Tag Archives: Orange County car accident lawyer

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!

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.

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 1^st 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.

Doggy Travel 101

We all love and adore our dogs. We want to bring them with us everywhere even on vacation. Unfortunately, traveling with dogs can be difficult. Here are some tips to make traveling with a pet easy!

Preparing for the trip

Make sure your furry friend is wearing a collar with an ID tag. The ID tag should have your phone number and an emergency contact. You should also get you’re a dog microchipped. The microchip is a tiny electronic device that contains a unique identification number. Your dog won’t even know it is there! Make sure it is registered with up to date contact information. These measures will make it easier to find your dog if it gets lost.

You will need to pack for your dog. Bring food, dishes, leashes, blankets, and baggies. It also helps to bring treats for your furry friend. You should also bring washcloths to clean your pup in case it runs in the mud.

If you are driving, you should take breaks to let your dog run around and relieve itself. Remember to give it plenty of water, and try to keep it on its regular feeding schedule. Do not ever leave your dog in the car. The car heats up, and your dog could get sick.

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a problem for many pets. Common symptoms of motion sickness are excessive drooling, panting, or frequent swallowing. It can affect a dog on a car, train, or boat. If you have time, try to get your dog accustomed to being in a car. Take them on short car rides to somewhere fun like a park. Eventually, your dog will associate car rides with someone positive. Pet harnesses can also minimize car sickness. If your dog still experiences motion sickness, you may want to buy a motion sickness drug for dogs. Ask your vet for recommendations

Proper car restraints

Letting your dog run free in a car can be dangerous. In the case of an accident, your dog will probably be ejected forward and could be seriously injured. Loose dogs can also be quite distracting. Your furry friend may try to eat your snacks or try to crawl into your lap. Investing in a pet harness or carrier will make driving much easier and safer.

Flying

If you plan on flying with your pup, you should reserve a spot for your furry friend. Airlines usually have specific requirements for dogs. There may be a crate size requirement and a vaccination requirement. You may have to supply medical information about your dog. Ask your vet for medication requirements. There is motion sickness medication and anti-anxiety medication for dogs. Pheromone sprays can also help calm dogs down.

When you should leave your dog at home

Unfortunately, not every dog should travel. Dogs with medical problems may not be suit for travel. Ask your vet on how to handle serious medical problems while on vacation. Certain dogs have difficulty flying. Dogs like boxers, bulldogs, and pugs may experience difficulty breathing at high elevations. Check with your vet if your dog is ok to fly or travel.

These safety tips should help your pet safely travel! Follow these tips and you’ll have a great vacation. If you are ever in a car accident, contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.

Honda and Nissan Announce Recalls

The two Japanese car manufacturers are recalling several vehicles.

Honda is recalling 200,000 vehicles for a shift interlock issues. The recalled vehicles include sedans, crossovers, and minivans. Approximately 17,500 of the 2013 Acura RDX sedans are being recalled. 128,000 Honda CR-Vs is also being recalled. 59,000 Odyssey minivans are also affected by the recall. The Honda CR-Vs and Odyssey minivans affected by the recall were sold during the 2012 and 2013 model year.

In the recalled vehicles, the automatic transmission can be shifted out of park if the brake pedal is not depressed. This issue is more likely to occur in sub-freezing temperatures. The defect significantly increases the risk of an accident. Currently, Honda is not aware of any complaints, accidents, or injuries related to this issue.

Honda will begin notifying vehicle owners. The car manufacturer recommends that affected owners visit their local dealerships. The dealership will examine and fix the car if necessary at no cost for the owners.

Industry analysts state that this recall reflects the fact that many car manufactures use the same components in different products to reduce costs. This may reduce costs, but this strategy backfires if there is a defect in that product.

Nissan is recalling 19,000 vehicles for brake issues. 14,000 Pathfinders and 5,000 JXs from the 2013 model year are affected by this recall.

In the affected vehicles, part of the front brake caliper assembly, the brake torque member, was not cast properly. This issue could lead to premature failure and cracking. In the case that it breaks, the brake caliper may move and come in contact with the inside of the road wheel. This contact could affect braking therefore increasing the risk of a crash.

It is not clear whether there has been any crashes or injuries related to this problem. Nissan has stated that the recall was voluntary. When Nissan became aware of the safety problem, it informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of its recall plan. Affected Nissan owners should visit their local dealership. Recalled vehicles will be examined and fixed at no cost to the owners.

If you ever experience safety issues in your vehicle, do not hesitate to report the issue to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These complaints often lead to recalls. After reporting the issue, you will probably be contacted by the NHTSA for more information about the issue.

If the defect caused a car accident, you may also want to contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.

