.
Rocky Shaw, San Bernardino County coroner’s investigation, said one of the dead victims was a 13-year-old boy. The boy’s family from Tijuana was meeting with Mexican Consulate officials after spending the night going from hospital to hospital looking for him.
Jordi Garcia, marketing director of Interbus, said his company rented the bus from Scapadas Magicas, which supplied the driver.
Interbus offers Mexicans near-daily bus tours to the western U.S. from Tijuana. Its office in a Tijuana strip mall displays photographs of some of its destinations, including Hollywood, the Las Vegas Strip and the San Diego Zoo.
There were 38 people aboard the bus that crashed, including the driver and a tour guide, Garcia said. The bus left Tijuana at 5 a.m. Sunday, with the itinerary calling for a return late that night.
“Everything points to faulty brakes,” Garcia said.
Highway 38 is likely to be closed until Monday evening as the investigation continues. You can take State Route 330 or SR 18 as an alternate.
Three Killed, Six Hospitalized in Redlands Crash on North Orange St
Three people were killed and six more suffered major injuries in a head-on collision in Redlands Thursday morning, according to authorities.
Greg Mills, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, said the three deceased were all traveling in the same minivan. The fatalities included a two men and one woman.
Police told Mills only two of the eight people in the minivan were wearing seat belts.
The driver of the other vehicle, a commercial van, was also injured.
Mills said that driver, the only occupant of his vehicle, suffered a broken leg and broken ankle. The driver underwent an operation Thursday afternoon.
The accident occurred at Orange Street between Pioneer and the Santa Ana River wash, just after 9:30 a.m., according to officials.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Mills reported that it appears the minivan was going northbound on Orange and slammed on its brakes before veering into traffic in the right lane.
Orange Street remained closed for much of the day.
Automobile Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability
While the accident on January 17 remains under investigation, the family members of the victims in the minivan would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from an experienced wrongful death lawyer. An experienced attorney can advise the victims of their legal rights and decide the best course of action in recovering the maximum compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Also, in unique and complex situations such as this one, an attorney can hire a highly skilled independent investigator to reconstruct the scene of the accident to determine who is at fault.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is a prominent and highly respected law firm in California and the United States. Gary A Kessler has been serving the people as an experienced wrongful death attorney for over twenty years dedicated and committed to obtaining the best results for his clients in each and every case. Through experience and education, our firm is able to expertly evaluate complex medical injuries and pursue wrongful death claims.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler has a sustaining record of outstanding results for their client’s wrongful death cases throughout California. Our firm specializes in difficult automobile vs. tractor-trailer rig(s), collision cases, uninsured motorists cases, rollover accident cases, bus and train collision litigation, defective product liability litigation, boating collision death cases, boating capsizing and drowning cases, backyard pool drownings, jacuzzi spa drownings, association and community pool drownings, accidental shootings, tractor-trailer and commercial vehicle fatality, fuel tank fire cases and wrongful death cases.
The term “wrongful death” is defined as the death of an individual as a result of the negligence, carelessness, intentional act of another individual, corporation, company or entity. Filing a proper wrongful death claim is extremely difficult and complex for families because they are not only dealing with their grief over the death of a beloved family member, but also complex issues of compensation as well. Wrongful death claims are usually sought after by relatives, siblings, or members of the decedent’s estate who have lost a considerable amount of money as well as loss of support and grief due to the wrongful death of the decedent.
In most states, if the death of a relative or spouse was caused by the wrongful act of another, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party or parties. In order to file a wrongful death claim, you must be able to prove that you will experience severe future emotional and financial hardship because of the loss of the death of a relative, family member or spouse.
Elderly woman mauled by pit bulls in Jurupa Valley
An 84-year-old Jurupa Valley woman was taken to a hospital today after being attacked by two pit bulls that apparently got away from their owner.
The dogs went after the victim, whose identity was not released, around 11 a.m. in the area of Beach and 54th streets, according to Riverside County Department of Animal Services spokesman John Welsh.
He said the canines bit the woman, whose condition was not immediately known.
“The victim was walking to a community mailbox to retrieve her mail near her home at the time,” Welsh told City News Service.
He said the canines crawled underneath a fence surrounding their owner’s property and charged at the woman, biting her.
“She was severely hurt,” Welsh said, calling it “a terrible, tragic attack.”
An animal services officer found and seized the dogs, which were euthanized, according to Welsh.
The owner was issued multiple citations, including violating the county’s leash law.
“This is why we are constantly reminding pet owners to have secure fence lines, high walls for jumpers and well-maintained gates that do not swing open in high winds,” Welsh said.
