Bakersfield Personal Injury Lawyers

Summer is the time of year when people tend to head out onto the water in their boats to enjoy the sun and the water and to escape the heat.  Unfortunately, not everyone seems to take their responsibilities when it comes to properly navigating a boat seriously, as boating DUI arrests are always high this time of year.  Tragically, one man lost his life over the weekend in a fatal California boating accident where the driver of one boat was arrested and charged with several serious crimes after being suspected of being under the influence.

According to police, the latest fatal California boating accident occurred at the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area, which is about 25 miles southwest of Bakersfield.  28-year-old Salvador Rodriguez was on his boat on Lake Webb with five other people when suddenly, his vessel was rammed by a boat being driven by 23-year-old Justin Mark Ennis of Bakersfield.  The collision killed Mr. Rodriguez at the scene, and witnesses stated that those on the boat driven by Ennis were dancing and generally not paying attention to their surroundings.

California Boating Accident Statistics

First, we would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Rodriguez, especially to those who witnessed this horrifying accident.  We hope they are someday able to get past their grief and shock.  Secondly, this fatal Lake Webb  boating accident will only add to the overall statistics regarding California boating accidents that occur every year.  Approximately 800 such accidents occur on an annual basis around the state, leading to more than 400 injuries and more than 50 deaths.

Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyers

After the crash, Ennis was arrested and charged with felony boating under the influence and manslaughter.  These are obviously serious charges, but regardless of how they play out, the family of Mr. Rodriguez could have an action to file for wrongful death.  If such a claim is made and is successful, the family could be awarded damages that include compensation for medical, funeral and burial expenses as well as lost income and loss of companionship.

If you or someone you love has been harmed in a California boating accident, seek the help of Bakersfield personal injury lawyers who have been holding negligent and reckless parties accountable for the harm they have caused for many years.  Contact Chain | Cohn | Stiles today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Elder abuse is a societal problem that only seems to get worse instead of better as the collective population of the United States ages.  Older people sometimes need the help of nursing homes or assisted living centers to be able to function properly on a daily basis, and the increased demand for this help has led to several different issues.  Unfortunately, one local woman was allegedly the subject of elder abuse that led to the arrest of the nurse accused for a felony.

According to police, this alleged Lake Isabella elder abuse occurred on Monday when a 79-year-old patient asked 65-year-old nurse Rene Gachon Gotico, a resident of Delano to help her get to the bathroom at the Kern Valley Healthcare District hospital in Mountain Mesa.  Allegedly, the nurse refused to help her, and when she attempted to stand up to get to the bathroom by herself, the suspect grabbed the patient by the neck and threw her back onto the bed.  The hospital’s nursing supervisor apparently witnessed this act and called police.  Gotico was arrested for elder abuse causing injury, which is a felony.

Elder Abuse Statistics

First, we’d like to extend our hope that the resident who was allegedly abused was not seriously harmed in this incident.  Secondly, this latest example of California elder abuse only adds to the estimated statistics regarding this growing problem.  These estimates indicate that as many as 2 million older Americans have been abused by someone they trusted to help them with their needs, and it’s further estimated that only about 25 percent of elder abuse cases are actually reported.

Bakersfield Elder Abuse Lawyers

Even though the criminal charges faced by this defendant are significant, it’s still possible for the family of the person who was harmed here to file a California personal injury lawsuit as well.  While more facts would need to be determined regarding what actually occurred, if such a claim was successful it could bring a damages award that compensates her for her pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love has been abused in this manner, you need to take action by seeking the help of Bakersfield elder abuse lawyers who have been holding abusers and those who employ them accountable for this type of harm for many years.  Contact Chain | Cohn | Stiles today at 800-322-4529 to schedule a free initial consultation.

When car accidents occur, everyone who is involved or even in the immediate area is immediately put in a position of extreme risk and danger.  This is particularly true of children, who are obviously more vulnerable to harm than their adult counterparts when these collisions occur.  Unfortunately for two young children, this reality was reinforced on Sunday when a Bakersfield car accident sent them to the hospital.

This Bakersfield car accident occurred on Sunday at approximately 3 p.m. on Interstate 5 near the Gorman School Road exit.  According to police, a vehicle clipped a minivan on the freeway and as a result the minivan spun out of control.  The two injured children were ejected from the van, and several other people were reportedly injured.  No identities of the parties were released and no additional details regarding the conditions of the children who were ejected from the van were available.

