Monthly Archives: July 2013

5 Things to Do Before Buying a Used Car

New cars get all the attention, but used cars a great investment. Used cars are a money friendly option. There are also more models to choose from. Here are 5 things you should do before buying a used car.

  1. Find the right car

One of the benefits of used car is a larger selection of cars. Find the best used car for you. Can you afford the car that you want? Does the car have the features that you want in a vehicle? Compile a list of cars you are interested in. You should also include features that you want the car to have.

  1. Research the car

Find the market value of the vehicle. This will help you negotiate a great price for your used vehicle. It is also important to research the safety of the vehicle. Every vehicle has public crash test ratings. You can also find out if the car has been recalled at all.

  1. Finance

Consider how much you can afford to pay for a car. If you take out a loan, will you be able to afford monthly payments. Will you pay a down payment? You should also factor in ownership costs. Certain cars cost more to insure and maintain.

You have three ways to pay for your used car: cash, financing through a bank, or financing through a dealer. Cash is simple, but it requires you to have the funds to pay the full price. Financing through a bank is also a simpler route. Lastly, financing through a dealership can be difficult. The dealership determines your rate and you have less control.

  1. Figure out where you want to buy

Three common places to buy a used car are private parties, the used car section of car dealerships, and independent used car lots. Private parties usually have the lowest prices, but be careful of any internal damage. You can usually get great deals at the used car section of a car dealership. These cars are usually trade-ins and are thoroughly inspected with strong warranties.

  1. Test Drive

The test drive is incredibly important. It can help you determine if the used car is right for you. Take this opportunity to really get a feel for the car. Can you comfortable drive in it? Check the visibility. Test braking and acceleration power.

 

It is important to follow these steps before buying a used car. Used cars can be great investments, but a used car can also be dangerous and more likely to break down. Follow these steps, and you should be able to find a great used car!

If you are ever the victim of a car accident, you may want to contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.

 

Escaped Teen Involved in Deadly Las Vegas Car Crash to Be Tried in OC

Although Orange County Teen, Jean Soriano, was cleared in the alcohol-related car accident deaths of five people in Nevada, he still has to answer to criminal charges in Orange County for escaping a juvenile detention facility.

Orange County authorities asked authorities in Nevada to keep Soriano, an 18-year-old, in custody. They wanted him returned so he could face escape charges after the felony charges were dropped in Nevada accusing the teen of being the driver of a Dodge Durango that smashed into a minivan on Interstate 15, about an hour north of Las Vegas, on March 30.

On Monday, Soriano pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor charges of escaping but Judge Karen L. Robinson set bail at $40,000. A jury trial on the escape charges was set for Aug. 19.

Results from blood tests taken by officials in Nevada showed the Soriano, who was on the run from Orange County, was intoxicated at the time of the accident. He told authorities that he was the driver of the vehicle that crashed into the minivan, but DNA tests on blood found in the vehicle showed the driver was Alfredo Gomez, not Soriano.

Further into the investigation, law enforcement officials and Clark County prosecutors learned that Soriano confessed under threat of intimidation by Gomez, who claimed to be the passenger. Authorities believed that Gomez was the passenger and therefore was not tested for drugs or alcohol. Now, Gomez’s whereabouts are not known.

Killed in the crashed were Genaro Fernandez, 42, of Norwalk; Maria Belen Fernandez, 53, of Lynwood; and Raudel Fernandez-Avila, 49, Angela Sandoval, 13, and Leonardo Fernandez-Avila, 45, of East Los Angeles.

Information pertaining to the events that landed Soriano in Orange County’s Youth Guidance Center and how long he was there before his escape on March 1st were not made available to the public.

Last year six employees were fired and another seven were suspended after officials found several security lapses in the Santa Ana Juvenile Hall. Traditionally, the center treats juveniles with substance-abuse problems.

Car accidents also happen in Orange County and most of the people involved in them are not prepared to handle its repercussions.  An automotive wreck leads not only to damaged property but it may also lead to people getting hurt who may have to be transported to the hospital.  Financially, car collisions can be expensive.

