Halloween Safety Tips

A FEW HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS TO HELP MAKE THE SPOOKIEST DAY OF THE YEAR A SAFE ONE!

halloween safety tips balali law

Look both ways when crossing streets! Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.

Slow down and be cautious in residential neighborhoods. Children and adults love Halloween and may run around unexpectedly.

Take extra time and care to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. Enter and exit driveways and alleyways with caution and observance.

Always walk on sidewalks or designated areas for pedestrians. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk in routes with a clear path of destination and not stray from that path.

Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never run into the street and in front of cars, or cross between parked cars.

Catastrophic Injury Crash in Atwater, Merced County

Deadly Accident leads to Catastrophic Injury

At around 7:49 a.m. this morning, CHP officers received a call about a catastrophic injury collision, near the intersection of Fox and Bellevue Road in Atwater, Merced County. Two vehicles have been identified in the collision and one motorist is described to have suffered a catastrophic injury and required immediate hospitalization.

The motorist’s specific injuries were not released and no details regarding the accident have been reported. What has been confirmed however, is the Pacific Gas and Electric Company was called to investigate a damaged power pole at the scene of the accident. Further details on what led to this dangerous collision are being investigated.

18-Year-Olds Killed in Hacienda Heights Crash

Hacienda Heights Crash Ends in Tragedy for Young Couple

Sunday night resulted in a tragic car crash that sent a vehicle airborne off a busy freeway, killing two teenagers-reported to be boyfriend and girlfriend in Hacienda Heights. L.A. County Fire Dept. reported the crash around 7:15 p.m. around a local Denny’s on South 7th Avenue.

One victim has been identified as George Steward II and the girlfriend has not yet been identified by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office. According to witnesses, a black sedan had been speeding through an off-ramp on the 60 Freeway and lost control hitting a median and being launched into the air.

The vehicle then came into contact with the victim’s white pick-up truck, instantly cleaving off the roof of the truck. The black sedan rolled over from the impact and its passengers were later extracted. CHP confirmed the passengers in the white truck were dead on impact.

CHP is currently investigating the cause of the black sedans accident and no alcohol is believed to be involved in the accident. Families of the victims were called to the scene to confirm the victims were in fact a couple. The families were too devastated to continue questioning.

 

Driver Crashes Into Granada Hills Home

AN EARLY MORNING WAKE UP!

Early this morning, the front bedrooms of a Granada Hills residence were completely destroyed, when a speeding driver jumped a curb with an SUV while exiting a major Southern California freeway exit and slamming directly into the home.

According to homeowner Antonio Arizo, the reckless driver crashed into his 2 front bedrooms of the home.  Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the incident stated Arizo.

The accident was called in around 1:30 a.m. this morning in the 11300 block of Balboa Boulevard. The local authorities and firefighters arrived at the scene and found the vehicle lodged in the Granada Hills home and the driver still trapped inside.

The injured driver was freed from the wreckage by the Los Angeles Fire Department and later transported to a hospital where he is being treated for minor injuries said LAPD officials.

Ontario Hit and Run Leads to Death & Capture

HIT AND RUN ENDS IN TRAGEDY

Early Sunday morning, Ontario Police arrested a 20-year old woman identified as Tanya Quintero, of Pomona, for vehicular manslaughter and hit and run. The young woman and 2 passengers were said to have been driving around an ex-boyfriends home and tossing trash in the yard and being loud and belligerent according to witnesses.

The victim, Darryl Sevesind came outside to investigate and was struck by the driver of the vehicle and sped off, later identified as Tanya Quintero. Sevesind had no relation to the driver or passengers, according to investigators.

A gray Honda Civic was later found by the authorities in the 100 block of East De Anza Circle. The occupants were later questioned after being found taking refuge in a nearby home. Quintero was then arrested after being identified as the hit and run driver.

Deadly North Hollywood Motorcycle Crash

Deadly North Hollywood Motorcycle Crash Leaves 1 Dead, Another Hospitalized

On Wednesday, around 8:30 am in the 10900 block of West Huston Street, near Vineland Ave., a motorcycle passenger was killed and the man operating the motorcycle was injured with an unspecified condition, after colliding with a cement truck, LAPD authorities said.

The victim, identified as 53-year-old Laura Diamond of North Hollywood, was thrown from the bike and pulled directly under the truck’s rear wheels. Diamond was pronounced dead at the scene and the unnamed operator was taken to the hospital to treat for injuries.

The cement truck driver was unharmed in this deadly incident. With no arrests made by authorities.

Accidents of this nature happen far too often, it’s good practice to follow all preventative motorcycle crash safety rules for both riders and those operating vehicles on the road. Keep a look out for riders and constantly check your mirrors and surroundings. Maintaining good situational awareness is key to preventing a fatal motorcycle crash and accidents such as this.