Warm Weather Driving

Spring and summer are fast approaching. We will be experiencing warmer weather that Orange County is famous for. This means more beach trips and sunny days. There will be less rain, fog, and dreary winter weather. Unfortunately, this means that the driving conditions will also change. You will probably have to change some of your driving habits. Each season has its own particular driving challenges. Warmer seasons can also be dangerous to drive in, but the dangers are often over looked. Here are some tips on how to drive safely in the warmer seasons.

Proper maintenance

Proper car maintenance is important for safety in every season. The weather change will also affect your car. Every vehicle has its own proper maintenance schedule. Check your car’s owner manual for more information about your car’s maintenance. You should also regularly check your engine’s oil, transmission fluid, and fluid. These fluids help your engine run smoothly. The increase in temperature can affect fluid levels. In warmer weather, tire pressure tends to increase. Proper maintenance will make the car not only last longer but also much safer. It is worth investing the time and money into maintaining your car. Properly maintain your car in the warmer months, and you’ll be able to safely ride throughout the warmer months.

Tire Pressure

This is probably one of the most forgotten parts of proper car maintenance. Temperature changes can affect the tire pressure. In warmer months, the tire pressure usually increases. You want to make sure your tires are properly inflated. Proper inflation affects handling, performance, and fuel economy. Under and over inflated tires will make your vehicle more difficult to handle. Your vehicle will also have to work harder to accelerate or turn. This can significantly harm the fuel economy. Your owner’s manual will have the correct tire pressure level. Check your tire pressure at least once a month.

Outdoor activities

Warm weather is great, but it also means there are more people outside. This means you will have to drive especially carefully. There may be pedestrians or bicyclists in your blind spot. A child may even unexpectedly run into the street after a toy. It is important to drive with extreme caution. Constantly scan the road for any possible pedestrians or bicyclists.

When you drive next to a bicyclist, it is important to give them enough room to ride comfortably. Do not try to cut them off. When you turn at an intersection, you should be especially careful. There may be a bicyclist in your blind spot.

If you are ever involved in a car accident, contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.

Hyundai and Kia Recalls 1.9 Million Cars

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hyundai and Kia are recalling approximately 1.9 million vehicles for brake and air bag issues.

Hyundai will recall 1,059,824 cars and SUVS for brake light issues. Kia is also recalling 623,658 vehicles from 2007 through 2011 to for the same brake light issues. Hyundai is also recalling an additional 186,254 Elantra cars from 2011 through 2013 for airbag issues.

This faulty brake light switch can be dangerous for four different reasons. One, the brake lights may not go on. This may increase the risk of car accidents. Secondly, the cruise control may not turn off when the driver presses the brake pedal. The driver has less control of the vehicle because of this defect. In the 3rd possible safety issue, the push-to-start buttons on vehicles equipped with push-to-start buttons may not work. Lastly, these vehicles have a safety feature that prevents drivers from shifting out of park. In vehicles affected by the recall, the safety feature may fail. It could also result in a vehicle rollaway. All of these problems could increase the risk of a car accident.

The Korean car manufacturer will notify owners of affected vehicles in the next two months. Hyundai and Kia will notify affected owners to visit their local dealership. Dealers will inspect cars and replace the switch at no cost for the owner. The new stop lamp switch will have the most recent technology improvements. Currently, it is not known if there have been crashes or injuries caused by this defect.

The Hyundai Elantra recall is for an air bag problem. Affected vehicles may have a support bracket that can come loose when the side air bags are inflated. This defects could cause injure car occupants. There has been a report of people being injured by this car defect. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was able to trace the problem specifically to cars with auto-dimming rear-view mirrors installed after arriving in the U.S. During installation of the mirrors, technicians may have dislodged the bracket.

Hyundai will notify owners. Affected owners can visit their local dealership. Dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to keep the brackets safely in place.

If you ever encounter any possible safety defects in your vehicle, do not hesitate to report to the National Highway of Traffic Safety Administration. These reports often lead to recalls. If you are ever in a car accident, contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.

NHTSA Releases Safety App

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a released a smartphone app that tracks auto recalls and safety ratings.

The new application is called SaferCar. It lets you quickly check any vehicle safety ratings, track recalls, and check the latest safety headlines. The application can also help you install safety features like child safety seats. This application was designed to ensure that consumers could access up to date information about their vehicles.

The application addresses many important safety issues. Important information in the app includes:

Safety ratings

Motorists can compare and check the safety ratings of individual vehicles. This is especially useful for consumers looking for a new car.

Recalls and complaints

Through this app, a motorist can find out any recalls a specific vehicle may be effected by. An owner of a vehicle can also file a safety complaint via an application. This feature is especially important because many complaints eventually lead to recalls.

Child seats

Many parents do not properly install child seats. This application helps parents properly install child safety seats.

Safety headlines

The application will have alerts on a wide variety of safety-related news. Many consumers receive all their information through phone applications. This application will reach those consumers.

