California Governor Jerry Brown Signs Protection Bill for Unlicensed Drivers

Parents can breathe a sigh of relief over unlicensed teen driver fines starting the first day of next year.

This is because California Governor Jerry Brown has signed AB 353, a bill that provides protection for unlicensed drivers from getting their cars impounded, according to reports on Thursday.

Reports said Brown approved the bill last week to protect families from retrieving 30-day impounded vehicles and paying expensive fines over the fault of an unlicensed member.

AB 353 also allows a caught undocumented driver to find a licensed one to avoid having the car impounded. However, if he or she fails to do so, the new law allows punishment or penalties.

AB 353 focuses on arresting drunk drivers at Driving Under the Influence (DUI) checkpoints instead of taking advantage over rich undocumented young drivers.

Assemblyman Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) drafted the bill. The new law will take effect in January 1, 2012.

This new law could be beneficial to parents who are having a hard time taming their teenagers. With AB 353, a licensed family member can respond to the scene and prevent the car from being impounded or fined. However, the unlicensed teen driver still has to face punishment from authorities.

Sadly, California parents tend to be busy and may not be around to rescue a troubled teen. This necessitates unlicensed teens to still obtain legal driving documents and professional training amidst the provision of protection bill.

At best, young motorists secure driving license and hours of coaching before hitting California highways. Also, minors should observe the zero percent Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit to prevent getting arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) violation. If these two rules are properly observed, teen drivers can just smile when approaching a checkpoint and need not call parents to escape the fines.

For more information on California driving laws, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Share |

Motorist Survives Six Days after Lake Hughes Road Crash

Real survivors are those who manage to care for their multiple bone injuries despite falling from a rocky cliff.

Just like a motorist in Los Angeles who has kept himself alive for six days after a recent car accident in Angeles National Forest, reports said.

According to reports, David Lavau was traveling near the Lake Hughes Road when his car fell 200 feet down a rocky embankment. Another vehicle was spotted at the accident scene. Authorities are investigating whether the two vehicles crashed.

The 67-year-old car driver suffered broken bones, but managed to survive six days in the forest. Police officers and his family scouted the accident area and found him in Warm Springs Mountain on Thursday, reports said.

According to reports, authorities found the other vehicle driver lifeless at the scene.

Lavau's children narrated that they tracked their father using the information from his debit card. Their father was able to reach a grocery store and purchased goods using it, reports said.

Reports said rescuers airlifted Lavau to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries. Details on the cause of accident are still under investigation.

It is admirable that the driver managed to feed himself in the forest for days. Imagine how he endured the pain from his multiple bone fractures. However, it is odd that he had not managed to inform the store staff about the accident or sought authorities’ help within the week.

If the nearby grocery store has equipment for debit card, it could have a telephone line as well. It is unusual that he has not even asked the store clerk to make the call himself.

Failing to inform authorities about the accident may cast doubt on the innocence of the car driver, especially when he knows that the other driver is fatally injured. The family of the deceased motorist may assert legal action to clarify the causes of events and determine who is negligent in the crash.

For more information on car accident lawsuit, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will guide you throughout the process of litigation. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Share |

Driver Faces Hit-and-Run Charges for Reporting Crash after 11 Hours

Failure to report an accident to authorities is a violation under California driving laws and carries more stringent penalties.

Running away from the crash scene is also referred to as Hit-and-Run. When a driver commits such misconduct, he gets charged with additional or harsher penalties. As a result, the motorist may face severe legal consequences.

Take the case of a motorist who has faced hit-and-run charges after failing to report an accident he caused 11 hours earlier in La Mirada, according to reports.

Reports said Geoffrey Rocha was traveling on southbound Santa Gertrudes Avenue when he struck Raul Quintanilla. The victim was pronounced dead at the accident scene.

Quantillanila, 72 years old, was taking a dawn walk when Rocha, who was heading home after a bartending shift, struck him. The driver drove off several blocks and returned to the scene 11 hours later to inform the police.

