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In a distressing incident early Sunday morning, March 17, a hit-and-run collision resulted in the death of a pedestrian in Antioch, local police reported.

The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when a 911 call alerted police to an accident involving a pedestrian near 1800 Wilbur Avenue. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a man fatally injured by a Kia sedan. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Early findings from the police investigation indicate that after striking the individual, the driver of the Kia sedan fled the area. Efforts to locate the driver are ongoing as the investigation continues.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to someone else's negligence, you are not alone. Contact the Law Office of Steve & Jill Henderson for a complimentary consultation with a seasoned personal injury lawyer. Call us at (925) 427-1771. We are here to assist you in defending your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

In the early hours of February 15, 2024, a heartbreaking incident unfolded on the Bay Bridge, claiming the lives of three East Bay residents. This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards when driving on bridges, particularly in emergency situations. Our hearts go out to the families of Sean Luttjohann, 59, Lorissa Weller, 38, and Bim Thorpe, 29, who lost their lives in this unfortunate event.

According to the San Francisco coroner, these victims were in a Mini Cooper that collided with a Toyota Tacoma. The impact occurred in the eastbound lanes west of Treasure Island, with the Mini Cooper stalled on the bridge at the time of the accident. This incident underlines the critical importance of knowing what to do if your car breaks down on a bridge.

Your safety is paramount in these situations. In the unfortunate event that you're involved in an accident, know that our office is here to support you through the recovery process.

A fatal crash during wet weather in the East Bay shut down Kirker Pass Road in Concord Monday afternoon, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol reports that one person is dead in a Friday night crash on I-680 near Concord Avenue.

On January 5, at 9:52pm, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a crash on southbound I-680 near Concord Avenue. Our preliminary investigation indicates a black Honda Pilot was traveling southbound on I-680 when it collided with the concrete center divide and became disabled in the lanes of traffic.

A white Chevrolet 2500 was traveling southbound and was unable to avoid the disabled Honda and collided with the vehicle. A third vehicle, a Tesla, was also involved in the crash.

The driver of the Honda sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger was not injured. The drivers of the Chevrolet and the Tesla were not injured. This crash is still under investigation.

If anyone witnessed this or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to [email protected] to be contacted by the investigating officer.

Accidents happen frequently on Kirker Pass. I've been commuting on that road for 30 years, witnessing it all. Stay vigilant, control your speed, and never underestimate the pass. Keep your eyes on the road at all times.

If you're involved in an accident, reach out to Henderson Law Office. We're here to assist you in navigating the recovery process.

Introduction
When it comes to legal matters, hiring an attorney who is familiar with the local legal system and community can provide numerous advantages. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why individuals should consider hiring a local attorney for their legal needs.

1. Knowledge of Local Laws and Regulations:
Local attorneys have a deep understanding of the specific laws and regulations that govern their jurisdiction. This knowledge enables them to navigate the intricacies of the local legal system efficiently and effectively.

2. Experience in Local Courts:
Local attorneys are well-versed in the practices and procedures of the local courts. They have likely appeared before the same judges and are familiar with their tendencies and preferences. This familiarity can significantly benefit clients when it comes to building a strong case strategy.

3. Personalized Attention:
Local attorneys are often more accessible and able to provide personalized attention to their clients. With fewer cases on their plate, they can dedicate more time to understanding your unique situation and crafting a tailored legal approach.

4. Local Connections and Resources:
A local attorney has likely developed professional relationships with other legal professionals in the area, such as prosecutors, judges, and court staff. These connections can prove invaluable when seeking favorable outcomes for your case.

5. Knowledge of Local Community:
Being part of the local community, local attorneys possess an understanding of the area's demographics, culture, and socioeconomic factors. This understanding can offer valuable insights and perspectives that can strengthen your legal representation.

6. Cost-Effective Solutions:
Hiring a local attorney often proves to be more cost-effective than engaging a lawyer from out of town. Local attorneys typically have lower overhead costs and can pass these savings onto their clients.

7. Availability and Accessibility:
When working with a local attorney, you can expect better availability and accessibility. If urgency arises, they can promptly address your concerns or meet with you in person, saving time and ensuring effective communication throughout your case.

Conclusion:
Choosing a local attorney for your legal needs can provide several benefits. From their familiarity with local laws and courts to their personalized attention and community connections, a local attorney offers a unique advantage. When time, cost, and the desired outcome of your legal matters are important, hiring a local attorney is a wise decision.

Taking photographs of the accident scene, vehicles involved, and the surrounding area can be crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes. Visual documentation provides an accurate representation of the conditions at the time of the accident and can help support your version of events.  Here are some additional steps:

Remember that photographs can be powerful evidence in case of disputes or investigations. If you are unable to take pictures yourself due to injuries or other reasons, ask someone who is not injured and present at the scene to do it on your behalf. If the police are present, they might also take photographs as part of their accident investigation.

I highly advise installing a Dash Camera that can record both inside and outside of your car. Let me share an incident that illustrates its importance. In a particular case, the vehicle damage appeared minimal at first glance. However, when my clients presented the footage from their Dash Camera, it revealed a different story. The video captured them joyfully singing inside the car, and suddenly, a significant impact occurred, followed by screams and cries. The audio and visual evidence completely transformed the perspective of the case. Having a Dash Camera can be a game-changer, providing valuable evidence and protection in various situations on the road. 

