Wrongful Death
Two Pedestrians Fatally Struck on a Sidewalk
Rick Crowell, 65, and Sharon Crowell, 61, were hit by a car on Eastwood on Tuesday morning. Sharon was found beneath the wreckage and was declared dead on the scene by paramedics. Rick was transported to a hospital but died a short time later, officials said.
Authorities said a 17-year-old on his way to school veered onto a walkway lined with bushes. His car struck the couple before coming to a stop against a retaining wall and a tree. He stayed on the scene and cooperated with police after the crash. There are no charges pending against the boy, the Irvine Police Department said.
Several people at the vigil said the boy was a Northwood High School student on his way to school. He wasn’t at school the day after the crash, said M’Lis Fox, whose daughter goes to school with the boy. High school students at the vigil said Advanced Placement testing was scheduled for the day of the fatal crash.
A week long fundraiser for the couple’s family will be held starting Monday at Northwood Pizza. A percentage of the proceeds will go to the family, which plans to use it for a memorial near where the couple was killed.
Cause of the Irvine Crash
While this devastating Orange County 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 Orange County wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled wrongful death 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.
Automobile Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability
While the accident on March 12 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.
Distracted Driving
Each day, more than 15 people are killed and more than 1,200 people are injured in crashes that were reported to involve a distracted driver. Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving; these activities can increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash.
There are three main types of distraction:
A recent CDC analysis examined the frequency of two major distractions—cell phone use and texting—among drivers in the United States and several countries in Europe.
- Visual—taking your eyes off the road;
- Manual—taking your hands off the wheel; and
- Cognitive—taking your mind off what you are doing.
Distracted driving activities include things like using a cell phone, texting, and eating. Using in-vehicle technologies (such as navigation systems) can also be sources of distraction. While any of these distractions can endanger the driver and others, texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction.
How big is the problem?
- In 2009, more than 5,400 people died in crashes that were reported to involve a distracted driver and about 448,000 people were injured.
- Among those killed or injured in these crashes, nearly 1,000 deaths and 24,000 injuries included cell phone use as the major distraction.
- The proportion of drivers reportedly distracted at the time of a fatal crash has increased from 7 percent in 2005 to 11 percent in 2009.
- When asked whether driving feels safer, less safe, or about the same as it did five years ago, more than 1 in 3 drivers say driving feels less safe today. Distracted driving—cited by 3 out of 10 of these drivers—was the single most common reason given for feeling less safe today.
- A recent CDC analysis examined the frequency of two major distractions—cell phone use and texting—among drivers in the United States and seven European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom). Results of the analysis included the following findings:
- Cell phone use while driving:
- 25% of drivers in the United States reported that they “regularly or fairly often” talk on their cell phones while driving.
- In Europe, percentages ranged from 21% in the Netherlands to 3% in the United Kingdom.
- 75% of U.S. drivers ages 18 to 29 reported that they talked on their cell phone while driving at least once in the past 30 days, and nearly 40% reported that they talk on their cell phone “regularly” or “fairly often” while driving.
- In Europe, percentages of young adults who reported talking on their cell while driving at least once in the past 30 days ranged from 50% in Portugal to 30% in the Netherlands.
- Texting or e-mailing while driving:
- 9% of drivers in the United States reported texting or e-mailing “regularly or fairly often” while driving.
- In Europe, percentages ranged from 10% in the Netherlands to 1% in the United Kingdom.
- 52% of U.S. drivers ages 18-29 reported texting or e-mailing while driving at least once in the last 30 days, and more than a quarter report texting or e-mailing “regularly” or “fairly often” while driving.
- In Europe, percentages of young adults who reported texting or e-mailing while driving at least once in the past 30 days ranged from 44% in Portugal to 17% in the United Kingdom.
- Cell phone use while driving:
What are the risk factors?
- Some activities—such as texting—take the driver’s attention away from driving more frequently and for longer periods than other distractions.
- Younger, inexperienced drivers under the age of 20 may be at highest risk because they have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes.
How can distracted driving be prevented?
- Many states are enacting laws—such as banning texting while driving—or using graduated driver licensing systems for teen drivers to help raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and to keep it from occurring.
- On September 30, 2009, President Obama issued an executive order prohibiting federal employees from texting while driving on government business or with government equipment.
- On October 27, 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enacted a ban that prohibits commercial vehicle drivers from texting while driving.