Currently, the application is only available for mobile iOS devices such as the Apple iPhone. An android version is in development. The federal safety agency is also developing a version for tablets.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is hoping that consumers will use this application to drive safer. Consumers will be more likely to use this information because it is so easily accessible.

Install this application today. It makes keeping up with vehicle safety much easier and efficient. Being informed about safety is incredibly important. Protect your family and yourself. A safe car makes the road safer.

Although this application will make drivers safer, do not use this application while driving. Phone use while driving is incredibly dangerous. Distracted driving has contributed to many accidents. Pull over if you want to use this application.

If you are ever involved in a car accident, contact an Orange County car accident lawyer. The Law Offices of Dara Khajavi is fully prepared to handle any car accident cases. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices for a free consultation. Do not worry if money is an issue there are absolutely no charges until the case is won.

Things to Ask your Mechanic

Mechanics are responsible for fixing and maintaining your car. Things are some questions you need to ask your mechanics.

Are you affiliated with the automotive service association?

Only shops with a consistent record of excellent service may affiliate with the Automotive Service Association. Look for an ASA sticker or seal in the mechanic’s office. Association with ASA is a sign that the shop provides really high quality service.

Do you have an Automotive Service Excellence certificate?

This is another sign of quality service. ASE workers do evaluations of vehicle repair shops. Shops that conform to the ASE standards are given a certificate. A certificate signifies that the shop’s work is approved and of great quality.

What are your credentials?

You want technicians that have been trained at trade school. Trained technicians are more knowledgeable and skilled. Sometimes shops will have untrained rookies work on cars.

Does your shop specialize in any particular type of car?

Certain mechanics specialize in certain vehicles or repair work. Find out what the shop’s strengths and weaknesses are.

Do you charge an inspection fee?

Do not assume that the shop has a free estimate. You don’t want any surprise charges later.

What did you do to my car?

Ask for a detailed explanation of the repairs done. Question every single detail of the job. Also ask for a detailed breakdown on your invoice of the repairs done. This will protect you from getting scammed. Ideally, you should ask the mechanic to point out each of the repairs on your car. Ask the mechanic to discuss what was removed, replaced, or repaired. You should also ask to see the old part.

Do I get a courtesy car?

If the repair will take a long time, you may be eligible for a courtesy car. Always ask for a courtesy car. Don’t forget to ask for the cost. Sometimes repair shops will charge large amounts for a rental car.

What are your payment policies?

Each repair shop has different labor rates and payment options. Ask your mechanic about the payment policies. You want to know exactly how much you will be paying for a repair.

Do you offer any guarantees?

When you get your car fixed, you want to know that the repair is guaranteed. Make sure there is a warranty on the repair. You also need to know long the warranty is. If you have any issues with repairs shortly after, you will want the repair shop to cover the additional fixing costs. The warranty on your repairs is incredibly important.

These questions will help you find a great mechanic. These questions will also make sure you are getting the best possible repair service. Mechanics are necessary for proper car maintenance. You want to be able to find a great one you can rely on.

If you are ever involved in a car accident, contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.

45 DUI Arrests

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There were 45 arrests on suspicion of DUI on St. Patrick’s Day in Orange County.

Law enforcement officers patrolled Orange County streets and highways. There were DUI checkpoints and roving patrols. The increase of patrols was a part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. This campaign is part of the Avoid the 38 DUI task force’s crackdown on drunken driving.

The Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and local police officers all stepped up patrols for the holiday. During last year’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend, there were 64 people arrested in Orange County on suspicion of DUI. The California Highway Patrol made over 300 arrests last St. Patrick’s Day weekend. This year’s number only accounts for the arrests made on St. Patrick’s Day because it was a Sunday.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 700 deaths, from 2006 to 2010, during the St. Patrick’s weekend.

Thankfully, there have not been any DUI related deaths reported. If you encounter a drunk driver, stay calm. Drunk drivers are very dangerous and unpredictable on the road. Drunk drivers tend to weave in and out of lanes. Stay as far away from the drunk driver as possible.

Do not try to pass the vehicle, or signal the driver to pull over. The driver may collide into you. Safely take down the driver’s license plate number. Take a note of the make, model, and color of the vehicle. Note any important cross streets or landmarks in the area. Do this safely. You do not want to hurt yourself while trying to obtain this information.

When safe, pull over. Call 911. Give the operator the location of the vehicle, including any cross streets or roads. The operator will also need to know the direction the vehicle was traveling. State the complete description of the vehicle. It is also helpful to describe how the vehicle is being driven. Leave the rest up to the authorities. Carefully get back on the road.

Drunken driving is a serious issue. Alcohol impairs reaction time and visibility. Do not let your friends drive impaired. It is best to just call a taxi or have a designated driver.

Drunken driving related accidents are incredibly horrific. Emotional and physical damage from these accidents lasts for quite some time. If you are ever involved a drunken driver related car accident, contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.

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