car accident injury lawyer in California

Bus Crash on Golden Gate Bridge Harms 11 People

July 7, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

In early July, a casino bus was in an accident with two other vehicles on the Golden Gate Bridge shortly before 1 p.m. It was a chain reaction accident. One vehicle rear-ended the other when it came to a stop at the toll plaza. The bus then rear-ended both vehicles. Eight individuals from the bus, many of whom were elderly, and three individuals from the other cars were transported to nearby hospitals with minor injuries. Luckily, no one was significantly injured in this bus-related crash. However, large passenger buses can be involved in serious and catastrophic accidents. When the bus is at fault, victims must determine what went wrong and who is liable for their injuries.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Whether it is a school bus, public transit bus, or a commercial passenger bus, these vehicles often get into accidents because of:

Street Racing Causes Accident in California

May 19, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

In mid-May, a pair of Mustangs raced down 25th Street in Palmdale, California, when they encountered an intersection. Because the vehicles were moving so fast, they were unable to stop. One mustang lost control after the driver slammed on the brakes. It crashed on the side of the road after it crossed through the intersection. The other Mustang was hit by a Mercedes-Benz, which was crossing the intersection. The collision pushed the Mustang into a pole that split it in two. The driver was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but is expected to recover.

Individuals who are hurt in accidents caused by other people street racing have a strong case for negligence. Drivers have a duty to drive safely, obey traffic laws, and not put other motorists and pedestrians in danger. Drag racing not only breaks California law, but it clearly puts others at risk. When a street racer caused the crash that resulted in your injuries, you may have a great deal of evidence to support receiving compensation. For more information, contact a San Francisco personal injury lawyer from the Brod Law Firm.

Drag Racing in California

Big Rig Crash on Highway 160 Leads to Fire, Closes Bridge

April 28, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

On April 24, two semi-trucks were involved in a serious crash on Highway 160, leading to a fire. The southbound truck appears to have crossed into the northbound lane on the highway, sideswiping the oncoming truck on the driver’s side. The southbound truck then went down an embankment on the side of the road and caught fire. Its truck driver may have been thrown from the vehicle and suffered serious burns. He was transported by helicopter to a Sacramento-area hospital. The northbound truck was also damaged by fire though its driver only suffered minor injuries. The crash led to a portion of the highway and Antioch Bridge being closed for a numerous hours.

Burn Injuries From Car Crashes

Vehicle accidents are one of the ways that individuals suffer burn injuries. When a single vehicle hits an object or two or more vehicles collide, a great deal of fuel, oil, and other liquids are at risk of being ignited. It only takes one small spark, possibly from a short circuit or overly hot equipment, to hit combustible gasoline or oil. This can lead to an explosion or a fire that can spread throughout the accident quickly. Fires within vehicles can move quickly due to the flammable upholstery, padding, and carpet. In 2014, there were 3,275 fire or smoke inhalation deaths in the U.S., which included 310 fatalities from vehicle crash fires. There were many more fire or smoke inhalation injuries due to vehicle crash fires.

Crash in Robin Williams Tunnel Involves Seven Vehicles

April 19, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

A seven-vehicle crash inside Robin Williams tunnel, a busy commuter route between the North Bay and San Francisco, backed up commuter traffic to Marin on April 18. The accident occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m. and involved a collision between a Ford SUV, a BMW, a motorcycle, and multiple other vehicles. It is unknown why the collision occurred at this time. At least one person was reported injured and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene. No fatalities have been reported and the accident remains under investigation.

This size of a crash inside the busy tunnel is a strong reminder to commuters regarding safety in heavy traffic and enclosed spaces. If you were injured in a similar accident, do not hesitate to reach out to the San Francisco personal injury lawyers of Brod Law Firm. We can review your situation and advise you on the best way to seek compensation for your injuries.

Driving Safely Through Tunnels

DUI-Related Crash Causes Deadly Vehicle Fire on Highway 280

April 10, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

On Sunday April 9, a deadly crash occurred in San Jose. Around 2:30 a.m., the driver of a Lexus appears to have been speeding and lost control of the vehicle on Highway 280, colliding into another vehicle, which rolled over. The Lexus then hit a Honda, which caught fire. The injured driver of the Honda was unable to escape, despite many other motorists attempting to pull the driver from the vehicle. The driver of the Lexus and the passenger were taken to the hospital for treatment and are expected to survive. The Lexus driver is currently under investigation for a DUI.

Vehicle fires as a result of collisions, mechanical failures, and other issues often result in injuries and fatalities. If you lost a loved one in a vehicle fire, contact the San Francisco wrongful death attorneys of Brod Law Firm to learn about your legal rights and options to recover compensation.

Vehicle Fires in the U.S.

One Killed, Another Injured in Crash on I-580

April 3, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

A multi-vehicle accident on Interstate-580 near the Harrison Street exit in March left one individual dead and another seriously injured. The initial accidents were caused by a 1997 Acura and a 2003 Honda. When both drivers exited their vehicles on the busy road, they were struck by oncoming traffic. The first driver of the Acura was announced dead at the scene after responders attempted to revive him. The other driver of the Honda became trapped under a vehicle. He was removed by responders and taken to the hospital for treatment of significant injuries. At least two other vehicles were involved in the multi-vehicle crash, however no other drivers or passengers were hurt.

Should People Leave Their Vehicles After a Crash?

Drivers and passengers of car accidents always face a question immediately after the incident: Should I get out of the vehicle? This question may be answered quickly. When people are badly injured and bleeding, it is best they stay put until emergency medical personnel arrive. Moving may cause additional injury. However, if the conditions within the vehicle appear too dangerous, such as if there is a fire, then leaving the vehicle as safely as possible is important.

Defensive Driving Courses Could Reduce Accidents, Save Lives

December 26, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

There are more drivers on the roadways than ever before. With so many vehicles it is no surprise that the number of accidents and injuries occurring each year continues to rise. Young drivers, old drivers, and everyone in-between can improve their driving skills by taking a defensive driving course. According to data from the National Safety Council, vehicle accidents are the leading cause of workplace injuries and deaths.

NSC Safety Courses

The National Safety Council, NSC, developed the first defensive driving course in 1964. Since then, the NSC has been a leader in providing these types of classes for many years. The safety courses have proven to have a positive impact on those who have taken them. Safety courses provide drivers with the information and tools they need to become more aware of others while driving. Defensive driving helps to reduce the number of vehicle accidents and injuries.

Rain-Slick Roads Lead to Accidents and Injuries

December 5, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

Rain is a necessary part of life, but it can also be a source of danger on the roads. Rain can cause the roads to become hazardous for drivers, and may be the cause of many accidents, injuries, and property damage. Driving in the rain can be difficult at times, especially when the roads become flooded.

Tips for Safe Driving in Rain

Drivers need to be more careful when it rains. The roads may be slippery,\ or may even be flooded. Traffic may be heavier than usual, and visibility may be low. These factors can lead to a higher incidence of accidents. Here are some tips for safe driving in the rain.