Los Angeles Accident & Injury Law Firm » Wrongful Death Claims

Recent S.R. 163 Accident Teaches Valuable Lessons

ANorman — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:20:45 +0000

A 56-year-old San Diego based woman was struck and killed after she attempted to run across State Route 163 just north of Friars Road around 6 p.m. Wednesday evening. She was struck by a van and died at the scene shortly after her mad dash.

This unfortunate traffic accident, like so many others, could have been avoided.

The tragedy of course was two–fold. One, that the woman chose to sprint across the highway at all. Second, that the van could not stop in time to save the woman’s life.

Statically speaking, many pedestrian knockdown accidents that result in death almost always have a two-fold cause. In most situations, that the pedestrian may not have been paying attention or was taking unnecessary risks in traffic. On the other hand, the driver may have been distracted or in a hurry. When these two forces join, the recipe could spell disaster.

Pedestrian Responsibility

Our mothers always admonished us to look both ways before crossing the street. Sadly, many adults barely look before jaunting over busy roads and highways. What they fail to understand is that while pedestrians have the right-of-way, this does not automatically mean car drivers will respect this. In many cases, a driver feels irritated and frustrated at having to wait for a pedestrian to get across the road.

In other cases, a driver could be distracted or not engaged in lawful driving behavior prior to impact.

Either way, it is the job of the pedestrian to keep him or herself safe.

A good rule of thumb is to always use designated cross walks and sidewalks when and where they are available. Another good trick is to look both ways twice before crossing the street and to listen out for the sound of an impending vehicle, which you may hear before you see it coming.

Driver Responsibility

That said, even when a pedestrian is in the wrong a motorist can face serious charges when a death results from a crosswalk accident. This is largely because a pedestrian legally has the right of way in any and all cases. A driver also has to show that they were legally observing all traffic rules prior to the collision. If not, they can be held legally liable for serious injuries or death.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Of course, there are times when a pedestrian is obeying all traffic rules when they are hit by a negligent, drunk or speeding driver. When this occurs, family members have the ability to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the motorist.
If a loved one has been taken from your family due to driver negligence, you have the right to pursue the matter in court.

Contact the legal team at Slaughter and Slaughter today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Our seasoned wrongful death attorneys can help you understand what your rights are and enable you to obtain compensation for your loss.

When someone else’s reckless behavior cause injury or death they must pay the consequences.

Call us now and learn what you can do to ensure that the guilty party is held accountable for their actions.

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Drunk Driver Pleads not Guilty in Teen Deaths

ANorman — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:19:53 +0000

20-year-old Reyes Miranda pleaded not guilty in the death of a teen aged passenger who died in a Nov 8^th car accident after the Mustang he was driving went off road. Police allege that the Miranda was driving under the influence when he went off East Vista Road near Mason, crashed through a bus shelter and rolled over. Miranda was charged with vehicular manslaughter of 17-year-old Gerardo Chacon who was thrown from the car upon impact and killed. The suspect registered a blood alcohol content of .08 percent and could get up to six years in prison.

Even if Miranda receives the six year sentence, it won’t bring the victim back, but justice can help families receive a small measure of closure. Surviving loved ones members can also pursue the matter in civil court via a wrongful death lawsuit. This allows loved ones to receive financial reparation for the irreplaceable loss and provides another avenue of punishment.

If a drunk driver has stolen the life and future of a valued loved one, you can hold the guilty party accountable by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. The legal team at Slaughter and Slaughter is experienced with such litigation and can assist you in receiving the justice you deserve. Contact our law offices today to learn what you can do when a drunk driver’s careless actions results in the loss of believed family member.

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Cruise Ship Accidents – Navigating Unforgiving Waters

ANorman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:21:23 +0000

When a debilitating accident happens on a cruise ship, a certain amount of confusion can ensue shortly afterward. This is because the laws are very complex in this regard, and can even look as if the odds are stacked in favor of the negligent party.

Indeed, some cruise liners will try their best to get out of paying accident victims using maritime laws that may or may not be applicable to the situation.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a cruise ship accident, don’t take the company’s corporate honchos word for their accountability. Keep in mind that they would have everything to lose if you decide to sue or bring attention to any wrong doing.

Instead, speak to a knowledgeable cruise ship accident lawyer to understand what your rights are under the law.

