Wrongful Death
Woman In SD For Comic-Con Killed Near Convention Center

A woman in town to attend Comic-Con International 2012 was struck and killed by a car Tuesday in front of the San Diego Convention Center, where the highly popular annual event takes place, authorities reported.
A man driving a Subaru Outback had a green light when his westbound vehicle hit the 50-year-old woman at Harbor Drive and Fifth Avenue shortly before 9:30 a.m., according to San Diego police.
“Apparently, the pedestrian, as she went (along) the crosswalk, stumbled and fell and struck the vehicle as it passed by her,” SDPD Sgt. Ron Glass told 10News.
Medics took the victim to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Friends identified the victim as Gisela Gagliardi, but authorities have not confirmed the identity.
Gagliardi was among a large group that had been waiting near the Convention Center since Sunday specifically to see the cast of the “Twilight” films, friends told 10News.
Friends said Gagliardi was part of a dedicated group that traveled to many cities with the hopes of getting a glimpse of the “Twilight” stars. 10News learned Gagliardi was an accountant from Kingston, N.Y.
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.
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Teen from Santa Ana dies in fiery crash

A 17-year-old Santa Ana boy was killed in a fiery traffic crash Sunday in the Valley Glen area in the San Fernando Valley, the California Highway Patrol said.
Miles Eubanks, a back passenger in a 2004 Chevrolet, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on the southbound 170 north of Victoria Boulevard, according to a CHP news release.
The crash occurred at about 6:30 p.m. when the driver of the Chevrolet struck a disabled 2007 Jeep in the No. 1 lane.
“The driver of the Chevrolet made a hard brake … but was unable to stop before rear-ending the Jeep,” according to the CHP news release.
Both vehicles were stopped in the No. 1 lane, with the Jeep in front, the CHP said.
The Chevrolet driver and his front passenger got out of the vehicle to check on the driver of the Jeep, the CHP added. Eubanks stayed inside.
That’s when the driver of a Lexus SUV rear-ended the Chevrolet while it was stopped in the No. 1 lane, the CHP said. The Chevrolet overturned and caught on fire.
Eubanks was unable to escape before the vehicle was consumed by fire, the CHP said.
Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department pronounced Eubanks dead at the scene. The front passenger of the Chevrolet was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injures.
Cause of the Valley Glen Crash
If news accounts of this incident are accurate, the Lexus-SUV driver is likely responsible for the incident. While this devastating Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 July 8 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.
Highway 60 crash leaves one dead
One person was killed in a crash between a car and big-rig on Highway 60 in Rubidoux late Saturday night, closing the freeway for several hours, fire officials reported.
A car and a big rig were involved in the accident, reported on the freeway east of Valley Way at 10:36 p.m., a Cal Fire/Riverside County fire news release stated. One person was killed, another suffered moderate injuries and taken by ambulance to an area hospital, and another person was unhurt.
The Riverside County coroner had not identified the person killed as of Sunday morning.
The California Highway Patrol was investigating. No one was immediately available at the CHP’s Inland Division office to comment.
Cause of the Riverside County 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 Kern County wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury and 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
Fault and Wrongful Death Liability
Accidents involving big-rigs have unique and complex legal issues. If it is determined that the driver of the big-rig was at fault for this collision, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a California truck accident attorney. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney will be able to review the cause of the accident, and if warranted, arrange for an independent investigator to reconstruct the collision to determine exactly what happened and who was responsible. A skilled lawyer can also provide an explanation to the victim’s family on their legal rights in a wrongful death claim against the driver or any other parties at fault. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Demand accountability from the trucking company. We at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have handled complex trucking accident cases for twenty years. We have the litigation experience to handle complex trucking liability cases. We are prepared to front all costs required for the necessary investigation and expert witnesses needed to prepare your case for trial. Remember, the trucking industry are a formidable foe and must be fought against aggressively.
The laws regarding wrongful death/”trucking 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 wrongful death/”trucking accident” lawyer such as Gary A Kessler at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler to protect your legal rights and those of your loved ones.
California trucking 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 grief and sorrow associated with the loss of a loved one. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its “trucking accident” cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention necessary to obtain a successful result for your “trucking accident” 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.
If you have been seriously injured or a family member sustained fatal injuries involving a tractor-trailer rig you need to contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler or another experienced law firm immediately to protect your 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.
Highway 113 in Sutter County blocked until 4 p.m. after chain-reaction accident

Four people were injured in the series of crashes that occurred at a road construction site where traffic was stopped in the southbound direction on CA Highway 113 in rural Sutter County
An oncoming big rig traveling southbound either failed to brake or his brakes did not correctly function, according to the CHP. His rig failed to stop, rear-ending a Dodge pickup pulling a boat.
