American Singer-songwriter Investigated for Hit-and-run Incident

According to recent news reports, California traffic officers questioned country legend singer Emmylou Harris following a hit-and-run car accident that occurred on a Los Angeles freeway last October.

Media sources reported that the 65-year old singer-songwriter allegedly hit another car while driving a rental car along a Los Angeles freeway on the first day of October last year at around 10 o’clock in the evening. Subsequently, instead of stopping her car to exchange insurance information with the other driver, Harris continued her driving and fled from the scene.

As a result of which, the other driver filed a hit-and-run report following the incident. Consequently, the California Highway Patrol opened a hit-and-run investigation which is now said to be complete and had been forwarded to the LA County District Attorney.

Apparently, Harris is set to appear before the District Attorney’s office for the decision of her hit-and-run charge. So far, it is not yet determined whether she will be prosecuted.

Meanwhile, during a short interview, Harris’ representative reportedly admitted to a media source that the singer legend was involved in what she described as “minor” traffic accident but she affirmed that it was unintentional. The representative further explained Harris’ part claiming that she didn’t realize the cars made contact, which explains why she drove off. Nevertheless, Harris had already referred the matter over to her insurance company.

Meanwhile, it can be remembered that just a few months ago, a similar incident involved Lindsay Lohan who allegedly hit the knee of a pedestrian in a Manhattan hotel parking lot and then drove off. After a hit-and-run charge was filed against the young actress, she denied the allegation and claimed that she was not aware that there was a collision that occurred.

In most cases, leaving the accident scene, particularly when there is an injury or damage incurred, is automatically considered hit-and-run. Therefore, it is very necessary to stop and remain at the accident scene until police arrive. As it is, even if you are not at fault for the car or pedestrian accident, you may be held liable for it once you leave the scene. Therefore, Los Angeles lawyers remind drivers to never leave the scene in cases of accidents or personal injury without first informing authorities on what happened.

Veteran Newsman Busted for DUI

Photo gives credit to 

USA Today.

The veteran news anchor, Sam Donaldson, started his month with a day in jail after being arrested for driving under the influence.

According to recent news reports, the ABC news veteran was initially pulled over by police on December 1 for a traffic violation. Subsequently, the apprehending office determined that Donaldson was impaired; therefore, he was given a field sobriety test which he failed.

Consequently, he was taken to a police station wherein he was booked but was later released. So far, no details are yet released regarding how he was released.

Further reports claimed that law enforcement officers told media sources that Donaldson has been cooperative during his arrest.

Incidentally, the 78-year-old Donaldson was one of the prestigious news anchors of ABC. He started his career with the giant broadcasting network back in 1967 until present. Donaldson was the network’s chief White House correspondent twice and later became a co-anchor of the same network’s Sunday program ‘This Week’.

Apparently, in his years in service, the veteran newsman has gone too far this time. Nevertheless, a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer here hopes that he does not consider his recent arrest as one of his achievements.

Generally, driving alone provides greater chances of being injured in a vehicle accident than in a natural disaster. Therefore, when you combine driving and alcohol intake, your chances of being injured or killed is significantly higher. For this reason, a veteran Los Angeles personal injury lawyer reiterates the age-old adage: do not drink and drive.

Suspected Homeless Man Arrested for DUI

A suspected homeless man was arrested Friday afternoon after being involved in a traffic mishap, according to media sources.

As reported, Chase Gilreath, 22, formerly from Humboldt County, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) of marijuana after causing a multiple-car accident along Highway 101, just north of Tiburon Boulevard.

Initial investigation revealed that Gilreath was illegally driving at a high rate of speed when his 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee crashed into the rear of a Nissan Maxima that was stopped waiting for the traffic.

As a result of the strong impact of the collision, the Nissan Maxima subsequently slammed the rear of the Honda CRV in front that was likewise waiting for the traffic to move.

Consequently, the incident temporarily immobilized traffic flow and was only cleared after moving the wrecked vehicles to the shoulders.

Apparently, Gilreath was the only person to be blamed for the incident.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials, during the actual scene probe, they have already determined that Gilreath was driving under the influence of marijuana. Also, the police found more than an ounce of marijuana inside his vehicle. Therefore, he was placed under arrest and was booked into the Main County Jail for misdemeanor DUI and for possession of more than one ounce of marijuana.

Incidentally, in a statewide survey report conducted in nine cities between August and September, out of the 1,200 drivers stopped at checkpoints and given breathalyzer and saliva test, 7.4 percent tested positive for marijuana and 14 percent for other types of drug while 7.3 percent tested positive for alcohol, quoted by a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer from a media resource for the readers’ ready reference.

Elderly Driver Extracted after Launching Car Upside down

Recent Pasadena news reports claimed that an elderly male driver was pulled out from his vehicle after launching his SUV upside down into the Arroyo Seco last week.

As reported, the Pasadena police and firefighters were alarmed after learning that an 82-year-old driver had landed his SUV on its roof into the arroyo located at the corner of South Arroyo and West California. Consequently, the elderly driver was trapped inside the vehicle and so rescuers had to extract him from the wreckage.

Thereafter, the driver was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital for medical relief but the extent of the injuries incurred from the incident remains undisclosed. Fortunately, no one, aside from the driver, got hurt.

Meanwhile, the cause of the accident is still under investigation. However, authorities suspected that a pre-existing medical condition may have been a factor in the incident.

Incidentally, disputes regarding the ability of elderly drivers have taken the center stage in the past several months and only took a break recently due to some more important issues. Nevertheless, following this incident, the same issue is more likely to be brought up again, speculated by Los Angeles auto accident attorney.

It could be remembered that just a few months ago, several elderly drivers have been involved in a series of vehicle accidents in California. Therefore, since then, disputes regarding their ability to drive safely have sparked. In fact, it has been the talk of the town for several weeks. However, until present, a comprehensive law regarding the elderly’s driving privileges is not yet enacted. But still, it pays to be vigilant.

Truck Accident Closes 710 Freeway Lanes after Hot Asphalt Spills

According to recent news reports, all lanes of the 710 Freeway were closed following a truck accident Monday.

Reports claimed that the incident occurred at around 8:38 in the evening. According to authorities, hot asphalt spilled from a big rig across all northbound lanes of the freeway after it landed on its side in a multi-vehicle collision in Firestone Boulevard. 

Initial investigation revealed that a Toyota Corolla made a sudden change of lane and lost control. The event prompted a chain reaction which eventually caused the big rig to overturn.

At least three people were transported to a hospital for minor injuries, according to a spokesperson from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Caltrans workers were dispatched in the accident scene to clean up the spilled asphalt on the freeway.

Consequently, all lanes of the northbound side of the freeway were closed to traffic until 6 o’clock Tuesday morning, while two of the four lanes remained close thereafter, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Meanwhile, a Los Angeles injury lawyer here admitted that truck accidents account for only a small percentage on all traffic accidents in California. However, their effects are often destructive and should not be taken for granted.