Police officers are still investigating the details on the cause of accident.

Should the driver remained at the scene and called the police immediately; he may not be charged with hit-and-run offense. If he has showed his insurance certificate, he may have avoided imprisonment.

Probably out of fear, he has forgotten that defendants also have rights before the court. He has the freedom to have his legal representative present defenses on his behalf. This may help him lessen or nullify the charges against him.

You see, there is no reason one should be afraid of reporting an accident to police officers. Authorities will make sure that defendants gain access to fair litigation and even provide means to have legal representation.

Hit-and-run violation is a grave offense because of the violator’s disregard for the safety and welfare of the other person. Such action is considered as negligence and carries more penalties as punishment for the offender.

To learn more on how to deal with car accident, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will guide you throughout the process of litigation.
Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Share |

2 US Cadets Die During Military Helicopter Drill

Military authorities commend officers who have given their life for the country. However, when trainees were killed during an exercise, their officers must face liability.

Cadets are supposed to get ready for combat, not get killed during training. If their immediate superiors are present at the time of accident and safety procedures were not properly observed, they must face legal consequences.

Consider the case of two US Marines who died during a military exercise at Camp Pendleton on Monday.

According to reports, the two marines were riding the AH-W Cobra when the aircraft plummeted into the ground and crashed, triggering a small brush fire. Both cadets were pronounced dead at the accident scene.

Authorities may investigate how the superiors present at Camp Pendleton have inspected the AH-W Cobra before the training. Defective aircraft parts should have been fixed before letting the trainees use the aircraft.

Military officials assigned during the exercise may also face liability when results of investigation show that they have been negligent. Data from the memory cards of the aircraft and communication logs may help determine the chain of events and help pinpoint the cause of the crash.

By all means, when officials at Camp Pendleton have failed their duty to implement safety procedures during the exercise, legal consequences will apply.

To learn more on airplane accident, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will help you undergo the process of litigation. You may dial
1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Share |

Man Rescues an Impaired Woman from Car Accident in Split-Second

More than adrenalin rush, a man rescued a disabled woman from car crash in split-second at Mission Viejo on Tuesday.

According to reports, the woman on crutches was shopping in Rock N' Road Cyclery when an accelerating car plowed into the store's window and door. A male customer noticed the danger and pulled the woman immediately to the side. The car continued hitting several non-load-bearing walls before coming into a halt.

At least three other customers sustained minor injuries from the scattered debris. Paramedics arrived and treated the injured people at the scene, reports said.

Reports said the 86-year-old driver was attempting to park near the store when she stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brakes. Details on her medical condition are not yet available.

Los Angeles police officers cleared the area, but did not cite any charges to the elderly driver.

The split-second rescue was impressive. The man could have been hit also, if he had not moved inches away from the car’s way. The woman, who has just undergone ACL surgery, has been spared from another catastrophe.

Recently, a number of elderly drivers have been involved in accidents. Though the state officials have been consistent in updating the licenses of motorists, tests among senior drivers must be revised. Older people face specific problems on visibility, concentration, and motor coordination—these concerns must be addressed by authorities respectively.

Driver error causes serious harm and injury to citizens. Because of such, California law mandates motorists to adhere to safety measures to prevent accidents. Failure to fulfill such duty of care is considered a negligent act and carries stringent penalties.

If the elderly driver fails the priority re-exam of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) next week, she will lose her license. If so, such event will be a warning to other elderly motorists to keep up with the safety driving requirements of the state.

For more information on car accident claims, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will guide you throughout the process of litigation. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Share |

Man Dealing with Troubled Car Died in 110 Freeway Crash

When your vehicle stalls or malfunctions in the middle of a freeway, try your best to pull over on the emergency lane and call the police. If the defect is minor, remain inside the coupe until authorities arrive to help you. It is better to wait for several minutes than to get hit by oncoming speeding motorists on the freeway.

