Monthly Archives: August 2013

Bicyclist Dies in Fatal Newport Beach Crash

A 58 year old woman died in a fatal accident in Newport Beach.

Debra Deem, a Laguna Beach resident, was riding her bike in Newport Beach. She was riding her bike west on the East Coast Highway near Newport Coast Drive. Deem collided into a white minivan at around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Deem was wearing a helmet, but she sustained major head trauma. Paramedics responded soon after the crash. Deem was transported to mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. She was put on life support. Unfortunately, Deem later succumbed to her injuries. She was taking off life support, and she passed on Wednesday.

Police were still investigating the crash on Wednesday. It is not clear who is at fault for the accident. No arrests or changes have been made. Police do not believe alcohol or drugs were involved in the crash. More details about the crash have not been released.

Bike safety is a serious concern in Newport Beach. Locals have complained that this area is too dangerous for bicyclists. Even experienced bicyclists are in danger on this road. Newport Beach is a popular bicycling location. According to police, there were 106 accidents involving bicyclists in 2012. In September 2012, there were two fatal bicycle accidents. This accident is the third bicycling fatality in Newport Beach in the last 12 month. It is the 6th fatal accident since 2010. There have been over 62 cycling fatalities in Southern California this year. This accident will be the 8th fatal accident in Orange County.

Debra Deem is the wife of Paul Deem. Paul Deem is a former Olympic cyclist and owner of Cycle Werx bike shops located in Costa Mesa and San Clemente.  Paul and Debra Deem were prominent members of the Orange County cycling community.

The Newport Beach Bicycle Master Plan Oversight Committee will meet on September 3rd. This recent death will definitely be part of the discussion. The committee hopes to decrease the number of accidents and improve street safety.

If you or a loved one is ever in a bicycle accident, contact a Newport Beach bicycle accident lawyer. Bicyclists are unfortunately incredibly vulnerable to accidents. A bicyclist is less visible than a vehicle. In the case of a collision, bicyclists are also more vulnerable to injury. This is why many accidents involving bicyclists are often quite serious.

The Law Offices of Dara Khajavi is fully prepared to handle any bicycle accident case. Contact us today for a free consultation.

 

Rancho Santa Margarita Truck Accident, Bicyclist in Critical Condition

A truck accident in Ranch Santa Margarita left a bicyclist in critical condition Wednesday morning. Orange County Sheriff’s Department reported that the truck struck the man Tuesday. The investigation is ongoing. Early reports show that the truck driver may not have been at fault in the truck accident.

Officials said the 34-year-old, who was unnamed by authorities, was riding a bicycle westbound on Santa Margarita Parkway about 200 feet east of Alma Aldea when he was struck by the motor vehicle at approximately 3:30 p.m. The bicycle rider was on the center divider, crossed over into eastbound lanes and was hit by a pickup truck. He was ejected from the bicycle and hurt.

Emergency medical respondents were rushed to the scene and transported the injured rider to Mission Hospital with severe head injuries.

Investigators closed down Santa Margarita Parkway at Alma Aldea until 7:30 p.m. to perform an investigation and report the accident.

Because the investigation is ongoing, the Sheriff’s Department is not releasing the names of the bicycle rider or the driver of the pickup. Preliminary reports indicate the driver of the pickup did nothing illegal.

The Law Offices of Dara Khajavi are fully equipped to handle any Orange County motorcycle accident case. Our expert Orange County Car injury lawyers have handled countless of cases resulting in millions of dollars earned for our clients. Call us for Toll Free today (877)782-3777 to see what we can do for you.

Motor vehicle collisions can happen at any time and when they do happen, those involved are rarely prepared to deal with the issues that surround a crash.  We have seen that most victims lack the experience to deal with an insurance company on their own to get the fullest compensation possible and are often left exploited while the insurance company gets claims more revenue.

Insurance companies are trained to pay out as little as possible and if you were not at fault they tend to make you believe that you were responsible for the damages. This is costly and may result in you having to deal with the motorcycle accident the rest of your life.

Our attorneys will fight for you! Don’t be stuck paying for an accident that was not your fault. Call our attorneys today! Call (877)782-3777 for a free consultation that could result in you getting the most compensation.

Newport Beach Pays $1 Million in Suit

The city settled a lawsuit for more than $1 million.

