San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

San Diego News 10 reported that an unnamed 21-year-old man was seriously injured when his motorcycle collided with an automobile on January 31, 2012. According to San Diego police Officer Dino Delimitros, the auto accident happened in the Barrio Logan area at around 5p.m. when the motorcyclist who was eastbound on Main Street, struck a Chevrolet Monte Carlo, which was traveling westbound and was turning left onto Vesta Street. The rider was seriously injured having sustained multiple injuries including a broken femur and clavicle and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The incident is still under investigation by SDPD Traffic Division.

Applicable California Law

At first blush it would seem that the driver of the Monte Carlo is at fault for violation of Vehicle Code 2181(a), which requires the driver of a vehicle who is turning left to yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction and are close enough to constitute a hazard during the turning movement. However, drivers also must exercise due care when approaching the turning vehicle. Since the intersection in question is controlled by a traffic light, the color of the light for each respective driver will be crucial in determining who is at fault as well as the speed of each vehicle. Once liability is determined, the driver and owner of the car will be responsible for the victim's property damage and personal injuries proportionate to their respective fault.

Motorcycle riders must exercise extreme caution and vigilance for safety as they are most vulnerable to serious injuries from accidents. Motorcycle accidents resulting from car accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries and wrongful death. Exploring your options with the aid of an experienced personal injury attorney after sustaining a serious injury or the loss of a loved one is crucial.

San Diego Union Tribune reported that 20-year-old Landen Swanson of Vista was taken off life support from injuries he sustained in an auto accident on January 9, 2012. Swanson suffered a brain injury resulting from head trauma when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while skateboarding on Alamitos Way and Orlando Avenue in San Marcos, on his way home from work. According to sheriff's Sgt. Stephanie Guerra, the driver of the vehicle that hit him fled the scene, but later called police and told them he was involved in the incident. He was later arrested and criminal charges are pending.

Applicable California Law

The driver of the hit-and-run vehicle will face felony criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death (see my prior Blog post on Hit-And Run law in California). Furthermore, he will be subject to civil claims by the Swanson family for the wrongful death of Landen (see my prior Blog post on California Wrongful Law And Survivor Actions). As always, whenever there is a fatality or catastrophic injuries, the adequacy of the responsible parties' insurance and assets are at issue (see my prior Blog post on California Uninsured And Underinsured Law).

Skateboarders are especially vulnerable to vehicles on the road because they are moving fast and are not very visible. Auto accidents, truck accidents and bus accidents involving skateboarders, pedestrians, and bicyclists often result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Getting the guidance and council of an experienced personal injury attorney can be an invaluable resource.

San Diego NBC News Joseph Young reported that members of a San Diego family were seriously injured in a auto accident on January 8, 2012. The car accident happened at around 11a.m. at the corner of University and 4th Street. The unnamed couple and their 3-year-old daughter were in the crosswalk when a vehicle making a turn through the intersection struck the woman and her child. Cody Defrate, a witness who called 911 for help stated that "The intersection's crazy." "Cars turning the wrong way, people aren't paying attention when they cross the street. It's not just pedestrians. It's mostly the cars honestly." The child and her mother were taken to a local hospital with potential life-threatening injuries.

Applicable California Law

California Vehicle Code 21950 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. Thus, the driver and owner of the vehicle that struck the woman and her child will face potential claims for their personal injuries. If their injuries result in either victim's death, their heirs could pursue claims for wrongful death (see my prior Blog post for Wrongful Death Law in California). However, the statute also requires pedestrians to exercise due care for his or her own safety. Thus, if the couple was inattentive and contributed to their own injuries, this could reduce the value of any potential claims.

A Sunday morning outing results in a life threatening accident. Auto accidents, truck accidents, or bus accidents involving pedestrians can result in serious injuries to the victims or the death of a loved one. Seeking the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial to protecting the rights of the victims and their families.

Fox Business writer Susan Ladika reported that San Diego is ranked first among the nation's major cities for DUI citations. The report is based on statistics from Insurance.com from November 1, 2010 to October 31, 2011. Furthermore, it is the second year in a row San Diego leads the list. However, confounding factors such as lack of public transportation and vigilance by local police could account for the high ranking. Peter Moraga, spokesman for the Insurance Information Network of California, speculates that California leads in DUI citations because it is a "car-centric state," and law enforcement officials are "very attuned to the danger of driving under the influence." Other factors such as tourists, visiting business people, people in the military, and young drivers contribute to the problem. According to the FBI there were 1.4 million DUI arrests in 2010.

