Recent Posts in Auto Accidents Category

Last week Thursday in South Pasadena, it is reported that a vehicle hit a curb, went airborne and then landed on the roof of a residence located on Orange Grove Avenue.  The car accident occurred following a high-speed police chase.

Reports indicate that the Los Angeles Police Department chased the car from Panorama City to Pasadena as they believed the car was carrying a murder suspect.  During the chase, the car hit a curb and flew into the air.  Then, it landed on the roof of a nearby home at around midnight.

The driver of the vehicle, who was in fact a felon with an arrest warrant, sustained a spinal cord injury.  He was taken to Huntington Memorial Hospital for treatment.

If you were involved in a car accident in Pasadena that left you with serious injuries, contact us to discuss your injuries and case with a Pasadena personal injury lawyer

This Sunday, a man was killed during a traffic accident in Canyon Country.  Now, the police say that the man has been identified as 15 year old Eric Michael Gilhooley.

Police say that the accident occurred at approximately 10:22 AM.  Prior to the collision, a vehicle had been traveling westbound on Soledad Canyon Road when it struck the curb, hitting and killing Gilhooley.  The pedestrian accident took place near the intersection of Soledad Canyon Road and Gailxy Avenue.

Following the collision, police officers had to close roads for numerous hours to conduct investigations.  Detectives later determined that Gilhooley was standing on the curb when he was hit by a car that was driven by a 47 year old man.  The driver of the vehicle suffered minor injuries and it is reported that alcohol did not play a role in the crash.

At this time, no arrests have been made.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Santa Clarita, it is important that you get help from a Santa Clarita personal injury lawyer immediately.  Don't hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus.

In South Los Angeles, it is reported that police are looking into a hit and run accident that occurred on Thursday.  Police say that the car accident resulted in the tragic death of an 11 year old boy by the name of Natanael Garcia.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Garcia was hit at approximately 2:30 PM at Hoover and 76^th Streets, which are part of the Vermont Knolls neighborhood.

On Thursday evening, police described the suspect's vehicle as being a black or dark blue sports utility vehicle (SUV).  The say the vehicle had tan trim and stock wheels and are asking for the public's help in locating the driver.

If someone you love was killed during a car accident, such as a hit and run accident, it is in your best interests to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.  To discuss your situation with an attorney, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus now!

According to the Placer County District Attorney's Office, a man from the Antelope Valley who pled guilty to hitting and killing a pedestrian with his vehicle will be sentenced in August.

The District Attorney's office says that the man, Jeremy Sarguis, is expected to receive sentencing on August 10.  In May, Sarguis pled guilty to one count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death as well as two counts of conspiracy.

During the morning hours of February 4^th, Sarguis hit a 47 year old woman by the name of Vickie Janell Scott on Interstate 80.  Instead of stopping, he fled the scene of the car accident and conspired with his two passengers to repair and clean his car.

Now, Sarguis faces five years in state prison for his offense.

If you were injured due to the negligent actions of a driver in Antelope Valley, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus to discuss your case and injuries with an Antelope Valley personal injury attorney.

This past Saturday, it was reported that a man died during a car accident.  The man had been driving a SUV on Interstate Highway 80 when he was hit by a Dodge Caravan and flipped over.

Authorities say that the accident occurred around 2:00 AM on Buchanan Avenue, which is near the Golden Gate Fields horse track.  According to Officer Sam Morgan with the California Highway Patrol, the SUV flipped and then came to rest on its hills.  He said the man driving the Caravan had been traveling in the same direction as the SUV at 65 MPH.

Sadly, due to the impact of the accident, the driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the other vehicle did not sustain any injuries.  At this time, police are not sure if alcohol played a role in the collision and they plan to continue investigations.

If you were harmed during a car accident in the city of Los Angeles, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus to set up a consultation with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney!

Today, the California Highway Patrol reported that a tanker truck burst into flames on the 91 Freeway.  The CHP had to close both directions of the freeway to the intense explosion.

The truck accident occurred at around 10:39 AM after two vehicles crashed into one another.  TV cameras arrived at the scene and showed a huge fire burning on the freeway,

Prior to the tanker truck explosion, the CHP had to close the eastbound Riverside Freeway and the westbound 91 at the 71 freeway.  They said they shut down the freeways for safety reasons.  When CHP officer arrived at the scene, they tried to locate the driver of the large truck, but were initially unsuccessful.

After time elapsed, they were finally able to find the driver.  He managed to escape the truck before it burst into flames that were reported to be over 100 feet high.

Have you been harmed during a truck accident in the city of Los Angeles?  Now may be the right time to contact a Los Angeles personal injury attorney from the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus.  We can review your case and help you understand your legal options.