 As reported on NBC Bay Area "Five people were hospitalized following a fiery crash and police chase in Danville early Saturday morning. "

Several people were hospitalized after a fiery crash in Danville overnight when a car involved in a police chase slammed into a Starbucks. Around 1:00 in the morning sirens blared outside Starbucks on Camino Tassajara. The Contra Costa County Sheriff's office said it started when a Danville police officer tried to pull over a car for running a red light. Deputies say the driver did not stop and led the officer on a chase for about five miles. They say the driver ran another red light and collided with another car. It flipped over and caught fire. The Sheriff’s office said the five people inside that car were rescued by police and taken to the hospital. The driver had serious injuries. As for the other people in the other car deputies say they are uninjured.

If you, or a loved one, are injured due to a police chase, several remedies may be available. There is usually a six-month statute of limitations to file a claim form against the public entity.   You may also claim your own insurance if you carry Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UIM), which I highly recommend. This coverage protects you and your family if injuries occur due to someone else's negligence and when they do not have insurance or if they do not have enough insurance to cover your damages.

The CHP and Concord Police are looking for the driver of a black sedan for a hit-and-run at about 9:45pm on Wednesday, May 31, at the intersection of Willow Pass Rd, and Diamond Blvd in Concord. The black sedan hit a bicyclist and stopped briefly for a moment before driving off on 680.  The paramedics took that man to the hospital. He was last reported in critical condition.

Although this is a terribly sad situation for the cyclist and his family, they do have recourse if this gentleman has uninsured motorist coverage; and/or if he lived with someone who does,  it is possible, that he would be covered in that circumstance as well. 

If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed through the negligence of someone else, please call the Law Office of Steve & Jill Henderson for a free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney, please call (925) 427-1771. We look forward to helping you protect your rights and obtain just compensation for your injuries.

WALNUT CREEK - As reported on KTVU… 27-year-old Maricarmen Leon of Discovery Bay was struck by a pick-up truck while standing on the sidewalk on Saturday, July 30. The collision happened early Saturday morning North Main Street and Pine Street. Maricarman had just left a bar after a night out with friends.

Maricarmen’s sister Janet received the call that her sister was gone. "Just yesterday she was with me, she was at my house taking care of my baby. And it was horrible to hear that because if I would have known that was her last day and last time to see her I would have told her how much I love her," said Janet.

Video from the scene shows a large pickup truck that slammed into a cement pillar. Maricarmen was pronounced dead at the scene. One of her friends was also hit, and suffered major injuries. 

Police arrested the driver of the truck, 28-year-old Briana Day of Concord on suspicion of DUI.

 SOURCE:
https://www.ktvu.com/news/woman-killed-friend-seriously-injured-by-suspected-dui-driver-in-walnut-creek.amp
 
BEEN HURT BY A DRUNK DRIVER?
If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed through the negligence of someone else, please call the Law Office of Steve & Jill Henderson for a free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney, please call (925) 427-1771. We look forward to helping you protect your rights and obtain just compensation for your injuries.

OAKLAND — According to the Bay City News, an Alameda County employee was injured by a bullet fired from a mile away following the Oakland A’s game on July 4.

Oakland police responded to the Coliseum at about 9:30 p.m. to investigate injuries there, police said. Officers located three people who said they were injured by bullets. A fourth person turned up at a hospital on the Fourth of July and a fifth person told police on July 5. Police on July 7 said a sixth person told them of injuries suffered after the game.

The county employee, 26, required surgery after a whole bullet lodged in her hand.

A rifle was fired that night, Police said initially thought fans were struck by only bullet fragments. But earlier this week, police said officers using metal detectors on July 5 located fragments, deformed rounds and intact rounds.

Police said that some of the victims were struck by whole bullets. Patrons for the most part were unaware of the gunfire.

​Police are offering an award of up to $20,000 for information leading to an arrest or arrests in the case. Anyone with information can call the department’s felony assault unit at (510) 238-3426.

SOURCE:
https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/alameda-county-worker-among-those-injured-by-gunfire-at-july-4-as-game/

If you have trouble getting the help you need for a work injury. Please call the Law Office of Steven H. Henderson and Jill Stern-Henderson for a free consultation at (925) 427-1771.

When the Exclusive Remedy Rule does not apply.
 
Normally, when you are injured at work (California) the law protects both you and your employer under the no-fault ‘Exclusive Remedy’ doctrine.  Simply put, under the Exclusive Remedy doctrine, the employer must follow the California Labor Code and provide certain benefits without regard to who was at fault for the injuries sustained by the employee.  Most importantly, there  are no pain and suffering damages in a Worker’s Compensation case.  
 
However, in a Personal Injury case, you can recover Pain and Suffering damages.  It is important to determine if you have what I call a ‘Crossover’ case.  This means if you were injured at work and the injury was caused by someone who was not employed by the same employer.  In that case, you would want an attorney who specializes in both Worker’s Compensation Law and Personal Injury.