Discovery Bay Mother Dies in Crash
Discovery Bay Mother Dies in Crash – Woman hit, killed by car as son watches
Highway 156: Victim was helping stranded motorist
A woman suffered fatal injuries before her horrified 12-year-old son when she was struck by a car on Highway 156 after she stopped to try to help two people with car trouble.
The victim, Veronica Brumley, 36, of the San Francisco Bay Area was pronounced dead at the scene of the 11 a.m. accident near the Monte del Lago mobile home park.
California Highway Patrol officers had a grief counselor come to the scene to console the victim’s son, said CHP spokesman Officer Robert Lehman.
The accident closed the two-lane highway between Prunedale and Castroville until about 1 p.m.
The victim was westbound in a sport utility vehicle when she pulled onto the right shoulder to help two people with a disabled vehicle, Lehman said.
The three talked for a bit behind Brumley’s SUV. She was getting back into her vehicle when she was struck by a Toyota sedan driven by Rachel Haskell, 18, of Garden Grove. 
The teenage driver, too, was “quite distraught,” Lehman said.
There was no indication drugs or alcohol played any role in the accident. Officers were still investigating what happened, Lehman said.
The victim’s son was taken to the CHP’s Salinas office, where he was joined by his stepfather, who was in the area on business, Lehman said.
The tragedy underscores safety advice the CHP has for motorists who stop on highways.
If you have to stop, Lehman said, pull off the roadway as far as possible and stay inside the vehicle with your seat belt buckled. If a vehicle has
mechanical issues, call the CHP and they will respond. “It’s just the safer thing to do,” he said. “The highway is not a good place for anyone —
including ourselves.”
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 great majority of pedestrian injuries caused by motorists are due to the following
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Cell phone usage
- Ran a red light or stop sign- Failure to observe the crosswalk
- Confusing temporary construction zones, forcing pedestrians to walk out of the crosswalks
If you or a loved one is involved in a serious pedestrian or bicycle accident:
- Insist that a report is filed by the Police Department, California Highway Patrol, or Sheriff’s Department
- Obtain essential information (i.e. name, address, insurance information, vehicle license number and driver license number of any and all persons involved in the accident)
- Photograph the accident scene as well as all visible injuries
- Shut up! Talk to no one about the accident or your injuries other than your attorney or doctor, never to an insurance adjuster or insurance investigator. Do not volunteer a statement to any insurance company.
- Sign absolutely nothing without consulting a lawyer
- Seek medical attention immediately and keep a diary of your level of pain
- – Keep all receipts for all medical expenses and/or funeral bills and wage loss records
- – Contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler or another experienced law firm immediately to protect your rights and preserve the evidence!
Unfortunately, the reality of most pedestrian and bicycle accident victims usually sustain serious/catastrophic injuries which many times results in death. Over the past twenty years attorney Gary A Kessler has a proven successful track record demanding accountability from the responsible parties and obtaining outstanding results for his clients.
Demand accountability from those responsible for the pedestrian/bicycle accidents. Many times the insurance companies will play “hardball” if you try to settle the case yourself or you have employed a lawyer who does not have the litigation experience to handle such a complex case. We at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have twenty years of litigation experience and know how to handle the insurance companies to your advantage. We are prepared to front all costs required for the necessary investigation and expert witnesses needed to prepare your case for trial.
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 California 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 neccessary to obtain a successful result for your case.
Family mourns mother killed in bus stop crash
SAN DIEGO — The father of an El Cajon woman who was hit and killed at a City Heights bus stop over the weekend described his daughter Tuesday as a great mother who loved singing at her church.
Vanessa Mae Shane, 25, suffered fatal injuries Saturday night when she, her 4-year-old son Elijah and her boyfriend David Abilez were struck by an out-of-control car.
Both the boy and Abilez, 28, were seriously injured in the 8 p.m. crash at University Avenue near Euclid Avenue, and both remain hospitalized.
Mark Shane, who is an assistant pastor at Praise Center in Pacific Beach, and his wife Laura have been at their young grandson’s bedside at Rady Children’s Hospital ever since. The boy is recovering from numerous lacerations, abrasions, and an arm that was broken in three places.
“My wife hasn’t wanted to leave his side,” Shane said. 
The boy has been asking about his mother but has not been told yet that she died.
Shane said they were going to tell him today, although he knew it would be difficult to find the right thing to say. “I’ll depend on God to give me the words when the time comes,” Shane said.