Passenger Dies after Fatal Accident on Fairview at McFadden in Santa Ana
A Costa Mesa man was arrested in connection with a crash early Monday that left one of his two passengers dead, authorities said.
Felix Jacobo Brito, 37, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, Santa Ana police said.
The crash was reported about 12:30 a.m. at 1200 S. Fairview St., between McFadden and Edinger avenues, Santa Ana police Cmdr. Chris Revere said.
Brito was driving southbound on Fairview away from McFadden when he lost control of his vehicle and veered off the roadway into a nearby flood-control channel, police said.
A male passenger was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
Orange County Coroner’s Office officials on Monday afternoon identified the man as Felipe Brito, 47. Authorities did not immediately confirm if he and Felix Brito were related.
Felipe Brito, 47, was identified Monday as the passenger who died after being thrown from the car he was riding in when it crashed into a flood-control channel on south Fairview Street just south of W. McFadden Avenue, according to a press release issued by the Orange County Sheriff Coroner Department.
Cause of the Orange County Crash
As a passeger, the deceased likely could have done nothing to prevent this fatal collision that ultimately took his life. 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 11 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.
Fatal Traffic Accident in Wildomar
On Sunday March 10, 2013, at 4:45 p.m., officers from the Wildomar Police Department responded to a collision at the intersection of Bundy Canyon Road and Monte Vista Drive resulting in two fatalities.
The preliminary investigation revealed a white Mercedes 300SE was traveling north on Monte Vista when it failed to stop at the stop sign at Bundy Canyon Road. The Mercedes collided into a Mercury Tracer with two occupants. The passenger, a white male in the Tracer died on impact, while the driver, a white female, was transported to inland Valley Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the Mercedes did not sustain any injuries. The names of the victims are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information is encouraged to call Officer Williams or Sergeant Giannakakos of the Wildomar Police Department at 951 245-3300.
Cause of the Wildomar Crash
The Wildomar Police Department will surely look at speed and other factors to determine why this accident occurred, and whether the driver of the Mercedes 300SE could have done anything to avoid the collision. While this accident remains under investigation, the family of the victims who were fatally injured in this collision would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. An attorney who understands the unique legal issues of auto v. auto accidents can review the report and determine who is responsible for this collision. If the driver of the vehicle is determined to be responsible, she may be liable for the young victim’s wrongful death.
When you suffer serious/traumatic injuries or a loved one’s death, you are entitled to compensation (medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages, future wages and pain and suffering). The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler will aggressively represent you and fight for your rights against the insurance companies for the monetary damages you deserve.
Liability for Wrongful Death Car Accidents
Seeking immediate counsel from an experienced California 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.
Attorney Gary A Kessler and the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler are compassionate and fully understand that you are attempting to cope with the loss of a loved one. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its wrongful death cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention necessary to obtain a successful result for your 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.
Worker killed by lion was female volunteer
A female volunteer worker at Project Survival’s Cat Haven at Dunlap is dead in an attack by an African lion, a state Department of Fish and Wildlife official said Wednesday.
Lt. Tony Spada of state Fish & Wildlife confirmed that one worker was killed by the lion in an enclosure at the haven, at 38257 E. Kings Canyon Road. The haven is permitted by the agency for exotic animals.
According to Cat Haven founder and executive director Dale Anderson the 26-year-old intern was attacked and killed when she entered the lion’s enclosure, , but he refused to provide more details.
Investigators were trying to determine why the intern was inside the enclosure and what might have provoked the attack, sheriff’s Sgt. Greg Collins said. The facility is normally closed on Wednesdays, and only one other worker was there when the mauling happened, he said.
The male African lion, a 4-year-old male named Cous Cous, had been raised at Cat Haven since it was a cub, said Tanya Osegueda, a spokeswoman for Project Survival, the nonprofit that operates the animal park.
Another park worker had unsuccessfully tried luring the lion into a separate pen, so deputies shot and killed it so they could reach the wounded woman, who died at the scene, Miller said.
Anderson did not field questions after talking to reporters. He did not say why the victim had entered the lion’s enclosure.
Anderson said Project Survival would investigate to see if the intern and the other worker on-site followed the group’s protocols.
Spada described this type of incident as “very rare” because of the safety measures required by the state and because regulations require minimal human-animal interaction.
The attack occurred about 12:30 p.m. when the worker was inside an enclosure with an African lion named Cous Cous, The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said.
