A 71-year-old driver told police the reason he struck three pedestrians in Lincoln Wednesday morning was because he had fallen asleep behind the wheel. All three of the woman pedestrians were hospitalized.

The Lincoln accident happened just after 9 a.m. Wednesday, at the intersection of Sun City Boulevard and Tiger Lane. As the three women, two aged 61 and one aged 64, were crossing the road in the marked crosswalk, a car came straight into the intersection and knocked the three of them to the ground.

When police and emergency responders arrived on the scene, the man driving the car told them he had fallen asleep and hadn’t seen the women. He was given a citation for failing to stop at a stop sign.

The three women were taken to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, two with moderate injuries and one with less severe injuries.

California Highway Patrol records indicate that 14,047 pedestrians were injured by motorists in California in 2008. The injuries are often serious, and sometimes deadly, because of the force that a vehicle imparts to an exposed body.

In all pedestrian versus car collisions, witness accounts are essential. However there may be other information that can influence who will be deemed responsible, in whole or in part, for a collision. California Vehicle Code section 21950 says: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection”, and that a driver approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk “shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian.” Determining who is at fault in a pedestrian versus auto collision usually requires a very fact specific investigation that includes consideration of the speed of the vehicle, the visibility of the pedestrian, road conditions, and whether avoidance measures were taken.

The driver of a vehicle can be held legally liable for injuries to a pedestrian even if they were not in a cross walk at the time they were hit. Pedestrians injured by a motor vehicle should seek the counsel of an experienced Sacramento Injury Attorney who will analyze all of the factors involved in an incident and will hold all negligent parties accountable. If roadway conditions were a factor, a public or governmental entity may have liability. It is important to consult with a Sacramento Personal Injury lawyer quickly since any claim against a public or governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced personal injury attorney will advise injury victims of their rights, including whether they are entitled to recover medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering as a result of the incident.

The Demas Law Group has been providing the highest quality of legal services to Californians for nearly twenty years. We take great pride in meeting our clients’ needs while working together to win your case and obtain the maximum compensation allowed by law. We are here to help you during this difficult time. Call our team of Sacramento personal injury lawyers at 888 776 0977 to speak with an attorney. To learn more about why you should hire us click here.

A Napa man is in jail and his passenger is in the hospital after what police are calling a crash into multiple objects. The series of crashes happened on Freeway Drive, between Laurel Street and Old Sonoma Road.

Napa Police say they received numerous reports around 9 o’clock Sunday night that a vehicle being driven by Juan Pablo Santiago, 62, of Napa, had crashed into at least two other vehicles, as well as several signs and fences on Freeway Drive. When officers caught up with Santiago at Old Sonoma Road, they found a passenger in the vehicle had sustained major injuries, and that man was taken to Queen of the Valley Medical Center.

Santiago showed signs of intoxication, according to the report in The Napa Valley Register, and officers arrested him and booked him into Napa County jail.

We hope the man injured in this shocking incident makes a full and speedy recovery from his serious injuries.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a crime resulting in felony charges when crash victims sustain personal injuries. The California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System indicates that in 2009, there were 1,144 fatal collisions involving drunk drivers.

California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) states, “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.”

For some reason, it remains almost tacitly acceptable to drive after drinking in our society as long as you don’t get caught. The price that is paid is too high. Since some people don’t seem to be getting the message, California should do more to prevent DUI related deaths, including stiffer penalties for all offenders, alcohol treatment programs, ignition locks, and programs like mandatory designated driver.

All victims and families of DUI accidents should consult a reputable Sacramento personal injury attorney, who will conduct a thorough investigation of the collision and hold the offending driver accountable in the civil justice system for their actions. A qualified California personal injury attorney can advise you regarding a claim for damages, including recovery of medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. It is always a important to consult with a California Personal Injury Attorney as soon as possible after an incident to learn your rights and rights of your children. It is important to get legal advice quickly so that all rights are protected.

