Westminster Crash Leaves One Dead and One Hospitalized

An early morning accident in Orange County has left one driver dead and the other under investigation for DUI.  According to KTLA News, the accident happened this morning at about 1:10 a.m. at the corner of Brookhurst Street and McFadden Avenue in the City of Westminster.  A white pickup truck collided with a red Honda Civic, and it was the driver of the truck who was later described by police as smelling of alcohol.  Both drivers were alone in their vehicles at the time of the collision.  After the driver of the Honda was finally extricated from his vehicle by emergency crew workers, he was transported to the hospital where he ultimately died of his injuries.  The driver of the truck remains hospitalized in unknown condition.

Scene of the Accident

The intersection where the collision occurred is controlled by traffic signals, and it appears to be relatively flat and straight.  While the speed and direction of the two vehicles is currently unknown, there would appear to be at least some indication this accident may have been caused by an impaired driver.  Like so many DUI-related accidents, this tragic collision occurred in the early morning hours when the risk of being involved in a DUI accident is at its highest.  According to the news story above, there were no witnesses to the crash, and the cameras at the intersection do not often record.  Consequently, this may prove to be a very difficult reconstruction, and the determination of responsibility may rest on the word of the truck's driver.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an intersection accident, contacting an Orange County auto accident attorney is likely the best way to explore your right to compensation for any injuries and damages sustained.

SOURCE:  1 Dead, 1 Injured in Westminster Crash, KTLA News, September 17, 2013, by John A. Moreno

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.

Three Orange County Accidents Leave Two Dead

A pair of unrelated traffic accidents in Santa Ana on Monday evening left one man dead and a 13-year-old girl on a bicycle seriously injured.  The first incident was reported at about 7:00 p.m., when a van traveling eastbound in the 1600 block of 1st Street struck a man crossing the roadway, according to an article in the Orange County Register.  The unidentified pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene, but law enforcement has yet to make a a determination of fault for the tragic accident.  According to the news report,  the pedestrian was not walking in a marked crosswalk and alcohol was not believed to have been a factor.  The second incident occurred at the West Warner Avenue and South Greenville Street intersection when a girl riding her bicycle through a crosswalk was struck by an unidentified vehicle, described only as a "small car".  The driver apparently fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.  The girl was reportedly taken to a hospital with significant injuries, and authorities are asking anyone with information to call the Santa Ana Police Department at 714-245-8701.


See the Orange County Register article HERE.


In another reported accident, this one in Seal Beach, a pedestrian was left dead after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing Pacific Coast Highway north of Anderson Street.  The woman,  Holly Barish-Sablich, who turned 22 on Wednesday, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the report by the Orange County Register.  The crash was reported just before 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, and witnesses reported Barish-Sabich was in the process of crossing PCH outside of a sidewalk or controlled intersection when the incident occurred.  In spite of life saving measures having been performed by paramedics, this young woman was pronounced dead at the scene.  The multi-agency law enforcement team investigating the tragic accident is asking for the public's help and anyone who witnessed the accident should call investigator Jeff Gibson at 562-799-4100, ext. 1641.


The cause of these tragic accidents has yet to be fully determined.  These pedestrian/bicycle accidents all raise the issue of driver attention.  Even assuming the pedestrians were crossing the street outside of a marked cross and/or away from an intersection, drivers are still obligated to keep a reasonable lookout for people crossing the street on foot or on a bicycle.  All of these recent accidents happened while it was dark and an assessment of visibility and speed will have to be accomplished to determine fault.  Assuming that headlights were in operation on all of the vehicles involved, it must be determined whether those lights illuminated the roadway for a sufficient distance for the drivers to have seen the pedestrians/bicyclist in sufficient time to have had an opportunity to avoid the accident.  Generally, if an impending danger can be seen more than 1.5 to 2 seconds before an impact, a driver is expected to have sufficient "perception-reaction" time to take evasive action.  When an accident involving shared responsibility occurs, when more than one party has been negligent, a civl jury is often called upon to determine the respective fault of the parties.


Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a driver's inattention should be an important concern for all Californians. When the parties to an accident share the responsibility for its occurrence, they should each be held accountable for the injuries and damages they cause. An Orange County injury trial lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling automobile accident cases, including just this type.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.


Have you or a loved one been seriously injured in an accident involving shared responsibility?


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.

Orange County Police Van Involved in Accident

Yesterday morning a Huntington Beach police van carrying five prisoners was hit by a white Toyota Camry at the intersection of Ward Street and Ellis Avenue in Fountain Valley.  All of the passengers were taken to area hospitals, and the driver of the Camry and one prisoner suffered traumatic injuries, according to a report by the Orange County Register.  The van was apparently transporting prisoners from Huntington Beach jail to the Orange County Detention Center when an unlicensed driver, Juan Ruiz of Santa Ana, ran a red light and crashed into the van.  Citing official sources, the Register reported that Ruiz was traveling southbound on Ward Street at about 40 miles per hour when he ran through a red light and collided with the police van.  


See the Orange County Register article and photographs HERE.


From the photographs taken at the accident scene, it is easy to understand how those aboard the police van could have sustained traumatic injuries.  The front of the police van and the front of the Camry were essentially demolished in the crash.  Even restrained passengers in an accident of this magnitude would likely suffer acceleration-deceleration type injuries.  As for responsibility, it would appear eyewitness accounts and physical evidence at the scene have led investigators to conclude Ruiz was to blame for the collision.  While his status as an unlicensed driver does not necessarily demonstrate fault, it may suggest a lack of driver training and experience contributing to the happening of the accident.  Ruiz apparently failed to keep his eyes on the road and the traffic signal ahead as he was traveling a reported 40 miles per hour.  From the photographs, it looks like it was foggy at the time of the accident and perhaps Ruiz did not adjust his speed to account for the limited visibility.


Compensation for the victims of serious automobile accidents caused by negligent drivers should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle without paying careful attention to the roadway, they should be held accountable for the injuries and damages they cause. An Orange County  injury lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling Orange County automobile accident cases, including those involving intersection collisions. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been seriously injured in an Orange County automobile accident?

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.

Bus Versus Bicycle Accident in Laguna Hills Proves Fatal

A 35-year-old bicyclist was killed on Saturday evening in a tragic accident with an Orange County Transportation Authority bus.  The victim, 35 year-old Romeo Jimenez-Zavaleta, was pronounced dead just after 6 p.m. at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center, according to an article in the Orange County Register,  Citing official sources, the Register reported the collision occurred at the intersection of Paseo de Valencia and Alicia Parkway in the City of Laguna Hills.  Jimeniz-Zavaleta was apparently riding his bike across Alicia Parkway when he was hit by the bus making a right turn from Valencia.

See the Orange County Register article HERE.

Tragic accidents like the one above are unfortunately all too common.  When a bicyclist and a motor vehicle collide, the consequences are often profound and serious injuries are almost inescapable.  This is particularly true when the motor vehicle is a bus.  From a Google maps view of the intersection, there does not appear to be anything particularly unusual about the intersection configuration or the view a southbound, right-turning driver would have from Valencia to Alicia Parkway.  With regard to responsibility for the accident, it will have to be determined whether the bus driver turned on a red or a green light and whether Jimeniz-Zavaleta could be seen in advance of the driver executing the turn.  While it would appear the bicyclist was perhaps riding on the wrong side of the street for his direction of travel, this would not excuse the bus driver from observing the potential for an accident and taking steps to avoid it.

Compensation for victims of automobile versus bicycle collisions, caused by a negligent driver, should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle in an unlawful or reckless manner and causes a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable.  An Orange County bicycle accident 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 cases, including just this type. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an automobile versus bicycle collision caused by another’s unlawful or negligent driving?

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.

Covina Accident Leaves Girl With Fatal Injuries

A tragic automobile accident in Covina early Monday morning has left a teenage girl dead from the injuries she sustained.  According to a news report by KTLA, one of two young girls hospitalized after they were hit by a car near Gladstone High School succumbed to her injuries while at County USC Medical Center.  The accident happened at 6:44 a.m. at Lark Ellen Avenue and Tudor Street, an intersection some residents say needs a traffic light.  The girls, about 14 years old, were apparently struck while in a crosswalk on Lark Ellen by a 2007 Honda Civic traveling at about 30 miles per hour southbound on the street.  The other young girl is still in critical condition.