Another employee made several attempts to distract the lion away from the victim and into another enclosure, to no avail.
The business was closed to the public after the attack.
Spada said his agency will investigate along with the Sheriff’s Office to pin down what happened, including an autopsy of the lion.
Fresno County Emergency Medical Services got a call around 12:32 p.m. to respond to the Cat Haven. But before their arrival at 12:52 p.m., the call was canceled because the patient had died.
An autopsy on the worker will be conducted Thursday, Fresno County Coroner David Hadden said. The worker’s name and hometown were not released.
Osegueda, the Cat Haven spokeswoman, said Cous Cous was 4 years old and had been raised at the sanctuary since it was an 8-week-old cub.
Premises Liabilty and Wrongful Death
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.
The required elements for a successful wrongful death case include:- Death of a person;
- That death was caused by the negligence of another;
- There are surviving family members who are monetarily suffering due to that death;- Compensation for funeral services in the memory of the decedent and for the burial and disposition of the body;
- Compensation for any and all medical expenses incurred;
- Compensation for loss of support and future income;
- Reimbursement for any future services normally provided to you by the decedent (i.e., person who died);- Reimbursement for any and all property damage;
- Compensation for “loss of consortium” (i.e., love, companionship, comfort, affection, society, solace etc.); and
- There must be a personal representative appointed to bring the suit on behalf of the decedent’s estate.
The laws regarding wrongful death cases are complex and include many facets of the law. It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced wrongful death 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 California wrongful death 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 grief and sorrow associated with the loss of a loved one. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its wrongful death cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention necessary to obtain a successful result for your wrongful death case.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is prepared to front all costs required for a thorough investigation and expert witnesses to prepare for trial of your case. As in all wrongful death 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.
Head-on Collision in Palm Desert Claims 2 Lives
A head-on collision Saturday night on Washington Street in Palm Desert killed two people from Indio.
The driver, a 40-year-old man, wasn’t wearing his seat belt and was ejected from a Chevrolet pickup when it collided with a GMC pickup hauling a trailer, the Riverside County coroner’s office reported.
The passenger in the Chevrolet, Christine Chandler, 29, of Indio, was wearing her seat belt but died of her injuries at the scene.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver’s name was withheld pending notification of his family.
The crash occurred at about 9:45 p.m. in the center median of Washington Street, about 800 feet south of 38th Avenue.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the GMC pickup was heading north on Washington when it was struck head-on by the southbound Chevrolet pickup that drifted into oncoming traffic.
A CHP officer at the scene of the crash said alcohol may have been a factor, as empty beer cans were found scattered near the Chevrolet.
Three others in the GMC, a man and two boys, ages 12 and 7, suffered minor injuries, according to the CHP.
Cause of the Palm Desert Crash
While this devastating Riverside County 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 Riverside County wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled wrongful death 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.
Automobile Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability
While the accident on March 3 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.
Man on bicycle killed in Apple Valley crash
On March 1, 2013 at 10:10 AM, Kevin Olin, a 56 year old resident of Apple Valley, was riding his bicycle southbound on Apple Valley Road south of Quantico Rd. when he was struck from behind by a Chevy Tahoe also traveling southbound. Olin was pronounced dead at the scene. Apple Valley Police is investigating this incident.
Cause of the Apple Valley Crash
The Apple Valley Police Department will surely look at speed and other factors to determine why this accident occurred, and whether the truck driver could have done anything to avoid the collision. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the young man fatally injured in this collision would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney who understands the unique legal issues of car vs. bicycle accidents can review the report and determine who is responsible for this collision. If the driver of the vehicle is determined to be responsible, he may be liable for the young victim’s medical care expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Bicycle Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability
Bicycles have as much right to be on the road as other vehicles. When automobile drivers violate the rights of a bicyclist, serious injuries and death can occur.
When you suffer serious/traumatic injuries or a loved one’s death, you are entitled to compensation (medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages, future wages and pain and suffering). The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler will aggressively represent you and fight for your rights against the insurance companies for the monetary damages you deserve.
The laws regarding pedestrian and bicycle accident cases are complex and include many facets of the law. It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced pedestrian and bicycle 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 Western United States pedestrian and bicycle 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 extreme serious injuries associated with a pedestrian/bicycle accident. Such accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its wrongful death and pedestrian/bicycle accident cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention necessary to obtain a successful result for your 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 pedestrian and bicycle accidents 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.