If you are in a car crash, call Dara Khajavi Law Offices at (877) 782-3777 for more information on how to get compensation to cover the damages.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident Kills Huntington Beach Resident

A man driving a Toyota Sequoia collided into two motorcyclists.

The collision took place at around 8:43 p.m. Friday in Long Beach at 2nd Street and Glendora Avenue. Both the victims, Joseph Daroza and Taryn Hawk, were from Huntington Beach. They were both riding Harley Davidson motorcycles east on 2nd street. At the time of the collision, they were attempting to cross Glendora Street on a green light. The driver of the Toyota Sequoia, Nicholas Limer, attempted to make an unsafe left turn onto Glendora Avenue. He made the turn right in front of the motorcyclist and caused the collision.

Daroza was taken to the hospital. He was seriously injured but was in stable condition. He was later released on Sunday. Hawk died at the scene of the accident from head injuries. The two victims were out cruising after leaving the Agenda Trade Show at the Long Beach Convention Center.

Both of the victims worked for Sole Technology. Sole Technology is a Lake Forest based athletic shoe and clothing company. This company had three booths at the Agenda Trade Show. The two victims were there working and promoting the company. Sole Technology has released a statement about the accident.

Taryn Hawk’s coworkers remember him as a positive and outgoing person. He volunteered every year to work at Sole Technology’s Christmas event for children. Hawk also regularly donated to charities. He was a mentor for the company. Taryn Hawk enjoyed surfing at sunrise and living his life to the fullest. A memorial will be held for Hawk this Thursday at Olde World Village in Huntington Beach.

No arrests have been made yet. The Long Beach Police Department is planning to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Nicholas Limer may be charged. The exact charges are still unknown.

Motorcycle accidents are often quite serious and even fatal. Motorcyclists are less protected than drivers. In the event of a collision, motorcyclists are often seriously injured. If you are ever in a motorcycle accident, do not hesitate to contact a Huntington Beach motorcycle accident lawyer. Contact the Law Offices of Dara Khajavi if you have any questions. Each of our experienced lawyers has won countless cases. There are absolutely no charges until your case is won. Call us today for a free consultation.

Police Evader Causes Santa Ana Car Accident, Injures Unsuspecting Family

An unsuspecting family was injured when a driver who was evading police after being stopped for suspicious narcotic activities crashed into their vehicle at high speeds in Santa Ana, Wednesday night.

A Santa Ana police officer pulled over a Toyota Tundra near East Edinger Avenue and Cedar Street at around 7 p.m. He suspected the man and woman in the vehicle were partaking in narcotics activity, according to Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

Admitting to being on probation, after being pulled over, the driver jettisoned from the scene when the officer instructed him to turn off the engine.

Bertagna said the officer began to pursue, as did a second officer who had also spotted the truck but they lost sight of it and for some time the fleeing suspect managed to evade them.

It wasn’t until a third officer spotted the vehicle that the chase began again but it lasted for approximately 30 seconds until the Tundra crashed into a double parked Chrysler PT Cruiser, ending the pursuit.

At the 300 block of Garfield Street, the Tundra slammed into the PT Cruiser, spun it around and in the process flipped over after it, landing on its side.

A mother, a father, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, who were in the PT Cruiser, were injured and taken to a local hospital. Officials reportedly said that the family members all have varying degrees of injury but are expected to survive.

The fleeing suspect suffered the most significant injuries of the crash and was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Officials took the female passenger of the truck into police custody. She will be interviewed and asked about the incident and her involvement with the man who she was riding with in the truck. She was not injured in the crash.

It can be difficult to tell when you are going to be in an automotive accident. Being in a car wreck can depend on many things that are beyond your control. But when a serious car accident does happen, you have to be ready to respond.

You can come to us at Dara Khajavi Law Offices to get the Santa Ana car accident lawyer that will have your back when you, a loved one, or a friend gets injured in a wreck. With a 98% success rate, you can expect results and a smoother transition to your normal life.

