Redding Personal Injury Lawyer - Automobile Accidents - Most Commented

Two Drivers Seriously Injured in Head-On I-5 Crash

Todd Slaughter — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:23:22 GMT

ANDERSON, Calif. - A mid-afternoon crash on I-5 yesterday sent both motorists to Mercy Medical Center with major injuries. According to the Redding Record Searchlight, the crash occurred on I-5 near Balls Ferry Road when a vehicle driven by a 29-year-old Red Bluff man lost control in the northbound lanes and crossed the center median. The vehicle then crashed into a southbound car driven by a 63-year-old Red Bluff woman. Both are reported to be stable at this time. It was not raining when the crash occurred, but the roadway was wet.

Several road closures have been occuring throughout the Northern California with the recent batch of cold storms that have crossed the region. It has also been reported that many vehicles have lost control on I-5 north of Redding as they passed through the Sacramento River canyon. There are no specific road closures at this moment, but motorists should be checking ahead for closures and chain requirements through the President's Day holiday. Be safe out there.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

Pedestrian Hit by Lassen County Deputy

Todd Slaughter — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:06:02 GMT

It is hard to believe that we are posting about another pedestrian vs. vehicle accident occuring in Northern California. On December 9, 2008 a 59-year-old Susanville woman was hit by a Lassen County Sheriff's unit as she was crossing Main Street. The accident occurred when a Deputy Sheriff saw a break in traffic and turned left from Park Street onto Main. Unfortunately, the deputy did not observe the woman in the crosswalk until it was too late and hit her.

The woman was taken to Banner Lassen Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. The nature of the injuries was not disclosed.

According to the Lassen County News, the accident is being investigated by the CHP.

In reviewing the media reports throughout Northern California over the last few weeks, it appears that there have been a high incidence of pedestrian vs. automobile accidents, as well as automobile vs. automobile accidents. Some drivers are complaining in blogs that others seem pre-occupied and are driving erractically.

We all need reminding sometimes that it is important to anticipate the conduct of others, particularly when the roads are busy with holiday shoppers and travelers. While the hustle and bustle of the Holidays are part of the joy of the season, an injury-causing-collision is not. Let's all stop and think for a moment before going out to the shops and malls this season.

Let's all be safe for the Holidays! That would be a blessing!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

Chronic Whiplash Pain Is Real, and Often Caused by Spinal Facet Injury

Todd Slaughter — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:24:18 GMT

In an article published in late 2007 in the prestigious Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the often asserted position that whiplash injuries cannot result in chronic pain was evaluated by three reknown spine specialists in an evidence-based analysis. The result: there is no basis for this assertion. In fact, the article shows that a significant number of persons suffering acute neck pain following a motor vehicle collision develop chronic pain that last for years. Further, that a significant number of these patients succumb to partial or total disability. The most common source of the chronic pain: damage to the spinal facet joints.

The facet joints are small joints on each side of a vertebrae that, along with the disc, stabilize the spine and allow bending, twisting and side to side movement. In a rear-end automobile collision, the "facet joints undergo a nonphysiologic pinching motion, with compression posteriorly and distraction anteriorly, usually coupled with shear." This abnormal stress on the joint can cause damage to the capsular structure around the joint, damage to the articulating structures of the joint itself, and even intra-articular hemorrhage. When such damage occurs pain is transmitted to the brain through a medial branch nerve that innervates the facet joint.

The problem with facet injuries is that they do not show up on x-rays, CAT Scans or MRIs. That is because the injuries involve microscopic damage to tiny features within the joint that are not usually observable in these studies. Often, this leads physicians to the conclusion that there is no structural damage to the spine, and that the pain must be deriving from the surrounding "soft tissues." This then leads to the conclusion that "soft tissue" injuries ordinarily resolve in weeks or months, not years.

In the past several years, many advancements have been made in the field of pain management that have furthered our understanding of the role that the facet joints have in chronic whiplash pain. Through injection procedures called "medial branch blocks," and then through specific deadening of the medial branch nerve through a procedure called "radiofrequency ablation," medicine has been able to isolate the facet from other spinal structures to determine if the joint is the source of the pain. The beauty of these new techniques is that only the pain that can come from the facet joint is intercepted. This not only confirms the involvement of the facet joint, it also verifies the legitimacy of the patient's complaint.

In this recent article, entitled Chronic Whiplash and Whiplash-Associated Disorders: An Evidence-Based Approach, (Amer Acad Orthop Surg 2007; 15:596-606), the authors review the medical literature and published data concerning chronic whiplash pain. The review reveals that 15% to 40% of patients with acute neck pain following a motor vehicle collision develop chronic pain, and that 5% to 7% become permanently partially or totally disabled. The most common source of chronic whiplash neck pain - the facet joint (49% to 54%).

Over the years, it has been our experience that the potential of a facet injury to explain chronic whiplash neck pain is often overlooked by the medical community. Patients that continue to suffer chronic pain months and years after a motor vehicle collision should discuss the possibility of such an injury with their physicians. A referral to a competent pain management specialist may quickly confirm the existence of a facet based injury, and lead to good management of this chronic pain syndrome.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

Does the New California Cell Phone Law Make the Roads Safer?

Todd Slaughter — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:09:48 GMT

The papers and television stations have recently highlighted the changes in California lawconcerning the use of cell phones due to take effect on July 1, 2008. Our previous post on the subject highlighted the requirements of the new law and noted the studies that lead to its passage in September of 2006. The California Department of Motor Vehicles has published an excellent FAQ addressing the variety of components that qualify as "hands-free," when exemptions to the law may apply, how the law is different for motorists under the age of 18, and how the new law will be enforced. We would encourage viewing this site, especially if you are traveling in California from out-of-state, as the law applies to everyone on the roads. The question posed in this post is whether the lawwent far enough.

In the only study that has reviewed and compared the level of distraction that cell phones create during driving,the human factor experts conducting the test concluded that "people are as impaired when they drive and talk on a cell phone as they are when they drive intoxicated. . ." (Strayer, Drews, Crouch 2006 article in Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society). More importantly, however, the University of Utah study found that the level of impairment for those drivers who talked on handheld or "hands-free" cell phoneswas essentially the same. It was not the delivery system of the message that made the difference, it was thefocus on the message that impaired the driver.

Under the new California law, drivers over the age of 18 may utilize cell phones in the "hands free" modalityat any time. Because the law exempts this type of system, it creates a false sense that "hands free" use of cell phones is safe. The human factors studies are completely counter to this conclusion. Unbelievably, "texting" is not addressed by the new law.On this, it should be noted that within the last year a42 year-old mother of fourwas killed on State Route 299 near Shingletown while stopped at a construction site, when another woman crashed into the back of her car while texting. The car burst into flames and theycould not get the poor woman out.

Though the users of cell phones have become addicted to their use in vehicles, the dangerousness cannot be overstated. All drivers should limit their use as much as possible, and should refrain from utilizing the phone when full attentiveness to traffic, roadway, pedestrians, or other conditions is required. No phone conversation is wortha life taken.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

The Deer Warns "I'm Here," Helpful?

Todd Slaughter — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:18:44 GMT

FORT JONES, Calif. - This summer Cal Trans is installing a deer detection system in a remote area of far northern California. The system involves the radar detection of deer and other large mammals (probably including humans, or Bigfoot) on the roadway. If an animal is detected, a warning sign posted near the location will begin to flash. Motorists seeing these flashing lights will presumably respond by slowing down and looking for the animals.

Cal Trans has selected a remote area of Highway 3 near Fort Jones to install this first system in California. There are 15 similar systems throughout the United States. This particular five mile stretch of road experiences approximately 60 deer hits per year. Presumably, if the pilot project is successful, it will be expanded to other locations. Our home website post on this subject elicits input from local motorists in Northern California to identify other locations and times when deer and other animals are dangerously prevalent on our roads.

The Redding Record Searchlight article on these detection systems notes that the device also detects the speed of the oncoming vehicles. Nothing is mentioned about using the device to enforce speed limits. Nevertheless, I would suggest that this not be considered. If speeding tickets were given at these very remote locations, I could envision some motorists or locals being motivated to damage or defeat that aspect of the device. Since the device must gather data about the oncoming vehicle to determine if a warning is necessary, such damage would defeat the entire system. The detection and warning system is a good idea, let's not overreach.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

4 Children Seriously Injured When Ejected in Pickup Rollover on I-5

Todd Slaughter — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:46:30 GMT

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. - Four children suffered serious injuries when they were ejected from the pickup they were riding in. The pickup was driven by a 54-year-old Cottonwood man who was traveling north on I-5 near Bowman Road when he apparently drifted into the center median, overcorrected and rolled the truck. According to the Record Searchlight, the pickup had seven passengers and those ejected were not wearing seat belts. The injured children were transported to Mercy Medical Center. Because of the seriousness of their injuries, two of the children were subsequently transferred to the University of California Medical Center at Davis, in Sacramento. The injuries included a skull fracture, a spinal cord injury, a fractured pelvis, a fractured arm and internal injuries.

The injured children ranged from 9 to 14 years in age. California law prohibits a driver from transporting a child who is six, but less than 16, upon a highway without properly securing the child with a safety belt. (California Vehicle Code 27360.5(b)). Children are not permitted to ride in the back of pickup trucks. The investigation at this point does not specify where the children were riding, or why they weren't secured with belts. Alcohol does appear to have been a factor.