Fatal Head-On Collision Leaves One dead
On March 1, 2013 at approximately 5:33 AM, Guadalupe Gutierrez Serrano a 56 year old Hispanic male and resident of the Ridgecrest area,was the driver and solo occupant of a 1997 Red Dodge Dakota pick up traveling southbound on State Hwy 395 at Mile Marker 58 in Rural Kramer Junction. The Dodge pick up was struck head on by a 1993 Blue Honda Civic. Serrano was pronounced dead at the scene by San Bernardino County Fire (Helendale) at 5:49 AM. The driver, and solo occupant of the Honda was transported to an area hospital.
An investigation into this accident is ongoing. Our condolences go out to the friends and family of Guadalupe Gutierrez Serrano in his untimely death. This area of highway 395 is very rural. All vehicles should drive carefully in rural areas, since there is less traffic driving conditions become even more dangerous.
Automobile Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability
While the accident of March 1 remains under investigation, the family members of the victims 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.
Gary A. Kessler believes enforcement and common-sense safety laws, such as texting while driving bans, can help prevent distracted driving car accidents, and deaths. But legislation is not the only solution. Common sense, personal responsibility and educating drivers about the dangers of distracted driving are all major parts of the solution that will save lives.
Distracted Driving
Each day, more than 15 people are killed and more than 1,200 people are injured in crashes that were reported to involve a distracted driver. Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving; these activities can increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash.
There are three main types of distraction:
A recent CDC analysis examined the frequency of two major distractions—cell phone use and texting—among drivers in the United States and several countries in Europe.
- Visual—taking your eyes off the road;
- Manual—taking your hands off the wheel; and
- Cognitive—taking your mind off what you are doing.
Distracted driving activities include things like using a cell phone, texting, and eating. Using in-vehicle technologies (such as navigation systems) can also be sources of distraction. While any of these distractions can endanger the driver and others, texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction.
How big is the problem?
- In 2009, more than 5,400 people died in crashes that were reported to involve a distracted driver and about 448,000 people were injured.
- Among those killed or injured in these crashes, nearly 1,000 deaths and 24,000 injuries included cell phone use as the major distraction.
- The proportion of drivers reportedly distracted at the time of a fatal crash has increased from 7 percent in 2005 to 11 percent in 2009.
- When asked whether driving feels safer, less safe, or about the same as it did five years ago, more than 1 in 3 drivers say driving feels less safe today. Distracted driving—cited by 3 out of 10 of these drivers—was the single most common reason given for feeling less safe today.
- A recent CDC analysis examined the frequency of two major distractions—cell phone use and texting—among drivers in the United States and seven European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom). Results of the analysis included the following findings:
- Cell phone use while driving:
- 25% of drivers in the United States reported that they “regularly or fairly often” talk on their cell phones while driving.
- In Europe, percentages ranged from 21% in the Netherlands to 3% in the United Kingdom.
- 75% of U.S. drivers ages 18 to 29 reported that they talked on their cell phone while driving at least once in the past 30 days, and nearly 40% reported that they talk on their cell phone “regularly” or “fairly often” while driving.
- In Europe, percentages of young adults who reported talking on their cell while driving at least once in the past 30 days ranged from 50% in Portugal to 30% in the Netherlands.
- Texting or e-mailing while driving:
- 9% of drivers in the United States reported texting or e-mailing “regularly or fairly often” while driving.
- In Europe, percentages ranged from 10% in the Netherlands to 1% in the United Kingdom.
- 52% of U.S. drivers ages 18-29 reported texting or e-mailing while driving at least once in the last 30 days, and more than a quarter report texting or e-mailing “regularly” or “fairly often” while driving.
- In Europe, percentages of young adults who reported texting or e-mailing while driving at least once in the past 30 days ranged from 44% in Portugal to 17% in the United Kingdom.
- Cell phone use while driving:
What are the risk factors?
- Some activities—such as texting—take the driver’s attention away from driving more frequently and for longer periods than other distractions.
- Younger, inexperienced drivers under the age of 20 may be at highest risk because they have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes.
How can distracted driving be prevented?
- Many states are enacting laws—such as banning texting while driving—or using graduated driver licensing systems for teen drivers to help raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and to keep it from occurring.
- On September 30, 2009, President Obama issued an executive order prohibiting federal employees from texting while driving on government business or with government equipment.
