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At Berman & Riedel, LLP, we are deeply committed to protecting the dignity and well-being of the San Diego Elderly. Our Elder Abuse Resources provides a personal, compassionate, and professional approach to identifying, preventing, and addressing elder abuse. With our expert legal team by your side, you have access to essential information, and advice ensure every senior is treated with the respect and care they deserve. Trust Berman & Riedel, LLP to be your reliable legal partner in creating a safer, more supportive environment for our elders.

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Visalia Man Killed in Car Accident Involving Multiple Vehicles

Posted on January 15, 2009 by William M. Berman
Last Updated On: 5th February 2026, 08:22 pm

VISALIA, CALIFORNIA – A 31-year-old man was killed on Highway 198 at Road 68 just west of Visalia Wednesday afternoon in a crash involving four different vehicles.  California Highway Patrol later identified the man killed as Robert Shane Travioli of Visalia.

The incident occurred when the vehicle in which Mr. Travioli was a passenger pulled out onto Highway 198 after stopping at a stop sign at the intersection of Road 68. After pulling out into Highway 198, the collision occurred with another vehicle traveling eastbound on Highway 198.  As a result of the collision, the vehicles then crashed into a big-rig truck traveling westbound on Highway 198. A fourth vehicle was then struck. The other persons involved suffered significant but non-life-threatening personal injuries. Our hearts go out to all involved, and most particularly the family of Mr. Travioli.

This accident is another tragic reminder of just how quickly life for an entire family can change. The loss of a loved one due to an auto accident - or any other type of preventable fatality accident - is a very trying, stressful and emotionally tolling time for the surviving family. There may also be serious financial issues that develop, especially when the person killed was the main provider for financial support in the family. Noting the complexities of issues involved in a wrongful death matter caused by the negligence of another, it is important that the surviving family obtain sound legal advice so they fully understand their legal rights. Liability may lie against other drivers or even against cities for improper road designs.

A focal part of the firm's practice, the attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP, have handled many wrongful death cases with tremendous results.  Whether such deaths occurred following an auto accident or other accident related event, the attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP, are available to answer any legal questions you may have. The firm can be reached by calling (858) 350-8855.

This news story was written by Valerie C. Ramirez.  Ms. Ramirez is a Certified Paralegal with the firm Berman & Riedel, LLP, and assists the firm in handling supporting aspects of litigation within the firm’s catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death practice areas.


About Berman & Riedel, LLP firm managing partner attorney William M. Berman:

William M. Berman
William M. Berman is a seasoned attorney and the founding partner of Berman & Riedel, LLP. With over 20 years of experience in personal injury and elder abuse law, William has successfully represented countless clients in complex legal matters, earning a reputation for his expertise, commitment to justice, and exceptional results. His work has been recognized by multiple legal organizations, including Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers. As a passionate advocate for the rights of vulnerable individuals, William is dedicated to ensuring that victims of elder abuse receive the justice they deserve. His blog contributions draw from his extensive experience and serve to educate and empower those seeking legal guidance.
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions people have about working with a lawyer. During your initial consultation, we will be happy to answer questions that are particular to your case.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Elder Abuse Attorney?

The attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP, accept elder and nursing home cases on a contingency-fee basis. This type of agreement means you do not pay any attorneys’ fees out-of-pocket for legal representation. Attorneys’ fees are also contingent on the outcome of your case.

You benefit from legal representation in exchange for an agreed-upon percentage of a settlement or jury award. We will only recover a fee if you recover compensation.

What Should I Do if I Suspect a Loved One is the Victim of Elder Abuse?

The first step is to report the abuse to the appropriate authorities. Call 911 if the situation is life-threatening. Otherwise, it can be reported to the police and appropriate agencies. For abuse in the community or a hospital, call Adult Protective Services at 1-833-401-0832. For abuse in a nursing home or long-term care facility, contact your local long-term care ombudsman or call 1-888-452-8609. 

The next step is contacting a California elder neglect lawyer to help you safeguard your loved one’s rights, investigate the abuse, and hold the facility accountable.

Can You Tell Me How Much My Case Is Worth?

There is no way to determine the exact value of an elder abuse or personal injury case, especially early in your case. However, an experienced attorney can give you an estimated range based on their experience with similar cases.

There are many factors that may influence the value of your case, such as:

  • Your total financial or economic damages
  • The severity of your injuries
  • The impact of your injuries on your daily life
  • The strength of your case
  • Whether you share fault for your accident
  • Insurance policy limits 

Some damages are easy to calculate, such as lost wages and medical bills. Calculating the value of diminished earnings for the rest of your life or future medical needs, however, may require the help of experts. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering have no intrinsic financial value. These damages are challenging to calculate. 

If your case goes before a jury, you may potentially be able to recover more than you could through a settlement. However, this introduces a new element of risk: the jury. The circumstances of your accident and even how sympathetic you or the defendant are can influence the outcome.

During your consultation and throughout your case, we will help you understand how these factors influence your case. We will also work tirelessly to document the value of all your damages and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

The vast majority of cases are resolved by reaching a settlement agreement outside of court. Very few personal injury cases actually go to trial, but it is more likely if the facts in your case are in dispute, a legal issue is being contested, or you have a high-value case.

An experienced lawyer will build your case as if it will go to trial from the beginning. The stronger your case and evidence, the more likely a fair settlement will be reached.

How Do I Know If I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

The more serious your injuries or the more complex your case, the more important it becomes to seek experienced legal counsel.

Legal representation is vital if your case involves a complex area of law, such as elder abuse or neglect, premises liability, commercial vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, or serious work-related accidents. Determining liability, navigating decades of legal precedence, and interpreting specific statutes in these cases is best done with years of relevant legal experience.

Remember that the insurance company is not on your side, even if the insurance adjuster seems sympathetic and you receive a settlement offer. If you are being blamed for an accident or sustained serious injury, a lawyer will help you protect your rights and build the strongest case possible. This includes calculating the full value of your current and future losses.

Do You Accept Cases Outside of San Diego?

While our law office is located in San Diego, Berman & Riedel, LLP, accepts cases throughout the state of California.

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The information on this website is for general information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. No information on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Berman & Riedel, LLP at (858) 997-0678 if you would like to discuss your legal matter with a member of the firm.

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