Monthly Archives: August 2013

Drowsy Driving Kills Santa Ana Mother and Critically Injures Family in New Mexico Car Accident

Road trips can be a fun way to get the family to get together and create memories; but they take preparation and awareness to ensure the trip happens without serious incident. New Mexico detectives believe that a Santa Ana mother who was driving her family to Mexico on a vacation may have been drowsy, lost focus, and crashed early Saturday morning. She died and the remaining passengers in the SUV were hospitalized and said to be hospitalized and in critical condition.

At approximately 4:40 a.m., New Mexico state police and fire officials responded to the accident on eastbound I-10 near Deming, N.M. They rushed to the scene where the tan-colored Ford SUV laid wrecked next to injured bodies and scattered car parts.

After studying tire marks on the pavement investigators believed that the driver and mother from Santa Ana, Adel Saldana, lost focus while driving and the car left the roadway. In an effort to get the vehicle back on the road the 46-year-old made a desperate maneuver and overcorrected the steering wheel, which caused her to lose control and slam through the guardrail.

The New Mexico State Police traffic report stated that when Saldana hit the guardrail, the SUV became airborne and rolled under itself. During the roll when all or most of the children were violently ejected from the vehicle.

Reportedly, respondents extricated Adela and Martin Saldana, 50, who were sitting in the front seats, and airlifted them to University Medical Center of El Paso, in El Paso, Texas.

According to investigators, at least two of the children were ejected during the crash because they were not wearing seatbelts. The children, Oscar Saldana, 7; Martin Saldana Jr., 10; and Karina Saldana, 18; were taken to Mimbres Memorial Hospital along with their grandmother Guadalupe.

Officials said Adela Saldana died from her injuries at the hospital; and each one of the other passengers was listed in critical condition, officials said.

Being in an automobile accident can be dangerous, deadly, and costly. Each year thousands of motorists are seriously injured or die on U.S. roads from car accidents, and their loved ones find it difficult to get appropriate compensation for current and future damages from insurance companies. At Dara Khajavi Offices, we work with our clients to get them the appropriate compensation they need to cover their damages. We use our years of experience dealing with insurance companies and our knowledge of the law to fight for our clients.

If you were injured in an automobile accident, contact our Orange County car accident injury lawyers today! You can reach them at (877)782-3777.

 

 

405 Shutdown Over the Weekend

A portion of the 405 freeway will be shut down this weekend.

The 405 will be shut down in both directions for 20 hours. It will be closed between the 605 Freeway and Valley View Street in Westminster. The closure will begin at 9 p.m. on Saturday and last through 5 p.m. on Sunday.  The freeway will be closed to demolish a bridge. This bridge links the southbound 405 to eastbound 22 Freeway.  The demolishing is part of a $277 million traffic improvement project. A new connector bridge was built late last month.

The crews will be tearing down a 50 year old connector road. The road carried traffic over the freeway and onto the eastbound 22. The contractor, Atkinson Construction, will not be penalized if it fails to finish the demolishing in 20 hours. However, the company will not be paid for any of the extra hours.

An average of 377,500 cars uses this portion of the freeway every day. Many residents are dreading the closure. Residents are predicting that the traffic will be really heavy. Drivers may use detours to avoid the closure. If you are heading south, you can take local streets. You will have to get off the freeway and then head south to Westminster Boulevard and then to Valley View street. Project planners have said they will be adjusting the timing of stoplights along the detour streets to accommodate traffic.

Residents have been anticipating this closure. Orange County officials have contacted the Los Angeles Galaxy about the closure. The team has a home game Saturday night. The Angels also have games Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

This portion of the 405 is one of the busiest freeways in California and the Nation. Officials believe that the closure will have a major impact on the neighborhoods. Businesses, such as restaurants, have been preparing for the closure by stocking up on supplies. If you plan to be traveling this weekend, you should plan ahead to avoid the closure.