Drunk driving is one of the main causes of catastrophic traffic collisions in the United States. 41,059 people were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2010, 12,998 of the fatalities were alcohol related.  During that same year, 254,000 people suffered serious physical injuries in alcohol related collisions.

As attorneys representing the victims of drunk drivers, at the Demas Law Group understand the importance of safe roads to our community.  That’s why we aggressively litigate drunk driving cases on behalf of injury victims, and why we place such an importance on drunk driving prevention.

The Demas Law Group is a proud sponsor of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), an organization of victims and non-victims that makes a difference in the fight against drunk driving. The mission of MADD is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD is available to help you deal with the legal, medical, and financial issues that often follow a drunk-driving crash. You’ll find that MADD offers a broad range of support-from information on victim rights and the legal system to online chats and special resources to help you cope with grief, injury and financial losses. MADD understands the grief, anger, confusion and frustration you may be feeling and wants to help. MADD’s services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MADD helps survivors to survive.

The Demas Law Group has been providing the highest quality of legal services to Californians for nearly twenty years. We take great pride in meeting our clients’ needs while working together to win your case and obtain the maximum compensation allowed by law. We are here to help you during this difficult time. Call our team of Sacramento personal injury lawyers at 888 776 0977 to speak with an attorney. To learn more about why you should hire us click here.

Five people were taken to the hospital complaining of pain after a Sonora four-vehicle chain-reaction collision. The accident happened in a Cal Trans construction zone.

The car accident was triggered when a westbound 2002 Chrysler Town and Country Van being driven by Arlene Sprague failed to notice the traffic stopped in front of her in a Cal Trans construction zone. Sprague was driving on Stockton Road, near Ponderosa Road, just after 11 a.m. on May 2 and was travelling at about 30 mph when she rear-ended a 2006 Toyota pickup being driven by Nola Pettitt.

The initial collision set off a train reaction which also involved a 1987 Cadillac Eldorado being driven by Irene Garcia, and a 2008 Subaru Legacy being driven by Brian Payne. In all, five people were transported to Sonora Regional Medical Center, but none of the injuries were thought to be life-threatening. All the vehicles involved, however, suffered major damage.

We would like to wish all the people involved in this accident a full and speedy recovery from their injuries.

Traveling at an unsafe speed or simply not paying attention are the most common causes of rear end accidents. If the driver of a vehicle pays attention to traffic conditions, drives at a safe speed, and maintains a safe distance behind the vehicle ahead, these collisions are easily avoidable. In almost every situation, the vehicle that hits another vehicle from behind has violated California Vehicle Code §22350, and is legally responsible for causing the collision. There is also the question of who will be responsible for the damage to the third and fourth vehicles damaged in this chain-reaction accident, as well as for the injuries caused to the occupants of those vehicles.

The injured victims should seek the counsel of an experienced Sacramento Injury Attorney who will analyze all of the factors involved in an incident and will hold all negligent parties accountable. If for example, roadway conditions were a factor, a public or governmental entity may have liability. It is important to consult with a California Personal Injury lawyer quickly since any claim against a public or governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

There is a common perception that these types of collisions are merely accidents, are forgivable, and that victims too often try to take advantage by claiming compensation for whiplash. However, the reality is that these collisions can and do cause major catastrophic injuries and, in some severe and tragic cases, death. Contact a responsible and experienced Sacramento car accident injury lawyer if you have any questions about your rights in this case.

The Demas Law Group has been providing the highest quality of legal services to Californians for nearly twenty years. We take great pride in meeting our clients’ needs while working together to win your case and obtain the maximum compensation allowed by law. We are here to help you during this difficult time. Call our team of Sacramento personal injury lawyers at 888 776 0977 to speak with an attorney. To learn more about why you should hire us click here.

A motorcycle accident late Thursday night has claimed the life of a Lodi fire captain. Police say it’s difficult to determine what happened to cause the crash, as there were apparently no witnesses.