The hazard remains while you are inside the car; nevertheless you reduce the percentage of sustaining fatal injuries when hit directly by a reckless driver. If you insist fixing the defective auto part by yourself, or staging a fight with other passengers outside the vehicle; anticipate a catastrophic event.

Take the case of a man who got out of his troubled Monte Carlo car, but was hit by an oncoming vehicle in 110 Freeway on Sunday.

According to reports, the man was conversing with two other passengers beside the stopped car. An oncoming 2008 Smart car veered to avoid hitting a vehicle, but ended up crashing into the stopped Monte Carlo. The collision caused fire and resulted to the fatal injuries of one of the three men. He was pronounced dead at the accident scene.

Rescuers arrived and rushed the two other victims to a local hospital for treatment of severe injuries.

Authorities arrested the Smart car driver for Driving under the influence charge.

Staying outside the car in the middle of the 110 freeway is hazardous and lethal.
Reckless and drunk drivers may not see the oncoming hazard and fail to avoid a collision. By all means, seek the help of authorities rather than fixing the defective auto part by yourself. By doing this, you save yourself from fatal injuries as well as legal mishaps.

For more information on car accident, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will guide you throughout the process of litigation. Dial 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Share |

Los Angeles City Council Grants Protection to Cyclists

Cyclists in Los Angeles will have less problems and worries now that the City Council has granted more protection to them.

According to reports, the LA City Council approved an ordinance on Thursday that grants protection to cyclists against harm and harassment on the road. The riders are permitted to file lawsuits against anyone who assaults them.

The ordinance entitles cyclists to receive a minimum of $1,000 or three times the amount of losses as damages. It also allows riders to seek payment for attorney fees, reports said.

The Council's decision was in response to the recent catastrophic bicycle crashes in Los Angeles, including the accident involving Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

The new city ordinance seeks to alert vehicle drivers on the importance of giving way to cyclists in order to prevent accidents. It also warns motorists on the possibility of getting sued for misconduct toward cyclists.

This new traffic regulation can give more freedom to bicyclists who are fond of traveling across crowded LA streets. It also gives them additional rights when seeking damages for losses caused by the negligent act of another motorist.

Perhaps providing bicycle lanes to LA residents is not enough for Mayor Villaraigosa. He is determined to teach negligent drivers the legal consequences of hitting riders.

For more information on bicycle accidents, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will help you prove the level of fault of the other party and recover compensation for your medical expenses and losses. Dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Share |

Mom Donates Her Dead Son's Organs after LA Odom Crash

The mother of the deceased teenager in the LA Odom crash has donated her son’s organs to Elmhurst Hospital on Friday.

According to reports, the mother decided to donate the organs before proceeding with the burial.

She was beside his son when the boy succumbed to his injuries. The teenager was initially listed in critical condition after a motorcycle-car chain crash in Queens, New York on Thursday, reports said.

Reports said LA Lakers forward Lamar Odom was a passenger in his Cadillac Escalade when his driver hit a motorcycle. The rider then struck the teen pedestrian. The boy fell head first on the ground. Paramedics arrived and transported him to Elmhurst Hospital, where he died the following day.

The mother might have hoped to still see his son. Donating the organs could have been the only way to longing.

The LA Lakers basketball star expressed his condolences to the boy’s family. It is still unclear whether he was cited for the accident.

In a chain crash, the involved parties can be held liable according to the percentage of their fault. If the defendants committed negligent acts that triggered the collision and resulted in injuries, the court will determine the damages accordingly.

The court may also look into other factors that triggered the crash such as the pedestrian’s violation of a traffic law. In this case, the court will have to reduce the damages which may be awarded to the plaintiff.

For more information on pedestrian accidents, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will help you file a lawsuit and recover compensation for your losses. Dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889 or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Share |

California Ranks Fourth on Most Expensive Auto Service State Study

According to a recent national survey, California car owners pay 11% more on auto service fees than 49 other states.

The results are not surprising as California residents have to cope up with high cost of living, demanding labor fees, and expensive auto parts.