California Car Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to extend our thoughts and hopes that those children who were injured are able to recover from their pain and suffering quickly.  Unfortunately, this incident will only add to the overall statistics regarding California car accidents.  Every year in the state, approximately 175,000 people are injured and more than 3,000 people are killed in these occurrences.

Bakersfield Personal Injury Lawyers

Although more information would be necessary to make a determination regarding fault in this Bakersfield car accident, if the vehicle that clipped the minivan was negligent in doing so, it’s possible that the family of the children who were harmed could file a California personal injury lawsuit against that driver.  If the case was successful, the family could stand to be compensated for damages incurred including medical costs, property damage, pain and suffering and other forms of compensation depending on the specifics of the case.

If this has happened to you or to someone you love, you need to seek the help of Bakersfield car accident lawyers who have been holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm they have caused for many years.  Contact Chain | Cohn | Stiles at 800-322-4529 today to schedule a free initial consultation.

A young Santa Barbara family had their lives tragically cut short on Tuesday when a large truck carrying two payloads of gravel apparently lost control due to brake failure and careened off the highway, down an embankment and into their home.

A neighbor had reported hearing a huge crash and ran outside to see the family’s home collapsing in rubble. This California trucking accident left the young couple and their child dead at the scene and initial reports are that there may have been a second child in the home at the time.

The driver of the truck survived and was treated for minor facial injuries.

California Trucking Accidents

The historical trends for trucking accidents in California indicate that, on average, large trucks account for 9 about percent of the vehicles in fatal crashes. About 4 percent of the trucking vehicles are involved in injury and property damage only crashes. In 2003 there were nearly 5,000 large trucks involved in fatal crashes with  76 percent of those being these large combination trucks.

The truck that was carrying the gravel down Highway 154 had the capability of hauling up to 26 tons of material.

The immediate search effort included heavy equipment to vacuum up gravel and dig out rubble under the truck to reach the victims. The deceased’s home was sitting well below the embankment of the highway and could not be seen from the roadway. The house was completely demolished by the impact.

California Injury Lawyers

We want to express our deepest condolences to the friends and family members of this young family that was taken from us at far too young an age and in such a violent manner. The grief and shock of family members is hard whenever something like that this that is so sudden and it is hard to understand how something so tragic could happen. Please join us in sending thoughts and prayers to those who are mourning this loss.

Bakersfield Wrongful Death Attorneys

Depending on the actual details of this tragic trucking accident, the family of the deceased victims may be able to file a California wrongful death lawsuit. The truck driver or, more likely, the transportation company the trucker was driving for, can be held liable and charges can be brought against them for pain and suffering, burial costs, lost wages and more.

It is critical that anyone involved in a potential wrongful death lawsuit contact a California personal injury attorney that has a strong track record of handling cases such as this. The law firm of Chain | Cohn | Stiles has nearly 80 years of experience in California handling serious injury and wrongful death cases. Contact our Bakersfield law offices today at 800-322-4529 for a free consultation.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

The Chain | Cohn | Stiles personal injury law firm is not currently representing anyone mentioned in this article at the time it was posted. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your legal rights and options, call us or another well recognized and respected personal injury law firm. Please do not rely or act solely upon the information provided in this article. Please consider getting a consultation immediately. The best California personal injury law firms will provide a free consultation. Chain | Cohn Stiles will provide a free, confidential consultation to the persons who were not at fault named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

Bakersfield pedestrian accidents almost always lead to at least one injury, but being hit by three separate vehicles is about as brutal as it could possibly get for anyone.  Tragically, a local man was killed this morning after enduring the brunt of the force coming from three vehicles that hit him separately.  Two of the vehicles stopped to render aid, but another fled the scene and police are searching for that driver.

According to police, the latest fatal Bakersfield pedestrian accident occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. when Dallas Edward Crosby, 79, was attempting to cross Oswell Street.  He was wearing dark clothing and was hit by an initial motorist.  This motorist stopped and tried to render aid.  At this point, a white vehicle hit Mr. Crosby again and fled the scene.  The second vehicle was last seen getting onto nearby westbound Highway 58.  Ultimately, a third car hit Mr. Crosby again soon thereafter.  Crosby died at the scene.

Kern County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

First, we’d like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Crosby.  Losing a life in this manner is a fate no one deserves.  In addition, this latest fatal Bakersfield pedestrian accident will only add to the statistics regarding Kern County pedestrian accidents overall.  Every year, more than 20 people are killed and nearly 100 people are injured in these occurrences.

Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyers

In terms of the legal rights and options present for Mr. Crosby’s family, much more would need to be learned regarding the nature of this situation.  If the facts as they are uncovered indicate that one, two or all of the drivers were negligent, it’s possible that his family could file a California wrongful death lawsuit.  If such a claim was successful, the family could be awarded damages for medical, funeral and burial costs as well as lost income and loss of companionship.

However, complicated matters like these need to be thoroughly analyzed by Bakersfield wrongful death lawyers who have been fighting successfully for the rights of grieving families for many years.  Contact Chain | Cohn | Stiles today to at 661-323-4000 schedule a free initial consultation.

Drinking and driving seems to always bring consequences, but these situations are particularly tragic when someone who was not engaging in such conduct is killed.  Unfortunately, that could prove to be what occurred with a fatal Porterville car accident that occurred this week when a driver lost control of his vehicle.  The driver survived the crash, but his passenger was killed in the process.

According to Porterville police, the now-defendant, 32-year-old Jason Branch of Porterville, was driving his Chevrolet pickup truck at approximately 1 a.m. on Tuesday.  He was headed in a northbound direction on Main Street in Porterville when he failed to negotiate a curve at the intersection with Yates Avenue.  As a result, the truck went off the road, struck a fence and came to rest after smashing into a telephone pole.  His passenger, Aradia Adina Carrigan of Bakersfield, was killed, and Branch is facing DUI and manslaughter charges.

California Car Accident Statistics

We’d first like to send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Carrigan.  Losing a life in such a sudden and violent manner is a terrible tragedy.  Unfortunately, this situation will also add to the overall statistics regarding California car accidents.  Every year in the state, approximately 175,000 people are injured and more than 3,000 are killed in California car accidents, and more than one-third of the fatality accidents in the state list alcohol as at least a contributing factor.

Bakersfield DUI Accident Lawyers

In addition to the serious charges that the defendant faces, he could also face significant exposure to civil liability if the family of Ms. Carrigan brings a California wrongful death lawsuit against him.  Drivers owe a legal duty of care to their passengers, and if such a lawsuit was filed and successful it could bring damages to the family that compensate them for funeral, medical and burial expenses as well as lost income and loss of companionship.

If you have lost someone you love in such an occurrence, seek the help of Bakersfield wrongful death lawyers who have been successfully fighting for the rights of suffering families for many years.  Contact Chain | Cohn | Stiles today to schedule a free initial consultation.

California pedestrian accidents almost always lead to at least one injury, and this is particularly so if the person who was hit was a toddler.  It only makes matters worse when the driver in a California pedestrian accident flees the scene, and sadly that appears to be what occurred on  Tuesday afternoon when a toddler was hit by a vehicle in an alley and injured.  She appears to be in stable condition at this point in a local hospital.

According to police, this Bakersfield pedestrian accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at approximately 4:30 p.m in an alley north of Planz Road.  A little girl was apparently hit and dragged out into the alley as the suspect, identified as Jose Antonio Toy, a family friend of the little girl, pulled out of the property.  He continued onward after hitting her, and the little girl was rushed to the hospital.  Thankfully, she is expected to survive her injuries.

Kern County Pedestrian Accident Statistics

We’d first like to send our thoughts to the little girl in hopes that she’s recovered and back out enjoying her childhood in no time.  We also hope that the suspect is quickly found.  Unfortunately, this Bakersfield pedestrian accident will only add to the statistics in this regard.  Every year, more than 20 people are killed and approximately 100 people are injured in Kern County pedestrian accidents.

Bakersfield Personal Injury Lawyers

Assuming that the suspect is found, he will likely face criminal charges.  In addition, he could face civil liability if the family of the little girl decides to file a California personal injury lawsuit.  If such a lawsuit was successful, it could bring damages to the family that compensate them for medical costs and pain and suffering, among other forms of potential compensation depending on the facts of the situation.

If you or someone you love has been harmed in a Bakersfield pedestrian accident, you need to seek the help of Bakersfield personal injury lawyers who have been holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions for many years.  Contact Chain | Cohn | Stiles today to schedule a free initial consultation.