Captain Joe Hansen, 51, was westbound on Highway 88 near the town of Pioneer in Amador County, driving a 2004 BMW motorcycle. Just east of Foster Meadow Avenue, the motorcycle apparently left the highway and collided with a snow marker, sometime between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.

At around 1:30 a.m., a motorist spotted Hansen and phoned the police. Emergency responders immediately rushed to the scene, but Hansen had suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say they cannot tell what happened to cause Hansen to leave the road and are appealing for anyone who might have witnessed the accident, or who was in the area at the time to give them a call.

We send our deepest sympathies to Joe Hansen’s wife, Natalie, his son, Alex, and his extended family, friends and colleagues at their terrible loss. Our thoughts are with you.

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System there were 10, 134 people injured in motorcycle accidents.

This accident remains under investigation. Thorough investigation is required in such cases to determine all possible contributing factors, including the involvement of another vehicle, road conditions, any ongoing construction in the area, and even manufacturing defects in the motorcycle itself. When the negligence of someone other than the injured or deceased party contributes to an accident, that negligent party is responsible for paying his or her share of medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering.

In such cases, families and friends of motorcycle victims are highly advised to contact an experienced Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney who will stay abreast of the investigation, hire expert accident reconstruction experts and investigators to thoroughly evaluate the cause of the collision and make sure every angle is examined, including possible claims for defective roadway conditions. A reputed Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney will also be able to advise the victims’ families about how their car insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

The Demas Law Group has been providing the highest quality of legal services to Californians for nearly twenty years. We take great pride in meeting our clients’ needs while working together to win your case and obtain the maximum compensation allowed by law. We are here to help you during this difficult time. Call our team of Sacramento personal injury lawyers at 888 776 0977 to speak with an attorney. To learn more about why you should hire us click here.

Two drivers who left a critically injured man behind in an April Davis hit-and-run accident were arrested last week. The victim who was hit is still in the hospital.

The incident in question occurred on April 15, at the intersection of Eureka Avenue and West 14th Street in Davis. Police say Devin Parson, 19, and Luis Barajas Jr., 22, both from Woodland, were doing “doughnut” maneuvers in separate cars. A rear seat passenger in one of the cars, Louis Robertson, 18, fell out during one of the spins and landed on the roadway, where the second vehicle ran over him. Even though Robertson had suffered life-threatening injuries, police say both Parsons and Barajas Jr. fled the scene, leaving Robertson behind. Robertson remains hospitalized in UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

We would like to wish Luis Robertson a full recovery from his injuries after this shocking Davis car accident. We hope he is out of the hospital soon.

Hit-and-run is a serious crime and conviction will result in your driving privileges being suspended or revoked. In any accident, you have the following obligations:

• Stop at once. If anyone is killed or unconscious, you must stay at the scene until a police officer arrives.
• Render aid. Do not move an injured person carelessly, but give reasonable aid
• Exchange information with the other driver. Give them your name, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. DMV offers a printable checklist you can download and keep in your car.
• Report the accident to DMV.

We can’t help being horrified by this hit-and-run. Even if the drivers were frightened and in shock, that does not excuse leaving Robertson injured at the scene. We implore drivers in any accident situation to put the safety and welfare of others above their own interests, and always, always remain at the scene and make sure no one is hurt. We send our best wishes to Luis Robertson for a complete recovery, and hope he is feeling better soon.

California law requires a driver that has been involved in a collision to stop and provide his or her license and insurance information, regardless of the level of seriousness or extent of injury. Failing to do so can result in criminal charges including a felony hit & run charge when a victim sustains serious bodily injury. CHP statistics indicate that 22,091 safe drivers were injured in 2008 by irresponsible drivers who caused hit and run collisions.

California law makes it a misdemeanor to leave the scene of a collision without stopping unless someone suffers serious bodily injury, in which case it becomes a felony.

Besides driving defensively, the best way to protect yourself against hit and run drivers is to have adequate uninsured motorist coverage in your own policy. If you are injured by someone driving a hit and run or uninsured vehicle, the uninsured motorist coverage in your policy will provide coverage for medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering to the extent of the other driver’s liability.