The boat went off the right shoulder and the pickup went left into a canal. Before the Dodge pickup went off the road it rear-ended a Ford pickup that was carrying a white powdery substance used in agriculture to prevent sunburn on plants and trees.
The powder was spread over the pavement and along the highway. The two pickups ended up on the left side of the road and were pinned by the big rig down off the roadway.
The Ford pickup also rear-ended a Honda car, which was then shoved into a big rig hauling logs.
The CHP said the driver and passenger in the Honda and the Ford pickup driver were taken to the hospital by helicopter. The driver of the Dodge pickup was transported by ambulance.
Conditions of those transported to the hospital were not immediately available.
Cause of the Sutter County Crash
While this devastating 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 Sutter County lawyer 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 Sutter County 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.
Teenager Killed in Pyramid Lake Boating Accident

A 16-year-old boy was killed in a Los Angeles County boating accident involving a collision between a 21-foot ski boat and a Wave Runner personal watercraft. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the fatal boat accident occurred on Pyramid Lake in Castaic the afternoon of July 1, 2012. Officials say the watercraft may have turned into the path of the boat shortly before the collision. Coroner’s investigators say that the boy killed in a boating crash at Pyramid Lake north of Los Angeles over the weekend was a teenager vacationing with his family from Russia, 16-year-old Harut Emmanuel Shabazyan .The teen victim was pronounced dead shortly after the accident and his 30-year-old passenger was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition. The 30-year-old driver of the ski boat was not injured. Alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the crash.
Boating Accident Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability
The most common boating accidents are collisions with other boats, sinking’s, capsizing and boat disappearances.
Boating accidents occur very quickly and in many different places. Lakes, canals, rivers, inter-coastal waterways and oceans are where tragedies normally occur. Last year in California, there were 744 boating accidents involving 439 injuries and 44 fatalities.
According to the United States Coast Guard each year there are more than 8,000 boating accidents in the U.S. that result in 4,000 serious injuries and 800 deaths.
Many times a boater will have been speeding or may have had too much alcohol.
There are specific boating laws that must be followed or fatalities can occur. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is familiar with the different state’s boating laws. We know the boating liability issues and will inform you of your true state, local and Federal boating rights and legal options which will result in successful outcome in your case.
It is a general rule of law that the operator of a boat and its owner has a duty to exercise a reasonable degree of care in order to prevent injuries to others. The most common boating accidents are collisions with other boats, sinking and boat disappearance. Boating injuries usually occur because of a reckless or careless operator, alcohol, boat malfunctions or an inexperienced boating (captain) operator.
Operators of boats have a legal obligation to operate their watercraft in a safe and prudent manner. The overwhelming majority of boating accidents are caused by factors that can be controlled by the operator of the boat. The primary cause of boating accidents nationwide was operator inattention, followed by careless/reckless operation, operator inexperience, operating at an unsafe speed, and failure to have a proper lookout.
Common violations of the duty of ordinary care in a maritime setting include a failure to warn against foreseeable harm, violations of “rules of the water,” such as excessive speed, failure to have proper lights, failure to yield, intoxication and others. Owners may also be held liable under the theory of vicarious liability. For example, an owner may be held liable for an operator’s failure to warn passengers of intended maneuvers, overloading the boat or permitting the guest to sit in a dangerous position.
Accidents involving bystanders, such as swimmers or water skiers, are typically treated in the same manner as cases involving social guests. The law and courts where the accident occurred will generally control any lawsuits brought by injured bystanders unless the defendant boat owner asserts admiralty jurisdiction.
The laws regarding boating accident (drowning) cases are complex and include many facets of the law. It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced boating fatality 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 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 in a tragic boating fatality (drowning) accident. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its wrongful death/drowning/boating fatality cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention neccessary to obtain a successful result for your boating fatality/drowning 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 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 atorney 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.
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler has the successful track record and reputation for aggressively representing our clients for recovering tens of millions of dollars in boating fatality cases in both State and Federal Counts.
13-year-old boy and his dog are hit and killed

A Bakersfield family is distraught over the loss of a 13-year-old boy and his dog. The California Highway Patrol says both were hit and killed by a drunk driver Sunday night.
The family of Israel Chavez Medina says the boy was being pulled by his German Shepard, Bella, on his scooter around 9:40 p.m. CHP officers say Medina was headed westbound in the eastbound lanes of Virgina Avenue. They say that’s when 25-year-old Dennis Ozaeta hit the boy and his dog and kept going. The dog died at the scene, and Medina died a short time later at Kern Medical Center.
Medina’s uncle, Gabriel Lucio, drove from Oxnard to be with family when he got the news. “You know, we never thought it would be one of us,” said Lucio. “It just has to stop. Its just too many people grabbing a cold drink and getting behind the wheel and it destroyed our family. It’s just a shame that someone cut his life short.”
Officers found Ozaeta at his home after the crash. He was placed under arrest for DUI and hit and run. The collision report shows he had his two children, ages 4 and 3, in the backseat of his car at the time of the crash.
