Category: Accidents

An investigation is currently ongoing into a fatal shooting that occurred in Compton. The victim, who has not been identified, was discovered by Los Angeles County deputies in the late evening of Tuesday. He was found in a vehicle located on the 2200 block of East Rosecrans; reports suggest that he was in the cars driving seat.

The deputies responded to reports of the incident shortly before 10:30 p.m. Upon arrival at the scene, they discovered that the victim had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The man was pronounced dead at the location. The events leading up to the shooting remain unclear, and no suspects were found in the nearby area at the time.

The circumstances surrounding the case are still under investigation by the homicide detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (LASD). The LASDs Homicide Bureau is asking anyone with relevant information pertaining to the case to contact them at 323-890-5500. Tips can also be provided anonymously via the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers. They can be reached at 1-800-222-8477 or tips can be submitted online. The victims identity has not yet been released to the public.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

A significant road traffic incident in Torrance, California on January 28 involved a 2025 Tesla Model Y. The lithium-ion batteries integral to the vehicles operation reportedly complicated the efforts of emergency personnel attempting to rescue the individual involved in the crash. The sole vehicle involved in the collision ignited after striking a traffic signal pole while traveling south on Madrona Avenue.

Despite attempts by police officers to access the vehicle, the severity of the fire and subsequent heat intensity prevented successful extraction of the occupant. The Torrance Fire Department was also on the scene, struggling to extinguish the escalating flames. The difficulties faced by rescue crews were connected to the vehicles lithium-ion batteries, according to unspecified sources within the Torrance Police Department.

The driver of the vehicle, as yet unidentified, was declared dead at the site of the collision. Traffic investigators cordoned off the affected intersection for approximately five hours to gather crucial evidence. An appeal for further information regarding the incident has been made by Torrance Police Departments Traffic Division.

This is not the first occurrence in which lithium-ion batteries have posed substantial challenges for first responders. In September 2024, a big rig carrying such batteries overturned in San Pedro, resulting in significant disruption and causing a freeway closure for nearly two days. A battery damaged in that incident exploded, causing thermal runaway, a condition where battery heat causes further rapid heating and dramatic flame ignition. The ongoing investigation into the Torrance crash serves as a reminder of the complexities of modern vehicle rescue operations.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Significant data from Carfax suggests that numerous vehicles on California roadways might be unsafe for driving. The report indicates that over 6.2 million vehicles in California have one unresolved safety recall at least, and a million of these have two or more outstanding recalls.

In a broader perspective, one out of every five vehicles across the United States, totaling to 58.1 million, has an unresolved recall. This figure shows a marked 16% increase within the span of two years. Among all the states, California leads with the highest number of vehicles that have open recalls.

The city reported 3 million vehicles with at least one open recall, placing it first among US cities. Other California cities also made it to the top 50, with 1.1 million and 563,000 vehicles impacted respectively. Comparatively, last years data showed fewer recalls being reported.

Further concerning data revealed that around 1.5 million vehicles in California have not one, but two or more unresolved recalls, ranking second only to Texas.

Substantial amounts of these recalls cover crucial safety components like brakes, seatbelts, and Takata airbags. If left unaddressed, these issues might contribute to severe accidents.

Based on Carfaxs data, some other states in the top 10 with the highest number of vehicles carrying two or more open recalls include Florida, New York, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Illinois, and Arizona.

Paul Nadjarian, the general manager of Carfax Car Care, stressed the importance of vehicle owners being aware of the recalls on their vehicles. Addressing these recalls can contribute to safety and also have financial benefits.

Despite most recall repairs being offered at no cost under the supervision of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, many vehicle owners fail to follow through. Both Carfax and the NHTSA are working assiduously to increase awareness among drivers to address recalls immediately, which can be verified using their vehicle identification number.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Waymo, a developer of autonomous vehicles, is set to launch a new operation on the freeways of Los Angeles, as reported by KTLA. This notable transition for the companys robotaxis will initially be restricted to Waymo employees. Four significant freeways have been designated for the initial phase; the 10, 110, 405 and 90.

