Animals in the roadway may present a hazard to California driver.s

While your first instinct may be to swerve when you encounter an animal in the roadway, doing so could actually have serious consequences for not only yourself but the other drivers around you.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there 173 fatal car accidents involving animals in 2009. Another 12,000 injuries were reported by drivers who were in an accident caused by an animal entering the roadway. Deer represent the most common threat to drivers, with an estimated 1.5 million car crashes involving the animals annually, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Other animals commonly involved in roadway accidents include dogs, cats, horses and livestock.

Most drivers who come upon a deer or other animal are immediately tempted to swerve or brake hard to avoid a collision. According to a recent USA Today article, attempting to avoid an animal by rapidly changing lanes cause actually put you at risk for hitting another car. Attempting a sudden maneuver could also potentially cause your vehicle to veer off the road or overturn, resulting in serious injury to yourself and your passengers. Swerving could also cause the animal to become confused and attempt to run, causing an accident anyway.

According to the article, the safest course of action when you encounter a deer or other animal depends on the amount of traffic around you and the size of the animal. If the animal is shorter than your car's hood and there is no way to safely change lanes, hitting it might damage your vehicle but it could prevent a serious accident. With a larger animal, such as a deer, you should make every effort to avoid it without putting yourself or other drivers at risk.

If You Encounter an Animal While Driving:

• Reduce speed but avoid slamming on your brakes if there are other cars behind you
• Note where the animal came from and attempt to maneuver your car in that direction if it does not put you in the way of other traffic
• You may try honking your horn to attempt to frighten the animal off the road. Again, pay attention to the other drivers around you before doing so.

If You Hit an Animal:

• If your vehicle is still functioning, attempt to get it out of the roadway and onto the shoulder. Turn on your hazard lights to signal oncoming traffic if the accident occurs at night.
• Don't touch the wounded animal if it's still alive. It may struggle to get away, causing injury to itself and to you.
• Contact your insurance company as quickly as possible to report the accident

A car accident can have serious consequences for all parties involved. Swerving to avoid an animal can potentially cause harm to yourself and other innocent motorists. Use caution when navigating the roadways to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

The law firm of Nadrich & Cohen, LLP is a firm advocate of driver safety. We represent victims throughout California who were injured in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence. For more information about filing an injury claim, call 800-718-4658.

Police investigate the scene of a deadly Florida pile-up caused by dense smoke and fog. (Photo credit: AP)

A recent car accident along Florida's Interstate 75, which left a total of 11 people dead, was believed to have been caused by dense smoke and fog on the roadway. If you encounter heavy fog or smoke while driving, there are several things you can do to prevent being involved in a serious accident.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the best way to avoid an accident while driving through fog or smoke is to not drive at all. However, if you have to venture out, consider doing the following to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers and other drivers around you.

Smoke/Fog Driving Safety Do's:

• Reduce your speed
• Increase your following distance, leaving yourself plenty of room to stop if necessary
• Avoid crossing or passing lanes of traffic if possible
• Use your windshield wipers or defroster to keep your field of vision clear
• Roll down your window to listen for traffic you can't see
• Keep an eye open for slow-moving vehicles
• Drive with your low-beam headlights on
• Reduce distractions inside your vehicle. Turn off cell phones or radios so you can stay focused on the road.
• Use painted road markers as a guide

Smoke/Fog Driving Safety Don'ts:

• Don't drive with just your parking or hazard lights on. These can be much more difficult for other drivers to see.
• Don't drive with your high-beams on. The light can actually reflect back against the fog and make it harder to see.
• Don't stop in the middle of the road. Other drivers may see your taillights, think you're still moving and drive into you.
• Pull completely off the road if the fog or smoke reduces your visibility entirely. Use your turn signal to notify other drivers of your intention and get your car as far off the road as possible. Turn off the engine and turn on your hazard lights. Get out of the vehicle if possible and move away from the road.