The grandparents expect the boy will be in the hospital for at least the rest of the week and perhaps longer. Abilez suffered serious injuries to his legs and is expected to be hospitalized for weeks, Shane said.
Vanessa Shane had spent her last day at a park in City Heights with Abilez and her son and was waiting for her bus home when the car plowed into them.
A surveillance camera from a nearby business captured the crash on video. Shane said that people who have seen it told him that Vanessa saw the car coming, looked to see that her son was out of the way and then stepped in front of her boyfriend.
“Her last act on this earth was to protect someone,” her father said.
Investigators believe that the 71-year-old driver, identified as Jean Chizer-Williams of San Diego, was experiencing severe low-blood sugar due to diabetes when she lost control of the PT Cruiser.
Shane said he has not talked to the woman and didn’t blame her if she had a medical condition. He said he might think differently if she was prone to this type of emergency and knew about it.
Shane said his family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support they have received. Friends have set up a fund to help pay for the funeral and to help with long-term care for Elijah. Donations can be made at
Shane Trust Fund, GWC (Golden West Conference), P.O. Box 99610, San Diego, CA 92169.
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 great majority of pedestrian injuries caused by motorists are due to the following:
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Cell phone usage
- Ran a red light or stop sign- Failure to observe the crosswalk
- Confusing temporary construction zones, forcing pedestrians to walk out of the crosswalks
If you or a loved one is involved in a serious pedestrian or bicycle accident:
- Insist that a report is filed by the Police Department, California Highway Patrol, or Sheriff’s Department
- Obtain essential information (i.e. name, address, insurance information, vehicle license number and driver license number of any and all persons involved in the accident)
- Photograph the accident scene as well as all visible injuries
- Shut up! Talk to no one about the accident or your injuries other than your attorney or doctor, never to an insurance adjuster or insurance investigator. Do not volunteer a statement to any insurance company.
- Sign absolutely nothing without consulting a lawyer
- Seek medical attention immediately and keep a diary of your level of pain
- – Keep all receipts for all medical expenses and/or funeral bills and wage loss records
- – Contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler or another experienced law firm immediately to protect your rights and preserve the evidence!
Unfortunately, the reality of most pedestrian and bicycle accident victims usually sustain serious/catastrophic injuries which many times results in death. Over the past twenty years attorney Gary A Kessler has a proven successful track record demanding accountability from the responsible parties and obtaining outstanding results for his clients.
Demand accountability from those responsible for the pedestrian/bicycle accidents. Many times the insurance companies will play “hardball” if you try to settle the case yourself or you have employed a lawyer who does not have the litigation experience to handle such a complex case. We at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have twenty years of litigation experience and know how to handle the insurance companies to your advantage. We are prepared to front all costs required for the necessary investigation and expert witnesses needed to prepare your case for trial.
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 California 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 neccessary 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 so that we can preserve the evidence and demand compensation and accountability from the reponsible parties!
Church choir director arrested on suspicion of lewd acts with girl in San Bernardino County
Montclair Police Department Sex Crimes Unit is investigating a 53-year-old choir director allegedly caught with a 15-year-old student Sunday morning.
Police say a patrol officer was on routine patrol when he noticed a suspiciously-parked vehicle in an alley in the 10200 block of Central Avenue at 9 a.m. Sunday. When the officer approached, he allegedly saw Mark Michaels (pictured) with the girl, “performing lewd acts.”
Michaels was arrested and is being held at the Rancho Cucamonga West Valley Detention Center. Michaels is being held on $50,000 bond.
Upon further investigation, police said the young girl was a student of Michaels, who is a choir director at Bethany Baptist Church in the 9900 block of Monte Vista Avenue.
“During the investigation that information was provided to us by both parties,” said Lt. Jason Reed. 
Reed said the two have known each other for approximately two years.
Detectives worry there could be more victims and hope that anyone with information will step forward.
If you or a loved one is involved in a serious or fatal sexual abuse incident:
- Insist that a report is filed by the Police Department or Sheriff’s Department;
- Obtain essential information (i.e., name, address, insurance information, adults name, business address of any and all persons involved in the abuse incident);
- Photograph the visible injuries and keep copies of all documentation;
- Shut up! Talk to no one about the incident or your injuries other than your attorney or doctor, never to an insurance adjuster or insurance investigator. Do not volunteer a statement to any insurance company especially one who works for the sexual predator;
- Sign absolutely nothing without consulting a lawyer;
- Seek medical attention immediately and keep a diary of your level of pain;
- Keep all receipts for all medical expenses and/or funeral bills and wage loss records;
- Contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler an experienced law firm immediately to protect your rights and preserve the evidence!
