Taking the Family Pet for a Car Ride

September 1st, 2010 ~by Samer

Have you ever seen a car driving down the street with a dog sticking its head out of the driver’s side window? Perhaps you have seen a dog barking and pacing in the backseat or a cat bouncing around a vehicle as it goes down the road. Maybe you are even guilty of bringing the family pet along with you for a drive every once in awhile. The truth is that California auto accident attorneys will tell you that having an animal free in the car can be just as dangerous and distracting as text messaging or talking to friends while driving. Loose animals lead to many auto accidents in California and all across the country. It may not seem like a big deal to take the family dog on a road trip. However, in reality, the animal, if not properly restrained, may cause a serious distraction to the driver.

Virtually all car accident lawyers in Southern California would advise that a driver should restrain an animal if he or she must travel with it. This ensures the safety of the driver, the animal and others on the road. An unrestrained animal can be distracting to a driver by jumping on his or her lap or getting down under the seat near the gas and brake pedals, which could lead to a fatal accident or serious injury. Contact an auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles or the surrounding area if you think you may have a case dealing with an accident caused by an animal being loose in a vehicle.

Samer Habbas car accident attorneys are committed to the representation of their personal injury victims. If you or a family member has been injured in an auto accident, please call 888-848-5084 to schedule a free consultation to discuss the details of your case. The Law Offices of Samer Habbas have experienced and knowledgeable car accident lawyers who can help you with your case and seek the compensation you deserve.

Tow Truck Driver Crashes into Family in Oxnard

September 1st, 2010 ~by Samer

KTLA in Oxnard has reported an August 31 accident in which a tow truck driver struck and critically injured a woman and her two toddlers. According to reports, the accident at the corner of Vineyard Avenue and Simon Way involved 45-year-old tow truck driver Mehran Khamseh who hit 19-year-old Alma Lopez and her two children, dragging the two young children and a stroller a quarter mile before bystanders stopped them. Investigators are looking into possible DUI charges for the driver. Many news outlets around the Oxnard area have now picked up the developing story.

This case illustrates how a tragic scene can arise from a situation where alcohol plays a role in an auto accident. At local firms, Southern California lawyers often evaluate severe accidents closely to determine where liability lies and which parties are responsible for a family’s loss. The Southern California auto accident lawyersat The Law Offices of Samer Habbas have experience taking cases on behalf of auto accident victims. These attentive and professional Orange County car accident lawyers have brought claims against many defendants in auto accident situations where negligence caused harm.

Call Samer Habbas auto accident lawyers to get the justice and compensation that you deserve after a Southern California auto accident. This legal team keeps clients informed and uses thorough research and fact-finding methods to build strong personal injury cases. They work hard to get compensation for auto accident victims and their families to cover expenses such as medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses and time away from work. Call them at 888-848-5084 today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Off-Road Racing Safety Concerns

August 30th, 2010 ~by Samer

Following the horrific accident at the California 200, the California Bureau of Land Management has suspended all off-road racing events put on by the Mojave Desert Racing Productions and its promoters. Eight people died, and numerous individuals suffered serious injuries when a truck in the race lost control and went off the course, rolling into a crowd of spectators. Personal injury attorneys in Southern California as well as state and local law enforcement agencies are working along with the BLM to investigate this terrible accident.

The investigation is looking into the lack of restrictions, regulations and rules when it comes to the safety of both drivers and spectators at these off-road racing events. California personal injury attorneys are looking for reasons for which the race promoters did not have fans at a safe distance from the track. There are some rules and regulations in place for these races, and it seems that the California 200 did not follow them.

The BLM has not stopped all off-road racing in California. They will continue to evaluate races on a case-by-case basis, including the upcoming motorcycle race in Lucerne Valley on September 25th. Currently, only races organized by the Mojave Desert Racing Productions are under suspension. You can rest assured that promoters as well as fans will be more observant of the rules and regulations to keep all in attendance safe. California personal injury attorneys will tell you that it is the responsibility of both the promoters of the race and the property owner to ensure protection from harm for all patrons. This includes keeping fans and spectators at a safe distance from the track and vehicles.

Samer Habbas personal injury lawyers are committed to the representation of their clients. If you or a family member has been injured in an auto accident or off-road accident, please call 888-848-5084 to set up a consultation to discuss your case. The Law Offices of Samer Habbas have experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyers who will work to get the compensation you deserve.

California Highway 395 Scene of Fatal Auto Accident

August 27th, 2010 ~by Samer

The California Highway Patrol is investigating an accident that occurred on Highway 395 on a Monday evening. The accident involved multiple vehicles, and there were several deaths reported. It took place just outside of Bishop, California when a Sports Utility Vehicle heading south veered out of its lane, struck an oncoming van and instantly burst into flames. Another vehicle following the SUV then ran into the burning vehicle. The van struck by the SUV was part of a caravan traveling with the California Baptist University. Everyone in the Sports Utility Vehicle died, and at least one person traveling in the California Baptist University van suffered death. There were also reports of other serious injuries.
It is still not clear what caused the driver of the SUV to swerve into the lane of oncoming traffic. It could have been a variety of factors including distraction from fellow passengers, a phone call or fatigue. The California Highway Patrol is also conducting toxicology tests to determine whether drugs or alcohol could have played a part in causing this fatal accident. If you or someone you know has experienced injury in an automobile accident, working with a personal injury attorney in the Los Angeles area can help you learn about your rights and options in order to file a claim and initiate the legal process.
The Law Offices of Samer Habbas have knowledgeable and dedicated auto accident lawyers who can assist victims of car accidents. If you have questions or concerns and would like to talk to an experienced Southern California personal injury lawyer, call The Law Offices of Samer Habbas at 888-848-5084 today to schedule a consultation.

Southern California Race Promoter Faces Wrongful Death Suits

August 19th, 2010 ~by Samer

Recently eight people died, and ten more suffered serious injuries at the popular off-road California 200 race when a vehicle lost control and spun into the crowd. According to reports and video of the event, fans were watching the race just feet from the action, a move that other race promoters call plain stupid. Because the event took place on federal land, the race promoters are facing a federal inquiry into the off-road auto accident.

The issue for the promoters of the California 200 is whether they were in any way negligent for the spectators’ deaths. By an initial glance at the facts, it seems the answer is a resounding ‘yes.’

First, according to a contract for the use of the land with the federal agency, the promoters were required to keep spectators at least 50 feet away from the track. Second, according to common practice in the sport, promoters take specific steps to ensure the crowd’s safety. For example, promoters at other races post warning signs and erect barriers in order to provide a safe viewing environment.

For those who were seriously injured as a result of the promoter’s negligent action, they face a long road to recovery. Not only are there the significant expenses for medical treatment, there are also such damages as loss of income and pain and suffering. For those who lost a loved one, they not only must suffer personal loss, but also emotional distress and loss of income.

In situations where negligent action causes either serious injury or death, one has the right in Southern California to bring a legal action for negligent personal injury or wrongful death. In the case of the California 200, these victims have the right to receive compensation for all of their damages, both current and the ongoing issues that may very well affect them in the future.

If you’d like to speak with an attorney about your California personal injury or wrongful death case, contact the Law Offices of Samer Habbas today. Our Southern California personal injury and wrongful death attorneys have the experience to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 888-848-5084 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Resource links:
LA Times: Federal agency to probe deadly accident at California 200
CNN: California Patrol: Driver in deadly race crash will not face charges