Product Defect Liability Lawyer Blog

For decades, the auto product liability attorneys at BISNAR | CHASE have represented and still continue to represent victims of several different types of auto product defects. Seatback failure or seatback collapse is one of those vehicle defects that can cause extremely devastating injuries to a vehicle's occupants. Some of the injured clients we have represented have sustained spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and even death as a result of seatback collapse. Several have been paralyzed or rendered quadriplegic or paraplegic.

Continue reading " Seatback Failure Still a Major Auto Product Liability Issue " »

General Motors Co. has issued a vehicle defect recall for 22,000 of its Chevrolet Corvettes over worries that the roof may fly off the cars. According to a news report in Detroit News, this auto product defect recall involves 2005-2007 model year Chevy Corvettes and Corvette Z06 models. Apparently, the adhesive between the roof panel and frame on these vehicles might separate causing the roofs to come off. GM plans on installing a redesigned roof panel to replace the defective roofs.

GM officials say that if there is partial separation, drivers of these vehicles may notice one or more symptoms such as a snapping noise while driving over bumps, wind noise, poor roof panel fit, roof panel movement or bounce when a door or hatch is closed, or a water leak.

Continue reading " Vehicle Defects Lead to Chevy Corvette Recall " »

Knowing how much your California personal injury claim is worth is not always a simple task. It is usually a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to find out what you are entitled to.

Continue reading " How Much Should I Receive For My Personal Injury Claim? " »

Geovanni Maciel, 18, was killed in a Riverside car accident after he lost control of his Honda Accord and crashed, The Press Enterprise reports. Maciel was driving a Honda Accord west on Lincoln Street in Lake Elsinore, early morning December 27, 2009, when it went out of control, struck several trees and rolled over numerous times. Maciel was ejected from the Honda and pinned under the vehicle. He was transported to an area hospital where he died a few hours after the car crash.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family of Geovanni Maciel for their devastating loss. My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young man. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading " Riverside Rollover Car Accident Claims Life of Teenager " »

An elderly woman was critically injured in an Orange County car accident after her van rolled back and pinned her against a fence post. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Anaheim police were called to the woman's home on Katella Avenue the afternoon of December 24, 2009, where they found her trapped under a Chrysler Town & Country van that had rolled and pushed her on to a fence post. The woman was apparently unloading the van in the driveway of the home, when it moved back and ran over her. Firefighters had to use a hydraulic system to lift the car off the woman. She was taken to a local hospital with critical injuries.

I deeply sympathize with this woman for the horrific injuries she has suffered in this unfortunate accident. I hope and pray that she recovers completely from her critical injuries. This victim will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Continue reading " Orange County Woman Run Over by Her Own Car " »

Dorel Juvenile Group Inc. has issued a defective product recall for about 447,000 of its infant car seat carriers including some that are branded with Eddie Bauer, Cosco and Disney logos. According to an Associated Press news report, there have been dozens of reports of the car seat carrier's handle coming loose and causing injuries to young children. There have been at least three injuries to babies including bumps, bruises and a head injury. So far, the company has also received 77 reports of the child restraint handle fully or partially coming off. Federal officials are warning consumers who own these products to immediately stop using the seat's carrying handle. The breakage is apparently caused by the defective bolts that attach the handle to the seat. This can cause the handle to detach and create a fall hazard for infants.

Continue reading " Company Recalls Defective Car Seat Carrier that Pose Fall Hazard for Infants " »

A 29-year-old man, who was killed in a San Bernardino car accident, has been identified as Timothy Berkich. The San Bernardino Sun reports that Berkich lost control of his 1991 Ford Ranger pickup truck near the intersection of Braceo and Nielsen roads and crashed. His truck overturned. Berkich was transported to a local hospital where he died. The accident occurred the morning of December 19, 2009.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Timothy Berkich for their tragic loss. This grieving family will certainly be in my prayers.

Continue reading " Man Killed in San Bernardino Rollover Accident " »

One person sustained injuries in an Orange County car accident after a Chevy Blazer veered across traffic lanes and collided with a Mini Cooper on the 5 Freeway in Anaheim. According to a news report in the Orange County Register, the car accident occurred on December 18, 2009 near Ball Road. A white Chevy Blazer SUV apparently lost a tread from its rear right tire, swerved across lanes and hit a blue Mini Cooper, California Highway Patrol officials said. One person was injured in the crash, but the extent of the injuries is not yet known.

It is indeed fortunate that this accident did not result in a rollover or cause more injuries. I hope the victim did not sustain serious injuries and wish him/her the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

Continue reading " Tire Tread Separation Causes Orange County Car Accident " »

Polaris Industries is issuing a defective product recall for about 8,500 all-terrain vehicles from the 2009-2010 model years. According to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com, the front suspension ball joint system on these vehicles can separate from the steering knuckle and cause the rider to lose steering control, increasing the risk of injury or death to riders. So far, Polaris has received 19 reports of incidents involving these recalled ATVs. No serious injuries or deaths have been reported. These defective ATVs were sold from February 2009 through November 2009 for between $7,500 and $10,800. The vehicles were manufactured in the United States.

Consumers who own these ATVs are asked to stop using them right away and get in touch with their local Polaris dealer to determine whether their ATV is part of this product defect recall. Polaris is also contacting registered owners directly about this recall. For more information, please visit the company's Web site at www.polarisindustries.com.

Continue reading " Polaris Recalls Defective ATVs for Steering Control Problems " »

California personal injury accidents can be a serious matter. Most victims need to find representation but don't know where to turn or how much they should pay. It is important to your case that you get the best representation in order to receive a fair settlement. It is equally important that you understand how an attorney decides to charge you.

Continue reading " When Hiring An Attorney How Much Should You Be Paying? " »

Timothy Berkich, 29, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident, after he lost control of his pickup truck and crashed the morning of December 19, 2009. According to a news report in the San Bernardino Sun, Berkich lost control of his 1991 Ford Ranger while driving near the intersection of Braceo and Nielsen roads. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after the crash.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Timothy Berkich for their tragic and untimely loss. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Berkich. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading " San Bernardino Fatal Rollover Accident " »

Whole Foods Market is issuing a product recall for several batches of organic raw hazelnuts after a salmonella food poisoning concern. According to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com, these raw hazelnuts, also known as "filberts," were sold in bulk in several states including California, Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Oregon, New Mexico and Washington. The hazelnuts are being recalled because of a possible salmonella contamination.

Continue reading " Salmonella Contamination Leads to Hazelnut Recall " »

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a massive defective product recall involving all Roman and roll-up shades in homes with children saying that they pose an immediate threat of strangulation, especially to young children. According to an NBC news report, federal officials, as well as the window-covering industry, have issued this recall after reports of eight fatalities and 16 near-strangulations involving these window coverings. Federal officials along with industry representatives have determined that about 50 million window coverings need to be repaired in the United States in order to make them safe for children. Nearly 5 million Roman shades and 3 million roll-up blinds are sold each year.

Continue reading " Product Recall for 50 Million Window Coverings over Strangulation Hazard " »

Federal officials are reissuing a defective product alert about Simplicity drop side cribs, after the report of yet another infant who became trapped and suffocated in these defective cribs. According to a report in Consumeraffairs.com, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is issuing another warning telling parents not to use these cribs, 600,000 of which were recalled in September. At the time, two infant deaths were linked to these beds. Now, the death toll is up to 11. The cribs are made by Simplicity Inc. The company has become defunct following the recalls.

Continue reading " Federal Agency Reissues Defective Product Recall for Simplicity Cribs " »

Edward Tutundjian, 24, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after he lost control of his car and crashed. According to a news report in the San Bernardino Sun, Tutundjian was driving a 2008 BMW on the 15 Freeway when he veered into the dirt median and then overcorrected the steering wheel to get back on the road. He lost control of the car. The BMW rolled over several times. Tutundjian was ejected from the vehicle. This fatal rollover accident occurred the afternoon of December 17, 2009 on the northbound 15 Freeway near Cady Wash.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Edward Tutundjian for their tragic and sudden loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this young man. They will be in my prayers.

Continue reading " Man Killed in San Bernardino Rollover Car Accident " »

Jaguar Land Rover has issued a vehicle defect recall for 4,001 2010 Range Rover models because its airbags may not deploy during a car accident. According to a news report in Left Lane News, the product defect recall involves the passenger side airbag in these vehicles. A report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that these 2010 Range Rover models may experience airbag warning lamp illumination with the passenger side airbag disabled. The disable lamp in the overhead console may also light up.

Continue reading " Airbag Defects Lead to Range Rover Recall " »

Federal officials have launched an auto product defect investigation involving 397,000 Toyota Corolla and Matrix models. According to New York Times news report, this time the investigation has to do with stalling problems in the 2006 model vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says it began its preliminary investigation based on 26 complaints about the engines on these car models quitting. Apparently, the engines on these vehicles stall suddenly and without warning while being driven. The federal agency is also looking into whether other vehicles such as the Pontiac Vibe should be included or covered under this investigation.

Continue reading " Nearly 400,000 Toyota Cars Investigated for Engine Stalling Problems " »

JC Penney has issued a defective product recall for more than 5,000 Cooks Outdoor Grills because the grills pose a fire and burn injury hazard to consumers. According to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com, the company has received 11 reports of fires as a result of inadequate drainage. The drip pan on the grill apparently does not allow for proper drainage leading to potential fire hazards. So far no injuries have been reported.

Continue reading " JC Penney Recalls Defective Gas Grills for Fire Hazard " »

A 54-year-old woman was killed in an Orange County car accident, after she lost control of her 2005 Ford Expedition and struck a tree. The Orange County Register reports that the fatal car accident occurred the morning of December 12, 2009 on Trabuco Road at Keystone in Irvine. The woman, who has not yet been identified, was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police are investigating the cause of this accident. If you witnessed this accident, please contact Irvine Police at 949-724-7024.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this woman, who was fatally injured in this car accident. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved her. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading " Orange County Car Accident Kills Woman " »

Sharon McGrath, 63, was killed the afternoon of December 3, 2009 in a San Bernardino car accident after her car crashed into a big-rig. The San Bernardino Sun reports that McGrath was driving a 1988 Lincoln Mark 7 east on Jurupa Road, near Etiwanda Avenue in Ontario, when she went into the westbound lanes and hit the semi-truck. McGrath was taken to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly after the accident.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Sharon McGrath for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this woman. Please keep them in your prayers.

Continue reading " San Bernardino Car Accident Involves Big Rig " »

One person was hospitalized with injuries in an Orange County car accident on December 10, 2009, after two cars collided at an intersection in Fullerton, California. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, a Nissan Xterra and a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution crashed into each other at the intersection of Sunny Ridge Drive and Tiffany Place. The SUV rolled over and emergency personnel had to extricate the occupants of the Xterra through the windshield. One occupant who was in the Xterra was taken to an area hospital with injuries. But the extent of that person's injuries is not known.

I'm relieved that this accident did not cause any fatal injuries. I truly hope that the one person, who had to be hospitalized, has not been badly hurt. I wish this injured victim the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep this individual in your prayers.

Continue reading " Orange County Rollover Car Accident Injures One " »

Veronica Elizabeth Aguirre, 17 was killed in a San Diego car accident after she lost control of her SUV and crashed early morning on December 11, 2009. According to a 10news report, the fatal SUV rollover accident occurred on westbound Mountain Meadow Road at Champagne Boulevard in the Hidden Meadows area of San Diego. California Highway Patrol officials said Veronica was the driver and only person in the Kia Sportage SUV, which rolled over multiple times. Officials are looking into the possibility the deadly accident was alcohol-related.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Veronica Elizabeth Aguirre for their tragic, heartbreaking and untimely loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this young woman. They will certainly be in my prayers.

Continue reading " San Diego Fatal SUV Rollover Accident " »

Sonia K. Claxton, 31, was killed in a Riverside car accident after her sedan was hit by another vehicle on the 91 Freeway near 14th Street. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Claxton was heading east on the freeway the morning of December 6, 2009, when she lost control and her car overturned. Shortly afterward, Claxton's overturned sedan was struck by another vehicle. She died two days after the crash at a local hospital.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Fullerton resident, Sonia Claxton. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.

Continue reading " Orange County Woman Killed in Car Accident " »

A female driver was hospitalized December 8, 2009, with injuries she sustained in a Los Angeles car accident after she apparently lost control of her sedan and crashed. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the car accident occurred at Hyde Park Boulevard and Eighth Avenue. Los Angeles police are still investigating the cause of this injury crash.

I sympathize with this seriously injured driver and her family. I hope and pray that her injuries were not catastrophic and that she has a speedy and complete recovery. This injured victim will be in my prayers.

Continue reading " Woman Injured in Los Angeles Rollover Car Accident " »

Brian Chase, partner at the Newport Beach personal injury law firm of BISNAR | CHASE, has received the coveted AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a long-standing, top lawyer rating service. The Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings help consumers looking for an attorney to evaluate and select the best man or woman for the job at hand. These ratings serve as an objective indicator that a lawyer has the highest ethical standards and professional ability. The ratings also show that the lawyer has the experience and the track record to prove his ability as a top-notch attorney. Martindale-Hubbell offers one of the most comprehensive ratings available for lawyers today.

Continue reading " California Auto Products Liability Attorney Gets Top AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell " »

A California beef company has recalled more than 20,000 pounds of ground beef over serious food poisoning concerns. All Headline News reports that this is the company's second beef recall this year. This time they are warning about beef contaminated with a deadly, drug-resistant strain of salmonella. The meat has apparently sickened two people in Arizona who have tested positive for "Salmonella Newport." This strain of salmonella is resistant to several commonly prescribed drugs, increasing the risk of hospitalization, ineffective treatment or death.

Continue reading " Salmonella Tainted California Beef Causes Food Poisoning Concerns " »

A class-action lawsuit was filed recently against Hyundai alleging serious vehicle defects, specifically stating that the airbag sensors don't accurately distinguish between children and adults increasing the chances that an airbag won't properly deploy in the event of a car accident. According to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com, the lawsuit was filed by two Ohio residents, Christopher and Nancy Kearney.

Continue reading " Hyundai Airbag Defects Alleged in Class Action Lawsuit " »

The U.S. Supreme Court has not changed an $82.6 million award to a California woman, who was paralyzed due to a Ford Explorer SUV rollover accident. According to an Associated Press news report, the Supreme Court rejected the auto maker's challenge to a portion of the Benetta Buell-Wilson's award -- $55 million -- intended as punitive damages. Attorneys for Ford apparently argued that the company should not be punished because the Explorer SUV's design met federal safety standards.

Continue reading " Supreme Court Upholds Award in Ford Auto Products Liability Case " »

BRP has issued a defective product recall for nearly 2,400 0f the 2010 model year Can-Am all-terrain vehicles. According to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com, the dynamic power steering in these ATVs can fail causing sudden loss of steering control. This could pose a risk of serious injury or death to riders. The company has apparently received one report of an incident, but no reports of injuries or fatalities yet.

Continue reading " ATVs Recalled for Steering Defects " »

The theory behind a California personal injury claim is for the accident victim to recover any losses. If you have a sprained ankle your case is worth next to nothing. If you have a catastrophic injury and cannot work any longer then your case is worth millions of dollars.

Continue reading " How Much Is Your California Personal Injury Claim Worth? " »

A woman sustained injuries in a Los Angeles car accident after she lost control of her 1999 Toyota Camry and crashed into a fire hydrant. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the accident occurred the night of November 29, 2009 at the intersection of Valley Boulevard and Proctor Avenue in the City of Industry. Eyewitnesses told Los Angeles Sheriff's Department officials that they saw the female driver stop for a red light. When the light turned green, she apparently accelerated at a high rate of speed and lost control of the Toyota Camry. The Camry hit the curb and rolled over before crashing into a fire hydrant. She was taken to an area hospital with injuries, but is said to be in stable condition.

Continue reading " Los Angeles Car Accident Injures Driver " »

Toyota has announced that it will issue an auto product defect recall for 4 million of its popular car and truck models to repair problems with sudden acceleration in these vehicles. According to a news report in the San Diego Union-Tribune, the auto maker will start notifying vehicle owners about the nationwide recall, which involves recent model years of Camry Avalon, Prius, Tacoma, Tundra and three Lexus models. Toyota's troubles started in August when a San Diego County Sheriff's Department concluded that a fatal crash that killed CHP officer Mark Saylor and three members of his family was caused by a stuck accelerator pedal in the loaner Lexus Saylor was driving.

Continue reading " Toyota to Recall 4 Million Vehicles for Accelerator Defects " »