The CarMD.com Corporation released the survey results, showing California as fourth among US states to charge additional auto service fees. The Golden State has charged customers 20% more on labor fees and 7% more on replacement parts, reports said. Cal has outbeat 46 other states in collecting higher service fees.

Reports said Arizona ranked number one in the survey, collecting 18% more on repair fees. New Mexico followed by 14% and Colorado by 12%.

The CardMD.com Corporation is an auto information company which partners with more than 80,000 car repair shops in the United States to produce car trends update and data.

The results are quite predictable as most of car owners dwell in the Golden State to take advantage of higher paying jobs. Ironically, the high cost of living and expensive auto repair fees make one’s pocket essentially empty. Perhaps a taste of the nation’s finest living can make a Cal resident say, “It’s worth it”.

However, even after you’ve spent hundred of dollars for car repair and the vehicle still won’t work, you may file a complaint to your dealer. Or, if you’ve suffered injuries caused by the faulty auto part, you may file a Product Liability lawsuit and seek compensation.

Consult with a Personal Injury lawyer in Los Angeles to help you prove the liability of the manufacturer and receive damages. You may dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Share |

Distracted Truck Driver Fatally Injures 48-year-old Cyclist

Distracted driving is a negligent act with corresponding penalties under the law .

Nowadays, motorists commit this traffic law violation though they know the danger it can cause to citizens. Some common types or causes of distracted driving are: using cell phone, changing CDs, tending to kids, and eating foods.

At least one the mentioned examples could have been committed by a truck driver who hit a 48-year-old cyclist in Modesto on Friday.

According to police reports, the male cyclist was trying to cross California Avenue when a distracted truck driver struck him.

The victim was pronounced dead at the accident scene, reports said.

Authorities said the truck driver was distracted at the time of accident.

Needless to say, it takes as short as four seconds to lose track of the roadway and bump into road objects. In this situation, a brief period of time was enough to take the life of an adult bicyclist. Distracted driving has been a culprit in most LA accident cases and it is the number one cause of fatal injuries for road users.

In California law, texting while driving or other types of distracted driving carry stringent penalties, including suspension of license and paying expensive fines. If the victim suffered serious to fatal injuries, the guilty party may even face imprisonment.

For more information on truck accident lawsuits, you may consult with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your lawyer will guide you throughout the process of litigation. You may dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for a free case analysis.

Share |

11 Koreatown Cyclists Struck by Drunk LA Driver

Cycling with friends is fun; all the more when you ride with 100 members. However, it can similarly cause a group crash when a troubled car approached your way.

On Thursday, a drunk driver struck a group of bicycle riders, injuring 11 of them at downtown Los Angeles, reports said.

According to police, Christine Elizabeth Dahab was driving her Honda Civic at 5900 West Jefferson Place and Rodeo Road when it plowed into a group of 100 cyclists. At least one of them sustained serious injuries while the ten others suffered moderate injuries.

Rescuers rushed the victims to a local hospital.

Los Angeles Police Officers commented that Dahab was distracted and drunk when the accident occurred. Also, her speed rate was 63 mph. Authorities detained her and set $15,000 as bail.

The group call themselves as the "Koreatown Riders". They meet weekly at midnights for a ride in state's cycling spots.

Sounds fun, yet when the 100 members cross the downtown highway, it can spell catastrophe. Such big group is enough to block the road and disrupt traffic. Also, when the car driver is using the cell phone or is driving under the influence, a tragic collision can happen.

Furthermore, cyclists have limited safety equipment to protect the body from blunt force.
The helmet remains as the only protective gear, yet some riders are still hesitant to wear it.

In California, persons18-year-old and below are required to wear bicycle helmet, though adult riders are not. Such limited prohibition on helmet use among young professionals exposes them to catastrophic bicycle crashes.

Also, cyclists who fail to install visibility equipment on their bike may fail to warn other motorists of his/her presence on the road. Bicyclists who neglect such safety measure can meet accident in LA, especially at night.