Applicable California Law

For the law and other factors affecting DUI accidents in California see my prior Blog post UC San Diego Study On DUI Car Accidents Causing Serious Injury Or Fatalities.

The holidays and, in particular, New Years can be very dangerous for motorists due to impaired drivers on the road. Auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, or any accident involving DUI drivers often result in serious injuries or wrongful death. If you or a loved one are the victim of an intoxicated driver seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney.

San Diego Fox 5 News reported that 26-year-old Kristopher Murray of Vista died from injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident on November 12, 2011. The fatal auto accident happened at around 2:30 a.m. when Murphy was riding his Yamaha R1 motorcycle southbound on North Santa Fe Drive, allegedly at a high rate of speed. A Honda minivan traveling on Darwin Road made a left turn onto northbound North Santa Fe Drive causing Murray to run into the rear drivers side of the van. According to the Medical Examiners Office, Murray who was ejected from his motorcycle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Our sympathy goes out to the Murray family and friends.

Applicable California Law

California Vehicle Code 21801(a) requires the driver of a vehicle intending to turn left to yield to opposing traffic, which is close enough to constitute a hazard. Thus, the driver of the van and the registered owner would be liable for any property damage as well as the wrongful death of Murray (see my prior Blog post for Wrongful Death Law In California). However, California Vehicle Code 21801(b) requires the driver of an approaching vehicle to yield to a turning vehicle, which has yielded to oncoming traffic and given a proper signal. In addition, Vehicle Code 22350 requires the driver of a vehicle to drive at a speed, which is prudent and reasonable under prevailing conditions. Therefore, if further investigation determines that Murray was driving too fast and or failed to yield to the van, then any claims made by his heirs would be reduced in proportion to his contributing to his death.

The freedom of riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating and dangerous. Auto accidents resulting in motorcycle accidents generally cause serious injuries or wrongful death. Issues of liability and damages can be complex, which is why you should consult an experienced personal injury attorney before taking any action.

San Diego News 10 reported that 56-year-old Insixiengmay and 59-year-old Tem Thirakul were fatally injured when the vehicle in which they were riding was struck by a Federal Express Tractor Trailer on October 13, 2011. The auto accident happened at around 10 p.m. when their Honda Civic, being driven by a 35-year-old woman, lost control and veered into the path of the truck as the car was entering Interstate 805 at Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene and their driver was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital. The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the incident.

Our sympathy goes out to the victims families and friends.

Applicable California Law

At first blush it would seem that the Honda driver was at fault for violating California Vehicle Code 21804 (a), which requires a vehicle entering a highway to yield the right of way to any vehicle approaching that is close enough to constitute an immediate hazard. On the other hand, if the driver of the truck could have avoided the collision or minimized the impact by being more attentive and or taking evasive action, he could be partially responsible and comparatively at fault. Thus, both drivers as well as Federal Express, which is the truck drivers employer, have potential liability for the victims wrongful death (see my prior Blog post San Diego Woman Killed by Auto Accident Debris for Wrongful Death Law in California). The driver of the Honda also has a potential personal injury claim, which would be reduced in proportion to her contribution to causing the accident and her injuries.

A tragic loss of life on Halloween evening. Truck accidents resulting in auto accidents most often result in wrongful death or serious injuries. Exploring the best strategies as to obtaining fair compensation and justice is the benefit of consulting an experienced personal injury attorney.

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.

Orange County Register Alejandra Molina reported that Ruben Chavez, a 31-year-old truck driver from Tijuana was struck and killed on September 27, 2011. The fatal auto accident happened at around 6 a.m. on Interstate-5 near the Avenida Vista Hermosa exit. According to CHP officer Chris Goodwin, Chavez pulled to the side of the road due to mechanical problems with his truck. Chavez exited his truck and was standing on its left side when an unnamed 64-year-old San Diego man in a BMW traveling in the No. 4 lane drifted onto the right shoulder and sideswiped the truck and hit Chavez, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is still under investigation.

Our condolences go out to the Chavez family and friends.

Applicable California Law

California Vehicle Code 22107 prohibits the movement of a vehicle from a direct course unless it can be done safely. The driver of the BMW will face civil claims for the wrongful death of Mr. Chavez (see my prior Blog post San Diego Woman Killed by Auto Accident Debris for California law on wrongful death claims and damages). It is not clear if Rubin was working for an U.S. or a Mexico-based company, which would impact potential workers compensation claims by his heirs since he was killed while on the job (see my prior Blog post San Diego EMT Fatally Injured In Multi Vehicle Auto Accident for wrongful death claims involving workers comp).

