Monthly Archives: June 2013

Fatal Crash in Yorba Linda

A female driver died Thursday after she struck a light post on a freeway exit.

She was driving on the eastbound 91 a little before 4 p.m. She struck a light post on the Imperial Highway Exit. Police and emergency authorities quickly reported to the scene. She was taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana. She sustained fatal injuries from the collision.

The female driver was taken to Western Medical center in Santa Ana. She was pronounced dead at around 6:16 p.m. The driver has been identified as Elizabeth Vander Kooy, 21, of Yorba Linda. The exact cause of the accident has not been determined. Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the accident. It was not clear why Elizabeth Vander Kooy lost control of the vehicle.

The Imperial Highway exit on the eastbound 91 is currently under construction, and it can be confusing for drivers unfamiliar with the exit. This exit has changed significantly over the past year, and it has been under constant construction. The exit is quite sharp and can be a difficult turn to make. There is also a significant amount of traffic in this area. The traffic and difficult turn can make this exit difficult. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that there will be any construction to make this exit safer.

There are many factors that can contribute to a car accident. Some of the most common car accident factors are mechanical failure, distracted driving, and impaired driving.

Mechanical failure is caused by defects and improper maintenance. Defects are often unavoidable and caused by car manufacturers. Car manufacturers will announce recalls and notify customers with defective cars. The manufacturer will also fix the defective car for frees. To keep up with recalls, you can sign up for a notification service on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Distracted driving is a very common problem. Any distraction during driving is potentially dangerous. Even changing the radio station could be dangerous. While your eyes are off the road, you could easily collide into another vehicle or even lose control of your vehicle. While driving, it is important to focus on the road.

Impaired driving often results in fatal accidents. Impaired drivers have difficulty focusing and delayed reaction time. If you know you may engage in drinking or other impairing activities do not drive. Ask a friend to drive for you. It is the safe and responsible thing to do.

If you or someone you love is in a car accident, contact a Yorba Linda car accident lawyer immediately.

Fullerton Motorcyclist in Fatal Collision

A 22 year old motorcyclist was killed in a fatal motorcycle collision.

The motorcyclist was killed early Saturday morning after he collided into a curb and hit a tree. He was riding at a high speed, which may have contributed to his fatal injuries. The collision took place at around 2:45 a.m. on North State College Boulevard just north of Yorba Linda Boulevard.

Police responded at 2:53 a.m. to the accident. When the Police arrived at the scene, the motorcyclist and his motorcycle were on the sidewalk. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.  Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident. It has not been determined whether alcohol or drugs contributed to the accident. The motorcyclist’s name has not been released yet pending family notification.

No one else was injured in this single vehicle collision. There have also been no reports of serious property damage. Police are asking any witnesses or anyone with information call the Police.

Motorcycle accidents are often quite severe. The rate of fatal crashes in motorcycle accidents is much higher than the rate of fatal crashes in car accidents. Motorcyclists also have a higher risk of severe injuries. There is a higher risk of injury and accidents because motorcyclists are less protected than car occupants.

In the event of a collision, the car’s structure is designed to absorb most of the force. Motorcyclists have little protective structure. A smart motorcyclist will wear a helmet and additional protective body gear, but this protective gear is little protection against another speeding vehicle.

Protective gear is the only protection motorcyclists have on the road. It is important for every motorcyclist to wear protective gear. The helmet is most important component of a motorcyclist’s protective gear. The helmet needs to be properly fitted and comfortable. Motorcyclists should invest in protective eye gear. Eye gear improves visibility and prevents debris from flying into your eyes. Body gear is also important. A protective jacket and pants can minimize cuts and certain injuries.

It is especially important for motorcyclists to ride carefully. Motorcyclists are often in drivers’ blind spots. While on the road, motorcyclists should pay special attention to reckless and speeding drivers. Motorcyclists are subjective to all the same rules of the road that drivers most follow. It is important that motorcyclists follow these rules for their own safety on the road.

If you are ever involved in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact a Fullerton car accident lawyer.