Jurisdiction issues cloud the water

When it come to cruise liners, they can literally be an island in and unto themselves. This is largely because it can be difficult to know where jurisdiction would lie in the event of a major calamity. For instance, if you are traveling to Europe and a devastating accident happens half where there, it may be difficult to ascertain where a trial could be held.

Adding to the problem is the fact that most cruise ships aren’t even registered in the United States. One can assume that this I done to avoid legal problems, since most of the ships embark from US shores and a large percentage of ship travelers are American.

These facts, among many others, make it very difficult to prosecute individuals who cause harm to ship passengers.

This doesn’t mean that cases are simply dismissed, however, in many instances, it is the ship’s captain who investigates and oversees legal matters. As one would guess, this often results in many ship passengers being shortchanged after a life altering cruise liner accident.

Many crimes can go essentially unpunished, even criminal ones like rape or murder. Sadly, the American public is unaware of this fact until of course, the unthinkable occurs.

Thankfully, the laws are changing…

Cruise ship liability deepening

New legislation is being introduced that would make luxury liner’s a bit more accountable for what happens to passengers aboard their ship. Indeed, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009 that is being introduced in congress, would instruct ships to report all on-board crimes to the American FBI and Coast Guard. This effectively takes jurisdiction away from a ship Captain who has everything to gain by closing the door on crime and accident victims.

Ships would also have to install safety devices to reduce the risk of accidental deaths and to implement changes that make crimes like theft, assault, rape and murder less likely. Ships would also have to install technological devices that alert personnel when a passenger goes overboard.

Finding justice after a cruise ship accident

Currently, there are still a few ways a person that has been injured in an accident can obtain justice. For instance, did the event transpire off the US coastline? If it happened within three miles of American soil, you can pursue litigation in the state in which the boat was located…

Don’t guess about your rights—contact a knowledgable personal injury attorney right away after you or a loved one suffers a debilitating accident on a cruise ship.

With years of experience in this realm, Slaughter and Slaughter can provide you with the information you need to get the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at and learn what you can do when a cruise ship accident alters your life forever.

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Accused DUI Driver Faces Charges

JFiore — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:44:09 +0000

A Ladera Ranch man is currently facing charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated as a result of a high-speed crash on the 73 toll road. The crash occured on Friday, and took the life of a San Clemente man. Richard Ernest Caselli, thirty-seven, was driving a Volvo sedan in the southbound lane of the 73 at over one hundred miles an hour when he struck a Nissan SUV driven by fifty-two-year-old Brook Boynton.

Authorities say the impact caused the SUV to spin out of control and roll over. Boynton was ejected from the vehicle and killed just after the accident occured.

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Could Tragic Multiple Car Accident been Prevented?

ANorman — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:23:21 +0000

A woman was hit by a truck after she stepped out of a stalled car this week. The tragedy occurred in Tustin after the driver’s car malfunctioned and she got out to check on it. The woman was subsequently struck twice by the same truck and the chain reaction culminated in other vehicle collisions.

At the end of the day, one has to ask, could such an tragic accident been avoided?

The accident

Investigators on the accident scene said the woman, a 25-year-old Santa Ana resident named Magdalena Wojciechowska, was traveling southbound on the 55 freeway just north of Santa Clara Avenue when her 1991 Volvo stalled out at around 9:56 p.m. She allegedly got out of the vehicle and was standing in the far left lane of the freeway when she was approached by a pick up truck.

32-year-old Richard Viramontes from Long beach was driving a Toyota Tacoma when he saw the stopped car ahead. He tried to switch lanes to avoid the Volvo but instead but instead ended up hitting the pedestrian who was thrown into the air. She was struck by the truck a second time after she came down.

47-year-old Sandra Herrera of Tustin, crashed her Ford Escort into the stopped Volvo shortly after the accident pushing the Volvo toward the right shoulder of the freeway before it burst into flames. A fourth car, driven by Bertha Davis, 55, then hit the back of the Escort.

Firefighters an paramedics arrived on the scene and found the other motorists largely unhurt with minor injuries. Magdalena Wojciechowska had CPR performed on her and was later rushed to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana where she was pronounced dead.

The other drivers were taken to the same medical center be treated as a safety precaution.

Highway safety in and out of the car

The actual car accidents may have been unavoidable, but there is a possibility that something the young lady in the Volvo could have done to mitigate risks of injury and save her life altogether.