In the state of California, car accidents occur quite frequently, especially on congested roadways and highways where traffic is congested.  However, what many people do not know is that by law, anytime you are involved in an auto accident you are required to give reasonable assistance to anyone that is injured.  For example, if you notice people have injuries or are bleeding, you are required to call for help.  

Additionally, if you know first aid, you may be required to give first aid treatment.  However, if you do not know first aid procedures, you should not touch or move any person that appears to have injuries. If you move an injured person, you may make their physical wounds worse.  The only time you should take the chance of moving an injured person is if you notice they are in the way of danger.  For instance, if a person is near a vehicle that is on fire, you should try to move them away from the dangerous condition.

Another thing that you should do is try to warn other drivers that a car accident has occurred.  You can do this by turning on your car's hazards.

If you were involved in a serious car accident in Los Angeles, you should contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus today.  We can arrange for you to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney from our team who can advise you of your legal options.

On Wednesday, a 19 year old man by the name of Jorge Luis Perez died during a fatal car accident.  The young man was killed when his vehicle crashed on Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo County.

Police say that Perez lost control of his 2002 Saturn which led to it entering a right hand curve on the highway.  Perez suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene of the accident.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said that the car crashed broadside into a tree near the edge of Highway 101.  The collision caused Perez's vehicle to stop rather suddenly.  Perez was the only person in the Saturn.

At this time, police are trying to determine if speeding played a role in the accident and Perez's death.  They are interviewing witnesses to get a sense of how fast Perez was driving before the collision occurred.

If you or someone you car for has been involved in a car accident that was caused by someone else's reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, now is the time to discuss your legal options with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus.  Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation!

If you have been involved in an accident, whether it be a car accident, a motorcycle accident, or a truck accident, the following are some important steps to take that can save you potential heartache and trouble down the line.

1. Contact the police: First of all, you or your passengers’ physical safety comes first so if you think you or someone is injured, call 911 if at all possible.  If no injuries are apparent, then call the police. Police should be called after any accident.
2. Wait at the scene of the accident for the police : Do not speak to anyone except the police about the accident and do not admit guilt, even to the police. Do not apologize for any of your actions regarding the accident as this can be taken as an admission of guilt and the accident may not have been your fault.
3. Gather all necessary information: Be sure to gather the names, addresses, license and plate numbers as well as insurance policy numbers of all other drivers who were in the accident. Also take down the names, phone numbers and addresses of  any witnesses to the accident. Taking pictures of the accident scene is an excellent idea, you can even use your cell phone camera if you happen to have one. This way you can document damages, etc.
4. Ask for a copy of the police report : Within a day or two, the police report should be available and you should request a copy to ensure accuracy of what happened during the accident.
5. Get Medical Care :  See a doctor, even if you think you only have minor injuries. Be aware that sometimes injuries do not always show up immediately. It's better to get checked to be on the safe side.
6. Call Your Insurance Company : report the accident to your insurance company. Do be wary of accepting any settlement offers before consulting with an attorney.
7. Get in touch with a personal injury attorney : Your attorney can give you specific and important advice as to your legal rights.

If you have been involved in an accident in or around the San Fernando Valley , don’t wait to get help. You need someone who can protect your rights and interests and help you pursue your claim for maximum compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus today to speak with an experienced  San Fernando Valley personal injury attorney about your claim. Call us today at 888-203-7246 to set up a consultation.

Texting while driving has claimed the life of yet another motorist, this time a 51-year-old woman from Wisconsin.

According to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, an 18-wheeler truck was making a lawful turn onto a road when a driver in a passenger vehicle collided with the truck. Investigators were later able to determine that the driver, Kathy A. Endsley, was texting when the accident took place. Endsley suffered severe injuries in the collision, which ultimately proved to be fatal. She died at the scene. The truck driver was uninjured.

This is just another example of a life tragically cut short due to texting while driving. Distracted driving, which includes texting while driving, sadly leads to thousands of deaths every year. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that 6,000 lives were lost in accidents involving distracted drivers in 2008.

If you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by a distracted driver, or if you yourself were injured in an accident involving a distracted driver, you should take a moment to consult a Pasadena personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus. Texting while driving in particular is one of the most egregious forms of negligence, and any driver who injuries or kills an innocent person because they weren’t paying attention must be held accountable for their negligence. Let an attorney at our office advocate your rights to compensation by helping you file an auto accident lawsuit against the negligent driver.

For more information about our services, please call (888) 203-PAIN!

A Northern California woman has filed a product liability lawsuit against General Motors Corporation after she sustained a serious head injury during an accident.

The victim, Wendy Leigh Yates, was riding in the passenger seat of a Chevy Tahoe when the SUV was rear-ended by another vehicle. As a result of the impact, Yates' seat collapsed backward, causing her to slide back and hit her head on the rear passenger compartment. As a result of the accident, Yates suffered multiple fractures to her skill that led to permanent injury and seizures.

In her lawsuit, filed against both General Motors and Sexton Chevrolet of Manteca, the dealership where she purchased the car, Yates claims both entities are liable for her injuries. Yates claims that the Tahoe had both a design and manufacturing defect that made the vehicle inherently unsafe, and that GM knowingly sold a defective vehicle to consumers and failed to warn them of the safety risks. Yates is also claiming that GM knew, or should have known, that the defect would cause injury in a relatively low-impact accident, and that GM’s own footage shows the seats can fail during a collision, causing the passenger to fall back and hit their head. Yate’s suit also maintains that GM’s testing showed that the seat belt was not effective in holding the occupant in place when the seat collapsed.

Yates is seeking an undisclosed amount for medical bills, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and economic damages. She is also seeking compensation for loss of consortium of behalf of her husband.

It seems as if every day another vehicle maker or model is defective, posing serious risk of injury or death to consumers. If you have suffered an injury as a result of a defect with your vehicle, a Ventura County personal injury lawyer can help. Contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus today at (888) 203-PAIN to arrange a consultation to discuss your case and what options are available to you.

The latest vehicle model to be included in Toyota’s massive recall is the 2010 Prius.

Toyota is recalling approximately 270,000 Priuses in both the United States and Japan after receiving countless reports of consumers experiencing trouble with the brakes.

The recall only includes the third generation Prius, which was launched in May 2009. Since the 2010 model went on the market, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Transportation Department’s safety agency have received 124 complaints regarding the brakes, and 4 reports of crashes.

One of the things the transportation department will be investigating is whether or not there is a momentary loss of braking capability when driving over uneven roads or surfaces, such as bumps and potholes.

Toyota has supposedly identified the problem with the anti-lock brake system in the cars, saying it relates to the fact the vehicles are a gas-electric hybrid.

“When the car moves on a bumpy or slippery surface, a driver can feel a pause in the braking when the vehicle switches between the traditional hydraulic brakes and the electronically operated braking system. The brakes work if the driver keeps pushing the pedal,” said a Toyota spokesperson.

The Law Office of Gerald L. Marcus is committed to helping victims of auto accidents recover the compensation they need to cover their medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. If you have suffered an injury in an accident caused by a faulty brake system, whether in a Prius or another vehicle, you should speak with a knowledgeable Santa Clarita personal injury attorney about your legal rights and options. If you’re interested in arranging a free consultation to discuss filing a claim, please contact the Law Office of Gerald L. Marcus today by calling (888) 203-PAIN!

National statistics prove that Super Bowl Sunday is a dangerous day to be driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of the fatal accidents that occurred from kickoff through early Monday morning involved a drunk or intoxicated driver. This same data also found that drivers or motorcyclists involved in these fatal accidents had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or more. The NHTSA also found that men were more likely to drive while intoxicated and not wear their seatbelts than women.

These statistics are based on the figures for the 2008 Super Bowl weekend, but you can be sure that plenty of people drove while intoxicated this year as well. If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a  car accident caused by an alcohol-impaired driver this Super Bowl weekend, you should speak with a knowledgeable  Santa Clarita personal injury attorney about your legal options. As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you stand to recover compensation for your pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and decreased quality of life.

To learn more about filing an accident claim against the responsible party, contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus today by calling (888) 203-PAIN!

A Northern California woman has filed a lawsuit against Caltrans and Monterey County after sustaining multiple catastrophic injuries in a car accident.

The accident occurred about a year ago at the intersection of Highway 101 and San Juan Road. Anna Reznik, 66, was driving south on the 101 when another driver pulled out in front of her from San Juan Road in an attempt to turn onto the northbound side of the freeway. 

As a result of the collision, Reznik broke most of the bones from her toes all the way to her pelvis. She also suffered a massive head injury, was bedridden for six months, and now remains in a wheelchair. She now also requires around-the-clock care, and until very recently hasn’t been able to return home. Her passenger, Olga Tarcher, perished in the accident.

In her lawsuit, Reznik claims that both the county and Caltrans were negligent in maintaining public property in a dangerous condition.  According to Reznik’s attorney, Boris Efron, that intersection is highly dangerous.

Reznik is also suing the driver of the vehicle for negligence.

Both lawsuits are seeking an unspecified amount in general and special damages.