Fatal Accident in Santa Ana

A fatal Santa Ana car accident killed a young girl and seriously injured a young boy.

The fatal accident took place on North Bristol near West 10th Street. A group of seven children and an adult were crossing the street at around 8:45 p.m. Wednesday. The group was walking from the west to east side. A vehicle, traveling northbound, struck the group of children. The drivers remained at the scene and cooperated with the officers.

Police believe that the young girl, an 11 year old, was thrown into an adjacent lane by the impact of the collision. She was then struck by a second vehicle.  The other victim, an 8 year old boy, may have been struck by the sides of both vehicles. After the impact, the girl was not breathing. There was also no pulse when paramedics treated her at the scene.  Firefighters also reported to the scene. The firefighter performed CPR on the little girl and then transported her to the hospital.

Both victims were taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange. The little girl was pronounced dead at the hospital. The little boy is still in critical condition. The two victims were brother and sister. It is unclear what the victims’ relationship was to the other members of the group.

The group was not walking in a marked crosswalk. There was no designated walking area in that area. Investigators are still trying to determine if the pedestrian or the vehicles had right of way. Police do not believe that drugs or alcohol was a factor in this collision. No arrests have been made. The investigation is still ongoing.

This is a very unfortunate accident. The victims were young and innocent. This is an example of the dangers of jaywalking. The group was attempting to cross at night. They probably were not very visible. If they had crossed in a designated cross walk, this collision may never have happened.

Jaywalking is very dangerous. Every time you jaywalk, you are risking not only your life, but the lives of other people on the road. The time you save by illegally crossing the street is not worth your safety. Don’t cross the street until unless there is a marked cross walk and wait for your turn.

If you are ever in a car accident, contact a Santa Ana car accident lawyer. Car accidents are often quite traumatic. There are physical and emotional injuries. These injuries can also be quite expensive to take care of. A car accident lawyer can help you seek maximum damages for your losses.

Costa Mesa Pedestrian Hit by SUV

A 41 year old woman was in critical condition after a SUV struck her.

The collision took place on Monday night at about 11:40 p.m. The crash was on the 1600 block of Newport Boulevard. According to Costa Mesa police, the woman was jaywalking across Newport Boulevard when the SUV struck her.

The victim was walking west across the street. A 2001 Nissan Pathfinder collided into her. The driver, a 36 year old Huntington Beach man, stopped at the scene. He stayed at the scene. The victim was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

No arrests have been made. The crash is under currently under investigation. Anyone with information should contact the Costa Mesa police.

Jaywalking is very dangerous for jaywalking. It is when a pedestrian illegally or recklessly crosses a roadway. An example of jaywalking is when a pedestrian crosses the street even though there is no marked crosswalk. Jaywalking puts pedestrians and drivers at risk. Pedestrians, who are jaywalking, are at risk of being struck by a vehicle. Drivers may not see jaywalkers too late. To avoid a jaywalker, a driver may swerve and collide into another vehicle. Jaywalking is incredibly dangerous.

Every pedestrian should be aware of pedestrian safety rules. Pedestrian injuries are a leading cause of death for children. When a car strikes a pedestrian, these accidents are often serious if not fatal. A pedestrian has nothing to absorb the blunt force of a collision.

To protect yourself while walking, it is important to stay alert. You should focus on the street and the road. Make sure you stay on the sidewalk and cross in the marked cross walk. Follow traffic signals and crosswalks. Before you cross a street, you should always look left and right because crossing the street. It is a good habit to make eye contact with a driver before crossing in front of them. Pay special attention to cars that are turning.

While you are walking, it is also best to avoid engaging in any distracting behavior. If you need to use a cell phone, go to a safe area and use the cell phone. Pay attention for any bicyclists or runners that may collide into you.

If you are ever in a car accident, contact a Costa Mesa car accident lawyer. Contact the Law Offices of Dara Khajavi for a free consultation. There are absolutely no charges until your case is won.