Demand accountability from those responsible for the sexual abuse incident. An adult is a person who owes your child the “highest duty of care!” Many times the insurance companies for the foster care companies (i.e., many times they are “self insured”) will play “hardball” if you try to settle the case yourself or you have employed a lawyer who does not have the litigation experience to handle such a complex sexual abuse case. We at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have twenty years of litigation experience and know how to handle the insurance companies to your advantage. Remember, cases against the churches and schools have a very short time to file the proper government claim which must be filed first, way before the actual lawsuit is filed! We are prepared to front all costs required for the neccessary investigation and expert witnesses needed to prepare your case for trial as well as file all government claims. Unfortunately, the reality is that most sexual abuse victims usually sustain serious/catastrophic injuries which many times results in death. Over the past twenty years attorney Gary A Kessler has a proven successful track record demanding accountability from the responsible parties and obtaining outstanding results for his clients.
The laws regarding sexual abuse cases are complex and include many facets of the law. It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced sexual abuse 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 sexual abuse attorney Gary A Kessler and the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler are compassionate and fully understand that you are attempting to cope with serious injuries associated with a sexual abuse incident. Such incidents can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death. The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its wrongful death and sexual abuse cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention neccessary to obtain a successful result for your sexual abuse case.
Irvine crash victim declared dead
IRVINE – Students arrived at Northwood High School wearing white tees and shirts Tuesday morning, a sign to celebrate the life and mourn the loss of a classmate killed in a Sunday crash.
Five people were injured in the holiday weekend crash that killed Ashton Sweet, a 14-year-old cheerleader at Northwood High School. She suffered an irreversible brain injury.
Sweet had been kept alive on a breathing machine so her organs could be evaluated for donation. She was declared dead at 1 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Orange County Coroner’s Office. Ashton’s parents had made the determination to allow for organ donation, police officials said.
Krista Merassa, 15, was reported in critical condition. 
“This is just devastating,” said Ian Hanigan, spokesman for the Irvine Unified School District. “There is nothing worse that our school community can go through than to lose somebody so young. Our thoughts and our prayers are with Ashton’s family, as well as with all of those who were in the car.”
On Tuesday morning, several students at Northwood High School were seen wearing white, walking past n
On Tuesday morning, several students at Northwood High School were seen wearing white, walking past news vans and reporters on their way to class.
Austin Jeffrey Farley was taken into custody after the Sunday morning crash on suspicion of driving under the influence. According to online arrest records, he is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.
No formal charges have been filed against the 26-year-old driver. The investigation is open and the District Attorney’s Office does not have all of the evidence so a decision has not been made on filing charges, Chief of Staff Susan Kang Schroeder said.
Farley has had several run-ins with the law, including previous DUI arrests, according to court records.
Farley was arrested by the California Highway Patrol on May 4, 2004. Being a 19-year-old driver at the time, he was charged with being a minor with a blood-alcohol-content of .05 percent or more, court records show. That charge was dismissed in June 2004 after he was sentenced to a diversion program.
In July 2004, Farley was back in court, charged with having a license suspended after allegedly refusing to submit to a chemical test. Farley pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to three years probation and $300 in fines.
In February 2009, he was pulled over by authorities again. He was charged with driving under the influence, disobeying a court order, battery on a peace officer and driving with a suspended license. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to three years of probation, 104 hours of service in lieu of fines, 30 days in jail, six months in a first-offender alcohol program, and to attend a victim’s panel for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Friends and family said the four girls were out celebrating a friend’s birthday Saturday night and were being driven home by the father of the girls when the crash occurred about 1 a.m. Sunday.
Michael Ghaemi, 48, was driving the girls in an E-Class Mercedes-Benz on Culver Drive. He said he was passing through Irvine Boulevard when they were struck by a pickup on the left-rear side of the car.
On Sunday night, friends and family of the girls gathered at the site of the crash, lighting candles, bringing flowers and leaving notes for Ashton.
“We are doing our best to support the kids,” Hanigan said.
Five counselors are expected to be available on campus Tuesday, reaching out to friends and classmates of the teenage girls injured in the crash.
Ashton was a cheerleader and in track-and-field, Hanigan said. She was also involved in the high school’s “Wolfpack” club, which pairs special-needs students with other students for school activities.
Cause of the Irvine Car Accident
If news accounts in the Orange County Register are accurate, Austen Jeffrey Farley likely is responsible for causing this accident, because he was allegedly driving under the influence and a high rate of speed. However, the incident is still under investigation by the Irvine Police Department and an official determination of the cause of the Orange County crash has not been made.