Santa Ana Car Accident Fatally Injured Pedestrian

A young driver that ran two red lights at excess speeds fatally injured a pedestrian in Santa Ana late Monday morning. The pedestrian died at the hospital moments after being hit and the driver was released shortly after being questioned, pending the investigation. Investigators were sent to the site and closed the intersection for more than three hours.

A woman who crossed First Street at Sullivan Street at around 10:45 a.m. was seriously hurt when a white Volkswagen sedan traveling eastbound on First Street slammed into her.

Authorities responded to the car accident where the pedestrian who was walking via the crosswalk was hit, Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna told reporters.

Emergency respondents arrived to the scene and tended to the woman who was critically injured. They loaded her into an ambulance and rushed her to a nearby hospital, where she died a short time after.

Monday night, Orange County coroner’s office officials identified the pedestrian as Graciela Sanchez, a 56-year-old, of Santa Ana.

Authorities described the driver of the white vehicle as a licensed female in her 20’s. She remained at the scene and did not appear to be intoxicated.

Traffic light video footage from the First Street and Fairview Street cameras showed the eastbound driver crossing the intersection on a red light above the speed limit, at speeds over 60 miles per hour. Witnesses told officials that the driver also ran a red light at First and Sullivan streets, where she truck the woman who was in the crosswalk and “has the right-of-way,” Bertagna said.

Officials questioned the young driver who was later released pending the continuing investigation. They did not say if she was injured.

Investigators closed down the intersection and reviewed the scene. They took notes and collected essential evidence that would help them confirm what happened there earlier that day, including talking to willing witnesses and reviewing street light camera video recordings. At about 2:30 p.m. officials reopened the intersection.

Depending on the police report and other facts from the accident, a Santa Ana car accident lawyer would be able to help the family members of Sanchez.

At Dara Khajavi Law Offices, lawyers are available to speak with new clients regarding their OC car accident anytime. Available 24/7, including holidays, Daralaw.com can provide you with a free consultation. If you’ve been in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact them, but make sure you do so before your time limit to report an accident expires.

Fatal Accidents in Fullerton and Anaheim

A female bicyclist was killed in a collision Thursday afternoon, and a man died in a crash on the northbound 5 freeway Wednesday night.

This collision took place in a residential of Fullerton. The bicyclist was bicycling eastbound on Nutwood Avenue. A FedEx truck, making a left turn from northbound Ladera Vista Drive to westbound Nutwood Avenue, struck the bicyclist. Evidence points toward the collision occurring in the middle of the intersection. This area is a residential area.

The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision. Police have yet to release the bicyclist’s name. They are waiting till the bicyclist’s family has been notified of her death.

The driver of the FedEx truck stayed at the scene of the accident. He is fully cooperating with police. No arrests have been made. Authorities are asking any witnesses to come for. Investigators will be examining whether the bicyclist or truck driver had right-of-way. The intersection does not have a marked crosswalk. According to police, it is still too early determine the exact cause of the accident.

A fatal accident took place on the northbound 5 freeway Wednesday night around 11:30 p.m.  A car overturned on the 5 freeway in the left lanes. The driver was trapped inside. Another driver was unable to avoid the over turned car. This driver hit the center divider.

The driver of the overturned car was taken to UCI Medical center in Orange. He was later pronounced dead around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. Authorities are investigating the cause of the original crash. The driver of the second car was taken to a hospital for his injuries.

Police are still investigating the cause of the original crash. They are requesting information from any witnesses or individuals with relevant information.

If you ever witness a car crash, stay calm. Slow down, and you may want to turn on your hazards. Be especially careful, you may unintentionally collide into another vehicle. You should always leave enough space for emergency crews to come in to help the victims. If it is just you, check on the victims. Avoid moving anyone, and call the emergency authorities. If you are qualified to perform CPR, you can perform CPR if necessary. If you’re not a medical professional, you should wait till the professionals arrive. Remember to take mental notes of what you’ve seen. You will need to describe the accident to the police.

If you are ever involved in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact a Fullerton car accident lawyer.

Huntington Beach Responds to Increase of Motorcycle Accidents

Huntington Beach Police respond to the recent increase in motorcycle accidents by creating a safety program.

