Auto Accident

The Santa Cruz Police Department has disclosed the total number of vehicle accidents that resulted in injuries last year, with a total of 222 collisions occurring during the course of 2011, according to The San Jose Mercury News. The total number is an increase from both 2010, which had 205 injury accidents, and 2009, which saw 212.

While the specifics of the crashes that comprise the number were not reported, Santa Cruz Police stated that the accidents include incidents that resulted in both minor and major injuries and involved collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Car crash injury statistics such as this show that while Santa Cruz is not subject to an overwhelming number of vehicle accidents every year, there are still many that occur and affect the lives of those involved.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), motor vehicle collisions that result in injuries declined every year from 2002 to 2009 in California, beginning at 205,478 in 2002 and ending at 163,524 in 2009. In addition, California fatal vehicle crashes have been on the decline, although not as rapidly as injury accidents. However, all drivers should continually drive with caution and be on the lookout for potential dangers on the road. Auto accidents are not only caused by negligent car and truck drivers, but by dangerous road conditions, hazardous weather, defective auto parts, and many other factors.

An auto accident can easily result in devastating injuries for victims, altering their lives in the span of only a few moments. Van Der Walde & Associates’ Santa Cruz car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping car crash victim’s win full compensation from those responsible for their injuries. For a complimentary consultation on your case by our experienced legal team, call our offices today at (877) 862-6288.

The winter holidays inspire many people across the nation to travel in order to connect with family and friends they may not see at any other time of the year. The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts that approximately 91.9 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles during the holiday season spanning the second half of December.

With so many people on the road at once in the days surrounding the holidays, auto accidents become much more frequent and possibly more devastating. Weather conditions in Northern California can vary greatly over relatively short distances, and when ice and snow are present, the likelihood of a motor vehicle accident becomes even greater.

In order to keep yourself and your family safe on the road during holiday travel this year, follow these tips.

• Check weather conditions and traffic on your route before leaving and adjust accordingly.
• Prepare weather related equipment beforehand, such as snow chains and salt.
• Give yourself plenty of time for travelling.
• Stay aware of dangerous roads in Northern California containing hazards such as black ice and potholes.
• Obey speed limits and other traffic laws.
• Put a passenger in charge of distractions, such as cell phones and navigation systems.
• Prepare an emergency kit including water, non-perishable food, and blankets in case you are stuck in the snow or another cold weather situation.

Remember, there will be many travelers on the road not only in the day leading up to Christmas, but also between Christmas and New Years. With so many people on the road at once during more treacherous weather conditions, crashes are likely to occur.

However, when such an accident is caused by another driver’s reckless behavior, victims have the right to seek compensation from those responsible for their injuries and other losses. To understand how the San Mateo auto accident attorneys at Van Der Walde & Associates can help you, call our offices at (877) 862-6288.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on December 8 that 2010 saw the fewest highway accident deaths since 1949, even as U.S. drivers traveled a combined total of over 46 billion miles in the year. Fatalities dropped to 32,885 deaths over the course of the year according to data collected by the NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), which the agency uses to collect accident data from around the United States.

The data collected shows that fatalities in most accident categories declined from 2009 to 2010, including crashes involving passenger cars and light trucks, such as pickups. The fatality rate for 2010 is now the lowest ever recorded with an average of 1.10 deaths per 100 million miles traveled by vehicles, a rate that is owed to both the decline in overall deaths and increase in miles traveled.

While complete details of the results will not be available for several years, some overall statistics have been released. Fatal drunk driving crashes decreased 4.9 percent from 2009 to 2010 with 531 fewer deaths resulting. However, fatalities rose for motorcyclists, pedestrians, and those involved in large truck crashes. The NHTSA also reported that 3,092 people died in 2010 crashes that involved some form of distracted driving.

While the 61-year low is a great mark of success for government agencies and all involved in making U.S. roads safer, over 32,000 car crash deaths is still a tragic number without even taking into account the number non-fatally injured. A Santa Cruz car accident attorney at Van Der Walde & Associates can fight for your full and fair compensation is you have been injured in a Northern California motor vehicle accident. Call our offices at (877) 862-6288 for a complimentary consultation on your case.

Over 5.3 million Californians are expected to take part in 50 miles or more of travel this Thanksgiving, according to AAA Northern California. The predicted numbers are a 4.1 percent increase over last year’s Thanksgiving travel figures. Of these travelers, it is estimated that 4.5 million will travel on roads and the rest will use airplanes, trains, boats, or other transportation, according to The Merced Sun-Star. The figure does not take into account how many will be travelling into California from other states.

