Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Motorcylce Accidents Increse

The LA Times reported an article briefing people on the increase in motorcycle accidents. Data reported from the CHP indicate that nearly half of the motorcycle fatalities occurred between June and September, as more bikers go for joyrides under the warm sun. CHP reports, "In urban areas, many collisions are the result of inattention by automobile drivers sharing the road with the more agile two-wheeled bikes. But bikers out for a recreational ride often take risks that can result in tragedy, such as speeding or racing each other. CHP data show that the vast majority of accidents are caused by young men going faster than the posted speed limits." Bikers also tend to cruise on open roads which are further away from immediate medical response. The LA Times reports that California 33, seems to have numerous accidents every year due to the isolated area which bikers love and the curvy roads. Each biker is different, but the one thing that they have in common is the risk in being seriously injured as a result of a motorcycle accident.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, please contact our office to speak with an attorney. Feel free to visit our website for various ares we specialize in: www. lntlb.com

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Torrance Bus Brawl

A local newspaper in the city of Torrance, The Daily Breeze reported on a case which is being handled by John Nojima, from Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresti, LLP. Our client, Jamel Stanfield, a 13 year old boy was battered and assaulted while on board a Torrance Transit Bus. The minor was accused of sneaking on the bus and not paying his fare. Jamel initially boarded, paid his fare and proceeded to sit near the rear of the bus. He was riding the bus for about 15 minutes, when he stepped outside the rear exit to motion his younger brother to board the bus. In the dangerous streets of the City of Torrance, Jamel and his younger brother, Jai, normally ride the bus home together. This was their normal routine, Jamel would wave to his brother to board, then ride along together through Carson. On this occasion, the driver aggressively approached Jamel, accusing him of not paying the fare and ordered him off the bus. Jamel repeatedly told the driver he paid the fare, but finally agreed to exit the bus, but his path was blocked by the driver. Finally, making his way to the rear exit, the driver violently pushed Jamel off the bus, nearly knocking him down to the floor. When Jamel returned on board the bus to obtain the driver's information, the driver began striking at the minor. The driver repeatedly punched Jamel and cornered him to the back of the bus. The driver pounded on the boy, while on top of him. Other passengers had to force the driver off the boy, until police arrived. Mr. Nojima is representing Jamel Stanfield in a civil suit against the City of Torrance for negligently hiring, training and supervising the driver. The City should be held responsible for the acts of it's employees.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Tour Bus results in fatality

With the weather warming and high gas prices, some people find it convenient to take tour buses across cities and states to explore the vast lands of our country. This past Saturday, May 17, 2008, a tour bus, took a deadly turn resulting in a fatality and numerous injuries. The LA Times reported that a tour bus bound for Laughlin, Nevada skidded out of control and slid on its side off the interstate near Barstow. The California Highway Patrol has reported this was a one vehicle accident, and is currently investigating the cause. It is believed that the bus is owned by Royal American Tours & Charter of Glendale, which handles various trips for different event planners. The tour bus picked up passengers from the Fox Hills Mall, in West Los Angeles, and continued on its way to Laughlin, Nevada. Many of the passengers were from the Los Angeles area, including Faith Creer who died as a result of the crash, while approximately 22 people were injured. The police will continue to investigate the crash and determine the exact cause of the accident.

Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresti, LLP, have handled carious cases involving bus accidents. Heavier vehicles, such as buses, require more distance to come to a complete stop and are more difficult to make turns. Our firm has represented many passengers who were injured while aboard a bus, regardless of the circumstances involving the crash. If you or a loved one has been injured aboard a bus, please contact our office for a consultation. We have many years of experience handing such cases, as well as various other personal injury cases such as motor vehicle accident, motorcycles accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, etc.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Big Rig Accident

This morning commute seemed dreadful for the early birds driving on the 60 Freeway between Hacienda Heights and the City of Industry, as reported by the LA Times. Police officers and paramedics arrived after a big rig was reported crashing on the freeway at Azusa Avenue. Paramedics believed someone was injured but upon arrival noticed that the driver of the big rig was not injured. Instead, the accident only involved the big rig who may have lost control of the wheel, causing it to overturn. Shortly after the big rig crash, two cars were in a separate accident behind the big rig, potentially a reaction from when the truck overturned.

If you or someone you know have been injured in an automobile accident, please contact Lederer, Nojima, Tagliaferro & LoPresiti or a free consultation. Our firm specializes in seeking monetary settlements for the injuries sustained by our clients, whether it resulted from an automobile accident, a dog bite, or a slip and fall. Please visit our website for more information.