If you find yourself driving in potentially unsafe conditions, it's important to stay alert and aware of the other vehicles around you and to take immediate action to protect yourself and your passengers. When you encounter dense fog or smoke, don't assume you can continue driving until conditions clear. As evidenced by the tragic incident in Florida, a single car accident can set off a chain reaction event.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident while driving in unsafe conditions, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation if your injuries were caused by the negligence of another driver. Enlisting the aid of an experienced personal injury lawyer ensures that your legal rights are protected.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in assisting victims of transportation-related accidents, including car accidents, in proving their injury claim. We have office locations in cities throughout California, including Sacramento, Bakersfield and the Bay Area. Confidential assistance is available 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-718-4658. All cases are accepted on a contingency basis and there is never a fee unless a settlement is recovered on your behalf.

Police investigate the scene of a Fontana car accident that left four people dead. (Photo credit: KABC)

Three brothers and an 11-year-old boy were killed over the weekend in a horrific car accident in Fontana.

According to KABC, the fatal accident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday evening at the intersection of Baseline Road and Cherry Avenue. A Chevy suburban carrying three brothers apparently struck a Honda sedan before leaving the road and crashing into a power pole. Two of the men were pronounced dead at the scene. A third brother was transported to Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, where he later died. The names of the three men, aged 35, 37 and 39, have not been released.

Eleven-year-old Noah Ferrer, who was riding in the Honda, was transported to Loma Linda Medical Center. Although doctors made every effort to save his life, the boy died in surgery several hours later. The boy's mother, who was driving the car at the time the collision occurred, was also taken to a local hospital to receive treatment for serious injuries.

The Fontana Police Department is continuing to investigate the cause of the accident. At this time, there has been no report as to whether excessive speed, drugs or alcohol were a contributing factor. Police have stated that according to witness reports, the driver of the SUV ran a red light prior to the impact.

This senseless tragedy demonstrates how quickly a car accident can occur and how important it is for drivers to act responsibly on the road. It is hoped that both families will be able to recover following this terrible incident.

If you or loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by an unsafe driver, you need to be aware of your legal rights. Under California law, you may be able to seek monetary damages for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering if your injuries were caused by another driver's negligence. You should waste no time in contacting an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP represents car accident victims in the Fontana area and throughout California. For more information on filing an injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658.

Jorene Nicolas was believed to be texting when the fatal accident occurred. (Photo credit: ABC7.com)

A San Diego woman has been arrested for her role in a Westminster car accident that left a 23-year-old woman dead.

According to KABC-TV, 29-year-old Jorene Nicolas was arrested Thursday and charged with felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in the death of Deanna Mauer last April. Nicolas remained in a Santa Ana jail Thursday night on $100,000 bail. She is expected to face arraignment on Monday in an Orange County courtroom.

Prosecutors believe that Nicolas was texting when her Toyota Prius slammed into the back of Mauer's Hyundai sedan. Mauer's vehicle was pushed into the car in front of her and slammed into a center divider before coming to a stop in the northbound lanes of the 405 near Westminster. The victim, who was an assistant high school softball coach and former college athlete, died several hours later of her injuries. Nicolas suffered only minor lacerations.

Police believe that Nicolas was traveling approximately 80 mph but failed to notice that traffic in front of her had come to a stop. Investigators have not been able to definitively prove that Nicolas was texting at the time of the accident but prosecutors believe the scenario is likely given the fact that she never attempted to brake prior to colliding with Mauer's vehicle.

The victim's parents have also expressed their belief that Nicolas was texting at the time of the accident. The couple has begun speaking out against the dangers of distracted driving, calling their daughter's death senseless.

If convicted of the felony charge, Nicolas faces up to six years in prison for her role in the accident. She may also face civil penalties if the victim's family decides to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against her. Hopefully, they will consult an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss their rights.

While the driver in this case is likely to face some criminal penalties for her actions, a prison sentence is nothing compared to the grief and devastation felt by the victim's family. This accident clearly demonstrates how a brief moment of carelessness can have life-altering consequences for both the driver and the victim.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you need to understand your legal rights. You may be eligible to seek compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills and lost wages if your injuries leave you unable to work.

The experienced car accident attorneys at Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specialize in assisting accident victims in the San Diego area and throughout California in proving their injury claims. Call us today at 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. All cases are accepted on a contingency basis, meaning there is never a fee unless we recover a judgment on your behalf.