OC Sheriff Rescued Driver from Burning Yorba Linda Taxi

An Orange County deputy pulled a driver from a taxi that was on fire last week in Yorba Linda. A video of the dramatic incident was released by the O.C. Sheriff’s Department on Monday and is now available online.

At around 2:35 a.m. Thursday near the intersection of Bastanchury Road and Clydesdale Avenue, Deputy Shayne Stiefel was on routine patrol with a training officer when they encountered a distressed Chrysler minivan taxi.

Looking into the van the officers noticed that the driver was pressing down on the accelerator forcing the wheels to keep spinning even after they had melted off. Friction from the wheels caused liquid leaking from the vehicle to catch fire.

OC Sheriff’s Department Lt. Jeff Hallock told reporters that the taxi had its front end stuck on a curb and wedged against a no-parking sign. Smoke, sparks and flames were coming from underneath the vehicle.

Stiefel shouted a few commands to the driver, one of which instructed him to get out of the vehicle. Allegedly disoriented, the driver remained in the taxi and attempted to light a cigarette ignoring the deputy’s commands.

Deputy Stiefel reported that he drew his weapon because it appeared the driver was preparing to flee the scene or was suicidal. But when the flames began to engulf the taxi he put his gun away and pulled out a knife. He reached into the taxi van through the open window and cut away the driver’s seatbelt and then pulled the man to safety.

Emergency respondents took the driver to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, but the status of his condition was not released to the public. It was later discovered that the driver had suffered and acute medical emergency and could not respond to the deputy’s commands.

Hallock was glad that the deputies were doing their job and were in the right place at the right time to rescue the driver. “If we weren’t patrolling the streets, he could have burned to death,” he told reporters.

After the incident was over, Steiefel recognized that the incident was very bizarre and he doesn’t consider himself a hero. “It was one of the wildest things I have come across,” he said.

Have you or a loved one been injured in car wreck in the same city as the man in the story above? Contact a Yorba Linda car accident lawyer from Dara Khajavi Law Offices and get the compensation you deserve!

Hit and Run in Irvine

A man was arrested on suspicion of felony assault and driving under the influence.

The suspect, Jerome Bowan, struck several people with his car. This incident took place on Friday night in Irvine. Police received reports of an altercation in the Woodbridge community. The altercation was on West Yale Loop near Stone Creek North at around 10:20 p.m. The accident and altercation happened outside of a house party. Police is unsure if the victims were targeted.

Jerome Bowan was involved in the reported altercation. He then proceeded to get into his vehicle. Bowan drove the car into a group of people near the intersection. Several people were injured in this collision. Three people had to be taken to the hospital. None of the injuries were life-threatening, but there were serious injuries and broken bones.

The three victims were three males. Two of the victims were adults, and the third victim was a juvenile. The most serious injury was a compound fracture to the leg. This injury was sustained by one of the adults. These victims were at the house party near the collision and altercation.

Bowan fled the scene in his vehicle. He was later stopped by Police about a mile away. He was pulled over near Culver Drive and Barranca Parkway. Officers had him take sobriety tests. It was concluded that Bowan was driving under the influence.

He was taken into custody. Police are still investigating whether the crash was intentional or accidental. Investigators are still trying to determine what caused the altercation. If you have any information, contact the Irvine Police.

Thankfully, these victims were not fatally injured. It is also fortunate that Police were able to stop Bowan quickly. There could have been more injuries and damage. Drunken driving is incredibly dangerous. A drunken driver has delayed reaction and impaired vision. Accidents involving drunken drivers are often fatal or quite serious.

If you are in an accident involving a drunken driver, do not hesitate to contact an Irvine car accident lawyer. The Law Offices of Dara Khajavi is fully prepared to handle any case. There are absolutely no charges until your case is won. Our expert car accident lawyers have won countless of cases. Each lawyer is fully prepared to help you win your case. Insurance may cover some of the costs, but a car accident lawyer can help you seek maximum damages for your losses.

 

Two Fatal Accidents in Orange County

A fatal motorcycle accident took place in Anaheim, and another fatal car accident took place in Huntington Beach.