- On October 27, 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enacted a ban that prohibits commercial vehicle drivers from texting while driving.
Man on bicycle killed in crash near Merced
A 53-year-old Madera man on a bicycle was killed Tuesday evening after being hit by a truck on Childs Avenue in the Merced area, the California Highway Patrol reported.
The name of the victim hasn’t been released pending notification to his family.
The CHP said the victim was riding a Miyata bicycle westbound on Childs Avenue, east of Tower Road, around 7 p.m. he was struck by a westbound 2001 Ford truck. George Avila, 55, of Merced told the CHP he saw the bicyclist riding on the right edge of the road and turned his truck to the left but was unable to avoid striking the bicyclist.
When the front of the truck collided with the rear of the bicycle, the bicyclist was thrown to the north dirt shoulder. He was taken by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center Merced, where he died. Avila wasn’t injured, according to the CHP.
DUI does not appear to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.
Cause of the Merced Crash
The California Highway Patrol will surely look at speed and other factors to determine why this accident occurred, and whether the truck driver could have done anything to avoid the collision. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the young man fatally injured in this collision would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney who understands the unique legal issues of car vs. bicycle accidents can review the report and determine who is responsible for this collision. If the driver of the vehicle is determined to be responsible, he may be liable for the young victim’s medical care expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Bicycle Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability
Bicycles have as much right to be on the road as other vehicles. When automobile drivers violate the rights of a bicyclist, serious injuries and death can occur.
When you suffer serious/traumatic injuries or a loved one’s death, you are entitled to compensation (medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages, future wages and pain and suffering). The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler will aggressively represent you and fight for your rights against the insurance companies for the monetary damages you deserve.
The laws regarding pedestrian and bicycle accident cases are complex and include many facets of the law. It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced pedestrian and bicycle 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 Western United States pedestrian and bicycle 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 extreme serious injuries associated with a pedestrian/bicycle accident. Such accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its wrongful death and pedestrian/bicycle accident cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention necessary to obtain a successful result for your 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 pedestrian and bicycle accidents 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.
Victims in fiery I-5 crash identified by coroner
Two people died in a fiery crash on Interstate 5 near the northern Yolo County line late Saturday night, which may have been as a result of drunken driving
The crash, which occurred at 11:10 p.m., at the I-5, I-505 off-ramp near Dunnigan, involved two vehicles both of which burst into flames after one rolled on top of the other, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The sheriff’s department said the driver of the Oldsmobile was Jorge Mora Arias, 40, of Woodland. The driver of the Honda was identified as Cheryl Ann Fortress, 34, of Paradise, Butte County
According to the CHP, received a report of a “hazardous vehicle,” later identified as a 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva, which was blacked out in the No. 1 lane on northbound I-5, and possibly facing the wrong way, according to CHP officer Bryan Konvalin. The Oldsmobile was being driven by Arias, according to the CHP.
As CHP officers were responding to the scene a second vehicle, later identified as 1992 Honda Accord, being driven by the woman from Willows, collided with the Oldsmobile.
The collision caused the Honda to roll on top of the Oldsmobile and both vehicles were immediately engulfed in flames.
Firefighters from the Dunnigan Fire Protection District responded at that time and fought the blaze, according to Dunnigan Assistant Fire Chief Michael Urlaub, but there was little they could do with drivers inside both the burning vehicles.
Cause of the Yolo County Crash
While this devastating Yolo 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 Yolo County 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.
Automobile Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability
While the accident on February 24 remains under investigation, the family members of the victims fatally injured 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.
I-10 collision kills Pomona motorist
On 02/24/13, at 5:34 AM, officers from the California Highway Patrol responded to the area of Interstate 10 eastbound at Central Ave. in Montclair for reports of a roll-over traffic collision. When they arrived, they found the driver of a black 1989 Honda Accord identified as Travis Matthew Eschardies, a 24 year-old resident of Pomona, in the roadway near his vehicle. For unknown reasons, Eschardies had struck the blockwall on the shoulder and his vehicle was propelled back into the traffic lanes where the Honda was struck again by a Chevrolet Silverado pickup. Eschardies was transported to the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead at 7:19 AM. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the accident. An autopsy will be conducted later this week to determine the exact cause of death.
Cause of the Montclair Crash
This remains an ongoing investigation by the California Highway Patrol. While this devastating San Bernardino County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the accident victim who was 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 wrongful death 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.
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.