The CHP says everything is still under investigation so there is a chance more charges could be coming.
On Monday, Medina’s family and friends returned to the intersection of Larry Street and Virginia Avenue in east Bakersfield where the crash happened for a tearful vigil.
Cause of the Bakersfield Crash
If news accounts of this incident are accurate, the 25 year old driver is likely responsible for the incident. While this devastating Kern 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 Kern 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.
Alcohol impaired driving accidents and wrongful death liability
The Los Angeles 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.
Girl Killed, Mom and Sister Critical in Santa Ana Hit-and-Run
SANTA ANA, Calif. (KTLA) — A woman and her daughter are still listed in critical condition after they were hit by a suspected drunk driver in Santa Ana on Saturday.
The accident happened about 11 a.m. near the intersection of 17th and Spurgeon streets.
The driver, Jessica Louise Cowan, 33, of Frazier Park, hit three pedestrians — a 45-year-old Eloisa Madrigal, her 5-year-old daughter Osmara Meza and her 6-year-old daughter Grecia Meza — before speeding away from the scene, police said.
A witness told investigators that Cowan ran a red light.
A preliminary field sobriety test showed she was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Medical marijuana was also discovered in Cowan’s vehicle.
She faces charges of drunk driving, hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter.
Cause of the Santa Ana Crash
If news accounts of this incident are accurate, the 33 year old driver is likely responsible for the incident. While this devastating Orange 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 Orange 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.
Alcohol impaired driving accidents and wrongful death liability
The Los Angeles 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.
Bicyclist Killed on Pacific Coast Highway by Hit and Run Driver

A bicyclist riding along the coast in Huntington Beach was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver, and police arrested a suspect who a short time later crashed his car in Seal Beach.
The male cyclist, 63-year-old Roger Michael Lippman of Huntington Beach, was hit from behind as he rode north along Pacific Coast Highway next to Bolsa Chica Wetlands in an area known as “The Flats”.
Lippman’s mangled blue road bicycle could be seen in aerial video next to his body, which was covered in a yellow sheet on the side of the scenic roadway.
Lippman was struck at 11:40 a.m. on a stretch between Seapoint Street and Warner Avenue, south of the entrance to Bolsa Chica State Beach. Both the cyclist and vehicle were headed northbound, police said.
Authorities immediately notified nearby law enforcement agencies they were searching for a gray Hyundai hatchback, after witnesses said they saw such a car flee the scene with windshield damage.
Shortly after the hit-and-run in Huntington Beach, a car matching that description veered off the road and collided with a fence surrounding the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, on Westminster Boulevard at Kitts Highway. That crash occurred just a few miles to the north of the initial fatal crash.
The driver, who had a bloodied face, was taken in handcuffs to a Huntington Beach patrol car, as shown at right below. He was identified as Joel Alexander Murphy, 27, of Mission Viejo. 
Murphy was later arrested and is being held at the Huntington Beach jail on suspicion of felony hit and run, felony driving under the influence, felony vehicular manslaughter and for violating his probation, according to a press release from the police department.
The car, which was still being examined by investigators at 5 p.m., is registered to a 59-year-old Anaheim woman. It’s not clear yet what her relationship to Murphy is.
Police cautioned that the investigation was still evolving.
Cause of the Huntington Beach Crash
If news accounts of this incident are accurate, the 27 year old driver is likely responsible for the incident. While this devastating Orange County accident on June 22 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 Orange 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.
Alcohol impaired driving accidents and wrongful death liability
The Los Angeles 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.
Cyclist Victim in Big Rig Accident
A bicyclist was struck by a big-rig truck on 8th Street near Denmark in rural Sonoma yesterday afternoon at about 4:40, according to witnesses. He later died at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa.
A nearby resident, Pamela Hawken, took photographs of the response, which showed respondents from Sonoma Valley Fire, Schell Vista Fire and Rescue, and the California Highway Patrol. The location is near the rural community of Vineberg.
The vehicle in the images is a large cargo truck from APL Trucking, an international shipping and cargo company based in Florida.
The cyclist was apparently wearing a helmet, which is visible in the photographs. The victim was not identified, pending notification of next of kin.
Cause of the Sonoma Crash
Although the CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of the collision, based on the information reported, it appears that the driver of the big-rig may be responsible for this accident. While this devastating Sonoma 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 Sonoma County wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury and 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
Fault and Wrongful Death Liability
Accidents involving big-rigs have unique and complex legal issues. If it is determined that the driver of the big-rig was at fault for this collision, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a California truck accident attorney. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney will be able to review the cause of the accident, and if warranted, arrange for an independent investigator to reconstruct the collision to determine exactly what happened and who was responsible. A skilled lawyer can also provide an explanation to the victim’s family on their legal rights in a wrongful death claim against the driver or any other parties at fault. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Demand accountability from the trucking company. We at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have handled complex trucking accident cases for twenty years. We have the litigation experience to handle complex trucking liability cases. We are prepared to front all costs required for the necessary investigation and expert witnesses needed to prepare your case for trial. Remember, the trucking industry are a formidable foe and must be fought against aggressively.