See the KTLA news story HERE.


From a Google maps view of the intersection, it appears the roadway is relatively flat and the view of drivers unobstructed on Lark Ellen.  However, there is no traffic light on any of the four corners, and it looks as though vehicles could reach a relatively high rate of speed while traveling through that intersection.  In addition to the lack of a traffic control signal, there is most likely an element of driver inattention in this case.  Depending on the precise area of impact, it is hard to imagine the girls could not be seen in the crosswalk for some distance prior to the point of impact.  Assuming the Honda was traveling 30 miles per hour, there should have been ample time to see two pedestrians and avoid a collision, particularly when those pedestrians would have been visible from more than one hundred feet away, given the roadway is straight and flat.  At just one hundred feet, a driver traveling at 30 miles per hour has more than 2 full seconds to perceive the potential collision and react to avoid it.


Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by careless drivers and/or dangerous roadways should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle in such a manner to cause or contribute to the happening of a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable.  Likewise, when a dangerous roadway contributes to the occurrence of a motor vehicle accident, the public entity 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 of experience handling Orange County automobile accident cases, including those involving wrongful death. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.


Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent 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.

Elderly Passenger Killed in Huntington Beach Accident

A two-vehicle collision that occurred this morning in Huntington Beach has unfortunately left an 82 year-old woman dead.  The victim, who was a passenger in a 2002 Honda driven by an 86 year-old male, was identified as 82-year-old Esther F. Kumasaka, a Huntington Beach resident.  According to a news story in the Orange County Register, Kumasaka died at the scene of the crash, which occurred about 9:38 a.m. at Bushard Street and Adams Avenue.  The driver of the Honda was injured and transported to UCI Medical Center with unknown injuries.  The driver of the other vehicle involved, a 2011 Jeep, was identified as a 33 year-old female.  She was treated at the scene and released.
See the Orange County Register article HERE.


The general location of the accident above was also the scene of a fatal, five-car crash on October.  While the intersection is controlled by traffic lights, there could be issues with sight-distance that might contribute to the happening of accidents.  For example, there are block wall fences very near the intersection which might interfere with a driver's ability to see vehicles coming from around corners or on perpendicular streets.  Additionally, it is possible that the traffic light configuration(especially if there is a flashing yellow arrow) could contribute to driver confusion and the occurrence of an accident.  A complete accident reconstruction would aid in determining the precise cause of the Kumasaka accident, and it should be performed by the Huntington Beach Police Department.


Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by careless drivers and/or dangerous roadways should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle in such a manner to cause a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable.  Likewise, when a dangerous roadway contributes to the happening of a motor vehicle accident, the public entity 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 of experience handling Orange County automobile accident cases, including those involving wrongful death. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.


Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent 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.

Huntington Beach Auto Accident Injures Five

Five people were injured in an apparent DUI-related crash early this morning.  According to a report by the Orange County Register, Huntington Beach police were summoned at about 1:30 a.m. because of a traffic collision with injuries on Beach Boulevard near Newman Avenue.  According to the news report, citing the preliminary investigation, the driver of a Toyota Camry, identified as Forrest Leland Kelly, 22, was traveling north on Beach Boulevard when he broadsided a Dodge Durango going the opposite direction.  The driver of the Dodge, identified as 28-year-old Thomas William Barrett, of Costa Mesa, had three passengers inside and was preparing to make a U-turn at Newman Avenue when the collision occurred. The impact was severe and caused the Dodge to overturn in the roadway.  Paramedics transported the five people with injuries, including Kelly, to local hospitals, where they were all listed in stable condition.

Kelly, from Huntington Beach, later was arrested on suspicion of DUI, police said.  According to a check of the Orange County Superior Court website, Kelly has a history of traffic and alcohol related priors, including a pending public intoxication charge.  Anyone with information regarding the accident is urged to call the H.B. Police Department's traffic bureau at 714-536-5666.