A suspected drunk driver caused an accident that left 8 injured in San Carlos. (Photo credit: 10News.com)

An 18-year-old driver faces possible DUI charges after causing a car accident in the San Carlos area Tuesday night that left eight people injured.

According to 10News.com, the accident occurred on Jackson Drive and Lake Badin around 8:30 p.m. The teenager and his four passengers were riding in a Dodge Charger when he crashed into a Dodge SUV carrying a man and his three children, aged 1, 3 and seven. The one-year-old girl was ejected from the vehicle and suffered moderate injuries after being pinned under the SUV. Firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to extricate the children's father from the car.

The three children were taken to Rady Hospital to receive treatment for minor to moderate injuries while their father and four others were transported Sharp Memorial and Scripps La Jolla for treatment. It is not clear whether the teenaged driver who caused the accident was seriously hurt. At least two people involved in the collision reportedly suffered major injuries.

Police are still investigating the cause of the accident but did say that the driver is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. Should a blood or urine test determine that the teenager driver's blood alcohol content exceeded the legal limit, he could face multiple charges for his role in the accident.

Hopefully those who were injured in the accident will be able to recover without experience long-lasting complications. If police are able to prove that the young driver acted negligently in causing the collision, the accident victims may be able to file a civil lawsuit against him to seek monetary damages for their pain and suffering, medical bills and lost wages if applicable.

Car accident victims who are injured through no fault of their own need to be aware of their legal rights. The experienced car accident attorneys at Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specialize in assisting accident victims in the San Diego area and throughout California in getting the maximum amount of compensation possible for their injuries.

If you or a loved one was hurt because of a drunk or otherwise negligent driver, call us today at 1-800-718-4658 to schedule your free initial case evaluation. All cases are accepted on a contingency basis, meaning there is never a fee unless we recover a settlement on your behalf. Contact us today to put our personal injury experts to work for you.

The scene of a fatal Newark car accident that left one man dead. (Photo credit: KTVU.com)

One of three burglary suspects who caused a fatal car accident in Newark last week has died from injuries he sustained in the crash.

According to KTVU.com, 20-year-old Rajwaun Watkins of Oakland died on Friday evening at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley. Watkins had been hospitalized with critical injuries since the car accident occurred on Wednesday morning.

Police were called to investigate a burglary on Mistflower Avenue just before 10:00 a.m. after a resident reported seeing three men kick down his neighbor's door and enter the home. The witness gave police a description of the three men and their vehicle, a Chevrolet Malibu.

Officers spotted the car driving away from the area and attempted to pull it over but the driver sped away. Reportedly, the car was going as fast as 80 miles per hour on Cedar Boulevard when police abandoned the chase as being too dangerous.

The Malibu continued to speed, eventually crashing into a Honda at the intersection of Cherry Street and Mowry Avenue. Sixty-nine-year-old Robert Cheney, who was driving the Honda, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Malibu overturned as a result of the collision and two of the men inside fled the vehicle. The two men, identified as Jabrie Watts and Deshon Collier, both 20, were eventually apprehended. All three burglary suspects were taken to the hospital for treatment, with Collier and Watts suffering only minor injuries.

Police have said that all three suspects had extensive criminal histories. Watts is being held on a parole violation while Collier is being held on a probation violation while law enforcement officials continue to investigate the accident. In addition to these charges, the two men may face additional counts, including burglary, evading police and potentially even vehicular manslaughter.

In addition to criminal penalties, the two men may face civil penalties should the victim's family choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the two suspects for negligently causing the death of their loved one. Under California law, drivers who act carelessly or recklessly in causing injury or death to another motorist or pedestrian may be liable for their pain and suffering, medical bills and lost wages. This unfortunate incident demonstrates how quickly someone's negligent actions can have devastating consequences for an otherwise innocent bystander.

If you or a loved one was injured as a result of a car accident through no fault of your own, you need to understand your legal rights. The experienced car accident attorneys at Nadrich & Cohen, LLP are committed to assisting victims in the Newark area and throughout California in getting the compensation they deserve.

Call our Injury Hotline today at 1-800-718-4658 to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation initial case evaluation. All cases are accepted on a contingency basis, meaning there is never a fee unless we recover monetary damages on your behalf.