The first fatal accident took place in Huntington Beach on Warner Avenue.  At around 6:25 Wednesday evening, Police responded to reports of a crash on Warner Avenue east of Bolsa Chica Street. There were three cars involved in the collision: a 2000 Dodge Dakota pickup, a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, and a 2011 Audi A3.

The driver of the Dodge Dakota was taken to Long Beach Memorial Hospital. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Officials have not released her name yet. She was a 56 year old Lake Forest woman. The Lancer was driven by a 76 year old Huntington Beach woman. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Huntington Beach Hospital. A 58 year old Huntington Beach man was driven the Audi. He was not injured in the collision.

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the crash. Officers are asking any witnesses to contact the Huntington Beach Police Department’s traffic bureau.

The second fatal accident took place Thursday night at around 11:30 p.m. It was a fatal hit and run.  A 26 year old motorcyclist died in a collision on the 91 Freeway. The victim, Jesus A. Aguilar of Cerritos, was heading westbound on the 91. He was riding a 1997 Kawasaki motorcycle. Before the La Palma Avenue exit, a bag became entangled in his rear tire. This caused him to lose control of the motorcycle. He was thrown from the motorcycle, but he was still alive.

Witnesses saw that there was a bag attached to the back of his motorcycle. Another vehicle, a gold Honda Accord, struck him while he was on the ground. This second collision killed him instantly. Witnesses said that the Honda driver pulled over but then drove off.

Aguilar was pronounced dead at the scene. There is still an ongoing investigation. Anyone with more information should contact the California Highway Patrol.

These two fatal accidents are very unfortunate. Car accidents are quite traumatic for everyone involved. The trauma can be physical and emotional. Victims of car accidents of sustain serious injuries that require extended hospital stays. This means time away from work. There are also expensive car repair bills and medical bills.

If you are ever in a car accident, contact the Law Offices of Dara Khajavi. Our expert Anaheim car accident attorneys can assist you and build your case. Call us today for a free consultation.

 

Costa Mesa Car Accident Injured Blind Pedestrian

A two-vehicle crash in front of a Subway restaurant in Costa Mesa injured a blind pedestrian Wednesday afternoon. He was pinned underneath a car that rolled over to the side. His name and extend of injuries have not been released to the public.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. emergency officials responded to the two-vehicle accident that happened in an intersection in front of the sandwich shop.

Witnesses told officials that one of the vehicles drove into the side of the other at which point one of the vehicles went out of control, rolled over and struck a blind male pedestrian in the 17th Street and Santa Ana Avenue intersection.

Costa Mesa Police Sgt. Joyce LaPointe told reporters that investigators believe a 21-year-old driver of a Honda Civic and a 76-year-old driver of a Toyota Sequoia were traveling in opposite directions through the intersection when the Sequoia turned left in front of the Civic and initiated the wreck.

Unable to evade the collision, the Civic was rolled and stopped once on top of a blind 46-year-old man who was standing at the corner of the intersection on the sidewalk.

Fire fighters had to extricate the man who was pinned underneath the Civic on the sidewalk. Battalion Chief Kevin Diamond of the Costa Mesa Fire Department told reporters that his team had to cut some posts to get the trapped man out from underneath the car.

Emergency personnel took the injured man to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, where he is expected to recover. His condition was not made public, however.

After complaining about wrist injuries, the driver of the Sequoia was taken to Hoag Hospital. The driver of the Civic was released at the scene after being treated for an injury on her knee. There aren’t reports of any other injuries or victims.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the Costa Mesa car accident and are asking if there are any other witnesses that they step forward and speak with authorities. Investigators will have to determine if any of the drivers were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A car accident can happen at any time, especially when you least suspect one to happen. If you or a loved one were in an Orange County car wreck, then contact a Costa Mesa car accident lawyer from Dara Khajavi Law Offices today. Your consultation is free and they would love to hear about your case. Call (877)782-3777 for your free consultation. So, don’t hesitate, call them today!