The company has demonstrated through a video on their social media account that the use of freeways can substantially decrease travel duration, showing an example between Santa Monica and downtown Los Angeles.

However, the autonomous characteristic of these vehicles has been met with both commendation and disapproval by locals. Thomas Nagano, one of the residents, endorsed the technology stating that it is far safer than other vehicles, due to the vehicles tripartite detection system comprising cameras, sensors and radar.

On the contrary, another resident, Chris Korn, expressed skepticism about the absence of a human driver, questioning the dependability of the technology. He commented on his lack of comfort and trust in a driverless vehicle.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Roberto Gomez counseled that drivers should consider autonomous vehicles as regular vehicles, particularly in the event of a collision. The collision should be reported to Waymo through the vehicle. He reiterated the necessity of resolution on the scene in case of any incidental occurrence. Conversely, a faction of Los Angeles residents have reacted with less understanding, resorting to disruptive behavior.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

In Los Angeles, a 33-year-old North Hollywood man recently turned himself into the police in relation to a fatal hit-and-run that took place in the previous week. According to authorities, the victim was hit twice by two different drivers in both interactions.

The fatal event took place around 9:30 p.m. on January 24, near the intersection on Victory Boulevard, just east of Troost Avenue in North Hollywood. The Los Angeles Police Department disclosed that the victim was a 26-year-old Hispanic woman who was crossing the roadway at the time of the incident.

The woman was initially hit by a sedan driving westwards on Victory Boulevard, which caused her to fall to the ground. As she was attempting to stand up, she was struck once more and killed.

The second driver, identified as Ryan Antonio Gomez Cifuentes, was operating a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. Authorities say neither of the drivers stopped to detect themselves or help the victim. Medical personnel declared the woman dead when they arrived at the scene of the incident.

The Los Angeles Police Department announced that Cifuentes turned himself in at the Valley Traffic Police Station around 4:30 p.m. on January 28. He was taken into custody on charges of a felony hit-and-run. The driver involved in the initial hit-and-run is still absconding and officials are searching for any leads.

The LAPD encourages anyone with information to reach out to LAPD Valley Traffic Detective Martinez at the provided contact info or Investigator Olson. Alternatively, individuals wishing to maintain anonymity can provide tips via the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

An incident of retail theft occurred in San Bernardino County over the past weekend, leading to a high-speed police pursuit and subsequent crash, culminating in the arrest of two individuals. The incident unfolded at a store located in Colonies Crossroads, on the evening of January 25. Police from the Upland Police Department responded to the theft in progress call at around 5:30 p.m.

Security footage from the store portrayed a woman, seated in a motorized shopping cart, removing items from various aisles. She is confronted near the stores exit by what seems to be a store employee. Subsequently, the woman vacates the cart and exits the store.

Officers on site located the suspects vehicle near the Campus Avenue Fire Station as the female suspect tried to vacate the vicinity. The vehicle halted temporarily, let a male passenger out, and then accelerated away abruptly. This marked the start of the police pursuit.

Assisting officers immediately detained the male subject. Concurrently, deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department Aviation Unit tracked the female suspect who lost control of the vehicle, caused it to roll over after colliding with a curb near Campus Avenue and 8th Street.

Police body-camera footage shows officers closing in on the overturned vehicle with guns drawn. An officer shatters the windshield with a tool, creating an opening to extract the female suspect. Both suspects, revealed to hold no bail warrants, were arrested. Additional charges related to retail theft and police evasion are expected to be placed against the female suspect.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Two officers from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) were taken to a local hospital after a suspect crashed into their patrol vehicle in the Vermont Square neighborhood. This incident occurred overnight in an area marked by West 41st Street and South Figueroa Street. The two officers involved in the crash sustained injuries, described by a spokesperson for the LAPD as minor in nature.

The incident began with the LAPDs pursuit of a reckless driver, who was reportedly speeding without illuminated vehicle lights. The chase concluded when the driver crashed into an LAPD patrol vehicle that was not involved in the pursuit, at the intersection of West 42nd Street and Hoover Street. Footage from the scene showed the suspects vehicle having rammed into the passenger side of the police car.