For more information on bicycle accident, you may consult with a Personal Injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney will help you undergo the process of litigation. You may
dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

Share |

Los Angeles City to Shut Down Traffic Cameras

The Los Angeles Police Commission has voted to shut the red-light cameras down. If the LA City Council will not intervene, the safety equipment will be removed from 32 intersections within weeks.

On Tuesday, the Police Commission has voted to stop the use of traffic cameras throughout the city. The commission reasoned that the cameras aren't effective enough in reducing red-light accidents. Also, its use only generates $3.5 million from traffic tickets. Such amount adds fiscal difficulty to the city as the commission has to spend $4 to 5 million each year for its operations.

The commission also explained that the red-light cameras trigger rear-end collisions as the driver tend to slam on the brakes upon receiving the warning. Also, the commission hasn’t been convinced of its efficiency in reducing red-light violators.

However, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has reiterated that traffic cameras have helped reduce intersection-related accidents - among these are running on red light and making illegal turns. Also, the captured images serve as evidence when citing charges among drivers who caused serious injuries.

The LAPD has appealed on the LA City Council to revoke the commission's decision. The City Council still has few weeks to decide on the matter.

Should the Council agree to continue using red-light cameras on LA intersections, the police officers will have easier means to track red light violators. Also, the officers will have evidence in citing charges and issuing tickets.
How would driving in La Brea Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard feel like if the red-light cameras are gone? It may be a sigh of relief for most busy motorists, but a headache for traffic officers.

Well, if you are one of the law-abiding citizens of LA, the removal of cameras will not affect your daily driving habits. Perhaps, you'll just have to exercise more caution when dealing with speeding motorists at LA intersections.

If you or your loved one has been injured in an intersection accident at Los Angeles, you may consult with a Personal Injury lawyer to help you assert damages. Your attorney will guide you throughout the process of litigation.

For more information, dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

Share |

Camp Rock 2 Star “Mdot” Finley Suffers Injuries after LA Crash

What happens when a promising singer-dancer suffer multiple bone fractures?

It's like hampering the growth of the next Rock superstar.

Camp Rock 2 icon "Mdot" Finley sustained serious injuries after a single motorcycle accident in Malibu on Thursday.

Reports said the Disney celeb was riding his motorcycle along Malibu road when he lost control of his bike and fell on the embankment. Matthew Finley suffered serious injuries and was transported to UCLA Medical Center.

Finley's spokesperson commented that the artist is scheduled to undergo more surgeries this week. In Finley's Twitter account, he assured fans that he'll cooperate with the doctors to speed up his recovery. He expressed his plans to resume singing and dancing once he completed his therapy.

"Mdot" had his breakthrough appearance in Disney's Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam. He portrayed as "Luke Williams", co-starring Demi Lovato and Jonas Brothers. His talent in singing, dancing, playing several instruments, and acting has captured the audience's fascination.

However, such rare musical gift may not reach its peak as Finley struggles to overcome multiple surgeries and long term therapy. For sure, he will need at least a year to recover from bone injuries and couple of more years to resume his knack for dancing.

He may not have trouble singing or composing songs, but he will be distracted with frequent back aches.

If medicines can help him cope with pain, that will not be enough to resolve social set backs. He can pursue a legal action instead to compensate his emotional loss. He can hold the manufacturer of his motorcycle liable for his injuries. He can prove that a motorcycle part was defective, which caused the accident.

If he is successful, he can receive damages. This can serve as a lesson for manufacturers who were negligent in implementing product quality and safety standards. Also, the money can be helpful in obtaining advanced medical treatment.

Should the accident have not occurred, “Finley” could have been out promoting his debut solo album in the United States and abroad. You see, a single motorcycle crash can ruin a young person’s career. “Almost famous”, can be a good title for his upcoming R&B album.

For more information on motorcycle crashes, you can consult with a Personal Injury lawyer in Los Angeles. You may dial our toll free number at 1-866-772-2889, or email us at info@mesriani.com for free case analysis.

Share |