Insurance companies do not usually cooperate in paying all that is owed to an uninsured motorist claimant. If you or a loved one is injured by a hit and run driver, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced Sacrameto Personal Injury Attorney. In hit and run cases, a knowledgeable Sacramento Accident Attorney can investigate and, if possible, hold the hit and run driver responsible for his or her actions. A good California Auto Accident Attorney will advise you of all your rights with regard to a civil claim for damages and recovery under all available insurance policies.

The Sacramento personal injury lawyers at the Demas Law Group, have agreed to serve as the Sacramento area sponsor of the Hit-and-Run Reward Program, which is a program designed to make highways safer by encouraging witnesses to report information regarding hit-and-run drivers involved in serious California car accidents. Those who report a driver will remain and anonymous and will be eligible for a reward if the report results in a criminal conviction. In an effort to combat hit and run driving, the Sacramento personal injury attorneys at Demas Law Group will pay a cash reward to people who call 916 444 0100 and provide an anonymous tip that leads to the conviction of a hit and run driver who was involved in a Sacramento area car accident. The information provided will be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for follow-up investigation.

The Demas Law Group has been providing the highest quality of legal services to Californians for nearly twenty years. We take great pride in meeting our clients’ needs while working together to win your case and obtain the maximum compensation allowed by law. We are here to help you during this difficult time. Call our team of Sacramento personal injury lawyers at 888 776 0977 to speak with an attorney. To learn more about why you should hire us click here.

A trial date was set last week for the Folsom man who police say was driving under the influence of nitrous oxide when his car crashed into oncoming traffic, killing two men and injuring a third.

Michael Dean Sharp, 22, of Folsom, has told he will go on trial on July 26. He is charged with two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter. According to the report on SacBee.com, Sharp purchased 50 cannisters of nitrous oxide from a Folsom smoke shop on January 7. He cracked one of the cannisters into a balloon and inhaled it while driving down Folsom Boulevard.

Approaching Parkshore Drive, Sharp’s car crossed the center line and into the path of a vehicle occupied by brothers Christopher Ohlander Martell, 37, and Robert Ohlander, 32, both from Citrus Heights, as well as a friend of the two men who was getting a ride home. The brothers died at the scene from their injuries, and the third man also suffered serious injuries. Sharp later told police he had heard the crash, but didn’t even know if he’d been in it, because he felt like he was “in a cloud.”

We would like to once again extend our condolences to the families and friends of Christopher Martell and Robert Ohlander at this incredibly difficult time.

Wrongful death claims are allowed under California law.

The statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is tricky.  The case will have to be brought within three years from the date of the car crash, and in a case like this, there are other factors to be considered as well. The friend who was injured could also file a claim to cover his medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering.

Compensation available to the families of the men who were killed in this outrageous incident includes charges for any medical expenses; memorial and burial services; compensation for the victims’ pain, suffering, disability, and loss of income from the time of the injury through the time of death; financial losses to the victims’ families or other heirs; compensation for the loss of companionship and services to the victims’ spouses, children, stepchildren, stepparents and parents; and punitive damages may sometimes be available as well.

The Demas Law Group has been providing the highest quality of legal services to Californians for nearly twenty years. We take great pride in meeting our clients’ needs while working together to win your case and obtain the maximum compensation allowed by law. We are here to help you during this difficult time. Call our team of Sacramento personal injury lawyers at 888 776 0977 to speak with an attorney. To learn more about why you should hire us click here.

A motorcyclist was killed instantly early Thursday morning when he fell off his cycle and was hit by a big rig. Police believe slippery roads may have caused the motorcyclist to lose control.

According to the report on KCRA.com, Brett Dewitt Goodenough was on the Capital City Freeway (Business 80) sometime between 4:30 and 5 a.m. Thursday morning. Witnesses said he moved into the fast lane to overtake a bread van and then the bike wobbled and Goodenough tumbled to the road.