The suspect involved in the incident was not injured during the crash and has been taken into custody. As of present, no additional details about the suspect have been made available by the LAPD. In the wake of the incident, the intersection of 42nd Street and Hoover Street remained closed for ongoing investigation until 5 a.m. The extent of the damage to the LAPD vehicle and any potential charges against the suspect are expected to be determined through this investigation.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

On Saturday, a road traffic collision in northern Los Angeles County claimed the life of a 6-year-old girl, according to reports from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (LASD). The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at the intersection of Pearblossom Highway and 25 th Street East in Palmdale.

The primary investigation conducted by the LASD suggests that the collision took place when a vehicle moved on to Barrel Springs Road northbound, disregarding a red traffic signal at the intersection of Pearblossom Highway. A second vehicle, moving eastbound on Pearblossom Highway with a green traffic signal, broadsided the first vehicle within the intersection.

The driver of the first vehicle, a 2022 Subaru Outback, was a 55-year-old woman. Her health condition following the incident has not been disclosed. A 6-year-old girl from the broadsided vehicle, a 2014 Toyota Camry, was transported to a hospital due to the incident, where she later succumbed to her injuries, as confirmed by deputies. At this time, her identity has not been released.

Other people involved in the crash have sustained injuries, varying from minor to serious, according to the LASD. However, the specific number of victims remains uncertain. Further details regarding the accident were not immediately available. The LASD encourages anyone with potential knowledge about the crash, or witnesses, to contact the Palmdale Station Traffic Unit by dialing 661-272-2400.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

A DUI suspect has been apprehended following a fatal head-on collision in Riverside County. The suspect was identified as 34-year-old Darell Davis from Moreno Valley, according to the official communication from the Riverside County Sheriffs Office.

On January 20, deputies responded to the scene of the accident near the intersection of State Street and Quandt Ranch Road in San Jacinto. The incident occured at approximately 4:24 p.m. Davis, whilst operating his vehicle, is alleged to have veered into opposing traffic and collided head-on with the vehicle of the victim.

The victim in this tragic accident was identified as 48-year-old Javier Lopez Montes from Hemet. Montes was declared deceased at the scene by the attending paramedics. Based on the on-site evaluation and collected evidence, the authorities concluded that drug impairment played a significant role in the incident.

Post-crash investigations led to the arrest of Davis at the scene. He was later formally accused of Montes murder. It was further revealed during investigations that Davis had a history of arrests due to driving under the influence. Detailed revelations pertaining to the accident have been withheld as the investigation continues.

Individuals possessing any information related to the incident are urged to make contact with Deputy Post at the San Jacinto Sheriffs Station at 951-654-2702 or the Riverside Sheriffs Dispatch at 951-776-1099.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.

A Southern California woman has been arrested in relation to multiple vehicle burglaries across the Inland Empire. Krystal Gonzalez, 34, from Loma Linda, has been identified as the suspect by the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department.

Between December 2024 and January 2025, authorities investigated a string of vehicle burglaries that took place at various distribution warehouses throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department reported finding more than a 100 stolen items in the suspects home, linking Gonzalez to the series of vehicle burglaries within Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

It is alleged that Gonzalez would pose as a warehouse employee for gaining entry to the parking lots. Once inside, she would break into cars and take valuables at her discretion. According to the authorities, she is alleged to have been involved in at least ten vehicle burglaries, with the possibility of more unreported burglaries.

Gonzalez was arrested on January 22, 2025, and transferred into custody pending a search warrant on her residence. The search resulted in the retrieval of over a hundred stolen items, inclusive of wallets, purses, mobile phones, sunglasses, and vehicle license plates amongst the haul. Gonzalez, who was on parole during her time of arrest, is currently held without bail.

For more information on this case, individuals are requested to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department on 909-884-0156.

From fender benders to freeway pileups, Pinnacle LLP has California covered. Contact us today for a free consultation.