The laws regarding wrongful death/”trucking 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 wrongful death/”trucking accident” lawyer such as Gary A Kessler at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler to protect your legal rights and those of your loved ones.
California trucking 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 grief and sorrow associated with the loss of a loved one. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its “trucking accident” cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention necessary to obtain a successful result for your “trucking accident” 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.
If you have been seriously injured or a family member sustained fatal injuries involving a tractor-trailer rig you need to contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler or another experienced law firm immediately to protect your 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.
Family Seeks Answers In Glenview Drowning
Vicente Cardenas was laid to rest Tuesday, four days after he drowned at a Glenview Park District pool.
While police have closed the investigation, his family is still looking for answers as to why the four year old died at a crowded Glenview swimming center on June 15
Cardenas Family Reaction
“We know he was there at a class field trip and he was not wearing a life preserver,” said Val Gurvits, Vicente’s uncle and the Cardenas family spokesman. “We know that there were approximately 18 children on that field trip and there were seven or eight teachers.”
Vicente, who was less than one week from his fifth birthday and lived in Glenview with his parents, was at Roosevelt Pool with a group of campers from Wesley Day Care Center. His death was ruled an accidental drowning by the Cook County Medical Examiners Office the next day.
Sgt. Dave Sostak of the Glenview Police Department told news sources his department has concluded their investigation into the matter, but did not release any new information about the circumstances of Vicente’s death.
Since 2008, Sostak said there have been 14 incidents where public safety officials have been called to the complex, but nothing involving drowning situations. These occurrences centered on people away from the water such as a visitor slipping and falling on the grounds, he said.
Now, the Cardenas family is trying to find out who was responsible for watching Vicente at the time, Gurvits said, and while he noted litigation has not been ruled out, he added they would still like a more complete report as to what happened that day.
Park District Assesses Liability
On Tuesday, park district officials said the matter and procedures are still under review. According to the park district’s attorney, liability is not a concern.
“I don’t think the park district is liable for this,” said lawyer Edward Dutton.
Dutton said he had not seen a police report or discussed the incident with Wesley officials but promised a complete look at existing rules and regulations will take place.
He also added that while there are no security cameras at the pool, there are several throughout the park district grounds.
According to park district officials, 15 lifeguards plus a manager and an assistant manager were on duty at the time Vicente drowned.
Additionally, the Cook County Department of Health inspected Roosevelt Pool on Monday and found the park district was in compliance with all regulations, according to a press release.
Wesley officials did not return a phone call Tuesday requesting further comment on the matter, but Executive Director Ellen Fagerburg told Patch over the weekend that the situation was under review.
DCFS spokesperson Kendall Marlowe told the Chicago Tribune the state welfare agency had never investigated the Glenview-based child care center outside of minor licensing violations for “routine matters of record keeping and paperwork.”
Operations Moving Forward
In the wake of the incident, the Park District shut down pool operations over the weekend. Now open for individuals and families, the Park District announced Tuesday.
“We are taking it week by week,” said Park District Executive Director Chuck Balling. “We are going through the process right now of looking at all of our policies and we are assisting the Police and Fire Department.”
Balling also explained the safety procedures that are already in place.
Before any individual can be certified as a lifeguard, he or she must complete a 24-hour certification course in addition to a series of other training measures, he said.
Lifeguards are also required to complete weekly in-service training sessions throughout the season, Balling told Patch, and new lifeguards are placed in a two-hour shadowing process before they are allowed to watch swimmers on their own.
As for attendance numbers at the time of Vicente’s drowning, Balling said there were 750 people in the area, which is slightly more than half of capacity.
Despite those numbers, many readers expressed concern in the comments section on Patch about the amount of swimmers allowed at the pool.
“I’m not surprised it happened,” wrote Francesca Meder, who has been going to the Roosevelt pool for two years. “I just thought it was crazy as to how many campers they allowed at once. I intentionally did not sign my five-year-old son this year at the Park District because I thought it too crowded for safety.”
Swimming Pool Drownings and Wrongful Death liability
The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler has successfully represented numerous families and individuals that have suffered serious injuries and deaths from swimming pools, association pools, jacuzzis, spas/ hot tubs, water parks and whirlpool bathtubs.
The laws regarding swimming pool drowning 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 swimming pool drowning 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 in a tragic drowning accident. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its wrongful death/drowning cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention neccessary to obtain a successful result for your drowning/accidental 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 atoorneys fees or costs are owed to our firm.