With so many people on the road across California, roads are sure to be congested and accidents more likely. In 2009, 21 people died in California Thanksgiving holiday fatal auto accidents, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Holiday travel also lends itself to a greater likelihood of distracted driving and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUI). Last year, the CHP made 1,546 DUI arrests, which was a 6 percent increase when compared to 2008.

To ensure a safer Thanksgiving drive, follow these safety tips:

• Remove all driver distractions and/or place a passenger in charge of handling any distractions in the vehicle;
• Plot out your travel route prior to driving and designate a passenger as a navigator;
• Never drive drunk; either abstain from drinking, use a designated driver, or use a cab/tow truck to return home; and
• Maintain a safe speed. Congested roadways mean stop-and-go traffic and a greater chance of rear-end collisions.

Even a driver who follows the rules of the road and practices safe driving habits can suffer from an accident caused by another driver’s negligent or reckless actions. If you have been injured in a Northern California car accident, a San Jose auto accident attorney with Van Der Walde & Associates can help you in your personal injury lawsuit. For more information on how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve, call us today at (877) 862-6228.We wish you a safe and pleasant Thanksgiving.

Police and rescue workers had their hands full on November 2 when four separate auto accidents on and around U.S. 101 in Morgan Hill sent three individuals to hospitals in only three hours. The unrelated accidents involved varying degrees of injury and damage, and resulted in two of the three injured victims being sent to San Jose Regional hospital.

According to The Morgan Hill Times, the first incident occurred around 2 p.m. when a box truck swerved off the northbound 101 and overturned, partially ejecting the driver. Rescue workers treated the driver and sent him via helicopter to San Jose Regional for severe head trauma. The next accident in the day only involved minor damage and left no one injured, but also occurred on the northbound 101.

At 4:30 p.m., a motorcycle and a car collided in a Morgan Hill intersection, ejecting the rider from his bike and onto the windshield of the car. Although the man was wearing his helmet, he suffered a severe head injury and a broken leg, and was taken to San Jose Regional hospital for treatment. Police report that alcohol was involved and they are currently investigating the accident.

Finally, the last accident occurred at 5:30, this time on southbound U.S. 101, with a three vehicle collision. Stop-and-go traffic resulted in one car rear-ending another and then being rear-ended by another vehicle. The accident sent one woman to a nearby hospital for treatment of pains caused by the accident.

A series of auto accidents like this demonstrates the chaotic and often dangerous nature of driving, with the slightest mistakes sometimes leading to very dangerous accidents. If you have been injured in a Northern California motor vehicle collision, then the skilled San Jose auto accident attorneys with Van Der Walde & Associates can help you receive the compensation you need to recover. Call us today for a free consultation of your case at (877) 862-6288.

Getting in an automobile accident in San Jose is a scary experience. Even if you are not seriously injured, you must deal with your insurance company and worry about getting your vehicle repaired. Preparing yourself for an accident is one of the best ways to make sure you can protect yourself in the event of a collision. Dealing with the accident properly can also protect you legally and help you recover money from your insurance company or the driver who caused the collision.

Your vehicle should always have a well-stocked emergency kit that contains the following:

• First aid kit
• Blanket
• Flashlight
• Trash bags
• Jumper cables
• Flares

If your cell phone does not have a camera, it is a good idea to add a disposable camera to your emergency kit. Having a camera on hand allows you to take pictures immediately after an accident, which can help you defend yourself in a lawsuit or strengthen your case if you have to file a lawsuit against the other driver. You should always have your vehicle insurance card in your possession and, if you have an allergy or medical condition, a card listing your medical history so that first responders can better help you.

GEICO recommends taking several steps if you have been involved in an accident.

• Move your car to a safe location, but do not leave the scene of an accident.
• Call 911 for medical help.
• Contact the police. They can let you know if an officer needs to respond to the scene.
• Remain calm when dealing with the police, but do not admit fault.
• Collect identification and insurance information from the other driver.
• Obtain a copy of the police report.
• Report the accident to your insurance company, even if it seems minor.

Taking these steps can help you document the accident for your insurance company, but you may still need legal help when it comes to recovering compensation for your injuries. The San Jose car accident attorneys at Van Der Walde & Associates are committed to helping our clients get the justice they deserve after suffering injuries caused by someone else. Call us at (877) 862-6288 to schedule a free and confidential review of your case.

Two Palo Alto auto collisions occurred just blocks apart the morning of Wednesday, September 28th, according to MercuryNews.com, with both accidents ending in fatalities.

The first accident occurred near the intersection of University Avenue and Bay Road. Prior to the accident, a police officer attempted to pull over an SUV, but the driver sped away and turned the wrong way down University Avenue. While driving down the wrong side of the road with police in pursuit, the driver struck a motorcyclist. Some of the people who were in the SUV are in custody, but police continue to investigate the accident.