The bread van was able to miss him, but a big rig following behind the van was unable to brake in time and drove directly over Goodenough, killing him instantly. The 57-year-old driver of the big rig said the air brakes on his truck went out and that he didn’t even immediately realize he had hit a person. Police are unsure if Goodenough was also hit by a second vehicle.

No citations have been issued at this time, and the California Highway Patrol believe wet, slippery roads may have caused Goodenough to lose control.

We would like to send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Brett Goodenough at this tragic time.

Many questions arise out of a horrible crash like this one. And unfortunately, our minds don’t often focus on recovering; they usually go directly to the financial—funeral expenses, insurance policies, lost wages. How will Brett Goodenough’s family get through it? Fortunately, victims have resources. That’s why we’re here. We’re not ambulance chasers; we’re lawyers who feel it is our duty to help people deal with the insurance companies. And the first thing the family should do after getting the help they need is to go to our website – not to give us your business, but to read our free tips and download helpful documents. And if that’s not enough, you can always contact us to ask us any questions.

The Demas Law Group has been providing the highest quality of legal services to Californians for nearly twenty years. We take great pride in meeting our clients’ needs while working together to win your case and obtain the maximum compensation allowed by law. We are here to help you during this difficult time. Call our team of Sacramento personal injury lawyers at 888 776 0977 to speak with an attorney. To learn more about why you should hire us click here.

Two men were injured, one seriously, in a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 121 early Tuesday morning. The accident happened just west of the Napa-Sonoma county line.

The report in The Napa Valley Register says that Michael Chiurco, 50, of Napa, was driving a 1995 Toyota Corolla southbound on Highway 121. Just north of Eighth Street East, the Corolla crossed the center line of the highway and crashed almost head-on into an 18-wheel rig being driven by Charles Martinez, of Lincoln. The truck lost a wheel in the collision, and the large rig crossed over the center line into the path of a 2005 Nissan Frontier being driven by David Hays, 59, of Napa.

When emergency responders called to the scene, they found that Chiurco had been seriously injured in the crash. He was rushed to Queen of the Valley Medical Center, where he remains in a serious condition.

Hays was taken to the same hospital, but his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening, and Martinez was thankfully not injured in the crash.

We would like to wish both Michael Chiurco and David Hays a full and speedy recovery from their injuries after this terrifying accident.

Many questions arise out of a car crash. And unfortunately, our minds don’t often focus on recovering; they usually go directly to the financial – medical bills, insurance policies, lost wages. How will the families of all those affected by this accident get through it? Who is responsible for the injuries suffered by David Hays, as well as the damage to his vehicle? Fortunately, victims have resources. That’s why we’re here. We’re not ambulance chasers; we’re lawyers who feel it is our duty to help injured people deal with the insurance companies. And the first thing you should do after getting the medical help you need is to  contact us to ask any questions you may have about your rights in this case.

The Demas Law Group has been providing the highest quality of legal services to Californians for nearly twenty years. We take great pride in meeting our clients’ needs while working together to win your case and obtain the maximum compensation allowed by law. We are here to help you during this difficult time. Call our team of Sacramento personal injury lawyers at 888 776 0977 to speak with an attorney. To learn more about why you should hire us click here.

A Sacramento area man has admitted he is struggling physically, emotionally and financially, a month after a hit-and-run driver struck him and a friend as they chatted outside the friend’s Arden-Arcade home. The friend was killed in the incident.

Everything changed for Bill Collins, 57, just after 5:30 p.m. on March 22, when he was getting into his car after visiting his friend of 20 years, Paul Pellandini. A white Ford truck came toward them. Pellandini had followed Collins out to the car, and the truck simply mowed the two men down. Pellandini was pronounced dead at the scene, and Collins received a crushed pelvis, cracked spine and five broken ribs. He also has a rod in his femur.

According to a report in The Sacramento Bee, police have been able to track down the truck but have not been able to determine who was driving it on the day of the accident. They are still hoping a witness will come forward. In the meantime, Collins, who is unemployed, is facing enormous and ongoing medical bills he is afraid he won’t be able to afford. He also blames himself for his friend’s death, thinking that if he hadn’t called to visit that day, Pellandini might still be alive.