In 2011, Haeyoon Miller, 29, was killed by a eucalyptus tree that fell on her car. The eucalyptus tree was 10 tons. It crushed the car and killed Haeyoon Miller. Miller sustained blunt force trauma and crushing injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene. This horrific accident took place at Irvine Avenue and 17th Street. It has been Newport Beach’s responsibility to care for the trees on the public property.  Costa Mesa is also responsible for paying for part of the upkeep.

The tree had no obvious signs of disease. According to witnesses, the only warning sign was a creaking noise before the tree fell. The tree was a 50 foot tall blue gum eucalyptus. It was over 60 years ago. The deadly tree was one of 100 eucalyptus trees on Irvine Avenue. The city arborist found no evidence of disease when he first examined the tree. Other arborists and experts stated that the tree’s root system was decayed.

Haeyoon Miller’s parents filed a wrongful death claim against Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, in 2012. Hyun Myung Suk, Haeyoon’s mother, sought damages in excess of $10,000 from Newport Beach. She sought damages including the expenses for her daughter’s burial, funeral, and memorial.  Hyun Myung Suk also sought damages for the loss of care, comfort, support, and companionship. Her suit alleged that the city was negligent in its planting and maintenance of the trees. The claim also alleges that Newport Beach removed eucalyptus trees to conceal and destroy evidence. Sunyl Chung, Haeyoon Miller’s father, also filed claims against Newport Beach and Costa Mesa for an undisclosed amount. He alleged that the cities were negligent in the maintenance of the trees. He is seeking damages for the cost of Miller’s vehicle and medical and emergency services.

Costa Mesa was not held responsible for the trees and paid nothing to the plaintiffs. Newport Beach City Council approved two separate $500,000 payments to Haeyoon Miller’s parents. The tree contractor paid $50,000. Neither Newport Beach nor the contractor admitted to any fault or wrongdoing.

Haeyoon Miller was a Tustin Resident. She was an accomplished violinist who studied at Julliard School of Music. Miller had moved to American from Korea to attend Julliard. A year before her death she opened a sports-training studio for children in Costa Mesa. She was also a full time executive assistant at a mortgage firm. Miller was running a quick errand to the studio when she was killed.

This unfortunate accident left Miller’s family and friends emotionally scarred. If you have ever lost a loved one in an accident, contact a Newport Beach wrongful death lawyer.

 

 

Santa Ana Hit-and-Run Car Accident Suspect Found

The suspect of hit-and-run car accident that killed two men Friday turned himself in later the night after the incident, according to Santa Ana police.

Authorities said that Jorge Ocampo, 21, was behind the wheel of an Audi sedan that ran a stop sign and ran into a Nissan Sentra at about 11:30 a.m. at Cabrillo Park Drive and East Fruit Street.

Witnesses told officials that music was blaring loudly from the Audi that was traveling at high speeds.

Santa Ana Police Department Cpl. Anthony Bertagna told reporters that hit-and-run suspect was driving northbound on Cabrillo Park, ran a stop sign at high speeds, resulting in a serious collision with a Nissan Sentra that was turning east. They spun with the force of the collision and came to rest about 30 feet from the intersection.

“You can see there’s no skid marks,” he said. “So, he didn’t even slow down.”

Officials said the driver of the Sentra, 53-year-old, Alejandro Bravo, was killed during impact. His passenger, 50-year-old, Juan Jose Luna Castro, died about 40 minutes later at a hospital. Both men were Santa Ana residents.

Per witnesses, Ocampo exited the Audi, made an attempt to open the passenger and the drivers’ doors of the Sentra and left the scene after failing to open them. Holding a cellphone to his ear, he walked into the residential complex.

Originally, officials said they were looking for a passenger that accompanied Ocampo but they later discovered that he was the sole occupant of the vehicle that is registered under his name.

Officers searched for the driver door-to-door at the complex but did not find him. At that point they were unsure if he had fled on foot or called someone to pick him up.

“We don’t know who it was that compelled Ocampo to turn himself in, whether it was pressure from the media or a specific family member, but kudos to them,” Bertagna said. “This gives our victims’ families some closure.”

Authorities have not released the exact details of the accident or whether Ocampo was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. He turned himself in late Friday night and was booked on two counts of manslaughter, two counts of felony hit and run, and one count of being an unlicensed driver. He turned himself in at 10:43 p.m.