California car accidents that occur in large cities and amidst congested traffic conditions are somewhat expected.  However, those California car accidents that occur on more rural highways can be devastating for many reasons, not the least of which is the high speeds that can be involved.  Tragically, a recent multi-vehicle California car accident left three people dead and 15 people injured.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident occurred near Bishop, California on Monday, August 9th at approximately 8:30 p.m.  The crash occurred on U.S. Highway 395 about three miles south of Bishop.  An SUV carrying several passengers rolled from the southbound lanes into the northbound lanes and oncoming traffic.  An SUV coming on in the northbound lanes crashed into the other vehicle, and the northbound vehicle that was carrying a cross-country team burst into flames.  Another SUV also collided with the previous two vehicles.  Of the 15 people injured, five were described as having ’serious’ injuries.  No word was given as to what caused the original SUV to roll over.

California Car Accident Statistics

We’d first like to extend our condolences to those who have lost loved ones, as this gruesome scene was truly a tragedy.  We also hope that those who were injured are able to overcome their pain and suffering and move on with their lives somehow, someday.  Unfortunately, this fatal California car accident will only add to the statistics in this regard.  Every year, approximately 175,000 people are injured and more than 3,000 are killed in California car accidents.

California Car Accident Lawyers

It’s clear that more needs to be learned from the investigation to understand how and why it occurred.  However, when the responsible party or parties are identified, it’s likely that several California personal injury and California wrongful death lawsuits will be filed.  These claims, if successful, will compensate those harmed with damages including medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of companionship and emotional distress among others.

However, anyone who has been harmed in a California car accident needs to seek the help of California personal injury lawyers who have the experience necessary to sort through these difficult situations and to hold the responsible parties accountable.  Contact Chain | Cohn | Stiles today to schedule a free initial consultation.

The Bakersfield personal injury lawyers at Chain | Cohn | Stiles have teamed up with New Groove FM 99.3 in Bakersfield to send two lucky winners to the NFL preseason football game between the Oakland Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, August 28 in Oakland. The two winners will experience the following that night:

• V.I.P. parking at the game
• An invitation to a hosted tailgate party
• Seats in a private suite during the game with other football fans
• Catered food and drinks during the game

All you need to do to win is enter the drawing for these two tickets in one of two ways:

1. Enter in-person at the Chain | Cohn | Stiles law firm, located at 1430 Truxton Avenue in Bakersfield before Friday, August 20^th.
2. Log into the New Groove FM 99.3 Web site here and enter online.

Christina Martinez will announce the winners on Friday morning, August 20^th, so be sure to enter before then for a chance to hear your name and to plan a big night of fun, food and football.

About Chain | Cohn | Stiles

Chain | Cohn | Stiles is a law firm comprised of Bakersfield personal injury lawyers who have been representing injured clients for many years. The firm has always been committed to its role in the community, and this sponsorship in conjunction with the New Groove FM 99.3 is just the latest effort to provide those who are feeling lucky with an opportunity to experience NFL football like never before.

Please feel free to enter the contest today, and if you have legal questions, please contact the Bakersfield personal injury lawyers at Chain | Cohn | Stiles today to schedule a consultation.

Off-road racing may not be an enormously popular sport in the United States, but its followers are as loyal and passionate as any.  One of the premier events on this racing circuit is known as the California 200, which is a 200 mile night race in the Mojave Desert.  The race got off to its annual start on Saturday night in San Bernardino County, but it wasn’t long before tragedy struck.  An off-road racing accident left 8 people dead and at least 12 people injured.

According to police and witness accounts, the fatal off-road racing accident occurred after a truck that was involved in the race went over a jump just two miles into the race that is known as ‘the rock pile’ located in the Mojave Desert’s Soggy Dry Lake Bed.  Something went wrong, and the truck veered into the crowd that was standing as little as 10 feet away from the racers with no guard rail to protect them.  The truck landed in a crowd of spectators and 8 people were killed as a result, many of whom were pinned under the truck that came to rest with its wheels facing upward.

California Car Accident Statistics

We’d initially like to extend our condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed.  One person’s name has not been released, but among those who were killed were Brian Wolfin, Aaron Farkas and Anthony Sanchez of Escondido as well as 20-year-old Danica Frantzich from Las Vegas, Andrew Therrin of Riverside, Zachary Freeman of Fillmore and Dustin Malson of Ventura.  Overall, more than 3,000 people are killed in California car accidents every year.

California Wrongful Death Lawyers

Tragedies like this are hard to fathom, but those who have lost loved ones or those who have been injured as a result of this incident need to seek immediate legal help.  If successful legal claims are filed, damages could be awarded for loss of companionship, lost income, pain and suffering and many other forms of damages.  However, this situation should be reviewed by California wrongful death lawyers who have been successfully standing up for the rights of those killed for many years.  Contact Chain | Cohn | Stiles today to schedule a free initial consultation.