Archive for August, 2010

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Off-Road Racing Safety Concerns

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Following the horrific accident at the California 200, the California Bureau of Land Management has suspended all off-road racing events put on by the Mojave Desert Racing Productions and its promoters. Eight people died, and numerous individuals suffered serious injuries when a truck in the race lost control and went off the course, rolling into a crowd of spectators. Personal injury attorneys in Southern California as well as state and local law enforcement agencies are working along with the BLM to investigate this terrible accident.

The investigation is looking into the lack of restrictions, regulations and rules when it comes to the safety of both drivers and spectators at these off-road racing events. California personal injury attorneys are looking for reasons for which the race promoters did not have fans at a safe distance from the track. There are some rules and regulations in place for these races, and it seems that the California 200 did not follow them.

The BLM has not stopped all off-road racing in California. They will continue to evaluate races on a case-by-case basis, including the upcoming motorcycle race in Lucerne Valley on September 25th. Currently, only races organized by the Mojave Desert Racing Productions are under suspension. You can rest assured that promoters as well as fans will be more observant of the rules and regulations to keep all in attendance safe. California personal injury attorneys will tell you that it is the responsibility of both the promoters of the race and the property owner to ensure protection from harm for all patrons. This includes keeping fans and spectators at a safe distance from the track and vehicles.

Samer Habbas personal injury lawyers are committed to the representation of their clients. If you or a family member has been injured in an auto accident or off-road accident, please call 888-848-5084 to set up a consultation to discuss your case. The Law Offices of Samer Habbas have experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyers who will work to get the compensation you deserve.

California Highway 395 Scene of Fatal Auto Accident

Friday, August 27th, 2010

The California Highway Patrol is investigating an accident that occurred on Highway 395 on a Monday evening. The accident involved multiple vehicles, and there were several deaths reported. It took place just outside of Bishop, California when a Sports Utility Vehicle heading south veered out of its lane, struck an oncoming van and instantly burst into flames. Another vehicle following the SUV then ran into the burning vehicle. The van struck by the SUV was part of a caravan traveling with the California Baptist University. Everyone in the Sports Utility Vehicle died, and at least one person traveling in the California Baptist University van suffered death. There were also reports of other serious injuries.
It is still not clear what caused the driver of the SUV to swerve into the lane of oncoming traffic. It could have been a variety of factors including distraction from fellow passengers, a phone call or fatigue. The California Highway Patrol is also conducting toxicology tests to determine whether drugs or alcohol could have played a part in causing this fatal accident. If you or someone you know has experienced injury in an automobile accident, working with a personal injury attorney in the Los Angeles area can help you learn about your rights and options in order to file a claim and initiate the legal process.
The Law Offices of Samer Habbas have knowledgeable and dedicated auto accident lawyers who can assist victims of car accidents. If you have questions or concerns and would like to talk to an experienced Southern California personal injury lawyer, call The Law Offices of Samer Habbas at 888-848-5084 today to schedule a consultation.

Southern California Race Promoter Faces Wrongful Death Suits

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Recently eight people died, and ten more suffered serious injuries at the popular off-road California 200 race when a vehicle lost control and spun into the crowd. According to reports and video of the event, fans were watching the race just feet from the action, a move that other race promoters call plain stupid. Because the event took place on federal land, the race promoters are facing a federal inquiry into the off-road auto accident.

The issue for the promoters of the California 200 is whether they were in any way negligent for the spectators’ deaths. By an initial glance at the facts, it seems the answer is a resounding ‘yes.’

First, according to a contract for the use of the land with the federal agency, the promoters were required to keep spectators at least 50 feet away from the track. Second, according to common practice in the sport, promoters take specific steps to ensure the crowd’s safety. For example, promoters at other races post warning signs and erect barriers in order to provide a safe viewing environment.

For those who were seriously injured as a result of the promoter’s negligent action, they face a long road to recovery. Not only are there the significant expenses for medical treatment, there are also such damages as loss of income and pain and suffering. For those who lost a loved one, they not only must suffer personal loss, but also emotional distress and loss of income.

In situations where negligent action causes either serious injury or death, one has the right in Southern California to bring a legal action for negligent personal injury or wrongful death. In the case of the California 200, these victims have the right to receive compensation for all of their damages, both current and the ongoing issues that may very well affect them in the future.

If you’d like to speak with an attorney about your California personal injury or wrongful death case, contact the Law Offices of Samer Habbas today. Our Southern California personal injury and wrongful death attorneys have the experience to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 888-848-5084 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Resource links:
LA Times: Federal agency to probe deadly accident at California 200
CNN: California Patrol: Driver in deadly race crash will not face charges

Tragic Off-Road Accident Kills Eight in Southern California

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Recently, a popular Southern California off-road racing event, California 200, turned tragic when eight spectators died after a serious off-road accident. Since the race took place on federally owned land (operated by the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM), an official federal probe has been opened. The issue is whether the promoter of the California 200 off-road race violated rules that require fans to remain at least 100 feet away from the course.

The off-road accident killed eight spectators and seriously injured ten more when Brett Sloppy lost control of his modified Ford Ranger pickup following an airborne maneuver. Upon impact with the ground, the truck rolled into the crowd.

According to the LA Times, video of the race clearly shows fans standing within feet of the race along the track’s entirety. In the use of land contract with BLM, Mojave Desert Racing of El Monte (the promoter of the race) was to keep spectators 50 feet away from racing vehicles. The Times goes on to report that BLM has launched an official national review of the accident, including reviewing its own safety policies for such events held within its jurisdiction.

In an interview with the Times, Don Wall, President of Snore Racing in Las Vegas, said that allowing spectators so close to the race was akin to “letting your kid play on the freeway.” In his experience in promoting such races as the Battle of Primm in Nevada and the Midnight Special in Ridgecrest, his crew regularly puts up fences, posts “Do not enter” signs and sometimes even installs rails to keep spectators away from the course. None of these precautions was in place at the California 200.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a California off-road accident, contact the Law Offices of Samer Habbas. Our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers have the experience to help you recover your lost wages, medical expenses and other accident-related costs. Call 888-848-5084 to schedule a free consultation today.

Resource links:
LA Times: Federal agency to probe deadly accident at California 200
CNN: California Patrol: Driver in deadly race crash will not face charges

A New Hope for Those Who Suffer from Spinal Injuries

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Spinal cord injuries are very serious and can significantly alter victims’ lives. Most spinal cord injuries occur in automobile accidents. Slip and fall accidents can result in spinal cord injuries as well as injuries sustained in sports or violence. The treatment of injuries to one’s spinal cord and the use of stem cells have been highly debated and questioned and has become quite politicized. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of embryonic stem cells for use on humans, which potentially could have great benefits for those suffering from spinal cord injuries. Soon, a California company will be one of the first companies in the United States and in the world to begin stem cell research and trials on humans.
Stem cell therapy has really offered a bit of hope for those with severe spinal cord injuries. Los Angeles and Southern California personal injury attorneys also see hope in this new for treatment. Victims of accidents who have suffered spinal cord injuries now have a new option for treatment and some optimism. Treatments for such injuries had been limited. Those without the use of their limbs now see a treatment available that could help regain feeling. The process is just in the beginning stages, and it will undoubtedly continue to develop. We will then learn what stem cells can offer the medical world and just how versatile they can be.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas are dedicated, and they represent the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. They can offer you qualified and skilled assistance in personal injury cases. Please call 888.848.5084 to talk to a Samer Habbas personal injury lawyer if you have been a victim or know someone who has sustained spinal cord injuries in an automobile or other type of accident. Call today to set up a consultation to discuss your case.

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