Motorcycle Crash Safety Tips

 

  • Avoid purchasing a bike you really can’t handle-motorcycles do not come in a one-size-fits all and you need to be skilled enough and physically able to handle different levels of motorcycles and their power.
  • Anti-Lock Brakes-Investing in anti-lock brakes is not only a good idea, it’s a proven life saver! An ABS system will always be better than you are braking and you’re chances of reducing an accident can be up to 37 percent.
  • You need to be defensive- According to a recent study by the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research, researchers found that up to 60 percent of motorcycle accidents were the fault of car drivers. As a rider, you need to be aware of vehicles on the road and even more so, with the advent of texting while driving. Many drivers on the road, just aren’t paying attention.
  • Gear UP- Whether you’re new or experienced, you need to have the proper gear while riding a motorcycle. Avoiding this, could cost you your life!

 

Hit & Run Tragedy for Trick-or-Treaters

Tragedy struck over Halloween night, when 3 teenage girls were struck and killed by a speeding motorist. The young girls were crossing a crosswalk near a local school in the Santa Ana area, while trick-or-treating. The motorist fled the scene immediately afterward and the driver of the SUV was found to have had a passenger as well. Their vehicle was later abandoned near the scene.

Two of the girls were found dead immediately, while the other passed away while on the way to the hospital. The girls were around 13-years-of age and two of which were twin sisters. According to the Santa Ana Police, the SUV was seen traveling at a high rate of speed, when they struck the young girls having their trick-or-treating fun.

The men responsible are still being sought, according to police Chief Carlos Rojas. Vehicles traveling at high rates of speed are extremely dangerous and even more so, when speeding in busy areas near neighborhoods and schools. You not only put your life in danger, but the lives of many pedestrians.

During the Halloween season, when countless children are out trick-or-treating, it’s important to be wary of your surroundings as a driver. Keeping a look out and maintaining safe-speeding control is essential. Tragedy can strike at any moment, when complacency takes over. This applies to any occasion you are out driving.

 Keep in Mind:

  •  Adults, when walking the streets, should always accompany children.
  • Whether it be Halloween, or not, try and wear clothing/costumes that make you stand out to drivers.
  • Never drink and drive PERIOD. Doing so, puts countless others in danger, not just yourself.
  • Avoid the lead foot on the gas pedal. Travel at appropriately posted speed limits and yield to all pedestrians.

 Injuries that may arise:

  • Broken Bones
  • Fractures
  • Lacerations
  • Severe Head Trauma (Traumatic Brain Injuries)
  • Death

If you’re the victim of a car accident, or know someone who is a victim of wrongful death because of one, then compensation may be awarded for recovery and pain and suffering. Balali Law provides aggressive and fair legal support for those suffering from tragedies just like these. Contacting a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer, is the best way to ensure you and your loved ones are taken care of both medically and financially during these hardships. Call Now At:     310-431-9774 , or contact us online and via social media , for your first steps to recovery.

 

Sources: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/trick-or-treaters-13-killed-hit-and-run-accident-california-article-1.1995302

 

 

 

 

Leading the Pack in Bicycle Accidents.

Did you know California leads the way in the most bicycle related accidents and deaths?

Through the hustle and bustle of busy Los Angeles traffic, having a bicycle can come in handy and in many cases, has become a lifestyle for many Angelenos. If you’re over the ages of 20, your chances of getting hit by a vehicle while riding a bike are very high.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Assn. between 2010 and 2012, there has been a steady increase in bicycle related deaths, by 16%. This has steadily progressed over the years and accounts for a bout 4% of California’s traffic related deaths. If you are a young male around 20 or older, your chances of a fatal accident have represented a steady 84%, since 2012.

If you’re a College student living in the Los Angeles area, you’re most likely on a budget, so you probably will be riding a bike. It’s important to head all traffic laws governing bike usage and to be wary of your surroundings. Often times other vehicles cannot see you in their blind spots, so wearing reflective gear, or making your presence known, is effective in avoiding a collision.

 Keep these in mind:

  • Follow all designated bike paths
  • Wear reflective clothing
  • Wear a helmet (ALWAYS)
  • Avoid lane-splitting like motorcycles
  • Scan your surroundings
  • Follow all traffic laws
  • Ensure safe distance from you and vehicles
  • Perform proper maintenance on your bike

As of September 16, 2014, California Law has passed the Three Feet for Safety Act, which requires all motorists to provide at least three feet of distance when trying to pass bicyclists. This is now California Law and will be enforced. If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, your injuries may include: broken bones, lacerations, traumatic brain injuries, back injuries, neck injuries and even death.

If you’re the victim of a bike accident due to the negligence of another party, then you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and recovery. Balali Law provides aggressive and swift legal representation for those suffering from injuries related to accidents of this nature. Balali Law can help you regain monetary compensation you deserve for your recovery.

If you’re experiencing any pain from a bicycle accident that left you with a catastrophic injury, then call a bicycle accident lawyer at the Law Office of Mark Balali Esq.at 310-431-9774, or contact us online and via social media.

Sources:

http://www.navbug.com/article111430157/california_leads_nation_in_fatal_bicycle_crashes_with_vehicles.htm

 

 

 

The Law Office of Mark Balali