San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

San Diego News 10 reported that 34-year-old Maricon Yeso of Escondido, her mother Aurora Yeso, 59, and Anesia Bautista, 47, were fatally injured in a boating accident on October 15, 2011. The three woman were riding on a Sea-Doo at Puddingstone Lake in San Dimas, when they were struck by a 21-foot powerboat causing their wrongful death. Four people in the boat also sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. According to L.A. County sheriff Mike Rosen, witnesses say the boat hit the Sea-Doo when both were making high-speed turns and collided. The incident is under investigation, to determine who was at fault.

Our sympathy goes out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives.

Applicable California Law

California law requires that when two water craft are turning, the one on the right has the right of way, requiring the other vessel to yield. There are no facts to indicate who had the right of way before the collision. However, if the driver of either vessel was inattentive, regardless who was primarily at fault, the drivers and owners of both vessels would be liable for the wrongful death of the victims' (see my prior Blog post on Wrongful Death Law in California). In addition, those responsible would be liable for the personal injuries sustained by those in the boat. Issues of comparative fault will most likely be determined by witness statements, the police investigation as well as analysis of the accident reconstruction and human factor experts.

A weekend outing on the lake results in the tragic loss of life. Boat accidents often happen at high speeds, causing serious injuries or wrongful death. Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney to find out about your options is key to obtaining fair compensation.

San Diego News 8 reported that an unidentified woman passenger in a Hyundai Sonata was fatally injured on October 8, 2011. The tragic auto accident happened at around 2:30 a.m. on state Route 78 and Bear Valley Parkway in Escondido, when 21-year-old Joshua Goldbaum of Escondido collided into a Ford Aerostar van. One of Goldbaum's passengers died, another was injured as well as the driver of the van. The passenger in the van, who sustained major injuries is expected to survive. According to CHP Officer Bettencourt, Goldbaum who fled the scene, was later arrested and taken to the Vista jail and faces numerous felony charges for hit-and-run, gross vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.

Our condolences go out to the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives

Applicable California Law

Goldbaum will face felony criminal charges for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of the accident (see my prior Blog post San Diego Hit-And-Run Auto Accident Causes Severe Brain Injury for California hit-and-run and DUI Law). In addition, Goldbaum and the owner of his vehicle will be liable for any property that was damaged as well as the wrongful death of the victims and those who sustained personal injury (see my prior Blog post San Diego Woman Killed by Auto Accident Debris for California law on Wrongful Death and "survivor actions"). However, if the passengers in the Goldbaum vehicle knew he was intoxicated and chose to ride in his vehicle, there will be allegations of comparative fault, which will affect the value of any claims made by them or their heirs. As always vehicular accidents involving fatalities, serious injuries, and multiple claimants raises issues as to the adequacy of insurance coverage or other assets of those responsible (see my prior Blog post Uninsured / Under-insured Auto and General Accident Guide on California insurance coverage).

Young adult drivers pose some of the highest risk to themselves and others on the road. They often ignore the risks of driving recklessly and or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, causing auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bike accidents resulting in wrongful death or catastrophic injuries. When the impact of a serious injury or the loss of a loved one touches your life, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney.