Product Defect Liability Lawyer Blog

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials have concluded that driver fatigue and lack of federal safety standards protecting bus passengers contributed to the fatalities and catastrophic injuries in the January 2008 Utah bus rollover accident. These findings assume even more significance after this week's Soledad California bus crash, which killed five and injured dozens. The fatal Utah bus accident, which was the subject of this NTSB study, occurred when an Arrow Stage Lines chartered bus taking skiers home to Arizona from Utah ran off a winding road and rolled down an embankment. The impact split open the bus' roof and threw some passengers 100 yards. Nine were killed and 43 were injured. In the recent Central California bus crash, the bus split in half and passengers were thrown from an overpass to the freeway below.

The NTSB's findings, in my opinion, warrant immediate response. I join my friends at the American Association for Justice (AAJ) in their call to transportation regulators to review pending pre-Obama administration regulations and open new rulemaking proceedings to enhance commercial transportation safety measures for both big rigs and buses. These pending safety regulations include on-board electronic recorders to monitor a driver's hours of operation and prevent fatigue, seatbelts, stronger roofs and windows. The NTSB has been calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to enact these regulations for nearly a decade.

Continue reading " Utah Bus Rollover Accident: Officials Questioned Lack of Adequate Federal Safety Standards " »

A woman suffered major injuries in a Los Angeles rollover accident the morning of April 28, 2009 after her Ford Escort was struck by another car on the 210 Freeway. According to an article in the Pasadena Star News, the woman was going eastbound on the 210 when an Upland man in a Toyota Avalon struck her Escort. Both cars went out of control causing the rollover accident. The man suffered moderate personal injuries and the woman suffered serious personal injuries. She was trapped in her Escort when the car flipped on an embankment, California Highway Patrol officials said.

My heart goes out to both these injured victims, especially the woman who suffered major injuries. I wish both of them the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

According to the California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System, there were two fatal car accidents and 101 car accidents involving injuries in La Verne. In Los Angeles County as a whole, there were 712 deaths and 56,475 injuries reported as a result of car accidents in 2007.

Continue reading " Los Angeles Rollover Accident Injures Two " »

The family of 78-year-old Clifford Tousignant of Minneapolis has filed a lawsuit against an Ohio company in connection with his death from a salmonella-contaminated peanut butter. According to an Associated Press news report, Tousignant's family has filed the lawsuit against Kanan Enterprises, owner of King Nut peanut butter brand, in the U.S. District Court in Minnesota.

According to the complaint Tousignant ate the defective King Nut peanut butter while in a nursing home in December. He apparently tested positive for a salmonella infection a short time later and died on January 12, 2009. Hundreds of people have been sickened across the country as a result of this salmonella outbreak involving King Nut peanut butter.

Continue reading " Salmonella-Contaminated Peanut Butter Death " »

Police in Riverside County have identified a man who died in a Riverside rollover accident as Milton Perry Jr., 87. According to an article in The Desert Sun, Perry was heading east on the Interstate 10, near Desert Center the morning of April 25, 2009, when a tire blew out and the pickup he was driving went off the road and rolled over. Riverside County Coroner's officials say Perry was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the pickup. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after this Indio rollover crash.

My heart goes out to the family of Milton Perry Jr. who was tragically killed in this Riverside County rollover accident. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this man. Please keep him in your prayers.

Tire failure or tire tread separation are among the most common car product defects which cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, especially when they are traveling at freeway speeds. When a tire blows out, the vehicle tends to go out of control and it is tough, even for experienced drivers, to correct such a situation. At least 10,000 people die each year in rollover accidents in the United States, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Continue reading " Riverside County Fatal Rollover Accident Possibly Caused by Defective Tire " »

Florida pharmacy errors resulted in the staff to incorrectly prepare a horse drug, which led to the death of 21 polo horses last weekend, the Associated Press reports. An official at Franck's Pharmacy in Ocala, Florida, told the AP that an internal investigation found the strength of an ingredient in the medication given to the horses was incorrect. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating the incident. The horses apparently collapsed shortly before a U.S. Open match, shocking spectators at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington.

Tragic as the death of these horses is, it is another reminder of the pharmacy errors that have been made in recent months and years. Pharmaceutical manufacturer errors have had adverse and in many occasions, fatal effects on users. Over the last few years, we've seen several cases where pharmacies and drug companies have made errors, either giving the patient the wrong medication or the wrong dosage.

In April 2008, the pharmaceutical company Actavis Totowa LLC. recalled all lots of its prescription heart drug, Digitek, because some of the drug's tablets contained twice the approved level of the active ingredient. The tablets, which were used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms, were made with double the appropriate thickness and contained twice the approved level of active ingredients. Toxicity from this dangerous drug because of the high dosage, causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, high blood pressure, cardiac instability or even death.

Continue reading " Pharmacy Error in Florida Leads to the Death of 21 Polo Horses " »

Los Angeles food-borne illness attorneys have received word of an alfalfa recall. A Los Angeles County based company has recalled alfalfa sprouts that are believed to be contaminated with salmonella. Los Angeles Calco, Inc, based in Arcadia, announced that it is recalling 4-ounce containers of sprouts that it distributed to three wholesalers in Los Angeles and Costa Mesa. The containers have "sell-by" dates of April 23 and May 2. A Company official has apparently said that the sprouts were sold to local restaurants, but has not yet hit retail markets. Calco officials said that they detected the salmonella contamination in the sprouts during routine testing. No Salmonella illnesses have been reported so far.

Salmonella infection could cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps between 12 and 72 hours after the person has been infected. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, salmonella infection could last four to seven days. In some patients, hospitalization may be necessary and if left untreated the infection could become fatal. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to contract this fatal salmonella infection.

Continue reading " Salmonella-Contaminated Sprouts Recalled in Los Angeles and Orange Counties " »

Three people were hurt -- one critically -- in a Seattle rollover accident, according to a Q13 Fox News report. The female driver of a Toyota Land Cruiser was critically injured after she lost control of the SUV on the Interstate 5 near Smokey Point. The Land Cruiser had veered to the right before the 42-year-old driver overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle, officials said. Two girls, ages 14 and 15, were also in the car. At least one of those girls was hospitalized with personal injuries. The condition of the other girl is not known.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims and their families in this horrific rollover accident. I wish the woman as well as the young girls who were hurt the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

According to the Washington Department of Transportation's 2007 traffic accident statistics, 288 motor vehicle drivers suffered fatal injuries in Washington State and 1,314 drivers suffered major injuries in traffic accidents. In Seattle, there were a total of 17,430 traffic collisions in 2007, out of which 18 were fatal, 258 involved serious injuries and 5,328 suffered minor injuries.

Continue reading " Seattle SUV Rollover Accident Injures Three " »

EB brands has recalled 3 million fitness balls after reports that they can burst unexpectedly if overinflated, in spite of the fact that the defective products specifically say that they are burst-resistant. According to an ABC News report, a total of 47 people have reported that the fitness balls burst since 2000. Some have reported personal injuries such as fractures and multiple bruises as a result of the balls bursting. The recalled brands of exercise balls include Bally Total Fitness, Everlast, Valeo and Body Fit Fitness Balls, all made by EB Brands.

The ABC News report gives frightening examples of personal injuries suffered by people as they exercised on these balls. A Seattle woman fractured her sacrum after a Bally Sports ball exploded beneath her. Another Florida woman, who barely weighed 100 pounds, bruised her cheek and jaw.

However, in spite of the recall announcement, the fitness balls will remain on store shelves. There will be no changes in design or manufacture. In fact, there won't even be any changes to the safety recommendations other than highlighting the safety and usage paragraphs in bolder type. EB Brands' president says that their products out there are "fine." The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recommended that the company have more "robust warnings and guidelines" for future products to be shipped by EB Brands.

Continue reading " Company Recalls 3 Million Exploding Exercise Balls " »

California-based Union International Food Co. is expanding its Asian spice and sauce recall after their salmonella-tainted products have sickened 33 people throughout northern and central California and nine others in Nevada, Oregon and Washington. According to a news report in10news, the company had previously recalled Lian How brand and Uncle Chen brand dry spices. Because of the possibility of food-borne illness the brand will recall Lian How brand and Uncle Chen brand sauces, oil and oil blends in various size packages. These products may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.

Salmonella infection, whose symptoms include diarrhea and severe stomach cramps, can be fatal. But so far, no deaths have been reported in connection with these recalled food products. Officials say most people sickened by the salmonella appeared to have been exposed to the bacteria while eating at Asian restaurants that used the company's spices. The company said the salmonella was isolated from an open container of Lian How white pepper.

Continue reading " California Food-Borne Illness: Asian Spices And Sauces Recalled For Salmonella Contamination " »

A company called Bush Hog is recalling about 850 if its defective off-road vehicles. According to an article in Consumeraffairs.com, the throttle cable of this vehicle can lock in freezing temperatures causing the engine not to return to idle when the driver takes his or her foot off the accelerator pedal. This obviously poses a risk of loss of vehicle control and injury to the driver and passenger. So far Bush Hog has received one report of an incident involving a frozen throttle cable on a utility vehicle. So far, the company says, no injuries have been reported as a result of this product defect.

This defective product recall involves the Bush Hog Models TH4400 (Trail Hand) and 4430 4X4 Off-Road Utility Vehicles. The words "Bush Hog" are printed on the utility vehicle's cargo bed. Model "TH4400" or "4430" is printed on each side of the hood. The vehicles come in red, green or mossy oak. They were apparently manufactured in the United States and were sold by Bush Hog dealerships nationwide from April 2008 to December 2008 for between $8,000 and $10,000. Consumers are asked to stop using the recalled utility vehicles immediately and contact a dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair.

Continue reading " Defective Bush Hog Utility Vehicles Recalled " »

Chrysler is recalling close to 150,000 of its Jeep vehicle models – each for different car product defects, according to news reports in consumer watchdog web site, Consumeraffairs.com. Here is a compilation of the three different Jeep models that were recalled this week:

• 2001-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Chrysler is recalling about 100,000 of these vehicles because the defective front seat electric heater element could overheat and could potentially cause a fire. Dealers will replace the heater element free of charge for the consumer.
• 2009 Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler: About 4,300 of these vehicles are being recalled for airbag defects. The wiring for the driver's side airbag may be reversed causing the airbag to fail or not deploy. Dealers will inspect the airbag wires and replace the control module if necessary.
• 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty: Chrysler is recalling about 42,000 of these vehicles sold or currently registered in the "salt belt" states. The front suspension upper control arm ball joint may become corroded, possibly causing a loss of steering control. Dealers will replace the assembly at no charge.

Continue reading " Chrysler Recalls Jeep Models for Car Product Defects " »

Patricia Warren, 52, a San Diego business owner, died April 8, 2009 in a fatal personal injury accident when her snowmobile crash in South Lake Tahoe, 10news reports. Warren, who co-owns the clothing company Warren Wear, died after she lost control of the Arctic Cat snowmobile she was driving and it crashed into a tree in the Blue Lakes area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Warren apparently also had a 15-year-old female passenger in the snowmobile she was driving. The girl, whose relationship to Warren is not yet known, suffered major personal injuries as well and was airlifted to a Reno hospital.

Apparently, the snowmobile accident occurred in an area that was tough to access. California Highway Patrol officials and the Alpine County Sheriff's Department's search and rescue team had to ride snowmobiles and a snow cat to reach Warren and the girl.

My heart goes out to the family of Patricia Warren for their terrible loss. I'm glad to hear that the 15-year-old girl who suffered serious personal injuries has since been released from the hospital. I wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery. I offer my deepest sympathies to Warren's family, friends and co-workers. Please keep them in your prayers.

In this particular snowmobile accident, the question is why the woman lost control of the snowmobile. In some cases where younger drivers are involved, it could have been caused by driver inexperience, error or recklessness. But in this case, if I were one of Warren's family members, I would look into whether this fatal snowmobile crash was caused by product defects or mechanical malfunctions in the Arctic Cat snowmobile that Warren was driving at the time.

Continue reading " San Diego Woman Killed in Arctic Cat Snowmobile Accident " »

General Motors is recalling nearly 1.5 million defective cars manufactured between 1997 and 2003 over the possibility of engine fires, CNN reports. The defective car product recall includes certain models of mid-size and full-size passenger sedans under GM's Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac brands. All these recalled vehicles have a naturally aspirated 3.8 liter V6 engines. These are engines that use atmospheric pressure rather than a mechanical blower to bring in air for combustion, according to documents filed by GM with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The problem with these recalled cars involved a potential for oil to leak on the exhaust manifold during hard braking. Even during normal conditions, the exhaust manifold of a car could become very hot and oil that leaks and flows out below the manifold's heat shield could ignite and spread to the spark plug wires. When the recall begins dealers will change the bracket that holds the spark plug wires free of charge. Owners and dealers who are affected by this recall can expect to get a notice in the mail next month.

The affected brands and models of vehicles include: 1997-2003 Buick Regals; 1998-2003 Chevy Luminas, Monte Carlos and Impalas; 1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigues; 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. In 2008, GM issued a recall on a similar engine. That car product defect involved a faulty gasket on the engine rocker cover.

Continue reading " GM Product Defect Recall Issued Over Fear of Vehicle Fires " »

Critics and legal experts are saying that the psoriasis Raptiva drug recall, which was recalled last week because of its link to a fatal brain infection, was put on the market too early and consumers have suffered the consequences for that act. According to an article in Lawyers and Settlements, questions are being raised about the adequacy of clinical trials. Did Genentech, manufacturer of Raptiva, study the long-term effects of their drug and conduct sufficient follow-up studies? Why did the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drag its feet to approve a warning label for Raptiva?

Many questions remain as reports of psoriasis patients taking Raptiva getting progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection, are piling up, as are the lawsuits. FDA approved the drug in 2003. The drug accounted for $108 million in sales in 2008 for Genentech. The company is now saying that physicians should stop writing new prescriptions for the drug and that Raptiva will no longer be available after June 8. Patients are asked to consult their doctors before stopping the drug altogether because suddenly stopping it can lead to a worsening of their psoriasis.

European regulators urged the removal of Raptiva in March saying the drug's therapeutic benefits are only "modest" but its side effects are "serious." Apparently, Raptiva's side effects not only included PML, but also other serious, potentially fatal, infections such as bacterial sepsis, viral meningitis and invasive fungal disease. This was obviously a drug whose serious risks and side effects outweighed its few benefits.

Continue reading " Defective Drug Recall: Raptiva Was Put on the Market Too Soon, Experts Say " »

One driver was killed in a La Canada Flintridge truck accident the morning of April 9, 2009, according to a news report in the Pasadena Star News. A 56-year-old driver who was behind the wheel of a DHL truck rear-ended a big rig as he was headed on the eastbound 210 Freeway near Oceanview Boulevard, California Highway Patrol officials said. The other truck driver was not injured.

The driver of the big rig told officials that he was traveling 50 mph when he felt a bump as if he had a flat tire. When he stopped to check what it was, he said he found that the DHL truck had hit him. The front end of the DHL truck was in fact trapped under the back end of the other big rig. The deceased DHL truck driver has not yet been identified.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the DHL driver who was killed in this Los Angeles County truck accident. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading " La Canada Flintridge Fatal Truck Accident " »

Defective Drug Raptiva Recalled for Links to Fatal Brain Infection

Pharmaceutical company Genentech Inc. is recalling the defective drug Raptiva, which is used to treat psoriasis because of the drug's links to a fatal brain infection, according to a news report in the San Francisco Chronicle. This voluntary drug recall from San Francisco-based Genentech comes six months after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated labeling for the drug to warn consumers about Raptiva's links to a rare nervous system disorder called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or PML. So far, there are three known confirmed fatal cases of PML in patients taking Raptiva. One other patient who was taking the drug developed similar neurological symptoms and died of an unknown cause, FDA officials said.

Genentech officials are saying that about 2,000 patients suffering from psoriasis, a skin and joint disorder, are taking the drug defective drug Raptiva here in the U.S. and about 46,000 patients worldwide have taken it since Raptiva's introduction in 2003. The drug accounted for $108 million in sales in 2008 for Genentech. The company is now saying that physicians should stop writing new prescriptions for the drug and that Raptiva will no longer be available after June 8. Patients are asked to consult their doctors before stopping the drug altogether because suddenly stopping it can lead to a worsening of their psoriasis.

Genentech first identified Raptiva's connection to the fatal brain infection in October after a 70-year-old patient died. That was when the labeling was updated to include the warning about PML. In February, the number of deaths rose to four. That has led to the company's decision to recall the drug altogether.

Continue reading " Raptiva Drug Recall " »

Defective Bridgestone Motorcycle Tires Recalled

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operation (BATO) is recalling certain batches of Bridgestone Exedra G850 G defective motorcycle tires sold for MY 2008 and 2009 Triumph Rocket III Touring motorcycles, according to a report in Consumeraffairs.com. Apparently, the motorcycles which come with these tires develop a great deal of torque and can cause "torque-induced degradation" in a body ply, which may result in inner-liner cracking and lead to a slow leak in the rear tire. When the defective tires are used continuously, they may start to vibrate at moderate speeds or even lead to a motorcycle crash.

Bridgestone is working with Triumph to notify owners. The defective tires will be replaced free of charge. Also, the front tire will be replaced free of charge because of the matching requirements of the motorcycle although the front tires are not included in this product defect recall. The safety recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Bridgestone at 1-800-465-1904 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236.

Continue reading " Defective Motorcycle Tires " »

VW Recalls Defective Vehicles for Fuel Tank and Airbag Problems

Volkswagen is recalling several thousand vehicles involving two different models from 2008 and 2009 for defective car parts. According to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com, Volkswagen is recalling about 5,000 of its R32 high-performance cars from the 2008 model year because of a defective fuel tank valve, which may allow gasoline to enter the evaporative system and create a potential fire hazard. The other recall involves about 5,000 CC vehicles from the 2009 model year because of a possible problem with the right front passenger seat belt buckling wire harness, which could become damaged by seat movement and cause the passenger's frontal airbag to be deactivated. That means the airbag could fail to deploy in the event of an car accident.

Dealers will start inspecting the vehicles for the defective valves and defective seat belt wiring harnesses free of charge and replace them if necessary. If you would like more information about this recall, please call Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 or contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236.

Continue reading " Defective Fuel Tank and Airbag Problems " »

California Rite Aid Stores Recall Pistachio Ice Cream after Salmonella Scare

Rite Aid stores in California have recalled two Thrifty brand ice-cream products that were identified as containing pistachios, which U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials believe may be contaminated with deadly salmonella bacteria. Rite Aid announced its voluntary recall on April 2, 2009. Rite Aid officials say they are not aware of any reported cases of salmonella infection related to these products. The California stores are removing these pistachio ice cream products from their shelves as a precautionary measure. The recalled items include Thrifty 1/2 –gallon Pistachio Nut (UPC 08032891929) and Thrifty 3-gallon Pistachio Nut (UPC 08032849278).

Those who have purchased these recalled products are asked to stop consuming them immediately and return the items or a receipt to a Rite Aid Pharmacy for a full refund. For more information, please call Rite Aid at 1-800-RITEAID (748-3243).

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause severe diarrheal illness in humans. There are many different kinds of salmonella bacteria. The type most commonly found in the United States is Typhimurium. Symptoms of a salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever or abdominal cramps. Laboratory tests are almost always required to diagnose a salmonella infection. Once the presence of salmonella has been determined, further testing can determine its specific type.

Continue reading " California Pistachio Ice Cream Recall " »

SunKids Recalls Dangerous and Defective Cribs

SunKids is recalling about 1,900 cribs for entrapment and suffocation hazards. According to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com, the defective products are made of mesh that expands, creating a gap between the side and the crib's mattress if it's not zipped into place. It is possible for young children to slip into this gap and become entrapped or suffocate. The crib's drop side can also fail to latch fully, posing a fall hazard to young children.

No injuries or deaths have been reported yet as a result of these defective SunKids products. But federal safety regulators say they have received a report of a 5-month-old child in August who became entrapped in a crib made by SunKids that was similar to the recently recalled cribs. That infant, who became entrapped between the mattress and the mesh side suffocated and died.

The current recall involves the SunKids convertible crib/playpen/bassinet/bed with model number PY256. The brand name "SunKids" is embroidered on the bottom left of the crib's drop side. The convertible cribs also have a drop side rail, stationary side rail, canopy assembly and bassinet. The sides of the convertible crib are made of fabric and mesh. The cribs, which were made in China, were sold at children's product retailers in California New York and New Jersey between January 2007 and October 2008 for about $100.

Continue reading " Dangerous and Defective Cribs " »

Fatal California Interstate 80 Bus Accident

One person, identified as 25-year-old Pablo Olivas of Reno, was killed in a California bus accident near Truckee, and 30 other people were injured after a bus transporting employees of the Resort of Squaw Creek rolled over on the westbound Interstate 80 near Reno, the morning of April 4, 2009. According to the Reno Gazette Journal, the bus was traveling west on the I-80 when the bus drifted over to the right shoulder and struck the guardrail, overturning into the ditch. California Highway Patrol officials said the bus rolled over at least once and came to rest on its wheels. At least 30 passengers were taken to hospitals in Reno and Truckee and at least four injury victims suffered serious injuries.

The bus apparently runs seven days a week transporting employees from Reno to the Squaw Valley resort. Officials said the people on the bus were all Reno residents and worked in the food and beverage and housekeeping departments at the resort. CHP officials are still investigating this California bus crash.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Pablo Olivas who died in this tragic bus accident. My heart also goes out to the injured victims who were all on their way to work. I wish all the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

According to the Department of Transportation's bus accident statistics, there were 322 bus crash fatalities and 15,888 injuries nationwide in 2007. In California alone, 40 deaths and 1,307 injuries were reported as a result of bus accidents in 2007.