With the help from a state grant, the Huntington Beach Police will launch a specialized enforcement detail. The detail will target both unsafe drivers and riders. Unsafe drivers put motorcyclists at risk, and unsafe riders increase risk of accident for other motorists on the road.

The state office of Traffic and Safety will be assisting in this program by providing a grant. The grant will pay for the Huntington Beach Police Department’s Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation. This program will put six extra officers in the field in areas motorcyclists frequently ride. These areas include Pacific coast Highway and beach Boulevard.

The grant is a little more than $90,000. It will cover this program and certain specialized enforcement. Specialized enforcement efforts include more DUI checkpoints and distracted driving enforcement. Police will not only be targeting motorcyclists, but also reckless drivers who endanger motorcyclists.

Police will have to use their own experience to determine the best places to patrol. Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere. Police will be targeting places in Huntington Beach that have a high volume of motorcycles.

Enforcement will specifically be looking for drivers who speed, perform unsafe turns, and drivers under the influence. These particularly reckless driving acts are the three most common causes of accidents involving motorcycles. Speeding drivers have difficult avoiding motorcyclists. A driver performing an unsafe turn puts motorcyclists in danger. Drivers under the influence have slower reactions time.  Police hope this new enforcement program will make drivers and motorcyclists more responsible.

Since November, there have been four motorcycle fatalities in Huntington Beach. The most recent was an unfortunate story of a newly engaged couple. 25 year old Kelly Blue Morehouse was killed in a motorcycle accident. She was riding on the back of her boyfriend’s motorcycle. The collision took place on June 1. They were riding on Goldenwest Street when they were hit by a suspected drunken driver. The drunken driver was traveling in the opposite direction. A 42 year old man was killed on March 24 at Springdale Street and McFadden Avenue. A 66 year old man died in a motorcycle accident on March 5 on Bolsa Chica Street and Pierce Drive. Lastly, singer of a death-metal band, Mitchell Lucker, crashed his Harley Davidson into a pole on November 1.

Motorcyclists are incredibly vulnerable to car accidents. They have little protection to minimize injuries. It is important for drivers and motorcyclists to drive cautiously. If you are ever in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact a Huntington Beach car accident attorney.

 

 

Santa Ana Single-Car Crash Kills Teen

A 19-year-old died when his vehicle crashed into a tree in Santa Ana, Sunday morning. A female passenger that was in the Orange County car accident sustained injuries and was rushed to a local hospital.  His family built a memorial at the site hours after the incident and exchanged touching stories about the victim.

Luis Adrian Torres had recently purchased a Jaguar from his mother and planned to restore it but he will never have the chance to follow through with his plans. Torres was on Susan Street when he lost control of his newly acquired vehicle and slammed into a tree.

“At least he wasn’t in pain, and he was unconscious the whole time,” Monica Soto, his mother, told reporters. “I thought he was agonizing, internal bleeding, you name it.”

Medical respondents rushed to the single-car accident site south of Sunflower that was reported to have occurred at around 12:30 a.m. Paramedics rushed the unconscious teen to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, where he died.

Sgt. Jerry Souza told reporters that Torres was with a female passenger who was injured and taken to a hospital where she is now receiving treatment for her wounds.

Officials are still investigating the accident.

Later in the day, Torres’s family and friends met at the crash site to build a memorial. Some wept, while others told stories and some exchanged memories.

Soto told reporters that her son would joke frequently about everything and imagined that he would come back to the scene and say “OH, dang, I did that.”

Aside from being an upbeat person, Torres was also a hard worker. Recently, he got a promotion at the Chipotle at Harbor Boulevard and Wilson Street. Ethen Jimenez, and aspiring rapper that lived with Torres said that Torres “Knew that work came first, and then you could get to the dream.”

Torres went to Estancia High School with his older sister Bernice Torres and both were in the same grade. She told people they were twins, and they believed her. She also convinced him to join the cheerleading team with her when the team needed more boys. With a positive attitude, he joined and grew to enjoy cheerleading.  He also helped her get a job at the Chipotle he worked for and got his promotion.

“He made me not feel scared,” she told reporters as tears fell down her face. “He made me feel like I could do anything.”

