bay area car crash lawyer | Northern California Personal Injury Blog

Flat Tire on Freeway Leads to Fatal Crash in Redwood City

By Kelly Balamuth on December 19, 2012

Three members of a family were tragically killed when their vehicle was pulled over on a California freeway due to a flat tire. As reported by MercuryNews.com, the family was on their way to the San Francisco airport to visit relatives in Dallas for the holidays on December 15 when their Lexus got a flat tire on Interstate 280 in Redwood City. The car had pulled onto the median when it was slammed from behind by a Volkswagen SUV, according to authorities. A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer reports that the vehicle, driven by an 82-year-old San Jose resident, was traveling at a “high rate of speed” when the crash occurred.

The CHP identified the victims as a 48-year-old mother, her 28-year-old son, and her 21-year-old daughter, all from the city of Santa Clara. The husband of the victim was the only one to survive the crash. The condition of the 82-year-old driver was not immediately available, but the man was hospitalized after undergoing surgery for a number of injuries, including broken ribs. According to the CHP, alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the collision.

The CHP officer states that presently no arrests have been made and the fatal accident remains under investigation.

The sudden loss of a loved one is an exceptionally difficult thing for any family to cope with, and may leave loved ones wondering if the deadly accident could have been avoided. The wrongful death lawyers in San Mateo County of Balamuth Law understand how difficult the days and weeks following the loss of someone you love can be and are here to help families who have lost someone get the answers they need. Our compassionate legal team will also work to get the compensation your family needs to move forward.

To see how we can assist you during this difficult time, call (888) 254-1234.

Small Cars Can Offer Safety, But Pick Sedans Over Hatchbacks

By Kelly Balamuth on February 20, 2012

Compact and sub-compact cars are gaining popularity as gas prices climb and parking spaces shrink all over California and the rest of the U.S. Now, many small cars offer safety protection in crashes that rivals larger, heavier vehicles, according to a recent report from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

The IIHS report ranks vehicle crash safety based on how well the cars perform when hit from the front, sides, and rear, as well as in rollover crashes. Vehicles that get a top score of “good” in all four categories receive the IIHS “top safety pick” designation. In 2012, that category includes several small cars, including models from domestic manufacturers like Chevrolet and Ford and overseas manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and Hyundai.

Many of the cars on the IIHS’s top safety pick list come in both two-door hatchback and four-door sedan models. In most cases, the IIHS recommended the sedans over the hatchbacks for superior crash protection, although the gap in actual performance is small. Four-door sedans can also be helpful for families, especially those who need to get children in and out of car seats in the back.

At Balamuth Harrington, our experienced Oakland car accident attorneys have the legal resources, courtroom experience, and personal dedication to fight on behalf of those injured in car accidents due to someone else’s negligence. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, please give us a call today to discuss your legal rights and options. Our toll-free number is (888) 254-1234, and your initial telephone consultation is free and confidential.