Personal Injury Liability for Drunk Driving Accidents
Drivers who choose to drink and drive may be liable for the consequences of their actions. In situations such as this one, the driver may be financially liable for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. While this accident remains under investigation, the victim’s family would be well-advised to contact an experienced and knowledgeable DUI Lawyer such as Gary A. Kessler. An attorney who specializes in representing victims of drunk driving accidents can help the injured victims protect their rights and ultimately recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to receive.
1 killed, 3 rescued in OC boating accident
DANA POINT – The U.S. Coast Guard reported Monday that none of the occupants aboard a disabled power boat were wearing life jackets when the craft sank after being washed onto the rocks on Strand Beach in Dana Point.
However, it’s unclear if the lack of life jackets played a role in the death of one of the boaters, who also was washed onto the rocks. Three others on the boat escaped relatively unharmed, according to an Orange County Fire Authority spokesman.
Mark Benet, 46, of Orange was pronounced dead at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach after being plucked from the raging surf by a rescue helicopter, authorities said. Rescue divers also had to be rescued because of the high surf, according to the Coast Guard.
The incident occurred around 6 p.m. Sunday when Coast Guard Command Center personnel in San Pedro heard a brief, unidentifiable mayday call.
Orange County Fire Authority rescuers located the boat pinned against the rocks as a large swell engulfed it, sweeping all the occupants overboard, the Coast Guard reported.
Lifeguards located Benet at a rock outcropping adjacent to the beach, said fire Capt. Greg McKeown. He had suffered traumatic injuries.
Divers from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department went into the water, but soon found themselves in danger, too, after 10-foot-high waves engulfed them, the Coast Guard reported.
Helicopters from the fire authority and the Coast Guard arrived, and the fire helicopter lowered a firefighter on a cable who was able to pull Benet into a rescue basket. He was flown to the Laguna Beach hospital.
The Coast Guard helicopter helped rescue the divers, the Coast Guard said.
Deputy William Nelson from the Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol said winds were gusting up to 30 mph.
“I don’t know if they lost power or how they got there,” Nelson said. “But we’ve had a gale force wind warning of 25 to 30 mph. The swell is 5 to 6 feet out of the west.”
Life vests are required for children under 13 in vessels of 26 feet or less. Although adults rarely wear them while cruising on pleasure boats, the coast guard recommends life jackets be worn by all boaters regardless of age.
In 80 percent of all boating fatalities, the cause of death is drowning. Of those victims, over 90 percent were not wearing a life jacket.
There are thousands of private boat owners in the United States. Newport Beach, California is the yachting capitol of the world. Maritime and boating accidents can be extremely serious usually resulting in death. A boating accident can occur on a privately owned boat (yacht), personal watercraft (jet ski), cruise ship or a ferry. As a general rule, the captain (or operator) of a boat and its owner have a duty to exercise the highest degree of care in order to prevent injuries to others.
The most common boating accidents are collisions with other boats, sinkings, capsizings and boat disappearances.
Boating accidents occur very quickly and in many different places. Lakes, canals, rivers, intercoastal 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.
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.
Does Federal Maritime Law or State Law Apply?
Generally, the legal issues are similar to other personal injury claims such as questions related to negligence, causation and damages. But first we must determine which law will control the case – federal maritime law or state tort law. The differences between federal maritime law and state tort law are significant and sometimes determine the outcome of the case. Only an attorney who regularly handles boating injury cases has the experience to sort through the complexity of the law to maximize your monetary recovery.
Traditionally, maritime law applied only to commercial and ocean-going vessels. More and more recreational boats (i.e., “watercraft”) are involved in accidents which meet the conditions that trigger maritime law. If the accident occurs on “navigable waters” and there is a relationship between the accident and traditional maritime activities, the maritime law will govern regardless of the type of vessel. The legal system refers to these conditions as the “locality tests” and a “nexus test.”
What Are the Rights of a Person Injured on or by Watercraft
The potential claims of a person injured by a watercraft are determined by the category: seamen, social guest, business visitor, or bystander/swimmer/water skier. The category also determines the legal rules that will be applied to your claim.
Social Guests, Business Visitors and Bystanders
Most people injured on and around boats are categorized as a “social guest.” These claims will be determined by general maritime law and state law principles of negligence.
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 occured will generally control any lawsuits brought by injured bystanders unless the defendant boat owner asserts admiralty jurisdiction.