For instance, many people exit from the driver side door to check their cars out when they stall. Although it may seemed like a chore, it is best to crawl towards the passenger side and get out that way. Also, when pulling over onto an emergency road or shoulder try your best to get away from the stream of traffic…the further away you are the less likely you will be struck by an oncoming vehicle.

Still, when all is said and done, there may have been very little the woman could have done to stave off disaster.

If a loved one has been injured or killed…

If a similar tragedy has touched your life, Call the law offices of Slaughter and Slaughter or a free case review. If applicable, we will take your case on a contingency basis, meaning if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid. Contact our seasoned car accident and wrongful death lawyers today and get the financial reparations you deserve after tremendous loss or grievous personal injury.

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Fatal Car Crash on 10 Freeway Westbound

Legal Staff — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:19:05 +0000

At around 2:30am this morning, a car heading westbound on the San Bernardino 10 Freeway crashed into a Cal Trans water tanker. This tanker was placed in a work zone. The driver of the vehicle was killed instantly and remains unidentified.

Dangerous construction sites on our freeways result in thousands of deaths every year. Those who are responsible for these dangerous sites must be held accountable. It is important that an investigation is immediately started to determine whether the Cal Trans tanker was properly place and that the driver was given proper warning.

If a loved one has been killed in a road construction accident, call now for a free legal consultation 24/7 hotline – 888.222.8286. Don’t delay!

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Convertible Accident Kills 4 in Palmdale

ANorman — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:36:03 +0000

A Palmdale California car accident resulted in 4 fatalities after a gold Audi convertible collided with a Cadillac. The wreck transpired shortly after the convertible driver, 22-year-old Stephen Nubani, failed to yield at a stop sign at the intersection of 70^th and Avenue North. Nubani, who was traveling north, was hit by a Cadillac Deville that was heading eastbound. Both vehicles flipped upon impact and all four passengers in the Audi were killed. Among the mortally wounded were Rylan Jernigan, 18; Araceli Alvarez, 19; and Cesar Chunga, 22. 44 year old Kirk Pitts, the driver of the Cadillac sustained a broken ankle and fractured femur and was taken to the Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills.

Tragedies that involve young people often hit communities hard especially when they happen because of an unfortunate car wreck. Often time’s answers are sought and in some cases, fault assigned.

If you have lost a loved one due in similar horrific accident, you may want to look into the possibility of filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Our law firm is where to help answer your questions and where applicable, assist you in proving the liability of the guilty party. Contact us today for a free consultation with our professional wrongful death attorney’s and see what you can do when an auto wreck takes the lives of someone you love.

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Speeding and Drunk Teen Driver Kills U.S Soldier

ANorman — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:21:00 +0000

A 15-year-old whose name is not being released due to his age, was believed to be behind the wheel of a Lexus LS400 sedan that was speeding at 100 mph hour prior to crash that killed the vehicle’s passenger. The accident occurred around 1:50 a.m. and fatally wounded a 25-year-old U.S. soldier who was riding in the car. According to witnesses, the fifteen-year-old and the soldier, both reportedly drunk, left the party to pickup more alcohol from a local store. The 25-year-old serviceman was identified as Nicholas Clayton, an Army man who was stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington. Thrown from the rolled Lexus, he was pronounced dead on the scene after his body was found near the intersection of Camino del Avignon and Niguel road. The fifteen-year-old was taken to Mission Hospital.

The sedan was registered in the boys parent’s name but authorities don’t know if they knew the teen was driving the vehicle. The boy is expected to be booked today on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter.

After such a mindless tragedy many people will want answers–especially the family members of the slain Soldier. If the fifteen-year-old’s parents allowed him to drink and drive, they could be held accountable for the young military man’s death.

If you and your family have suffered a similar loss, you do have legal recourse. Contact the law offices of Slaughter and Slaughter right away for a free legal consultation. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys can help you determine the best course of action after your grievous loss. Hold the guilty accountable for their actions by pursuing wrongful death litigation today and get the resolution you and your loved one deserve.

