Distracted Driving Crackdown Next Month

Next month, the California Highway Patrol will being setting its sights on so-called "zombie drivers".  This crackdown is part of the second-annual National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.  According to a KTLA news report, distracted drivers use a third less of their brain while driving distracted.  Zombies are being used in public service announcements to make the point that drivers are like zombies when they text or talk on a handheld cellphone while driving.  In the month of April, there will be regional crackdowns where officers specifically target distracted drivers.  During a similar month-long enforcement effort last year, 52,000 people across the state were cited. Since the handheld cell phone ban went into effect in 2008, there has been a 20% reduction in collisions on California Highways, according to official sources. 

See the KTLA news story HERE.

In spite of the law enacted in 2008, you can see drivers on just about every roadway in California using handheld cell phones in violation of the statute.  Like any other form of multi-tasking, driving while distracted tends to diminish the quality and amount of care paid to both tasks.  A driver who is also holding and speaking into a phone simply cannot give the roadway their full attention.  Most automobile accidents involve some form of distracted driving, whether it be talking with a passenger, fiddling with the sound system or talking on a cell phone.  In fact, just today, two pedestrians were killed and another was critically injured In Denver, Colorado when the driver of a pickup truck carelessly drifted onto the shoulder of the road, hitting all three pedestrians.  According to the story in the Denver Post, the driver of the truck has been arrested and his cell phone taken as evidence.  Reportedly, witnesses have told police the driver was on his cell phone at the time of this tragic accident.  Colorado does not yet have a complete ban on the use of hand held cell phones while behind the wheel, and the pickup driver has been charged with careless driving resulting in death, a misdemeanor.

Compensation for the victims of distracted driving accidents should be an important concern for all Californians.   When a distracted driver operates their vehicle in a careless manner and caused a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable for all of the injuries and damages they cause.  An attorney with experience at handling distracted driving accidents can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling auto and distracted driving accident cases.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an accident caused by a distracted driver?

Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.

Hit-And-Run Accident Claims The Life of Young Long Beach Man

A hit-and-run accident in Long Beach early this morning has left a 27-year-old victim dead.  According to KTLA news, the hit-and-run driver first smashed his vehicle into a parked car, setting in motion the fatal chain of events.  The unidentified driver of a green Dodge pick-up ran into and dragged the victim, Yon Chreng, who had been trying to flag him down.  The incident reportedly happened at about 1:00 a.m. in the 1100 block of Stanley Avenue.   The driver drug Chreng for a short distance before colliding with three more vehicles, dumping his truck and fleeing the scene.  Sadly, Chreng,, who lived in Long Beach, was pronounced dead at the scene.  The case is being investigated by the Long Beach Police Department as a murder, and anyone with information is asked to call Long Beach Police at (562) 570-7244.  Additionally, anonymous tips may be submitted via text or web by visiting www.tipsoft.com.

See the KTLA news story HERE.  

The senseless tragedy described above is likely the product of a reckless driver not wanting to be identified for hitting a parked car.  The area of the accident is generally residential with a number of homes and apartment buildings.  It goes without saying that any driver causing an accident in that area could reasonably expect to be identified.  The streets are narrow, and it seems likely (even at this hour of the morning) someone would see and/or hear a motor vehicle accident.  As for civil liability, the driver of the green Dodge pick-up is now not only facing all of the property damage claims he would otherwise have faced, he is likely to be found liable in a wrongful death suit.  Under California law, Cheung's heirs are entitled to be compensated for the loss of the society, care comfort, affection, love and support taken from them by the actions of this hit-and-run driver.  

Compensation for the victims of hit-and-run accidents should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver operates their vehicle in a reckless manner causing a serious or fatal accident and then flees the scene, every effort should be made to identify them and hold them accountable for all of the injuries and damages they cause.  An attorney with experience at handling hit-and-run accidents can make a fair assessment of these claims.   Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling auto and hit-and-run accident cases.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an accident caused by a hit-and-run driver?

Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.

Car And Train Collide Injuring Six

On Saturday afternoon, six people were injured when a car and a Metro train collided.  According to KTLA news, the accident happened at about 4:20 p.m. at the intersection of Venice Boulevard and Flower Street in Los Angeles.  Reportedly, witnesses to the accident have said a black sedan drove through a red light and was then struck by the train.  The driver of the sedan had to removed from the vehicle by emergency rescue personnel before being transported to the hospital.  Five passengers in the car were also taken to the hospital for treatment of what has been described as minor injuries.  The Metro train operator suffered only minor abrasions.  

See the KTLA news story and photographs HERE.