If you are in a car accident, you should contact a Seal Beach car accident lawyer. The Law Offices of Dara Khajavi is fully prepared to win your case. Our expert legal team is dedicated to seeking justice. We will guide you through each step of the legal proceedings.

 

Midweek Orange County Freeway Ramp Closures

There will be two freeway ramp closures in South Orange County during the work week for road-maintenance work, per a Caltrans announcement made on Monday. These two closures follow the major freeway closures that have occurred over the past two weekends.

Caltrans is scheduled to strip and replace markers on the ramp. Motorists passing through San Clemente on Tuesday and Wednesday area are asked to reroute their course to avoid being stuck in traffic for an unnecessary amount of time.

Detour signs will be in place to alert motorists but if you want to plan ahead here is what you need to be on the lookout for:

  • On Tuesday the northbound Avenida Pico off-ramp will be closed between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday the southbound Avenida Calafia on-ramp will be closed between 9 a.m. and noon. And the northbound Cristianitos Road on-ramp will be closed between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The last South Orange County freeway closure took place during the Ortega Highway Bridge demolition. It was part of an $86 million project to build a new interchange for Ortega Highway and I-5.

Although there were no accidents, there was one arrest of a man who drove a car across the California Highway Patrol’s barricade that was blocking traffic from entering the construction area on the freeway.

Traffic can irritate aggravated drivers, which makes for a hostile driving atmosphere. Being prepared to find an alternative route is crucial to reduce your chances of being in a San Clemente automotive accident.

If you are involved in an accident during the closure of the ramps and were hurt, contact a San Clemente injury lawyer for help.  You may be eligible for compensation that can help pay for the damages and injuries you may have encountered in an automotive wreck.

Being in a San Clemente motor vehicle wreck can be devastating physically and financially. If you were seriously injured, chances are you will have to pay hefty medical bills and you may be physically unable to perform your job duties.

Attorneys at Dara Khajavi Law Offices have helped their clients collect millions in compensation over the years. This compensation has helped clients pay for hospital bills, unexpected financial expenses, loss-of-income, and various other expenses.

Don’t be stuck trying to figure out who will pay for your damages after an accident, contact a San Clemente car accident lawyer at (877)782-3777 for a free consultation today!

 

 

 

Huntington Beach Detox Facility Shut Down

West Coast Detox Services has been shut down.

In April 2012, a man was found dead at the detox center. The cause of death is still unknown, but state investigators have found serious misconduct in the detox center. Allegations include rehab patients receiving highly-regulated drugs without prescription. The victim was allegedly one of the patients who received drugs without prescriptions. West Coast Detox has surrendered its license and shut down.

The victim was Jason Redmer, 28. He was found dead in the West Coast Detox and Treatment Center on a Monday morning. This center is located in a single-family home on Yale Circle in Huntington Beach. The center is located near an elementary school. Next to the center there is a sober living home.

The center is licensed to operate through 2013. It detoxifies addicts before sending them to treatment facilities. Neighbors have complained about the facility since it opened in 2011. Police reports include complaints of spotty supervision and drug paraphernalia. Before Jason Redmer’s death, Residents have demanded the center be shut down. Upset residents listed their complaints at a Huntington Beach City Council meeting a month before Redmer’s death. City officials were not able to shut down the center.

The center was created after Don Ramsey, the founder, lost an acquaintance due to addiction. Ramsey has stated that he has taken all the necessary steps to keep the addicts clean. He had even installed surveillance cameras. Patients were also subject to drug tests.  According to Ramsey, the drug paraphernalia discovered by neighbors belong to a patient. The patient had thrown it over a fence because he was afraid of being kicked out of the program.

West Coast Detox will give up its license by September 15. This decision was made due to an agreement with the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs. There have been no other confirmed deaths or sickness since Redmer’s death.

This is an unfortunate story of an innocent young man. If your loved one had a similar story, you may want to contact a Huntington Beach wrongful death lawyer. It is incredibly painful to lose a loved one. If the loss was due to another individual’s negligence, the loss can be even more painful. A wrongful death lawyer can help you on your road to recovery. The right lawyer will help you build a case and hold those responsible their negligence.