If your friends or loved ones were injured or killed in an automotive accident, make sure to call Santa Ana car accident lawyer. You can get compensation to cover the costs of losses that resulted from the accident. Call (877)782-3777.

Serious Anaheim Accidents

A 54 year old man died last night in a fatal car accident, and another serious accident took place this morning.

The man was driving a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. He had pulled over on the side of the freeway near the State College Boulevard exit. The rear tire of the Toyota Sequoia had failed. At the time of the crash, the 54 year old was sitting on the back bumper. A 16 year old boy was attempting to change the tire. There were two more girls, 11 and 13 years old, inside the SUV.

The other vehicle was a 1994 Lexus sedan. The driver was driving south on I-5 South at around 9:40 p.m. When the Lexus merged into the right lane, it struck the bumper of the 2002 Toyota Sequoia. The impact of the collision sent the SUV spinning. The vehicle hit the 16 year old boy. He was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange with major injuries. The 54 year old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Lexus was also taken to UCI Medical center with moderate injuries. The two girls inside the SUV were taken to St. Joseph Hospital with minor injuries. The current status of all injured is unknown. California Highway patrol officials are investigating the cause of the crash. It has been determined that drunken driving was not a factor. No arrests have been made.

Another serious accident took place in Anaheim this morning. Two people were injured in a crash at West La Palma Avenue and North Magnolia Street. A Dodge Caravan was heading north on magnolia street around 7:30 a.m. The Dodge Caravan collided into a Chevrolet pickup going west on La Palma Avenue.

The truck struck the minivan on its passenger side.  A man and a woman were taken to a hospital with injuries. Their current conditions have not been released. Medics had to remove the male passenger from one of the vehicles. Officials are still investigating the cause of the accident.

These accidents were quite serious. There were many injured victims. Car accidents often caused serious injuries. Survivors of accidents usually have extended physical therapy and hospital stays. Insurance may cover some of these costs, but an Anaheim car accident lawyer can help you seek maximum damages.

Contact the Law Offices of Dara Khajavi today for a free consultation. Our expert legal team will assist you through the difficult legal proceedings. Don’t worry if money is an issue. There are absolutely no charges until your case is won.

Irwindale Bus Accident Injures Dozens, Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help

At least 30 people were injured in an Irwindale bus accident late Thursday morning. Officials said that as of now none of the injuries are life-threatening. Those who were injured in the bus wreck that are looking for compensation to cover their damages should contact a bus accident injury lawyer.

Reports say that the accident happened approximately 20 miles east of Los Angeles and that emergency respondents are already on the scene. A large tow truck was sent to pull the bus from the ditch as well.

California Highway Patrol officials are still investigating the accident and have released a few tweets to inform motorists of the situation.

“EB 210 past the 605 freeway. Overturned bus. All passengers out. Approximately 30 hurt. Three right lanes closed,” CHP Southern Div. tweeted at around 10a.m.

English: Picture of the Fox River Grove grade ...

Irwindale bus accident injures 30 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Firefighters on the scene tended to those who were injured in the accident. Aerial footage showed that they were working with people who were placed on green, yellow and red triage area tarps. These tarps indicate severity of injuries, red is the most severe. Other people were being transported on stretchers.

Most of the victims were treated for bumps and bruises and did not appear to have life-threatening injuries.

While the emergency respondents did their work, traffic was halted and some people exited their cars, hopped over the center divider and made an attempt to watch but CHP would not allow them. Ready to reopen the freeway, CHP released the following tweets:

“Attention to all who are stopped on EB 210 and have exited your cars. WB lanes can’t be open until you return to your cars.”

“If you are stuck on 210 freeway please don’t exit your car or walk on the freeway. Freeway traffic may flow at any time”

Da Zhen, a Chinese tour bus company from Monterey Park, was transporting 40 passengers, Saul Gomez, a CHP spokesman said. Usually that bus offers one and two-day trips to casinos in and Las Vegas.

Officials are investigating the cause of the crash and so far it is unknown if there were any other vehicles involved in the incident.

“It’s a little early to determine whether it was driver error,” Gomez said. “We are worried more about the injured people than the actual investigation itself.”

Lt. Mark Garrett of the CHP told reporters that officers would conduct a “very thorough mechanical inspection” of the bus. Typically during these inspections officials check maintenance schedules to make sure the buses are well maintained. They also check that permits and licenses are all in order.