Accidental Shooting Leads to Death of Teenager
In Washington county, an accidental shooting leads to the death of a teenage boy.
Police were called to a home in Springfield for a report of a shooting. Once there, they found the 14-year-old victim dead.
Police believe Roman Lopez was killed when a gun he and another boy were playing with fired and hit him. His sister says he’ll be remembered as a great brother.
Today, ribbons hang on the front doors of the freshman’s school in memory of roman as Washington county finishes out the year.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries or death as a result of a shooting you should contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler who has the successful track record in “shooting cases.” Did you know that many shootings are accidental in nature?
Our office over the years has sucessfully represented dozens of accidental shooting victims. Many times children, teenagers or adults are playing with handguns at home thinking that the gun is not loaded, when in fact the gun is loaded.
In the case of an “accidental shooting”, it is important that the person (Plaintiff/victim) who is shot is visiting the home and is not the gun owner and that the owner of the gun is the owner of the home (or person living in or visiting the home) and that the shooting was accidental (not intentional) in nature.
Even though homeowners insurance policies exclude intentional acts, it is important to contact an experienced lawyer such as the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler who will conduct a thorough investigation and obtain monetary compensation for you and your family in an accidental shooting case. To receive compensation under the homeowners policy (commercial policy, umbrella policy) the incident must be proven to be “accidental” not intentional.
Demand accountability from those responsible for the accidental shootings. Many times the insurance companies will play “hardball” if you try to settle the case yourself or you have employed a lawyer who does not have the litigation experience to handle such a complex case, We at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler have twenty years of litigation experience and know how to handle the insurance companies to your advantage. We are prepared to front all costs required for the necessary investigation and expert witnesses needed to prepare your case for trial.
The laws regarding accidental shooting cases are complex and include many facets of the law. It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced accidental shooting 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 accidental shooting 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 accidental shooting cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention neccessary to obtain a successful result for your accidental shooting 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 (accidental shooting) 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.
Woman killed when car collides with Inglewood police cruiser
A woman was killed in Inglewood early Tuesday morning after the vehicle she was riding in was involved in a crash with a police cruiser, authorities said.
The incident occurred just before 1 a.m. at the intersection of Prairie Avenue and Manchester Avenue, according to Officer Travis Ruiz, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol.
Ruiz said three Inglewood Police Department patrol cars with their lights and sirens on were responding to a call of shots fired in another part of the city about four miles away.
The first police vehicle made it through the intersection. The second car collided with a Range Rover, Ruiz said.
It is not clear who had the right of way, Ruiz said. The patrol car video and red-light camera are being reviewed, he added.
The police cruiser hit the front right side of the Range Rover, which spun around, and the force ejected a female in the front passenger seat, Ruiz said. The woman, between 40 and 45 years old “suffered fatal injuries from striking the concrete,” Ruiz said.
Cause of the Inglewood Accident: Based on the limited information provided in news accounts, it is unclear what exactly happened. This accident raises a number of questions and it is not evident why the police cruiser was not able to avoid the collision. Was the driver not paying attention? Police will surely look at speed and other factors in determining the cause of the accident. Hopefully, the investigation will reveal exactly what happened and who was responsible. If the investigation reveals that the police cruiser driver caused this collision, the driver maybe liable for the victim’s injuries, in which case, the victim’s heirs may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses. The family members of the victim would be well advised to contact California Wrongful Death Attorney Gary A. Kessler about their legal rights in a wrongful death claims.
Hit-and-run Driver Kills Elderly Bicyclist in Canoga Park
Los Angeles police are searching for the hit-and-run driver who struck and killed a 71-year-old bicyclist in Canoga Park.
Eduardo Perez, of Canoga Park, was riding his bicycle on the south crosswalk of Sherman Way around 12:15 p.m. May 14 when he was struck by a vehicle, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
The vehicle was making a right turn onto Canoga Avenue at the time of the collision. 
Witnesses say the driver fled the scene.
Perez was taken to a local hospital where he died of his injuries two days later, police said.
The suspect was believed to have been driving a small, black 4-door SUV.
Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Krajchir at (818) 644-8045 or Officer Martinez at (818) 644-8032.
During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
Hit and Run Felony – When Hit and Run results in bodily injury or death, a felony will be charged. According to California Law, a Hit and Run Felony is defined as, “a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving death or permanent injury to any person(s) associated with the accident.” Possible consequences for a Hit and Run Violations A person charged with hit and run may be subject to enhancements if:
- a third party was injured during the accident
- there was excessive damage to property
- the person caused a wrongful death
- the person has a prior criminal conviction
A hit and run conviction can result in jail time, monetary fines, probation, community service, and driver’s license suspension.