See the Orange County Register article HERE.

It remains to be seen how badly those in the Dodge were injured and exactly what charges may be brought against Kelly.  Assuming the preliminary report is correct and he was driving while intoxicated, Kelly could be charged with a felony.  Aside from his criminal reponsibility, Kelly may be liable for the injuries sustained by the occupants of the Dodge that overturned in the accident.  If it is proven Kelly was driving while intoxicated, and that accounted for the collision, he could be responsible for not only compensatory damages (pain, suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, etc.), but punitive damages as well.

Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a drunk driver should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle while under the influence 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 intoxicated 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 Orange County motor vehicle accident?

 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.

Auto Accident in San Juan Capistrano Leaves One Dead

One person was killed after a Jeep reportedly ran a red light at a high rate of speed and later crashed, landing on top of a building at Marco Forster Middle School in San Juan Capistrano. According to a report in the Orange County Register, the accident happened at about 3:40 p.m. Tuesday.  By the time emergency personnel arrived, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. The driver was able to get out of the car in time, but the passenger, despite the efforts of bystanders and emergency personnel, could not be freed immediately and was pronounced dead at the scene.


According to witnesses, after running the red light, the Jeep sideswiped another vehicle, went up a curb and then through a chain-linked fence before landing on top of the equipment shed at the school.  The names of the driver and passenger, both reportedly 21 years old, have not been released.  The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.


See the Orange County Register article HERE.


The cause of this accident is still undetermined, and it remains to be seen why the Jeep was traveling at a high rate of speed and then through a red light.  Witnesses, including the driver, will have to be interviewed and a reconstruction of the accident will allow a final determination of the cause.  As with any serious or fatal accident, the investigating law enforcement agency is expected to do a thorough analysis, including an inquiry into whether or not drugs or alcohol played a role.


Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a driver’s negligence, should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver negligently or recklessly causes a traffic accident and death results, the driver 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 of experience handling personal injury cases, including those for wrongful death.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.


Have you or a loved one been seriously injured or killed in an automobile accident involving an impaired or reckless 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.

Pregnant Mother Killed in Victorville Hit-And-Run Accident

At about 10:30 p.m., Friday night, a 20 year-old mother was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Victorville.  According to news reports, the victim, Dejuan Rene Smith, was five months pregnant and pushing her 14-month-old daughter in a stroller when the accident occurred.  Smith was with her daughter on Balsam Avenue just north of Lone Eagle Street when a Ford truck hit her from behind, killing her and her unborn child.  Smith's daughter was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center with minor injuries and has since been released.

The driver of the truck sped off after hitting Smith.  According to authorities, the Ford truck should have damage to the right front side and should be missing the passenger mirror.  Anyone with information regarding the accident or the locations of the  truck is urged to contact authorities at 760-241-2911.

See the KTLA news story HERE.


From a Google Maps view of the accident area, it appears this deadly collision occurred in a residential neighborhood.  Balsam Avenue north of Lone Eagle is a four-lane roadway with clear limit lines on the edges of the road and a dirt shoulder on both sides.  Houses can be seen on the east side of Balsam, but it does not appear there are any street lights in the area of the accident.  From the article, it is unknown which side of the street Smith and her daughter were located at the time of the accident, and the point of impact will be very important in determining fault for the collision.  However, even assuming Smith, for whatever reason, had ventured into a travel lane, this would not excuse the hit-and-run driver from observing the pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.  The speed limit in the area is a posted 50 miles per hour, and the Ford truck's speed will likewise play a role in determining whether the driver should have had time to see, perceive and react to the situation in time to avoid a collision.  All issues of accident reconstruction aside, the driver's flight from the scene seems to indicate a consciousness of guilt, something that can be introduced as evidence in any civil or criminal proceeding.



Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a hit-and-run driver, should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver negligently or recklessly causes a traffic accident and death results, the driver 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 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including those for wrongful death.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.


Has a loved one been killed in an automobile accident involving 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.