The second accident involved a 7-year-old child who was on her way to school. At approximately 8:15 a.m., a teacher struck and killed the girl at a crosswalk at Bay Road and Gloria Way. The girl was a second grade student at a local elementary school, but the teacher who struck her was not employed at the same school. A number of students witnessed the collision and reported it to school administrators. Word of the accident leaked so quickly that a number of parents called the school in a panic because they did not know if their children were involved.

Stories like these are a reminder that you can’t control the actions of others when it comes to driving behavior. Even those who obey all traffic laws and warning signs can end up in a fatal or life-threatening accident. When you or someone you love sustains serious injuries as the result of someone else’s actions, contacting an attorney can help you protect your legal rights.

The Northern California personal injury attorneys of Van Der Walde & Associates have years of experience handling auto accident cases caused by negligent drivers. If you need legal representation following an auto accident, contact us at (877) 862-6288 to schedule a free consultation.

The San Jose Police Department has announced a plan to conduct a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint in San Jose on Saturday, September 3, 2011. Officers aim to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities associated with drunk driving by stopping vehicles and arresting those who are under the influence. Funds for the operation are from a grant provided by the California office of Traffic Safety.

Other Santa Clara County police departments have also announced holiday weekend checkpoints. Milpitas Police Chief Dennis Graham said his department is intensifying enforcement during a multi-agency crackdown on drunk drivers. Law enforcement officers from Ventura County, Los Angeles County, Marin County and other California counties are also participating in this initiative. The Milpitas checkpoint will take place near the intersection of Abel Street and Great Mall Parkway on Saturday, September 3, 2011. Graham did not announce specific times for the checkpoint.

Officers of the California Highway Patrol will also be looking for impaired drivers this holiday weekend. CHP has every available officer scheduled to conduct checkpoints and patrol the highways looking for those who are driving recklessly or acting impaired. The 18-day blitz began on August 19 and will continue through September 5.

Despite the best efforts of law enforcement officers, some impaired drivers slip through the cracks and continue to put California drivers, pedestrians and cyclists at risk. If you are the victim of an accident caused by an impaired driver, contact a San Jose personal injury attorney at Van Der Walde & Associates. Our firm has a track record of success in helping those injured by irresponsible motorists. Call us at 877-862-6288 for a free case review.

NeuroSky, a San Jose technology company, may have developed a gadget that can help warn drivers who are nodding off - a tool that could save lives and prevent injury by decreasing the number of drivers who fall asleep at the wheel, causing accidents.

The company, which develops technologies to read brain waves, has developed sensors that can determine whether a person’s brain is starting to slip into sleep. As a human being starts to fall asleep, his or her brain waves change in distinctive ways. These changes can be sensed by computer technology. Many doctor’s offices and hospitals already use similar sensors to diagnose brain conditions like seizure disorders or sleep disorders.

Now, however, NeuroSky suggests that these sensors could be placed in the headrest of a car. There, they monitor the driver’s brain wave activity. If the driver’s brain waves start to change into distinctive “sleep mode” waves, the car can alert the driver by sounding an alarm or using a similar kind of signal. According to tech blog ubergizmo.com, NeuroSky has already suggested its idea to several automakers, who may be interested in testing the sensors for use in future vehicles.

Driver fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel accounts for thousands of car accidents each year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. When the driver i behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle like a semi truck or bus, the stakes are even higher. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please don’t hesitate to call the experienced San Jose car crash injury attorneys at Van Der Walde & Associates. We’ll help you understand your legal rights and options and take the next step for your needs. To learn more, cal us today at (877) 862-6228 for a free consultation.

A recent car accident in San Jose on Interstate 880 left one person dead and another injured, according to a recent article in the San Jose Mercury-News. The accident, which occurred shortly before 6 a.m., involved a car that was traveling north on the southbound side of the freeway.

The car, a grey sedan, may not have had its headlights on, which would have made it difficult to see in the early morning light as it traveled the wrong way up the freeway. Before long, it crashed into another car, which was traveling the same direction as the rest of the traffic on that side of I-880. The crash killed the driver of the second car, a 21-year-old woman.

The driver of the car traveling the wrong way suffered major injuries and was taken to Valley Medical Center. California Highway Patrol officers are still investigating the crash, and they are not releasing the injured driver’s name, since they believe he may be charged with drunk driving following the accident. Meanwhile, police are still trying to trace his path back to where he entered the freeway.

If someone you love has lost his or her life in a California car accident, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced San Jose wrongful death attorneys at Van Der Walde & Associates. We can help you figure out what happened and hold any negligent parties responsible for their actions. To learn more, call Van Der Walde & Associates today at 877-862-6228 for a free and confidential case evaluation.