This reminds us all that we cannot transport more children than we have seat belts in the car to secure them. Ejection is the main cause of death in vehicle rollover accidents. Seat belts literally save lives in these situations.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

Cell Phone Causes Major I-5 Crash - Federal Government Employee not Following California Law

Todd Slaughter — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:30:44 GMT

We all know it is a bad idea to fool around with our cell phones while we are driving. One group of researchers at the University of Utah found that drivers on cell phones are more likely to cause an accident than drivers who are drunk. Many of us do it anyway, and often we cause accidents or even deaths.

California, since July of 2008, has been one of five states that ban the use of hand held cell phones while driving. Moreover, in California the ban is one of primary enforcement, meaning that law enforcement officers can pull a driver over simply for the use of the phone.

One might expect that if anyone should be obeying the law in California, it would be law enforcement personnel. And yet, this week we see undercover officers of the federal government involved in a serious accident. These officers somehow managed to not see an enormous highway maintenance truck, at least until they were slamming into it from behind. The driver, an undercover agent of the Bureau of Land Management told investigators that he was talking on his cell phone and simply did not see the truck. His passenger is currently hospitalized with major internal injuries.

So, for the sake of a momentary convenience, the agent's cell phone use seriously injured his passenger, caused two others to be taken to the hospital, closed down the I-5 southbound for more than an hour, and destroyed a Caltrans maintenance vehicle. Was this phone call important enough to justify all this?

With very few exceptions, no one should be making calls while driving. It’s not just a bad idea, in California it’s against the law. Law enforcement personnel, whether state or federal, should know the law and act as examples to others. More and more drivers seem to be ignoring the law passed just one year ago. For federal employees to refuse to obey California law is unacceptable. Moreover, the officer’s cell-phone caused inattention proved to be reprehensibly dangerous, pure and simple.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

Cyclist Injured by Hit-and-Run Driver

Todd Slaughter — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:04:56 GMT

REDDING, Calif. - On the evening that the Shasta Wheelmen participated in the international Ride of Silence, a slow-ride of rememberance of cyclists injured or killed on public roadways, a 49-year-old Redding man cycling on Hartnell Avenue was struck at the intersection of Churn Creek Road by a vehicle that blew through a red light. The vehicle, described by witnesses as a Honda CRX hatchback, then sped away.

The Record Searchlight reported this morning, May 21, 2009, that the hit-and-run suspect was later arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and DUI.

The injured bicyclist was purportedly taken to Mercy Medical Center. He was not a participant in the local Ride of Silence, but the accident underscores the need for local motorists to be cognizant of bicyclists in our community. More and more of our community members are taking advantage of our wonderful year-round good weather, and beautiful surroundings to get their exercise through bike riding. The motoring public needs to be ever-vigilant to "Share the Road," as the slogan goes. Be safe out there!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

Chico Police Crack Down on Cell Phone Use by Motorists

Todd Slaughter — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:00:27 GMT

CHICO, Calif. - Yesterday the Chico Police Department issued 44 citations in a single day crackdown on cell phones by motorists. It has been unlawful to use a handheld cell phone while operating a motor vehicle since July 2008. We applaud this act of open and visible enforcement of the cell phone restrictions.

Right after the law passed there was a noticeable change in the habits of cell phone users. No longer were drivers pulling out their phones immediately after pulling out of their garages. Over the past several months, however, cell phone users have reverted back to their old habits. I cannot drive home in the evening, a drive of 5 minutes, without seeing 3-4 handheld cell phones being used by drivers. Even texting is being seen, despite the clear dangerousness of such practice.

Perhaps a similar crackdown in other north state cities such as Redding or Red Bluff would "rattle the cages" of the cell phone users again, reminding motorists that use of cell phones while driving has been outlawed because it is dangerous.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

Crash into Klamath River Kills Driver, Injures Passengers

Todd Slaughter — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:52:47 GMT

REDDING, Calif. - On Tuesday, March 21, 2009, a single car crash off State Route 96 in Somes Bar took the life of the driver and critically injured two passengers. According to the Eureka Times-Standard, the crash occurred at approximately 4 p.m. when a 41-year-old Yreka man traveling northbound on State Route 96 made an unsafe left turn, leaving the pavement, then tumbling down a 350-foot embankment, striking trees and rolling until coming to rest in the Klamath River. The driver was dead at the scene and a 27-year-old male passenger and a 37-year-old female passenger, both from Somes Bar, were critically injured. The two passengers were air-lifted to Mercy Medical Center in Redding. Their current status is unknown.

Preliminary investigation suggests that alcohol was involved and questions have been raised about the use of seat belts. This is a very windy and isolated area of roadway along the Klamath River. Accidents along this stretch of road seldom have a positive result. The highway sees increased use during fishing, hunting and vacation seasons. Let's be safe out there!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter