Car Accident Lawyer Pros' Blog

15-Year Old Boy Crashed the Car Killing His 11-Year Old Cousin

On the night before Christmas Day, a 15-year old boy drove out their family car together with his 11-year old cousin while their folks are having a fun time celebrating the holidays. However, the 15-year old boy got involved in a car crash that took his younger cousin’s life.

According to the police, the two boys were out to warm up the car, but they resorted to using the car. The 15-year old boy then crashed the car into a tree on Woopong Road, near Hill Drive just less than a mile away from their home.

As a result of the car crash, the 11-year old boy died right at the accident scene while the 15-year old boy was sent to Hartford Hospital for the serious injuries he sustained from the accident. The names of the two minors were not disclosed by the family and the police, but according to them, the older boy who drove the car is now in stable condition.

It appears from the investigation that excessive speeding and inexperience are factors to the accident.

Obviously, the state doesn’t have a comprehensive Graduated License Law unlike New York, Delaware and Rhode Island. The Graduated License Law allows teenage drivers to gain driving experience before achieving full driving privileges. It’s also another way of reducing fatal car accidents on young drivers. Therefore, it is highly recommended for every state to have a comprehensive law regarding the graduated license.

Oftentimes, the federal government disregards the need for modification of some car accident laws and issues not realizing that those would eventually reduce the rapidly growing number of teenage death toll resulting from inexperienced and irresponsible young drivers.

In case you are not familiar with the car accident laws, you may contact car accident lawyers for consultations and other queries.

Lamborghini Involved in a Car Crash Hours After Winning the Car

Six hours after the Utah man, David Dopp won a $380,000 Lamborghini from a chain of convenience store contest; he crashed the brand new sports car.

Dopp won the Lamborghini from a contest of Ma    verick Stores called Joe Schimo to Lambo contest and co – sponsored by a non – profit organization, “teamgive” which educates people about rare neurological disorders.

Dopp said he was taking some family and friends for a joy ride when the accident happened. According to him the vehicle hit an ice and then started spinning until it struck some fence posts and came to stop in a field.

As a result of the accident, the Lamborghini has front - edge damage, a punctured wheel and scratches all along the right side.

Definitely, the car insurance company would be disappointed upon seeing this luxury sports car after the accident.

Dopp did not sustain any injuries and is asserting to be extra – careful next time.

Probably Dopp already filed for his car accident insurance claim and litigation and Dopp would have gotten over excited about his new car to the extent that he didn’t even realized that the vehicle was going too fast on a risky weather condition.

In a vehicle accident, certainly you have to deal with the insurance agents or with others that are involved in the accident. Filing for a car accident insurance claim is not an easy task. It still requires too many pertinent documents and evidences of course and a vey long patience for the investigation process.

According to reports, the green Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster will be bounded to Las Vegas body shop on Wednesday for some repairs and replacement.

Dopp said that he feels awkward seeing his brand new car in his humble driveway. He stated that he plans to sell the vehicle to pay off the bills and buy another car after it has been fixed.

If Dopp has plans on selling the Lamborghini, definitely it would not be valuable as it was before the accident happened. For sure, buyers would now make bargains after learning about the accident.

New York DJ Seriously Injured in a Fatal Car Accident

New York disk jockey, Jonathan Toubin, is now in critical condition at the Oregon Health and Science University at Portland, Oregon after he was struck by a taxi cab.

According to a news report from ABC News Online, the DJ who is known for hosting some of the biggest parties in New York just went to Oregon for his scheduled gig at a Southeast Portland club.

As Toubin was lying on his bed in a hotel room, a taxi cab slammed through his room’s window and landed on his bed. A Portland police officer and three hotel maintenance workers were the first to rescue Toubin and were able to move the car out of the hotel room. The paramedics who responded at the accident scene gave Toubin an advanced life support. Witnesses said that it was a bloody incident.

Toubin was brought to the nearest hospital, in Oregon Health and Science University where doctors found out that he suffered serious injuries in his kidney and liver. He also sustained several broken bones. He was semi-conscious but unable to talk.

Investigation found out that the cab driver, Terry Uding, 52-year-old, was suffering from some kind of medical emergency that was believed to have caused the car accident aftermath.

According to Toubin’s friends, the DJ is a very light- hearted man. His friends and fans are doing everything they can to help Toubin in their own special way.

Rockville Senior in Critical Condition after a Vehicle Accident

A 63-year-old woman from Rockville is in critical condition after being hit by a –ride-on bus while crossing at a Rockville Pike. 

News reports state that the accident occurred at about 6 p.m. while victim Jila Hamidieh from 200 Block of Congressional lane was crossing westbound at the North bound lanes of Rockville Pike.

Investigation revealed that a ride-on bus at the intersection of Halpine Road and Rockville Pike struck the woman.

Hamidieh was transported to the hospital for the serious injuries she sustained. While the 58-year-old ride-on bus driver, Fredy Oscar Velasquez, of 800 Block Harrington Road, Rockville is not yet charged with any crime or ticketed for any offense. However, the incident is still under investigation.

Both the Montgomery County and Rockville City police immediately responded to the accident.

Under the Code of Alabama, Title 32, Section 32-5A-212, pedestrians are allowed to cross only at a specific marked crosswalk.  If the pedestrian crosses in an unmarked crosswalk, he or she shall give the right of way to all vehicles on the road.

Probably, the woman at risk did not follow the Alabama rules and traffic regulations regarding cross walking that’s why the ride-on bus driver is more likely to escape from his liabilities and personal injury claims in the future.

It seems that people don’t realize the significance of following the road traffic rules and regulations. Remember that these are implemented primarily to avoid such vehicle accidents as well as to ensure safety of both motorists and pedestrians.

Graduated License Law for Teens Reduces Fatal Car Accidents

From 2000 to 2009, more than 81,000 people including teen drivers were killed in car accidents in the United States (US).

To reduce incidents of fatal accidents in the US, some states regulate a comprehensive Graduated License Law. Specifically, this law focuses on teen drivers.

The Graduated License Law is intended to help teen drivers to gain experience under supervised and less risky conditions before obtaining an unrestricted license. Under the law, nighttime driving is restricted, passenger is limited, mobile phones and texting is banned and behind the wheel driving time is mandatory.

Teen drivers must be 16 years old to be able to secure a learner’s permit while for the restricted license; teen driver must be 18 years of age.

In some states with comprehensive Graduated License Law like New York, Delaware and Rhode Island, a greater reduction of fatal car accidents occurs than in some states with the least comprehensive laws like Mississippi, South Dakota and North Dakota.

Based on the study conducted by the National Safety Council, during their investigation from 1991 to present, a 38% reduction from the numbers of fatal car accidents involving teen drivers was seen in the states with the most comprehensive Graduated License Laws.

The study also concluded that apart from the great reduction in fatal car accidents involving teen drivers, the Graduated License Law can also save $13.6 billion of the estimated $38.3  nation’s lost to car accidents involving teens if such law will be strictly implemented in every states.

Those expenditures come from wage and productivity losses, medical expenses, administrative expenses for insurances, legal fees, vehicle damage and more.

This Graduated License Laws initially aims to prevent fatal car accidents involving teens as well as to reduce economic costs. May the success of this comprehensive law in some states serve as an inspiration to others. Such car accident laws and issues concerning the safety of motorist should be given proper consideration is all states.

A Family’s Story of Survival 2 Days After a Car Accident

After engaging in a car accident, a 9 – year old girl surprisingly managed to stay alive and survive for two days trapped in a wrecked car.

According to reports, the car ran off the road to the right, fell into a sharp slope ditch and was thrown on the air then turn upside down, as it hit a bunch of trees. The accident actually happened last November 11, 2011, Friday at around 10 o’clock in the evening at North Carolina but it was only discovered on Sunday night as a passerby noticed the 1995 Chevrolet Monte Carlo while walking. Two long days had been over when a rescuer finally found the wrecked car.

The 9 - year old girl’s father – Douglas Landon was already dead due to his sustained personal injuries. He was curled up in an airbag with his arms across his chest while his other arm is reaching for his daughter, Jordan Landon. Up to the father’s last breath, he still wants to protect her daughter. Jordan has been stuck upside down. She was trapped on her seatbelt. According to the little girl, she survived for two days by eating pop tarts and Gatorade while waiting for the rescuers.  According to police, when they first arrived at the accident scene, they first thought that the little girl was already dead until she managed to make a sound.

Alcohol is not a contributing factor to the car accident. However, based on the recovered speedometer from the car, over speeding is suspected as the culprit since the car stuck at 110mph. The maximum speed limit in North Carolina ranges from 55mph to 70mph, which varies according to road type whether urban or rural.

In Douglas’ case, he does not only exceeded  the maximum speed level in North Carolina but he almost doubled the rate of the range of state’s maximum speed limit - 55mph to 70mph.

Furthermore, according to authorities, on Saturday, after having a hint that something went wrong with her husband and her daughter, the girl’s mother went out to look for the two – and in despair, she crashed her own car too in the site where her daughter and husband’s car fell. Fortunately, the mother survived too.

That is a very inspiring and yet unbelievable story of a family who got accidentally and intentionally involved in a car accident. The mother may have done a stupid action based on impulse, but maybe she just loves her family to the extent of giving up her own life for them.

First Things to Do After a Car Accident

Getting involved in a car accident can be a very traumatic experience. Being in the actual situation like that might have shaken up your both mind and body. You may also possibly lose your presence of mind in the situation and may not be able to think right.