While train versus vehicle accident are, thankfully, rare, they do happen with some frequency in the Los Angeles area.  In fact, a Metro train and a truck collided at the same intersection back on September 5, 2011.   While this could be little more than a coincidence, the intersection where these two accidents happened appears somewhat troubling.  The view of drivers and train operators may be somewhat obscured by the buildings, fences, and trees in the area.  Beyond that, there are a number of freeway onramps and a one-way street near the accident sites, perhaps adding to the confusion of drivers.  While a full blown investigation has yet to be completed, it is possible the roadway configuration somehow contributed to the happening of this accident, along with driver error.

Compensation for the victims of automobile versus train accidents caused by a careless driver and/or a dangerous roadway should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle in violation of the law, they should be held accountable.  A personal injury lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling automobile accident cases caused by unsafe roads and negligent drivers.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an accident involving a train and an automobile?

Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.

Crash on Ortega Highway Claims Life

A crash on Ortega Highway near Lake Elsinore has claimed the life of a 20-year-old O.C. resident.  The accident happened late Wednesday night when the driver of a Ford F-150 reportedly lost control and drove up an embankment, causing the truck to overturn.  According to the news story in the Press Enterprise, the driver, Delbert Parada, and two of his passengers suffered only minor injuries.  However, the 20-year-old Orange County resident, Zachary Butcher, was pronounced dead at about 11:45 p.m. at the scene of the accident.  Shortly after the F150 overturned, a second truck collided with the F150, but that driver was reportedly unhurt in the collision.  Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in either accident.


See the Press Enterprise story HERE.


Ortega Highway between Orange and Riverside Counties has a notorious reputation for being dangerous.  A higher than average number of injury and fatal accidents reportedly occur on the Highway 74.  A quick search of "Ortega Highway accidents" on Google reveals just how prevalent automobile and motorcycle accidents are on the Ortega.  Given Highway 74's well-deserved reputation, it is the obligation of every driver to operate their vehicle in a manner safe for the prevailing conditions.  On a winding road, like Highway 74, every driver should ensure they are not traveling at a speed that might be too fast for the curves they are likely to encounter.  Failing to adjust your speed so as to accommodate for sudden, unexpected turns is negligent driving, which is likely to cause a tragic accident, like the one above.


Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a careless driver and/or a dangerous roadway should  be an important concern for all Californians.   When a driver operates their vehicle at a speed unsafe for the conditions, considering the curvature of the road and related hazards, they should be held accountable.   An California injury lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.   Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling automobile accident cases caused by unsafe roadways and negligence drivers.   He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.


Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an accident caused by a careless driver and/or a dangerous roadway?


Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.

Teenage Girl Critically Injured in San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident

KTLA news has reported a hit-and-run accident that occurred in San Bernardino on Tuesday night.  A 17-year-old girl crossing the street on her skateboard was was struck by a speeding motorcycle.  Citing official sources, KTLA has reported the motorcyclist was traveling approximately 75 miles per hour, more than twice the speed limit at the intersection of 31st and E streets, where the girl was struck.  The victim was taken by ambulance to Loma Linda University Medical Center where she was listed in critical condition.  The police are still searching for the rider of the Japanese sports bike involved in the accident.

See the KTLA news story and photographs HERE.

This tragic accident would appear to be one that could easily have been prevented.  The motorcyclist, assuming the speed above is accurate, was traveling much too fast for the conditions.  At 7:30 p.m., it was dark outside, and the area of the accident is essentially residential.  At a speed of 75 miles per hour, the motorcycle was traveling over 110 feet per second, leaving no margin for error and almost no time to take evasive action in the event there was a pedestrian or skateboarder who suddenly appeared in the roadway.  The motorcyclist flight from the accident scene is strong evidence of consciousness of guilt, and the rider (when and if caught) could easily face felony hit-and-run charges.  Beyond that, this young girl is entitled to be compensated for the injuries and damages she sustained in the accident.

Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a reckless driver or motorcycle rider should  be an important concern for all Californians.   When a driver or rider operates their vehicle at an excessive speed and causes a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable.   An Orange injury lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling auto and motorcycle accident cases.   He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an accident caused by excessive speed?

Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.

Escondido Postal Worker Dies After Dog Attack

A postal worker in San Diego County has died after being mauled by a pit bull four days earlier.  According to KTLA news, the 59-year-old victim, Diane Jansen of Sun City, was bitten by a pit bull while on her normal route last Thursday, and she died Sunday from a stroke while at Palomar Medical Center.  Jansen was bitten by the dog on both of her legs while doing her job on Carlann Lane and E. Washington Avenue in Escondido.  The dog reportedly came from a house through an open garage door.  According to the news article, when emergency responders arrived at the scene, Jansen developed slurred speech and became unresponsive, and she was transported to the hospital where she was diagnosed with bleeding on the brain.  From there, her condition worsened, and she died four days later, from a combination of the pit bull attack and heart disease.