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Deadly SoCal Crash Prompts Toyota Inspections

ANorman — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:24:46 +0000

A fiery crash that killed four family members in San Diego County prompted Toyota to look into the possibility that mismatched floor mats were the culprit. A memorandum sent to 1400 Toyota and Lexus auto dealerships this past Tuesday, Toyota told employees to inspect their vehicles for mats which may have snagged the gas pedal on a runaway Lexus. They also warned concerned customers to check their floor mats to make sure they were properly secured.

Tragic Results from Unlikely Malfunction

Mark Saylor, 45, Mark Saylor his wife, Cleofe, 45; their daughter, Mahala, 13; and Saylor’s brother-in-law, Chris Lastrella, 38 were all killed Aug. 28 on State Route 125 in Santee, a town near San Diego. The vehicle was doing more than 120 mph when it hit a sport utility vehicle, launched off an embankment, rolled several times and burst into flames. The SUV driver was relatively unharmed and treated for moderate injuries.

Lastrella was able to place a 911 call a minute or so before the crash to say the vehicle had no brakes and the accelerator was stuck. The family was in a 2009 Lexus ES 350 that was loaned by a dealer, Bob Baker Lexus El Cajon, while their auto was being serviced.

Determining Fault in a Horrific Scenario

Investigators were able to determine that a rubber all-weather floor mat wreckage was a couple of inches longer than the mat that originally belonged in the vehicle. They believed it snared or covered the accelerator pedal so that it was unable to function properly.

In 2007, the company did recall all-weather mats from a few of its Lexus ES 350s and Toyota Camrys after complaints that they could slip and trap the accelerator.

Product Liability Litigation and Accountability

Toyota and other automakers have to make sure that their automobiles are safe for people to drive. This means more than checking to see if the tires are inflated or that the car does not rollover. Every element of the design has to be put into consideration.

As they have had a similar issue in the past they should be more than well aware of the hazards of mismatched floors. Because they failed to protect the consumer they could be open for a legitimate product liability lawsuit from surviving loved ones.

Slaughter and Slaughter can help

No one should lose a loved on in such a horrific manner. If you have lost a relative in a similar accident you have the right as well as the ability to pursue wrongful death litigation.

Contact the law office of Slaughter and Slaughter for a free consultation and find out more about product liability and other related legal options today.

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Traffic Fatalities and Wrongful Death

ANorman — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:41:18 +0000

Annually, there are some 50, 000 motor vehicle accidents that result in fatalities. Of these wrecks, a whopping 41 percent are DUI related. With these kinds of numbers, it is easy to see why the leading cause of death for Americans aged 3-33 since 2002 has been injuries sustained in auto wrecks.

These disturbing statistics also indicate that you or someone you know will most likely be injured in a car crash, but the chilling facts don’t end there. Your loved one could succumb to their injuries and die, either at the scene or after lingering for some time in the hospital.

The most troubling aspect of these numbers however, is that the accident would have occurred due to driver negligence, in fact, 98% of car accidents are caused by driver error on one or both of the motorist’s part.

Faulty car parts dangerous road design, bad lighting and hard to read hazard signs can also contribute to an accident and could be a likely culprit in a solo car wreck.

Why Determining Legal Liability is Important

After a fatal car accident, investigators will try to ascertain what transpired and why. This investigation will lead to the answers that surviving family members most likely have been waiting for. Should the investigation reveal that someone else was negligent, i.e., at fault for thier loved ones demise, they could pursue wrongful death litigation against the guilty party.

Wrongful death lawsuits

Wrongful death cases often involve a clear cut scenario that leads to the victim’s death. For example, the case could center around distracted or intoxicated driver who was criminally negligent and is thus accountable for your family member’s death. In the case of automotive failure due to faulty vehicle parts, a product liability case could be filed against the car manufacturer under a wrongful death heading.

Indeed, there are a number of situations that could fall under wrongful death. That is why those who have lost valued family members in a car accident should investigate the cause of the wreck. If fault outside of the deceased is determined, they could then look into the prospect of filing a wrongful death claim.

We can help

At Slaughter and Slaughter we know the emotional upheaval a sudden death can cause within a family. Our compassionate and understanding lawyers will guide you though the legal process, explaining your rights and keeping you abreast of what is happening with your case.

We will also fight diligently to make sure you get the financial reparation you deserve.

Call the law offices of Slaughter and Slaughter today at 310.882.6810 or 888.222.8286 now and obtain a free legal consultation. Protect your family and your rights. Visit our wrongful death lawsuit center.

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