Continue reading " California Bus Accident " »

Evenflo Recalls Defective High Chairs

Evenflo is recalling more than 600,000 of its Envision model defective high chairs and expanding the previous recall of Majestic high chairs due to falling and choking hazards. According to an MSNBC news report, consumers have been asked to immediately stop using these high chairs. In the Envision model, recline fasteners and metal screws on both sides of the high chair can come loose and fall off. This might cause the seatback to detach or recline unexpectedly. Children can fall backwards or fall out of the high chair and suffer head injuries.

So far, Evenflo has received 320 reports of Envision seatbacks detaching or reclining unexpectedly resulting in 19 reports of bumps and bruises to the head and 35 reports of other injuries including cuts and bruises. Envision models were made in China and sold from December 2002 through April 2006 for between $80 and $110. In the expanded product recall of the Majestic line, plastic caps and metal screws on both sides of the high chair can loosen and fall out, allowing the seatback to suddenly fall back or detach from the high chair. Evenflo has received 16 reports of injury incidents involving these chairs.

Continue reading " Defective Children Products " »

San Diego Head-On Collision Injures Four

Four people were injured in a San Diego auto accident near the San Diego Wild Animal Park the afternoon of March 31, 2009. According to a Channel 6 news report, the head-on collision occurred in the 16600 block of San Pasqual Valley Road when an eastbound car veered over a center divider line, crossing straight into the path of an oncoming van, San Diego police said. The crash left the 25-year-old driver of the sedan with serious internal injuries. He was airlifted to an area hospital. The van's occupants – a 50-year-old man, his wife and aunt – were also taken to the hospital with injuries, police said.

My heart goes out to everyone who was involved in this San Diego car crash. I wish them all the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers. I'm glad there were no fatal injuries given the seriousness and intensity of this head-on crash.

According to the California Highway Patrol's 2007 traffic accident statistics, there were 84 traffic accident fatalities and 6,516 injuries involving auto accidents in the city of San Diego. In San Diego County as a whole, 268 deaths and 14,641 injuries were reported as a result of auto accidents in 2007.

Continue reading " San Diego Head-On Collision " »

Defective Yamaha Off-Road Vehicles In Free Repair Program

Yamaha Motor Corp. USA is stopping the sales of three Rhino off-road vehicle models and is offering to take in about 120,000 of its defectively designed and manufactured Rhino 450, 660 and 700 model off-highway recreational vehicles for free repairs to prevent off-road rollover accidents that have caused 46 deaths and hundreds of injuries. According to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com, the company has stopped sales of those models until the repairs are completed.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has apparently investigated more than 50 incidents involving 46 driver and passenger deaths in these Rhino models. More than two-thirds of these fatalities involved rollovers. In the more serious rollover crashes, it was noted that most occurred as the riders were making turns at relatively low speeds on level terrain. Yamaha's repair includes the installation of a spacer on the rear wheels as well as the removal of a rear anti-sway bar to help reduce the possibility of a rollover and improve the vehicle's stability. The company will also be installing additional passenger handholds to help keep occupants' arms and legs inside the vehicle during a rollover and reduce injuries.

Those who own these defective and dangerous vehicles are asked to stop using them and call their dealer to schedule an appointment to have the repairs made. The Rhino is recommended only for operators 16 and older with a valid driver's license. All passengers must be tall enough to place both feet on the floorboard with their back against the seat back.

Continue reading " Defective Yamaha Off-Road Vehicles " »

Couple Injured in Huntington Beach Rollover Crash

An Orange County couple was hospitalized with injuries after a Huntington Beach rollover accident the night of March 31, 2009. According to an article in The Orange County Register, the rollover crash occurred at 21752 Pacific Coast Highway. The husband and wife were taken to an area hospital. Officials still don't know the nature and extent of their injuries, but say that they were not life-threatening. No information is available about what vehicle they were in or how the rollover accident occurred. Huntington Beach police also have not released the victims' identities. No other vehicles were apparently involved in this accident.

I hope that their injuries were not serious. I wish them both the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System, there were 10 auto accident fatalities and 938 injury auto accidents in Huntington Beach. In all of Orange County, 178 deaths and 14,185 injuries were reported as a result of motor vehicle accidents.

Continue reading " Huntington Beach Rollover Crash " »