Whenever someone pulls off to the shoulder or side of the road they should take proper precautions, to warn other motorists and for their own safety. Auto accidents and truck accidents involving pedestrians usually result in serious injuries or wrongful death. Exploring all of your options by conferring with an experienced personal injury attorney before taking any action is key to getting justice.

SIGNON SAN DIEGO Susan Shroder reported that Sharlotte Kingston a 36-year-old Poway woman, was struck by a pickup truck while walking her dog on September 13, 2011. The truck accident happened on Valley Verde Road and Dorset Way at around 11 a.m. According to Sheriff's Sgt. Daniel Vengler, a 58-year-old Poway man allegedly lost control of his truck, hit a street sign, and then the woman. She sustained multiple injuries, including a head injury and was transported to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido in critical condition.

Applicable California Law

The pickup truck driver will be liable for the woman's personal injuries and for violation of Vehicle Code 21658, which requires drivers to stay within their lane unless any movement can be made safely. The woman's claims would include economic damages such as medical expenses, lost earnings and earning capacity. In addition, there would be damages for pain and suffering, to include past and future physical pain, mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, physical impairment, inconvenience, grief, anxiety, humiliation, and emotional distress. Given a significant head injury, her damages will be significant and hopefully the truck driver has enough assets and or insurance coverage to adequately compensate the victim for her injuries (see my prior Blog post Uninsured / Under-insured Auto and General Accident Guide).

A leisurely morning walk turns into tragedy. Truck accidents or auto accidents involving pedestrians often result in critical brain injuries, spine injuries, or wrongful death. Getting advice from an experienced personal injury attorney is critical to obtaining just compensation for serious injuries.

San Diego News 10 reported that an unnamed 25-year-old woman was killed by a hit-and-run driver on August 22, 2011. The auto accident happened at around 3:30 a.m. on state Route 76 near the La Jolla Indian Reservation. The woman was walking on the side of the road when she was struck by a 2002 Ford Taurus, whose driver fled the scene. According to CHP officer Chris Parent, the vehicle was found abandoned near Valley Center Road and the alleged driver Rickey Burns, 69, of Escondido was later arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased woman.

Applicable California Law
Burns will face criminal felony hit-and run charges for 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 Law). In addition, the heirs of the deceased woman will have claims for wrongful death (see my prior Blog post Escondido Hit-And-Run Auto Accident Causes Death Of Teen for California Wrongful Death Law). However, there might be mitigating circumstances that could reduce the value of any claims, as it still unclear if by walking alongside the highway, the woman contributed to her own death (see my prior Blog post Carmel Mountain Hit & Run Auto Accident Kills Pedestrian for California Law On Comparative Negligence).

Walking along poorly lit rural roadways can be extremely dangerous. Auto accidents and truck accidents involving pedestrians often results in serious injuries or wrongful death. An analysis of the facts and circumstances of a serious accident by an experienced personal injury attorney is critical to knowing your rights.

San Diego News 10 reported on the physical pain and tragic loss of a loved one experienced by David Abilez who survived an auto accident on June 3, 2011. Abilez, his girlfriend, and her son were waiting at a bus stop in City Heights when they were struck by a PT Cruiser being driven by Jean Chizer-Williams,71, who suffered a diabetic attack and was driving with a suspended license (see my prior Blog post San Diego Bus Stop Auto Accident Kills One And Seriously Injures Two). Abilez sustained multiple serious injuries including a compound fracture of his leg, requiring doctors to surgically insert a rod to support his leg. Even more devastating was the loss of his girlfriend Vanessa Shane. As he choked back the tears, Abilez was quoted as saying, "Not a day goes by that I don't think about her." "She is the most innocent and caring person in the world." Vanessa's son Elijah suffered a broken arm, a punctured lung, and according to family members, he is still having nightmares and trouble coping with the loss of his mother.

Applicable California Law

For analyses of the legal theories on liability and damages see my prior Blog post San Diego Bus Stop Auto Accident Kills One And Seriously Injures Two). Beyond the physical injuries and monetary damages are the emotional and psychological impacts. Community resources such as the county of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency and San Diego Youth Services provide support for those in crisis, as well as other agencies such as San Diego Family Services.