Deanna Fridley received an 18-year sentence for her role in the fatal crash. (Photo Credit: North CountyTimes)

A 27-year-old woman who caused a fatal car accident near Pala Casino has plead guilty to four counts of gross vehicular manslaughter and one count of driving under the influence causing great bodily injury in connection with the incident.

According to the North County Times, Deanna Fridley of Palm Springs agreed to the plea deal on the day her second trial was supposed to begin. She had originally gone to trial in 2010 but the judge in the case declared a mistrial after the jury became deadlocked 11-1 in favor of finding her guilty of four counts of second-degree murder.

Fridley was allegedly high on methamphetamine and drunk when her GMC Yukon Denali crashed into a Toyota Camry in December 2007. The accident, which occurred on Highway 76 approximately three miles from the casino, killed two married couples who were riding in the Camry.

Fridley's vehicle was engulfed in flames following the crash but she escaped with only broken bones. Police later said her blood alcohol level was 0.12% and that she tested positive for meth. A passenger in the Yukon, Anthony Boles, also suffered moderate injuries.

At her first trial, Fridley testified that it was Boles who was driving her car at the time of the collision and that she was too intoxicated to drive. Boles testified that he never drove the vehicle and this proved to be a point of contention for the jury in the 2010 trial. A single juror was not convinced that Fridley was driving the night of the accident, resulting in an eventual deadlock.

Why Fridley chose to change her story and enter a plea is unclear but the families of the victims have expressed relief that they will not have to undergo a second trial. Fridley is expected to be sentenced to 18 years in prison when she appears before a judge on February 22nd.

Tragic accidents such as this one demonstrate how easily the careless actions of one driver can have a devastating impact on the lives of numerous others. While Ms. Fridley may not have intended to kill anyone, her reckless and negligent behavior cost four innocent people their lives.

Car accident victims who have been injured through no fault of their own have the right to seek compensation for their pain and suffering, lost wages and medical bills. If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident caused by someone else's carelessness, you need to contact a qualified personal injury lawyer to discuss your rights.

The car accident attorneys at Nadrich & Cohen LLP are available to assist accident victims in the Palm Springs area and throughout California in proving their injury claim. Call us today at 1-800-722-0765 to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation initial case evaluation. We are a contingency firm, meaning there is never a fee unless we recover a judgment on your behalf.

Stacy Lonnberg is facing multiple charges stemming from the fatal car accident. (Photo Credit: Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department)

Fifty-one-year-old Stacy Lonnberg faces charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence after a being involved in a car accident that left her husband and daughter dead.

According to the Morgan Hill Times, Lonnberg was driving north on Highway 85 near Winchester Boulevard in Los Gatos on Saturday afternoon when she attempted what police have described as an unsafe lane change at high speed. The maneuver apparently caused her 2002 Toyota Tacoma pickup to sideswipe a Chevrolet Silverado before rolling over several times.

Lonnberg's 26-year-old daughter, Tiffiny Gillette, was riding in the backseat of the truck and was ejected during the crash. Gillette was pronounced dead at the scene. Sixty-seven-year-old Fred Lonnberg, the driver's husband, was taken to Valley Medical Center but later died of his injuries. No one in the Silverado was hurt.

The only other surviving victim of the car crash was Gillette's son, Ethan, who was riding in a toddler car seat at the time. Lonnberg herself suffered minor injuries and as of Monday afternoon, was still in the custody of the Santa Clara County Sheriff. Police have not released any information regarding Ms. Lonnberg's blood alcohol content level at the time of the accident but alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash.

Law enforcement officers are continuing to investigate the fatal accident but it seems likely that formal charges may be filed against Ms. Lonnberg. She could potentially face criminal penalties including jail or prison time, probation and fines for her actions.

This case demonstrates how the actions of a drunk driver can have life-changing consequences for their passengers and for other motorists. Had Ms. Lonnberg seriously injured or killed another driver, she could be facing additional charges along with civil penalties in the form of a wrongful death lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident caused by another driver's careless actions, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The car accident attorneys at Nadrich & Cohen LLP specialize in assisting accident victims in the Gilroy area and throughout California in proving their claim for damages.