Losing a loved one in a car accident can be difficult but a Santa Ana car accident lawyer can help with the stress of dealing with insurance companies and getting compensation.  Contact a law firm that has the passion and experience necessary to win automotive accident cases and get a free car accident consultation!

Teen Bicyclist Struck in Anaheim

Police are looking for a hit and run driver who struck a teenage cyclist in Anaheim.

The hit and run collision took place before midnight Last Wednesday in the 900 block of North Harbor Boulevard near La Palma Avenue. The victim was a teenage male. There is video of the collision. The video shows the victim lying on the ground with a puddle of blood next to him.

The driver fled the scene. The victim was left, with severe injuries, in the street. Luckily, a Good Samaritan pulled over and helped the hit-and-run victim. The Good Samaritan and just finished her shift at Disney’s California Adventure theme park. She pulled over and called 911. She described seeing the victim’s white shirt on the ground. The victim was lying on the ground on his stomach, but he wasn’t moving. His bike was lying next to him. The Good Samaritan could hear him breathing, and immediately called 911.

The victim was rushed to the hospital. He was in critical condition at UC Irvine Medical Center. The victim was treated for severe head injuries. Police believe he is between 16 and 18 years old. Police are still searching for the driver. There is currently no suspect description. Authorities are asking for the public’s help in finding the hit-and-run driver.

Bicycle safety is incredibly important. In the case of a bicycle and car collision, the bicyclist will be more likely to sustain injuries than the motorist. Injuries from such collisions are often quite severe. Common injuries include head trauma and internal bleeding. It is important for all bicyclists and motorists to be careful on the road.

Bicyclists must ride as if they are like any other motorists on the road. Each bicyclist must obey all traffic signs and signals. A bicyclist should never ride against traffic. Motorists are not prepared for bicyclists going against traffic. Remember to use hand signals. This is a bicyclist’s only mode of communication with motorists. You should signal not only because it is required by law but also for your own safety. Don’t drive between parked cars. This will make it difficult for motorists to see you. You should follow lane markings. If you need to turn, you should ride in the appropriate turning lane. Bicyclists need to be especially careful while turning. Bicyclists are often in motorists’ blind spots in intersections.

If you are ever in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact an Anaheim car accident lawyer.

Carpooling 101

Carpooling with other parents can make your life much easier, but it can also be scary for parents.

Every parent can use help every once awhile. Carpooling is a great way to lessen parents’ responsibility. However, carpooling often makes parents nervous. Here are some tips on how to make carpooling safer and easier.

Before agreeing to carpool with another parent, get to know the parent. Playdates are a great for your children to have fun and for you to meet the other parent. It is a relaxed atmosphere that encourages bonding.

Once you feel comfortable with this other parent driving your children, you should create a carpooling schedule. Write down the parent responsible driving for each day. This will make planning and scheduling much easier.

There are a couple of safety precautions that every parent in your carpooling group should do. You should create an emergency contact sheet with names and contact information. This way everyone knows that their child will be taken care of, in case of an emergency. It is also important to write down any relevant safety information. For example, you should include any of the children’s food allergies. Make sure your car is maintained. This is a simple and easy way to prevent accidents. You should get your oil changed, rotate your tires, and inspect tire air pressure level.

You must make sure each of the children is following basic safety rules. If you need booster seats, make sure that the booster seats are installed correctly.  Do not drive unless you are sure that each child has buckled up. Buckling up will protect the children. As a driver, you should minimize any distractions. You are carrying precious cargo. Avoid any distractions like eating, texting, or talking. It can be difficult to handle a car from children, but do not try to parent and drive. If you must intervene in an argument, pull over. You do not want to risk an accident.

To make carpooling easier, you should see if your school has any special transportation rules. Many schools have special rules regarding speed limits. There are also designated pick-up and drop-off locations. Keeping on top of these rules will make your carpooling experience stress free.

You should always be on time. The other parents and children are counting on you. There may be differences in parenting styles. It might be best to keep your opinions to yourself. Just make sure that your child is safe.

The Law Offices of Dara Khajavihopes that his primer on carpooling was helpful. Please call us if you were involved in a car accident. Our expert Orange car accident lawyers are fully prepared to handle any case.