Two Arrested after Separate Laguna Beach Crashes

Two men were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after separate Laguna Beach Crashes.

The first crash took place at 10:03 p.m. on Monday on Park Avenue. The vehicle was a black Volkswagen Passat. Huntington Beach resident Ricardo Berge, 18, was driving the vehicle. He was driving downhill and lost control at a curve. The vehicle hit the curb and the car flipped. It rolled over and stopped. When police and firefighters arrived at the scene of the accident, Berge was outside the vehicle. Berge and an 18 year old passenger were transported to Mission hospital in Mission Viejo with injuries. Ricardo Berge was later arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence.

The second crash took place at 12:199 a.m. on Tuesday on South Coast Highway. A white scion was heading south on south Coast highway. It then veered into opposite lanes and crashed into two unoccupied parked cars. These cars were a red Nissan Cube and a white Ford Mustang. There was moderate damage done to these cars. The driver was a Laguna Niguel resident, John Cole Con Hoogenstyn, 25. He sustained a bruised hand. John Cole Von Hoogenstyn was later arrested on suspicion of felony DUI.

Thankfully more people were not injured in this crash. Accidents involving drunken drivers are usually quite severe. Drunken drivers have delayed reaction and impaired vision. Accidents involving drunken driver are usually more serious and often fatal.  Unfortunately, accidents involving drunken driver are quite common. Every 90 seconds, a person is injured in a drunken driving accident. One in three people will be involved in an alcohol-related accident. In 2011, 9,878 people died in drunken driving crashes. This is approximately one death every 53 minutes.

If you have been drinking, be responsible and do not drive. There are always taxi services. Before you drink, you should have a designated driver. You can also hire designated driver services. Designated driver services allow you to hire a driver to hire you for the night or longer. When alcohol is involved, it is important to be responsible and think ahead.

If you are ever in an accident involving a drunken driver, contact a Laguna Beach car accident lawyer. The Law Offices of Dara Khajavi is ready to help you with your case. Our skilled legal team will guide you through all the legal proceedings. Contact us today for a free consultation. There are absolutely no charges until your case is won

Moring 6-Vehicle Crash in Irvine

A six-vehicle collision resulted in the closure of the three leftmost lanes of northbound Interstate 5 at Alton Parkway for about an hour Thursday morning. There were ambulances at the scene and at least one person who was reportedly trapped in a vehicle was taken to the hospital. Traffic was slowed to a crawl until the lanes reopened.

California Highway Patrol told reporters that at approximately 7 a.m., officials were called to the scene of the multi-vehicle collision where one person was reportedly trapped.

Emergency officials attend to those who were injured and transported one person to a nearby hospital. The condition of the person who was transported to the hospital has not been released.

Officials reopened the lanes by around 8 a.m. after three vehicles were towed from the scene.

Traffic was backed all for a few miles both ways but has now begun to move.

Authorities are investigating the accident to determine if any of the drivers were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. At this time they have not released a statement regarding the cause of the multi-vehicle collision.

Automotive accidents can happen just about everywhere and at unsuspecting times. It is important to be prepared. If you were in an accident that happened through no fault of your own and were injured, make sure to contact a car accident lawyer in your area, especially if your insurance group expects you to fight on your own.

A lawyer that cares about you and your case will make sure that your automotive damages are fixed and that you are set up with a doctor who will help tend to your injuries.

If you were involved in the Irvine 6-vehicle collision and were injured, make sure to see a doctor. It is important that you get physically evaluated and treated to prevent or reduce future health issues, even if you don’t feel any pain immediately. Adrenaline is the body’s way to reduce pain in an emergency situation and you might not feel pain until the adrenaline washes away.

Working with a lawyer has helped thousands of our clients regain compensation for their vehicle, medical bills and damages. Over the years we have collected millions of dollars in compensation and would like to assist you in gaining compensation that will cover your damages. We’ll step in where the insurance wont.

