Friday, June 22, 2012

Deadly Pedestrian Accident in Mountain View Claims One Life

On June 21, 2012, a pedestrian was killed in Mountain View.  The accident occurred on California Street near the intersection of Escuela Avenue at approximately 9:30 a.m.  According to published reports, the victim was waiting at a bus stop when he was hit by an Audi sedan that was travelling eastbound on California Street.  The victim has been identified as 50-year-old William Ware of Mountain View.  Mr. Ware was reportedly dead by the time emergency personnel arrived at the scene.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family in their time of immense grief.

Police are still investigating to determine why the Audi left the roadway.  Driver negligence is the leading cause of pedestrian accidents and will likely be found to have contributed to this accident.  There are many different manifestations of driver negligence including: driver inattentiveness, drive confusion, intoxication, and excessive speeds.  If driver negligence is found to have caused this accident, the driver and his insurance company can be held liable.

The loss of a family member is a tremendous challenge for any family to endure.  This loss is even more devastating when it is the result of an avoidable pedestrian accident.  The trial lawyers of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP compassionately represent families who have lost loved ones in pedestrian accidents. 

Our lawyers have been retained by insurance companies in the past, and therefore have a deep understanding of their method of operation.  We utilize this understanding to get our clients maximum financial compensation.  When insurance companies fail to fairly compensate victims, we do not hesitate to fight them in court.  The successful results that we have achieved on behalf of our clients speak for themselves.  While no amount of money can bring back a lost loved one, we are committed to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve to help rebuild their lives following traumatic accidents.  

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Two Pedestrians Hospitalized after Being Struck by Car in El Cerrito

Two 20-year-old pedestrians suffered major injuries after being struck by a car.  The accident occurred on June 16, 2012 at approximately 9:00 pm.  The two men were crossing San Pablo Avenue at the intersection of Eureka Avenue in El Cerrito. 

The majority of pedestrian accidents occur at intersections.  There are many factors which can make an intersection unsafe.  For example, an intersection can be poorly designed, lack adequate safety signs, or have an improperly timed traffic light. If an intersection is found to be unsafe a government entity may be held liable.    

An El Cerrito Police Department spokesperson reported that the victims were hit by a Honda Accord that was travelling southbound.  Based on preliminary reports, it appears that the injuries were severe.  One victim was transported via ambulance to Highland Hospital in Oakland.  The other victim, who was unconscious, was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. 

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.   Some common causes ofpedestrian accidents include: driver inattentiveness, driver confusion, and aggressive driving.  

The experienced trial lawyers of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP take pride in making negligent drivers and their insurance companies pay for causing pedestrian accidents.  We fight on behalf of our clients to assure that they receive the maximum amount of compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages. If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident contact our office immediately to arrange a free consultation. 

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Three Pedestrians Injured in San Francisco MUNI Accident

A San Francisco MUNI trolley bus snapped overhead electric lines sending live wires crashing down onto a crowd of unsuspecting pedestrians below. The accident occurred at the intersection of Market and Fifth Streets on June 4, 2012 at approximately 4:00 pm. According to published reports, seven 600-volt wires fell, emitting sparks and fire onto the evening rush hour street. Two injured pedestrians were immediately transported to St. Francis Memorial Hospital for treatment. Another victim, who was reportedly a tourist, also suffered injuries as a result of the accident.
MUNI buses, taxis, railroads, cable cars, trolleys and other forms of public transportation are called common carriers. These common carriers owe pedestrians a heightened duty of care. The dedicated trial lawyers of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP specialize in holding common carriers accountable for their negligence.

Victims of public transportation accidents should call an experienced public transportation lawyer immediately to preserve their rights. In California, victims of public transportation accidents may have as little as six months to file a claim against a public entity. If you or a loved one have been injured in a public transportation accident call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP for a free consultation.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Southern California Cyclist Killed Near Bodega Bay

A tragic bicycle accident occurred on May 31, 2012 on Highway 1 near Bodega Bay.  The victim was 85-year-old August Bissiri.  Mr. Bissiri was an avid cyclist who was participating in a bicycle tour of Sonoma County.  Mr. Bissiri, a retiree from the Southern California community of Laguna Woods Village, had met up with other cyclists from the Bicycle Club of Irvine and the Laguna Woods Village Bicycle Club to ride a 100 mile tour of Sonoma County in conjunction with an annual fundraiser for Guatemalan charities.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Mr. Bissiri was struck by a Ford Focus that was driven by Berkeley resident David Tryon.  Mr. Tyron told investigators that he was traveling northbound on Highway 1 when he saw the cyclist and was unableto avoid contact.  Mr. Bissiri was pronounced dead at the scene. 

It is unclear if driver inattention, excessive speed or aggressive driving had any role in this terrible accident.  Due to their lack of physical protection, cyclists are at a high risk of injury from any instance of driver negligence. 
At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our dedicated bicycle accident attorneys understand the dangers facing California cyclists.  We have successfully fought on behalf of the families of victims who have lost loved ones in bicycle accidents.  We are committed to making drivers pay for their negligence and helping victims and their families recover from fatal and severe bicycle accidents. 

Friday, June 1, 2012

Eight High School Students Injured in Southern California Pedestrian Accident

A horrific pedestrian accident shocked the Southern California city of Hemet.  The accident occurred on May 30, 2012 in front of Hemet High School in Riverside County shortly after school had been dismissed for the day.  A large group of students were crossing the street at a marked crosswalk when they were hit by Ford Ranger pickup truck.  Witnesses report seeing the truck run a red light while accelerating through the intersection.
Eight students were injured when the pickup truck plowed through the crosswalk.  The injured students were transported to Riverside County Regional Medical Center in Moreno Valley.  Three of the victims are reportedly in critical condition.  Fortunately, all are expected to survive.  We wish them all a speedy and complete recovery.   

According to published reports, the driver of the truck was eighteen-year-old student Daniel Carrillo.  California Highway Patrol officers are examining the pickup truck to determine if mechanical failure had any role in this accident.  An auto-part or vehicle manufacturer may be held liable if a defective product contributed to an accident. 

Investigators are also interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance video to determine whether driver inattention or aggressive driving caused this accident.  The skilled trial lawyers of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP fight for the rights of pedestrians in the greater Los Angeles area.  If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident contact our Century City for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.