 

Huntington Beach High Graduate Fights Drunk Driving

Micayla Vermeeren, a soon to be of Huntington Beach High school, is fighting drunk driving.

Vermeeren created a free designated-driving service on Facebook called HB on Call. The 18-year-old senior was inspired to take action by the recent drunk driving incidents in Hunting Beach. Her service is not trying to condone or prevent underage drinking or drug use. The service is meant to be a safe way for people to get home.

The Facebook group has around 180 members. Some of these members are volunteers who give rides to intoxicated individuals. The members are mostly high school students from Huntington Beach Union High School District. There are at least two volunteers from each school in the district. The Facebook originally started at Huntington Beach High School, but it has branched out.

There have already been students that have used the program. Vermeeren expects an increase of calls when all the schools are let out. Vermeeren makes sure that all volunteer drivers are licensed and have nod riving restrictions. Volunteers are also allowed to bring another sober person with them.

Huntington Beach Assistant Principal Jason Ross was impressed by Vermeeren’s actions.  He supports HB On Call as a precautionary tool. Huntington Beach Police Lt. Mitch O’Brien has also supported the program, but he urges parents to check with insurance companies in case of any issues. He is also stated that high school kids may not be the best volunteers for the program.

After Vermeeren graduates, she will pass on the responsibilities to incoming high school seniors and other underclassmen. She hopes that the program will be kept alive. Ross is planning to assist Vermeeren in working with Huntington Beach’s PTSA to improve the program.

Unfortunately, drunken passengers may be dangerous to drivers. Drunk passengers can be very belligerent and dangerous.  An incredibly intoxicated group of individuals may be a liability for drivers. It is important for any designated driver to be cautious and careful while driving drunken passengers. It is a good idea to have another sober friend along. As the designated driver, you are responsible for the drunken passengers. If one of your passengers is obviously intoxicated, you may get pulled over and be ticketed. It is important to take the responsibility of designated driver very seriously.

If you are ever in a car accident because of a drunken driver, do not hesitate to contact a Huntington Beach car accident lawyer.

Texting and Walking: Dangerous Combination

A new study shows that texting while walking is just as dangerous as texting while driving.

It has already been established texting while driving is dangerous. However, a recent study on the impact of pedestrian crossing behavior shows that texting while crossing streets is just as dangerous. According to the new study, “texting pedestrians took 1.87 additional seconds to cross the average intersection (3.4 lanes), compared to the undistracted pedestrians.”

In this study, University of Washington researchers monitored Seattle’s busiest intersections. They concluded that distractions such as mobile use increases crossing times. The researchers specifically single out text messaging as the most distracting and dangerous. In the research, the researchers also state that pedestrians that are texting are approximately four times more likely to ignore lights or fail to look both ways before crossing the street.

There have been multiple cases of pedestrian injuries due to mobile phone distraction. Last year, a woman was caught on camera walking into a fountain because she was on her phone. Another man nearly ran into a bear while he was texting his boss. Yet another man was caught on tape. This man was so engrossed in his conversation on the phone that he fell into train tracks.

More and more American citizens have smart phones. Smart phones have changed the world. This device makes communication instant, and each individual is now constantly connected to the internet. However, all this advancement in technology comes with a price. Individual seem not to be able to put their phones down. Americans’ smart phone addiction is increasing our daily distraction. These distractions affect our safety on the road and on the crosswalk.

It is important to remember how distracting mobile devices. Drivers and Pedestrians should restrain from mobile device use. In 2010, there were 3092 fatalities in crashes involving distracted drivers. 18% of injury crashes were distraction related crashes. These accidents would be avoided if drivers and pedestrians would focus.

Car accidents dramatically affect those involved. They can result in car repair bills, medical bills, and emotional trauma. If you were involved in an accident because of a distracted driver or pedestrian, there are legal resources available.  An expert car accident lawyer can help you seek damages for any losses you may have experienced.

The Law Offices of Dara Khajavi is fully equipped to assist you through this difficult time. Our expert Orange County car accident lawyers have handled countless car accident cases. Please call us today for a free consultation. There will be absolutely no charges until your case is won.