Sheriff’s deputies were expected to take over the investigation.
Cause of the Jurupa Valley
While this devastating Riverside County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim who was fatally injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Riverside County personal injury lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a personal injury claim.
Dog Attacks and personal injury liability
CALIFORNIA DOG BITE STATUTE SECTION 3342
Under California Law, it is no longer necessary for the Plaintiff to prove that the dog was known to be vicious or had a propensity to bite. One bite alone is sufficient for liability. Dog owners do not get a second chance in California. They are liable for any injury their animals cause regardless of whether the animal had bitten anyone previously. Under California Dog Bite Statute Section 3342 the Plaintiff must prove in a dog bite case the following:
- Defendant owned the dog;
- The dog bit the Plaintiff;
- The Plaintiff was lawfully on the premises (express or implied consent to be on the premises) where the bite occurred; and
- Plaintiff sustained injuries from the dog bite.
What You Should Do If You Or A Loved One Has Been Bitten By A Dog:
- Take pictures of your injuries immediately;
- Consult law enforcement and request that a police report be made;
- Keep copies of all medical bills and records;
- Continue to take pictures of the bite(s) as the wounds heal;
- Be sure that your doctor is qualified and determine if you are a candidate for plastic surgery to get rid of the scarring;
- If an adult who is employed sustained injuries and lost wages, keep a record of economic loss.
WE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU!
Demand accountability from dog owners. Settling dog bite claims can be difficult and complex. Many times the insurance companies will play “hardball” if you try to settle the case yourself or you have employed a lawyer who does not have the litigation experience to handle such a case. We at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have 20 years of litigation experience and we know how to handle the insurance companies. We are prepared to front all of the costs required for the necessary investigations and expert witnesses needed to prepare your case for trial. Are the other law firms you are considering willing to front all costs?
In a dog bite case, we advance all legal costs to prepare and present our client’s claim, and receive a percentage of the settlement or verdict of what we recover for our attorney’s fees on their behalf. Upon settlement our costs shall be reimbursed to us from the gross recovery. If there is no recovery, no attorney’s fees or costs are owed to our firm. Thus, in all personal injury cases, our fees are recovered as a percentage of any settlement or verdict awarded to our clients.
Contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today so that we can preserve the evidence and demand compensation and accountability from the responsible parties who caused you or your family member catastrophic injuries!
If you or a family member sustained serious dog bite injuries contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler, an experienced law firm, immediately to protect your legal rights and preserve the evidence.
2011 statistics
- 31 U.S. fatal dog attacks occurred in 2011. Despite being regulated in Military Housing Areas and over 650 U.S. cities, pit bulls led these attacks accounting for 71% (22). Pit bulls make up less than 5% of the total U.S. dog population.2
- Notably in 2011, adult victims of fatal pit bull attacks more than doubled the number of child victims. Of the 22 total pit bull victims, 68% (15) fell between the ages of 32 to 76, and 32% (7) were ages 5 years and younger.
- The year 2011 also marks an increase in pet pit bulls killing their owners. Of the 8 total instances this year in which a family dog inflicted fatal injury to its primary caretaker, the dog’s owner, 88% (7) involved pet pit bulls.
- Together, pit bulls (22) and rottweilers (4), the number two lethal dog breed, accounted for 84% of all fatal attacks in 2011. In the 7-year period from 2005 to 2011, this same combination accounted for 73% (156) of the total recorded deaths (213).
- The breakdown between pit bulls and rottweilers is substantial over this 7-year period. From 2005 to 2011, pit bulls killed 127 Americans,3 about one citizen every 20 days, versus rottweilers, which killed 29; about one citizen every 88 days.
- Annual data from 2011 shows that 58% (18) of the attacks occurred to adults (21 years and older) and 42% (13) occurred to children (11 years and younger). Of the children, 62% (8) occurred to ages 1 and younger.
- 2011 data also shows that 39% (12) of the fatal incidents involved more than one dog; 26% (8) involved breeding on the dog owner’s property either actively or in the recent past, and 6% (2) involved tethered dogs, down from 9% in 2010 and 19% in 2009.
- Dog ownership information for 2011 shows that family dogs comprised 65% (20) of the attacks that resulted in death; 74% (23) of all incidents occurred on the dog owner’s property and 29% (9) resulted in criminal charges, up from 15% in 2010.
- The states of California and Texas led fatalities in 2011, each with 4 deaths; pit bulls and their mixes contributed to 88% (7) of the 8 deaths. North Carolina, New Mexico, South Carolina and Virginia each incurred 2 deaths.
- 2011 Fatal Dog attacks by breed
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