Traffic was backed in both directions of the freeway and CHP is preparing to get traffic moving once more. Here are other tweets they released to update motorists on the traffic:

“SIGALERT UPDATE: EB I-210 EAST OF I-605 THE CARPOOL LANE WILL BE CLOSED INTERMITTENTLY DURING COLLISION INVESTIGATION”

“11:15 AM SIGALERT UPDATE: I-210 EAST OF I-605 WB LANES OPEN – EB CARPOOL LANE OPEN – ALL OTHER EB LANES CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE”

Call (877)782-3777 if you were injured in a bus accident an attorney is waiting to speak with you.

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Man Injured in Fountain Valley Tutoring Center Crash Dies

Alex Martinez, one of the six people injured in the Fountain Valley Tutoring Center car crash died after receiving life-threatening injuries. Over 200 people showed up to the center to light candles, gather, and say prayers in memory of the 32-year-old who had worked there for seven years, Wednesday night.

At 8 p.m. friends, family, colleagues and pupils gather in front of the Tutoring Club to show their respects for Martinez.

“I lost everything,” Martinez’s younger sister Gwen Martinez said before the prayer. “He was my dad, my older brother. He was the person I looked up to.”

Martinez taught math, science, English and Spanish and helped high school students prep for the SAT at the center. He was a UC Berkeley graduate and was preparing to apply to dental school before the crash took place.

“He was the rock. The big brother to the other tutors,” Tutoring Club owner David Hill, 35, told reporters Wednesday. “The kids loved him. He inspired them to be better and not to settle.”

Here is the story from Monday:

“Officials said six people were injured after a car crashed into a Fountain Valley tutoring center, including the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident, Monday afternoon. Firefighters had to put up reinforcements to prevent the building from collapsing.

At approximately 1 p.m. near Brookhurst Street and Ellis Avenue, the Tutoring Club building shook. A 2011 Buick drove through the front of the afterschool academic program building. It stopped hitting the back of the building while a class was in session.

At least one person suffered cardiac arrests. Firefighters had to extricate a 32-year-old man who was left with life-threatening injuries, along with a 20-year-old who received serious injuries from beneath the vehicle. Emergency personnel rushed both victims to local hospitals.

Additionally, two 15-year-old boys, and a 67-year-old woman received minor injuries in the wreck. The driver of the vehicle, a 6-year-old Huntington Beach resident, was left with minor injuries.

Information from the Tutoring Club website indicated that the building was not yet opened for tutoring services at the time of the crash but between nine and twelve students were in the building at the time of the crash.”

If your loved one died in a car accident you need to contact an Orange County wrongful death lawyer. Call (877)782-3777 for a free consultation and more information.

Woman Arrested On Suspicion of Drunken Driving

A woman was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving early Tuesday morning.

The woman was driving a silver Volkswagen Jetta. At around 7 a.m., she veered while merging onto the 5 freeway from Blake Parkway. The woman hit a guardrail and flipped. The car landed on its driver side against a chain link fence. Police administered a field sobriety test. She failed the test and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The woman also admitted to texting before the crash.

Firefighters and police reported to the scene. Firefighters had to open the car’s windshield to free her. The woman only suffered minor injuries. Luckily, no one else was hurt. There have been no reports of any other collisions caused by this first collision.  The identity of the woman has not been released.

Drunken driving is a serious issue. Drunken drivers have delayed response and impaired judgment. This woman would not have been in an accident if she had not been drinking and driving. Orange County has attempted to cut down on drinking and driving, but it is still an issue.

Last Friday night, Orange County had a DUI check point in San Juan Capistrano. There were two arrests from this check point. The check point was on Junipero Serra Road between I-4 and Camino Capistrano. It was funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. The deputies arrested two individuals for suspicion of drunken driving. 18 unlicensed drivers were also cited. Nine vehicles were towed. The check point was active from 8 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday. 590 vehicles passed through the checkpoint.

Newport Beach and Costa Mesa will have checkpoints Labor Day weekend. Newport’s checkpoint will be on August 29. Costa Mesa’s checkpoint will be on Aug 30. The Federal grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety will be funding these checkpoints. The checkpoint locations have not been released. Costa Mesa’s check point is part of a nationwide period of enhanced enforcement. This nationwide period is from Aug 16 to Sept 2.

