Posts Tagged ‘wrongful death attorney’

Drunk Driver Pleads not Guilty in Teen Deaths

20-year-old Reyes Miranda pleaded not guilty in the death of a teen aged passenger who died in a Nov 8th 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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Could Tragic Multiple Car Accident been Prevented?

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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Convertible Accident Kills 4 in Palmdale

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 70th 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

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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Traffic Fatalities and Wrongful Death

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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Imperial Highway Crash Results in Fatality

A fatal car collision in Anaheim occurred after a vehicle veered into the No.1 lane of the 91 freeway at approximately  8:12 p.m. Thursday evening. According to onlookers, the car crept all the way across the freeway into the slow lane before crashing.  The individual in the vehicle was killed  shortly after the crash. No further details regarding the accident were forthcoming at press time

Life is unpredictable, especially when one considers the fact that  an evening drive can end up being your last moment spent on earth. Indeed, the  prospect can be a bit frightening.  What is even more terrifying is that the odds could be stacked against you in this regard since auto accidents are reaching an all time national high.  Thankfully actual fatalities are down. Still, family members are receiving a call everyday that a loved one has passed during an auto collision.

If a loved one has been  injured and or died in an recent auto accident you do have recourse.  Contact the law office of Slaughter and Slaughter right away for a free consultation.  We can evaluate your wrongful death lawsuit and make sure the responsible party is held accountable for their actions. Call now and fight for you and your loved ones legal rights today!

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Workplace Injury – Obtaining Compensation

Workplace accidents occur on a daily basis and adversely affect not only victims but their families as well.  Interestingly enough, the amount of worker accidents and fatalities can also affect the United States as a whole.  This is because  workplace injuries amass $125 billion to $155 billion dollars  in medical costs and lost labor estimates.  In regards to fatal injury, 2008 recorded 5,071 accidents where a worker was killed while on the job.

It is for these very reasons that business owners and companies adopt a no-nonsense approach to  safety in the work place, especially since there is link between employee safety and company productivity.  Indeed, any company can observe safety ordinances by learning and strictly adhering to government outlined procedures.

When a company fails to do its job

Some occupations like construction, electrical or off shore oil rig work can be inherently deadly in and of itself.  Even so, there are numerous safety practices that are supposed to be put into place to protect such employees.  Sadly, some companies care more about their bottom line and cut costs in places that may affect their ability to protect workers.

This short sighted response to a financial issue most often than not can result in disaster.  An example of this would be not purchasing protective items like ventilators and goggle for employees who have to handle asbestos.  This can result in the development of a deadly cancer called mesothelioma.  What’s more, a worker’s family members can be placed in danger, as asbestos can attach to clothing and cause illness to anyone who touches them.

The aftermath of injury and death

In the wake of a workplace injury or fatality, associated costs can threaten the financial security of victims and in some instances, leave them without a source of income.  In situations where debilitating injury occurred, medical bills can swallow up saved nest eggs and college funds as family members scramble to adjust both economically and mentally.  When a death occurs, funeral cost can also be tremendously draining as well.  If the individual who died was a primary wage earner,  a family could  become destitute in a very short time and may potentially lose everything.

What families can do

When a loved one dies due to company negligence, surviving relatives can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the company.   If crippling injury occurs, the victim and or their loved ones may also be able to file a personal injury claim.  By taking the matter to civil court, victims and/or their families could recover financial damages that would aid  them in paying for medical related costs as well as any lost earnings.

If you have lost a valued family member or were personally injured in an accident, contact one of our knowledgeable accident attorneys today.  You and your loved one deserve the secure future you worked hard to build.  Call now to set up a free consultation and get the compensation you need to keep your life together after a debilitating accident or tragic loss.

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Woman Struck by SUV in Mall Parkng Lot Dies

A pedestrian knock down accident in Cerritos resulted in a fatality after a 50-year-old Downey woman was struck by an SUV as she walked near the mall parking lot. The fateful occurrence unfolded at the Cerritos Towne Center shopping area at around 1:54 p.m.  after the driver of the SUV had apparently lost control of the vehicle and hit the woman near a grass median close to the mall.

The woman, whose name has not been revealed pending notification of family, was taken to La Palma Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 2:27 p.m. The driver has not been cited as an investigation into the incident is still pending.

With an investigation still in the works it is difficult to say what happened, but it can be noted that the driver of the SUV lost control.  If this was caused by faulty auto parts, the woman’s family can sue the auto maker for wrongful death under product liability laws.  If it was due to driver error or negligence, they can sue the driver for wrongful death as well.  Has someone you loved been taken from you because of a car accident?   Contact us today to learn more about your legal options today—you may be entitled to financial reparation for your loss.

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64-Year-Old Hit by Car While Walking to Work

An employee of a local Walgreen’s was struck by a car and killed Thursday evening after attempting to walk to work.   The incident occurred when a Lexus  hit 64-year-old Gail Connelle while she was crossing Beach Avenue just north of Chapman  at around 10:54 p.m.  The woman had just hopped off a bus  and began to cross the street towards her job when the 65-year-old male Lexus driver, who was traveling north on Beach Boulevard, collided with her. Gail was taken to an area medical center where she died.  Police are still investigating the incident to see if she was within the crosswalk when the accident occurred.

The article detailing the accident indicated an out pouring of love from family members who suggested that Gail was very conscientious about safety and probably was not jaywalking.  Even so, pedestrians have the right-of-way and surviving relatives may still be able to sue the Lexus driver for financial compensation.

When someone harms or kills someone you love in a car accident you may have the ability to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit as well. Call our law offices today to set up a free consultation with our wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible. You may be able to receive financial reparation for you loss, and the guilty party will be held accountable for their actions.  Contact us today and receive the compensation and closure you and your family require to move on.

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Street Racers who killed a Mother and her Children Sentenced

A Pomona jury convicted 20-year-old Robert Canizalez and 23-year-old Martin Ariel Morones on June 29th of  gross vehicular manslaughter and second degree murder for the deaths of 41-year-old Dora Groce, her 8-year-old-son Robert and 4 year-old-daughter Catherine, who died after the two men engaged in a street racing incident.  Today. they received their sentences, with Robert Canizalez, being given 48 years to life, and Martin Ariel Morones being sentenced to 45 years to life.  The two will be eligible for parole after serving more than 20 years.

In October 2007 Canizalez drove a red Ford Mustang while Morones drove a Honda Accord and began racing  one another 5:15 and 5:45 p.m. along Parkway Drive.   Groce pulled her Nissan Altima out of the Brookside Mobile Country Club onto Elliott Avenue around the same time and her vehicle was broadsided by Canizalez. The victim’s car was pushed   50 feet before it burst into flames killing all inside.

One’s heart cannot help but go out to the families of the victims as they lost several loved ones to a senseless accident. In many similar cases, grieving family members can also pursue the negligent offenders in court for damages related to their loss via a wrongful death lawsuit.  Has someone else’s bad decisions resulted in a loved ones demise?  Call us today at  310.882.6810  for a free consultation and take the matter to civil court.  Not only will you receive financial reparation, you will be able to be personally deliver  another measure of justice against the guilty party as well.

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