Preferably, things like that usually come unexpected. Being open–minded at the possibilities and awareness about the things to do during a car accident may lessen the feeling of shock.

Here are some tips to remember during a car accident, to wit:

•    Don’t panic. Always remember to stay calm all the time. Whether the accident is caused by another driver or caused by other people’s negligence, don’t get mad but instead talk in a nice way to settle the problem as well as to avoid having more problems aside from the car accident.

•    Call the police. Apart from helping to assist you with your sustained injuries, they will help in determining who is at fault for the accident and may immediately resolve the problem.

•    Wait for police to arrive before arguing with the other driver about who is at fault. That’s the duties and responsibilities of the police. They have the best knowledge on figuring out such cases.

•    Do not leave the accident scene. Leaving the accident scene may possibly mean a hit and run accident and could head you to jail. Wait for the problem to be resolved right at the accident scene by the police officers.

•    Stay where you are when injured. Moving while injured may definitely cause more injuries. Better wait for the medical team to assist.

•    Turn on hazard lights or put precaution signs. By doing this, other drivers passing by will be aware that there’s an accident happened in the area to avoid more accidents to occur.

•    Don’t move your car until the police arrived. Moving your car may lose the evidences and may blur the result of the investigation. 

•    Don’t forget to take photos. Photos will serve as one of the strongest evidence in any case. Therefore, don’t forget to take photos of the accident scene if possible.

•    Seek medical treatment after the accident. You may not feel any pain right at time the accident occurred but it would be best to have your physical check up for any possible injuries you have sustained.

•    Inform your insurance company immediately. This is done to process your car accident insurance claim immediately.

If ever authorities were not able to fix the problems due to the car accident, you may contact for a car accident lawyer to explain car accident laws and issues to you and to the other driver.

Car Accident –a Result of Over Speeding or Technical Malfunction?

As much as possible authorities are doing their best to prevent car accidents and other related injuries. Therefore, anti – over speeding campaigns were launched by traffic officials. Authorities have been working with the car manufacturers too regarding the safety of their products to the extent of calling for a product recall.

However, despite warnings and precautions, last Tuesday, another single car accident occurred at Goose Gap Road and took the life of a local man.

Investigation reveals that Wayne Ogle, the 62 – year old driver of a 1974 Corvette was driving alone near the Zachary Thomas Road when he seemingly lost control of his car after surpassing a hill. As a result of which, his car was wrecked.

Ogle was declared dead right at the accident scene. There were no reported witnesses to the incident. At present, the cause of the car wreck was not yet determined.

According to police, over speeding or technical problem with the car must be a factor to the said car accident since Ogle was driving alone and doesn’t have any other vehicle involved to the crash.

If proven in the investigation that technical problem with the car was the main cause of the accident, the car manufacturer may possibly face charges and family of the decedent may also file car accident insurance claims.

Hopefully, Ogle had purchased the third party insurance coverage wherein car, people, property damage and bodily injury is involved in the insurance.

Meanwhile, if you find it difficult to file a car accident insurance claims, car accident lawyers are there to assist for all your legal queries.

Joshua Tree Repeat Offender Faces DUI Charges Again

A 46-year-old Joshua Tree man who pled guilty to a DUI charge in 2008 was again arrested on suspicions of drunk driving after ramming his vehicle into mailboxes recently.

Reports show that Arthur Sampson was arrested by the California Highway Patrol after he ran a stop sign, crossed both lanes, and drove his pickup truck into mailboxes on the shoulder of Sunfair Road.

Sampson was said to have fled the scene but came back ten minutes later. He was attempting to fix the mailboxes when CHP officers arrived at the scene and noticed that he was showing signs of intoxication. He was arrested and booked at Morongo Basin jail on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

In November of 2008, Sampson was involved in a similar case where he pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence. He was put on probation and was required to take alcohol programs.

Repeat offenders like Sampson are likely to face heavier penalty for his offense. The consequences of his recent offense should make him more cautious of his driving as it could have gotten a lot worse if people where in the area when the accident occurred.

Authorities in Search of Hit-and-Run Driver Who Injured Bicyclist

Drivers are required to reduce speed and be more careful while traveling along school and residential areas because these places are often occupied by children.

But a male driver who apparently failed to do so fled after hitting a 9-year-old boy in Madera County.

According to reports, the accident happened while Sebastian Ruiz was riding a bicycle in front of his house located along Road 24, north of Avenue 12.

The vehicle suddenly drifted off the road and hit the boy, who then landed on its hood. Afterwards, the driver returned to the road, causing the boy to fall onto the gravel shoulder.

Reports said car was last seen speeding north along Road 24.

The car was described as a small four-door gray or silver sedan that has damage on its windshield, right and left side. In addition, it reportedly has stripes on both sides.

Ruiz was rushed to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, where he was listed under a critical condition.