If you are an accident because of a drunken driver, you should contact an Orange County car accident lawyer. Accidents caused by drunken drivers are often serious and even fatal. A car accident lawyer can help you through the difficult recovery process.

Contact the Law Offices of Dara Khajavi if you have any questions. Don’t worry if money is an issue. There are absolutely no charges until your case is won.

Car Crashes into Fountain Valley Tutoring Center Injures 6

Officials said six people were injured after a car crashed into a Fountain Valley tutoring center, including the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident, Monday afternoon. Firefighters had to put up reinforcements to prevent the building from collapsing.

At approximately 1 p.m. near Brookhurst Street and Ellis Avenue, the Tutoring Club building shook. A 2011 Buick drove through the front of the afterschool academic program building. It stopped hitting the back of the building while a class was in session.

At least one person suffered cardiac arrests. Firefighters had to extricate a 32-year-old man who was left with life-threatening injuries, along with a 20-year-old who received serious injuries from beneath the vehicle. Emergency personnel rushed both victims to local hospitals.

Additionally, two 15-year-old boys, and a 67-year-old woman received minor injuries in the wreck. The driver of the vehicle, a 6-year-old Huntington Beach resident, was left with minor injuries.

Information from the Tutoring Club website indicated that the building was not yet opened for tutoring services at the time of the crash but between nine and twelve students were in the building at the time of the crash.

A car accident can happen at any time and can affect people off the road too. Additionally, it is rare for people to be prepared for an accident and its ramifications. People injured in the collision may want to speak with a Fountain Valley car accident lawyer if they would like to collect compensation.

Compensation helps those who are injured cope with the costs that surround an accident. Basic compensation may cover current and future hospital costs, damages, and loses that resulted from the accident.

It takes experience, time, dedication, and in some instances negotiation and persistence to determine who will pay for your compensation. If you are in a collision you need to get your medical bills taken care of, get reimbursed for the loss of income you may have experienced, and any other damages straightened out you need to contact our Fountain Valley car accident lawyers from Dara Khajavi Law Offices.

Over the years our Orange County accident injury lawyers we have collected millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. If you decide to work with us and we work together, we would like to help you get compensation. We work hard for our clients. We negotiate with all parties involved and use our years of gained experience and professionalism to get our clients compensated for their Fountain Valley wrecks.

Don’t hesitate; call (877)782-3777 today!

Anaheim Hills Crash Causes Outage

A man suspected of drunken driving crashed into a utility pole causing a power outage.

The driver was driving a gray pick-up truck. He was driving, on Saturday, in the 5500 block of East La Palma Avenue east of Imperial Highway. At around 10 p.m., he collided into a utility pole. The collision caused a power outage that affected traffic lights in major intersections near the intersection. The driver was identified as 65 year old William Scaberry of Anaheim. He was taken to Western Medical Center- Santa Ana. The extent of his injuries is unknown. He was later arrested for driving under the influence.

After the crash, Police officers had to direct traffic. One driver ignored the police officers and almost ran over downed power lines. Intersections on both sides of the 91 Freeway were affected by the collision. The westbound traffic on La Palma Avenue at Imperial Highway was stopped.  There were 4 intersections without power. Intersections affected were La Palma Avenue and Imperial Highway, Imperial Highway and Santa Ana Canyon Road, Santa Ana Canyon Road and Via Cortez, and La Palma Avenue and Fairmont Boulevard.

Repairmen from Anaheim Electric Services worked throughout the night to restore power for affected customers. Around 700 customers were affected by the power outage. Utility crews were still working on the damaged utility poll Sunday morning.

Luckily, no one seriously injured because of this collision. There could have been many more collisions caused by this collision. Thankfully, officers and repairmen were able to handle the situation quickly, or there may have also been many more injuries.

If you are ever in a car accident, contact an Anaheim Hills car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Car accidents are often quite severe. You may sustain serious injuries. These injuries can mean extended hospital stays, loss of income due to time away from work, and physical therapy. All of these costs can add up. Insurance may help cover some of these costs, but a car accident lawyer can help you seek maximum damages for your losses.

Contact the Law Offices of Dara Khajavi if you have any questions. Our excellent legal team will assist you through all of the legal proceedings. Our team has handled countless cases. We are based in Orange County so we know all of the Anaheim Hill laws and streets. Call us today for a free consultation.