We would like to send our best wishes to Bill Collins and his family at this very trying time, and we hope that the hit-and-run driver is apprehended and made to pay for the damage he has caused.

Hit-and-run is a serious crime, and conviction will result in your driving privileges being suspended or revoked. In any accident, you have the following obligations:

• Stop at once. If anyone is killed or unconscious, you must stay at the scene until a police officer arrives.
• Render aid. Do not move an injured person carelessly, but give reasonable aid
• Exchange information with the other driver. Give them your name, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. DMV offers a printable checklist you can download and keep in your car.
• Report the accident to DMV.

We can’t help being horrified by this hit-and-run. Even if the driver was frightened and in shock, that does not excuse leaving two people injured at the scene. Pellandini was dying, and leaving him was inexcusable. We implore drivers in any accident situation to put the safety and welfare of others above their own interests, and always, always remain at the scene and make sure no one is hurt. We send our best wishes to Bill Collins for a complete recovery, and hope he is feeling better soon.

Hit-and-run is a serious violation of California law. The hit-and-run driver must be held civilly and criminally responsible for his actions. In a case like this, the Collins family may be well advised to contact a reputed personal injury attorney with experience in hit-and-run crashes who will fight for the justice and compensation that they deserve. At  Demas Law Group, we believe that what happened to these two men and their families is simply unacceptable; we are committed to making sure that hit-and-run drivers are held accountable for their actions and that the victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve.

The Demas Law Group has been providing the highest quality of legal services to Californians for nearly twenty years. We take great pride in meeting our clients’ needs while working together to win your case and obtain the maximum compensation allowed by law. We are here to help you during this difficult time. Call our team of Sacramento personal injury lawyers at 888 776 0977 to speak with an attorney. To learn more about why you should hire us click here.

Two students and one other person sustained minor injuries and complained of pain after a Sacramento accident between a school bus and a passenger vehicle. The injury-accident occurred near William Land Park On Tuesday afternoon.

A California Highway Patrol spokesperson said that a Sacramento City Unified School District bus had six special needs students on board. The bus was heading Southbound on Freeport Boulevard around 3:30 p.m. A Honda Accord was traveling North on Freeport Blvd. and turned left to enter the park. In doing so, the Honda turned directly into the path of the school bus.

The CHP says that the driver of the bus was unable to take evasive action and the bus hit the rear of the Accord. They also said that the traffic light was green for both directions on the road.

Sacramento Bus Accident Attorneys

Anyone who is injured in a vehicle accident should contact an accident injury law firm and speak with an accident injury lawyer immediately. An accident-injury collision such as the one described above may not present immediate injuries. That said, injuries may become evident in the days following the accident. It is important to speak with an accident-injury attorney who can protect your rights as soon as possible.

As common carriers, buses are held to a higher standard when it comes to providing safety during transportation. Although this Sacramento injury accident remains under investigation, initial reports seem to indicate the bus driver was not responsible for causing the collision. If the bus driver did cause the accident, the driver and his employer, a public entity, would be  legally responsible to each of the injury victims for their medical expenses and pain and suffering.

In California, persons injured due to the negligence of an employee of a public entity must act quickly. California law requires that someone claiming damages against a public entity or its employee must file a claim for damages with that entity within six (6) months. Once the claim has been rejected by that entity, which is typical, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit can be as short as six (6) months from the date of rejection. Because these claims processes are complicated, it’s a good idea to at least consult with a Sacramento personal injury attorney with experience dealing with the governmental tort claims process.

The Demas Law Group has been providing the highest quality of legal services to Californians for nearly twenty years. We take great pride in meeting our clients’ needs while working together to win your case and obtain the maximum compensation allowed by law. We are here to help you during this difficult time. Call our team of Sacramento personal injury lawyers at 888 776 0977 to speak with an attorney. To learn more about why you should hire us click here..