The loss of a loved one due to wrongful death is devastating. Auto accidents causing serious injuries or wrongful death have lifelong consequences. Having the knowledge of the available resources to deal with the physical pain and loss is one of the benefits of consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Sign on San Diego Kristine Davis reported that Jessica Bloom, 21, of Rancho Bernardo pled not guilty to felony hit-and-run drunk driving on August 3, 2011. The charges arose out of auto accident on July 31, 2011 at around 12:30 p.m. when she rear-ended Sgt. David Smith, 34, a career Marine originally from Texas. Smith was stopped at a traffic light at Bernardo Center Drive near West Bernardo Drive on his motorcycle when he was hit and sustained a serious head injury. Witnesses saw Bloom hit Smith and flee the scene, she was later arrested. Deputy Attorney Matthew Williams said Bloom's blood-alcohol level was .37, four times the legal limit. Smith was taken to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido where he remains in a medically induced coma. Smith's fiancée, Vanessa Potts, said "It's unfair, we've been through a lot this past couple years and he's been through a lot in his military career, surviving an IED explosion. How do you come home and get hurt doing something that you love? I mean, he genuinely loves riding. That day, the last message I got from him was how beautiful the day was, and how he wished he could ride all day."

Applicable California Law

Bloom faces felony hit-and-run and drunk driving charges (see my prior Blog post San Diego Hit-And-Run Auto Accident Causes Severe Brain Injury on Hit-and-Run and DUI Law in California). In addition, Smith will have claims for his personal injury; however, it is doubtful that Bloom carries enough insurance coverage to adequately compensate Smith for his injuries. Being put into an induced coma for any length of time will result in tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs and most likely lifelong consequences. Hopefully Smith has the benefit of substantial uninsured/underinsured coverage of his ownown (see my prior Blog post Uninsured / Under-insured Auto and General Accident Guide)

Another instance of a drunk driver causing catastrophic injuries and changing people's lives forever. Auto accidents resulting in motorcycle accidents caused by drunk drivers often cause catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney to talk about the options in coping with the serious injury or the loss of a loved one is essential.

San Diego News 10 reported that Linda McGiness-Pleines of Poway sustained serious neck and head injuries as a result of being run over by a lifeguard truck at Torrey Pines State Beach on July 26, 2011. The truck accident happened around 3 p.m. while Linda was sunbathing and the truck ran over her head and neck. She was quoted as saying "I heard all this crunching, after it came off of me and I was able to open my mouth and speak, I started screaming." "At first I thought I was going to die and then when I realized I made it - after the tire went over - the crunching I thought... was my neck snapping... turns out it's my jaw and my ribs," she said. She was transported by paramedics to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla where she was diagnosed with a broken jaw, broken ribs, shoulder injury, spine and neck injuries.

Applicable California Law

Linda will have claims for personal injury against the lifeguard as well as the their employer the State, since the accident happened while the lifeguard was in the course and scope of his or her employment. However, the appropriate claims must be filed with the State in a timely manner to preserve any claims (see my prior Blog post San Diego Fire Crewman Killed in Car Accident Near Gorman for the law on Government Claims). Linda's claims will include past, present ,and future medical costs, lost earnings, and earning capacity as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

A day at the beach results in serious injuries. Auto accidents, and truck accidents involving pedestrians can result in lifelong injuries or wrongful death. Knowing which agencies need to be put on notice of any claims is one of the many benefits of consulting an experienced personal injury attorney if you have been injured in a serious accident.

KABC News Los Angeles Elex Michaelson reported on the homecoming of Derek Thomas of Encinitas who was critically injured in an auto accident on Highway 395 outside of Bishop last year (see my prior Blog post San Diego Students Killed In Head-On Collision). Derek, a football star at Cathedral Catholic High, was returning to San Diego from a track trip to Mammoth when the fiery crash left him with burns to 85 percent of his body and the wrongful death of his friends. His injuries required that he be placed in an induced coma and endure 33 skin graphs over the last 11 months at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital before he could return home. When he was first admitted he was given less then a one percent chance of surviving his injuries and Grossman Burn Center Director Peter Grossman was quoted as saying "We have many, many fascinating, wonderful, courageous individuals." "But Derek Thomas stands at the very apex." However, this is only the beginning of Derek's challenges, as he will require future reconstructive surgeries in an attempt to regain some of his pre-accident mobility. Derek's father Randy Thomas said "It was the most difficult thing I ever went through, to try and touch on a reality that is unfathomable."

Applicable California Law

For review and analysis of the applicable California law see my Blog post San Diego Students Killed In Head-On Collision.

Life can change in an instance, it only takes being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Auto accidents, truck accidents, or motorcycle accidents resulting in critical injuries, which can last a lifetime or result in wrongful death. When dealing with the complicated issues associated with serious injuries or the loss of a loved one, the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney is essential.