See the KTLA news article HERE.


This tragic incident demonstrates just how serious a dog attack can be.  When a vicious dog attacks someone with a pre-existing condition, the outcome can be devastating to the victim and their family.  In this situation, the dog owner is strictly liable for the injuries sustained and even the death.  Under California law, a dog owner is strictly liable when their animal bites someone, regardless of whether or not the owner knew the dog was vicious and even if it had bitten no one in the past.  Beyond that, if the dog bites someone particularly susceptible to injury or death, the responsibility falls on dog owner as they take the victim as they find them.  It is no excuse that perhaps the average person would not have been as badly injured or died.  So long as the dog bite was a "substantial factor" in causing the fatality, the dog owner is liable for wrongful death.  While no amount of money can return the victim to their family, the surviving family members are entitled to be compensated for the loss of the society, care, comfort, love and affection occasioned by the wrongful death.


Compensation for the victims of serious dog bites should be an important concern for all Californians.  When someone is bitten and seriously injured or killed, the dog’s owner should be held accountable for all of the injuries and damages suffered by the victim and their family.   An Orange County dog bite attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.   Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including just this type.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.


Have you or a family member been the victim of a serious dog bite?


Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.

Cell Phone Related Accidents Down

According to a study released just yesterday, traffic deaths due to hand-held cell phone use dropped following the enactment of the ban four years ago.  According to an NBC news report, the study was released by the California Office of Traffic Safety, and overall traffic deaths dropped by 22 percent, just two years after the hand-held ban went into effect in July of 2008.  Hand-held cell phone driver deaths dropped 47 percent and injuries arising from such accidents likewise diminished, according to the study. 


See the NBC news story HERE.


Driver inattention has always been a major factor in causing traffic accidents and related injuries or deaths.  With the advent of the cell phone, another major driver distraction was added to the mix.  In spite of the law enacted in 2008, far too many drivers are still using hand-held phones and either talking or texting while driving.  In fact, text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted.  Because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction.  All too often cell phone distraction causes or at least contributes to injury-accidents on our roadways.  No matter how much information is published and no matter how often tragic accidents occur, drivers, especially the younger ones, will insist on multi-tasking and risking injury or death.
Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a distracted driver should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle while using a hand-held cell phone and causes a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable.  An Orange County auto accident attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.   Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling Orange County automobile accident cases, including those involving distracted drivers.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.


Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an accident caused by a distracted driver?


Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.

Doctor Charged With Three Counts of Second Degree Murder

A Rowland Heights doctor has been arrested and charged with second degree murder in connection with the prescription drug overdose deaths of three patients.  According to a report by KTLA news, Hsiu-Ying "Lisa" Tseng, D.O., was arrested Thursday pursuant to a felony complaint filed by the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office.  The alleged victims include Vu Nguyen, 29, of Lake Forest, on March 2, 2009; Steven Ogle, 25, of Palm Desert, on April 9, 2009; and Joseph Rovero III, 21, a University of Arizona student from San Ramon.  Citing official sources, KTLA reported that OxyContin, Vicodin, Xanax and Valium were all unlawfully distributed by Tseng out of  her Advanced Care AAA Medical Clinic.


See the KTLA news report and video HERE.


A review of the Osteopathic Board website reveals Tseng stipulated on February 29th to surrender her license to practice medicine in California, which will take effect on March 14th.  Unfortunately, deaths caused by prescription drug overdoses appear to be on the rise, and high profile cases like that involving Tseng and Dr. Conrad Murray (found guilty of  involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Michael Jackson) are becoming more and more common.  It would appear these "feel good" doctors simply lose site of their ethical obligations to their patients and perhaps place their own economic interests ahead of their patients' needs.  Such misconduct may not only give rise to criminal culpability, but to civil liability for wrongful death as well.  The victims and/or their families, under California law, are entitled to compensation for the injuries and damages caused by doctors who breach the applicable standard of care and commit medical malpractice.  When a physician prescribes powerful pain or anesthetic medication without a legitimate medical reason, the doctor commits a blatant case of malpractice that is often a crime as well.


Compensation for victims of medical malpractice committed by unethical, "feel good" doctors should be an important concern for all Californians. When a physician recklessly harms or kills a patient with prescription medication, they should be held accountable.  An Orange County medical malpractice attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has over 20 years of experience handling personal injury and medical malpractice cases, including just this type.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.


Have you or a loved one been the victim of a "feel good" doctor?


Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above.This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.