How soon after I am injured do I have to file a lawsuit?
Every state has certain time limits called “statutes of limitations,” which govern the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In some states, you may have as little as one year to file a lawsuit arising out of an automobile accident. If you miss the deadline for filing your case, your claims can be dismissed. Consequently, it is important to talk with a lawyer as soon as you receive or discover an injury.
What damages are recoverable in pedestrian accident cases?
The injured party may recover damages for past and future medical expenses, past and future wage loss, past and future pain and suffering. If the defendant’s conduct is extreme, punitive damages may be awarded. If the pedestrian dies, his or her survivors are entitled to recover full compensation for their economic losses that result from the pedestrian’s death, as well as damages which stem from the loss of society care and comfort of the decedent.
Do I need to retain an attorney?
It is almost always a good idea to retain an attorney in a pedestrian accident case because there usually will be some questions related to fault and comparative negligence. Expert witnesses may need to be retained to reconstruct the accident factors, and help determine responsibility for the accident.The family members of the victim would be well advised to contact California Wrongful Death Attorney Gary A. Kessler about their legal rights in a wrongful death claims.
DUI arrest after deadly rear-end crash
BUENA PARK – A 21-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence Friday morning after she rear-ended a stalled
vehicle, killing the driver inside, on the westbound 91, authorities said.
According to the California High Patrol, Christen Payne, of Long Beach, was driving a 2001 Volkswagen at a high speed just after 1 a.m. when she struck the stalled 2004 Toyota in the No. 2 lane near Knott Avenue.
The 37-year-old male driver of the Toyota suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash, the CHP said.
The CHP is investigating the crash and urges witnesses to call 714-892-4426.
A 37-year-old man whose car stalled on the westbound 91 freeway in Buena Park was killed when his car was struck early Friday morning. The woman driving the other car was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Cause of the Buena Park Car Accident
If news accounts in the Orange County Register are accurate, Christen Payne likely is responsible for causing this accident, because she was allegedly driving under the influence and a high rate of speed. However, the incident is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol and an official determination of the cause of the Orange County crash has not been made.
Personal Injury Liability for Drunk Driving Accidents
Drivers who choose to drink and drive may be liable for the consequences of their actions. In situations such as this one, the driver may be financially liable for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. While this accident remains under investigation, the victim’s family would be well-advised to contact an experienced and knowledgeable DUI Lawyer such as Gary A. Kessler. An attorney who specializes in representing victims of drunk driving accidents can help the injured victims protect their rights and ultimately recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to receive.
One dead after traffic collision near 10 Freeway in Pomona
POMONA – One man died and a woman was injured Thursday after an empty tour bus collided with a car near Towne and San Bernardino avenues, just south of the 10 Freeway.
Investigators said they believe the tour bus was heading south on Towne about 8:30 a.m. when it crashed into a 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity that was crossing Towne on San Bernardino, according to a police news release.
The Chevrolet was significantly damaged in the collision, police said.
A 22-year-old Pomona man, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man’s name was withheld because his family had not yet been notified.
A 31-year-old Pomona woman, who was driving the car, was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
The bus driver – Housep Antikyan of Pasadena – was not injured. The bus is owned by Van Hool.
California Highway Patrol officers closed the Towne off-ramp from the eastbound 10.
The Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating the collision, according to the news release.
Anyone with information about the crash can call police officers at 909-620-2081.
Cause of the Tour Bus Accident: The California Highway Patrol has begun their Investigation. Based on news reports, the Tour Bus driver lost control for unknown reasons. It is also possible that the driver of the Tour Bus was partially responsible for the collision. The CHP will undoubtedly investigate if other factors, such as road conditions or negligent vehicle maintenance were factors in the crash.
Bus Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability Considerations: After a Bus crash, Tour Bus companies waste no time in having their own investigators determine what happened, to protect them as much as possible. The family members of the victims should contact a skilled California Bus accident attorney as soon as possible, who can arrange to have the accident scene inspected (while skid marks and other evidence is still present), and contact witnesses while recollections are still fresh. Because of United States Department of Transportation regulations governing the Tour Bus industry, Bus accident cases are challenging and complex and from a legal standpoint, Bus accidents are very different than car accidents. Choosing an attorney, such as, Gary A. Kessler who has successfully won cases againstTour Bus companies is imperative to a successful outcome for the victim’s family.