Don’t be caught fighting an insurance company on your own. Contact a reputable Irvine injury lawyer to fight for you!

 

Costa Mesa Collision

A Costa Mesa collision left two women injured.

The collision took place on Tuesday morning on Harbor Boulevard and Sunflower Avenue. Police reported that the collision took place at around 7:43 a.m. There were two vehicles involved a white Ford Explorer SUV and an Infiniti G35 sedan. The Ford Explorer SUV reportedly broadsided an Infiniti G35. The SUV was traveling east on Sunflower and collided into the Infiniti G35 sedan. The sedan was traveling north on Harbor. At the time of the collision, the intersection at the traffic signal had just turned green. According to witnesses, the driver of the Infiniti did not enter the section prematurely.

The SUV’s driver is a 58 year old woman from Huntington Beach. She was transported to Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center. The SUV driver was cited for a red light violation. The sedan driver is a 51 year old woman from Newport Beach. She was transported to Hoag Hospital. Both women complained of neck and back injuries.

Luckily, more people were not injured in this accident. These two streets often experience heavy traffic. There are also usually many pedestrians in the area. The intersection is located near many businesses and restaurants. It is also close to Whittier Law School, WestMed College, National University, and The Art Institute of California Orange County. This accident could have fatally injured bystanders. Thankfully, no one was injured in this crash.

Survivors of car accidents often sustain serious injuries. These injuries can be physical and emotional. Physical injuries usually require extended hospital stays and expensive hospital bills. Emotional trauma can affect different people in various ways. Some survivors of car accidents may have experience trouble driving. Medical insurance may cover some of these costs, but there are still many bills that insurance does not cover.

There is also tremendous damage done to the vehicles involved in a car accident.  Car repair bills can be quite expensive. The insurance of the responsible party should cover the bills, but the other drivers involved may not have insurance. You may be stuck with an expensive repair bill.

If this all sounds familiar, contact a Costa Mesa car accident attorney. A car accident attorney can help you seek maximum damages for your loss. The Law Offices of Dara Khajavi is fully prepared to handle your case. Our expert legal team has won countless cases. Call us today for a free consultation.

Ortega Highway Bridge Demolition Finished in Time

Part of the San Juan Capistrano City officials and community leaders’ $86 million project to build a new interchange for Ortega Highway and I-5 was completed this week on time this weekend. It was the first full closure for Ortega Highway’s bridge and the freeway portion underneath.

The closure of a freeway is enough to turn a sane person crazy but this freeway closure was a success considering that there were no serious accidents reported through people going insane. Those who were planning to travel through the San Juan Capistrano area via the I-5 or Ortega Highway on August 2nd and the 3rd had to reroute to avoid the closure as the south side of the bridge that passes over the freeway was demolished.

Its builders were able to dodge the hefty fines by adhering to the strict time constraints. About 80 percent of the south side of the bridge was demolished Friday night and into the early morning hours Saturday by hydraulic excavators.

Caltrans spokeswoman Cindy Azima told reporters that demolition and clean-up continued the following night and the freeway reopened on time at about 6:30 a.m. Sunday.

“They had no major issues that arose,” Azima said. “We are very happy with the results.”

Although there were no accidents, there was one arrest Friday night when a car passed through the California Highway Patrol’s barricade that was blocking traffic from entering the construction area on the freeway.

Most of the traffic congestion occurred up until 1 a.m., Azima said.

The completion of this project is by the spring of 2015. It is intended to relieve the traffic congestion at what Caltrans officials call one of Orange County’s worst chokepoints.

If Caltrans failed to abide by the bridge and freeway closure schedule, they would pay fines starting at $1,700 for every 10 minutes during the first half-hour, then $2,600 every 10 minutes for the second half-hour and $3,400 every 10 minutes thereafter.