Call our Injury Hotline today at 1-800-718-4658 to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation initial case evaluation. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning there is never a fee unless we recover a monetary judgment on your behalf. Contact us today to put our experienced team of car accident injury experts to work for you.

Amelia Chin was arrested in connection with a fatal drunk driving car accident.

An Alameda woman has been arrested in connection with a drunk driving accident that left a 17-year-old girl dead.

According to the Los Angeles Times, 51-year-old Amelia Chin accompanied Margaret Qaqish to the Good N Rich Daily Market in South San Francisco last February and watched as the teenager purchased beer and wine coolers. Early the next morning, Qaqish was killed when the car she was riding in crashed on Highway 101 near Brisbane.

The driver of the car, 18-year-old Sean Quintero, reportedly had a blood alcohol level of 0.15%, nearly twice the legal limit. The driver and passengers in the vehicle had apparently been arguing about which radio station to listen and failed to realize that traffic had stopped ahead of them. The car collided with another vehicle and Qaqish, who had been sitting in the middle in the backseat, was thrown forward. She later died at the hospital of her injuries. Quintero is reportedly facing felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges.

Chin, who is the mother of one of Qaqish's friends, was arrested on suspicion of furnishing alcohol to a minor. Forty-five-year-old Abduhl Azeem Buksh, who owned the convenience store and was working at the time Chin and Qaqish came in the store, were also arrested in connection with the crash. Buksh's attorney claims that it was Chin who actually purchased the alcohol.

This unfortunate incident demonstrates how easily someone's careless behavior can contribute to a life-altering accident. While the teenage driver may have thought he wasn't hurting anyone, he cost his friend her life by making the choice to drink and drive. Fortunately, the driver did not seriously injure or kill any other motorists that night.

In addition to the criminal penalties the driver, Ms. Chin and Mr. Buksh may face, they may also have to deal with civil penalties if the victim's family chooses to file a wrongful death lawsuit against them. If found liable for negligently causing the girl's death, they could be forced to pay the family substantial compensation.

If you or a loved one was hurt by a drunk driver, you need to understand your legal rights. The car accident attorneys at Nadrich & Cohen LLP are committed to assisting accident victims in the San Francisco and throughout California in proving their injury claims.

Call us today at 1-800-722-0765 to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation. We are a contingency firm, meaning there is never a fee unless we recover a judgment on your behalf. Call now to get the expert legal representation you need to win your car accident injury case.

Photo by Leah Thompson

A woman and her two children were rescued after being pushed into a guardrail on a freeway overpass following a car accident Thursday afternoon.

According to the Lompoc Record, the woman's BMW sedan was rear-ended by a gravel truck around 2:40 p.m. The car was pushed into a guardrail and was suspended above the Nojoqui Creek in the Three Bridges area of northbound Highway 101, south of Santa Rosa Road.

Police and firefighters responded to the scene of the accident and with the help of a group of Navy Seabees who were caught in traffic, managed to free the woman and her two young daughters. The three were transported to a local hospital, where the they were treated for moderate injuries.

The gravel truck reportedly veered off the bridge and fell into the creek below. The truck burst into flames, killing the driver, Charles Allison Jr., 47, of Grover Beach. Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the fatal accident but at this time, it remains unclear whether excessive speed, drugs or alcohol were contributing factors.

Both sides of Highway 101 were shut down and Caltrans engineers say the bridge will remain closed until they can fully assess the extent of the damage. Officials from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the state Fish & Game agency were also called in to examine the creek for spilled diesel fuel and look for any other potential dangers to area wildlife.

Incidents like this demonstrate how quickly a car accident can occur and the potentially devastating impact they can have on the parties involved. While the driver of the BMW and her children are expected to fully recover, the family of the trucker who was killed will have to face a future without their loved one.

Car accidents can be even more devastating when they're called by the negligence or carelessness of someone else. If you or a loved one was hurt in a car wreck caused by another driver's reckless actions, you need to understand your legal rights. Under California law, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills and lost wages.

The car accident injury attorneys at Nadrich & Cohen LLP are experienced in assisting car accident victims in the Santa Barbara area and throughout California in proving their injury claim. Call us today at 1-800-722-0765 to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation. We are a contingency firm, meaning there is never a fee unless we recover a monetary judgment on your behalf.