Crews prepared the southern portion of the bridge for demolition since its closure on June 1st. Over the next several months, that portion of the bridge will be rebuilt. Once that is completed, traffic will be switched to that side, and the process will be repeated on the north side.

Traffic can irritate aggravated drivers, which makes for a hostile driving atmosphere. Hopefully with the completion of this project the amount of car accidents that happen through that area of the city are solved.

Until then, if you are in an accident contact the Dara Khajavi Offices that specify in Orange County injury cases.

Call (877)782-3777 for a free consultation with a San Juan Capistrano car accident lawyer today!

Fatal Costa Mesa Motorcycle accident

A motorcyclist was killed in a fatal crash Sunday afternoon.

The motorcyclist was a Huntington Beach resident. He was later identified as Chad Delorm. The accident took place near Royal Palm Drive in Costa Mesa. Delorm was riding a 2011 ZX motorcycle.  A 2005 Honda Civic was making a left turn, and Delorm was heading east on Adams Avenue. The driver, a 62-year-old woman, crashed into the motorcycle. Delorm hit the passenger of the Honda Civic. The accident occurred just before 4 p.m.

Chad Delorm was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The driver stayed at the scene of the crash and is cooperating with investigators. Police interviewed several witnesses. The driver was released after being interviewed. She did not appear to be under the influence of any alcohol or drugs. The crash is still under investigation.

Motorcycle accidents are often quite severe. Motorcyclists have little to protect them in the event of an accident. Motorcycles are not equipped with airbags or seatbelts. It is important for all motorcyclists to invest in protective gear. Helmets should always be worn. A properly fitted helmet can save your life.  Helmets can prevent many serious injuries.

If you are ever in a motorcycle accident, contact a Costa Mesa Car accident lawyer. Motorcycle accidents are often quite serious. Survivors of motorcycle accidents usually sustain injuries. Motorcycles are usually totaled after a motorcycle accident. The injuries can mean extended hospital stays and time away from work. The damage done in a motorcycle accident can also mean expensive repair bills. Insurance may 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 are involved in a motorcycle accident. Our expert legal team can guide you through the complicated legal process. There are absolutely no charges until your case is won. Call us today for a free consultation.

Rowland Heights Train and Semi Collision

A Union Pacific train struck a semi-truck near Nogales St. and Walnut Dr.

The collision took place right before 6 p.m. on Nogales Street just south of Walnut Drive. The semi-truck was heading southbound on Nogales Street. There was stop and go traffic. The truck moved with traffic but was stuck on the railroad tracks due to the traffic. A Union Pacific freight train was traveling westbound and struck the back of the truck. An empty container was dislodged in the collision.

The empty container struck a BMW sport utility vehicle and a Nissan car. These cars were in the lane next to the tractor trailer. The train control box was also damaged in this collision. The Nissan was seriously damaged in the collision.  The car’s windshield was caved in, and there are multiple dents around the car. It is unlikely the Nissan will be drivable without serious repairs.

The driver of the Nissan complained of pain but did not go to the hospital. The truck driver also suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital. There were no other reports of serious injuries.

Nogales Street was closed from San Jose Avenue to Walnut Drive. It should have been opened early this morning.  The California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. This closure will mostly likely cause significant traffic congestion in Rowland Heights and nearby areas in City of Industry.

If you are ever in a car accident, you should immediately call the Police, your insurance agent, and emergency medical professionals if you are injured. You should also call a car accident lawyer. Car accidents are often quite traumatic. Survivors of car accidents often sustain emotional and physical injuries. The trauma can make post car accident recovery difficult.

Car accidents are quite expensive. A car accident can mean expensive hospital bills, time away from work, and car repairs bills. Insurance may cover some of these costs, but a car accident lawyer can help you seek maximum damages for your losses. An expert car accident lawyer can guide through all the complicated legal proceedings.

The Law Offices of Dara Khajavi is fully prepared to handle any case. Our expert legal team will walk through you each step of the legal proceedings. There are absolutely no charges until your case is won. Call us today for a free consultation.