San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

SAN DIEGO COUNTY - A man was tragically killed in a Fiesta Island boating accident Sunday evening, reports NBC San Diego. According to San Diego Lifeguards, the man was in an inner tube being towed by a boat when he fell off and disappeared. Friends of the victim located his life jacket, but were unable to locate the man, whose identity has not been released. The man's friends contacted lifeguards shortly before 6:00 pm, minutes before he was discovered faced down in the water by another vessel. Before transporting him to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, emergency crews tried to revive the man at the scene of the accident for 20 minutes. Lifeguards are currently investigating the cause of the July 24, 2011 accident, but believe faulty inner tube equipment or improper life vest fastening may have contributed to the man's tragic death.

If you have lost a loved one in a tragic accident involving a vessel or personal watercraft, contact a San Diego boating accident lawyer at the law firm of Estey Bomberger today. We can help you during this trying time.

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In personal injury lawsuit news, the WCF Courier reported a jury in Black Hawk County, Iowa, awarded $1.3 million to a couple whose daughter suffered a brachial plexus injury during birth. According to the complaint filed by the couple, the physician failed to recognize the infant's shoulder was lodged in place during delivery. When the doctor used excessive traction to deliver her, the little girl suffered permanent nerve damage and now has limited use of her left arm. The $1.3 million award included $550,000 for lost future earnings, $380,000 for the daughter's permanent injuries, $258,000 for pain and suffering and $126,000 to the parents for loss of childhood consortium. The lawsuit was filed in December 2007 and the trial started July 5 in Black Hawk County District Court.

For more information about shoulder dystocia, Erb's palsy and brachial plexus injuries resulting from physician negligence, contact a California birth injury lawyer at Estey Bomberger.

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SAN DIEGO - A suspected drunk driver died at an area hospital Saturday following a two-vehicle accident Saturday morning in Linda Vista, 10 News reported. According to San Diego police, at about 8:40 a.m., 28-year-old Bryan Larman was driving southbound on Ulric Street when he attempted to pass another vehicle. His vehicle crossed the center divider and struck an Nissan Frontier travelling northbound on Ulric Street. Larman was taken to a hospital where he later died. Two adults and two children in the Nissan were taken to a hospital with injuries ranging from moderate to major. The San Diego Police Department is investigating the cause of the accident.

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EL CAJON - A female employee at the Villa Embasadora motel in El Cajon was killed Thursday afternoon when she was pinned against a wall by a car, 10 News reported. The fatal accident was reported on 1556 E. Main Street at about 1 p.m. on July 14, 2011. According to authorities, the housekeeper was on a break outside the motel when she was struck by the car. The 75-year-old driver reportedly thought the car was in park and accidentally stepped on the accelerator, causing the accident.

Pedal Misapplication Accidents

Accidents caused by "pedal misapplication" frequently result in serious injury or death. Just last month, an Escondido teenager suffered catastrophic injuries when an elderly driver, with the intent of hitting the brake pedal, accidentally stepped on the accelerator and jumped a curb and struck him. In March of 2010, a 40-year-old man was critically injured when he was run over by an elderly driver in a Costco parking lot. Pedal misapplication can occur from loss of sensation, prescription medication, dementia and other aging-related conditions.

Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If news accounts of this incident are accurate, the driver is likely responsible for the incident. While this devastating Villa Embasadora accident remains under investigation, the family of the woman who died would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable San Diego wrongful death lawyer. An attorney who has successfully handed pedal misapplication accidents can advise the victim's family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.

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SAN DIEGO - A 77-year-old San Diego County man tragically died after his vehicle collided with a SUV driven by a 15-year-old boy early Thursday morning in Mission Bay, 10 News reported. According to the San Diego Union Tribune and San Diego County Medical Examiner reports, the boy, driving his parents' Toyota 4Runner without their permission, backed into a 1979 Mercury LTD driven by James Cummins, 77 of Point Loma.

Prior to the accident, shortly after midnight, the teen boy was headed westbound on Sea World Drive when he missed his exit to Ingraham Street. He threw the car into reverse and started backing up with he collided with Cummins' Mercury.

Cummins was taken to Scripps Mercy Hospital, where he died at about 4:45 a.m. The teen boy, who suffered minor injuries in the crash, reportedly ran away from the scene in hid in the bushes, but police located him nearby. His parents were contacted and came to the crash scene. 10 News reported that the Toyota SUV involved in the collision was registered to Elvira and Octavio Acevedo

Cause of the July 7th Mission Bay Crash

Based on the information provided in news accounts, it appears that the teenager caused this accident by driving the wrong-way (in reverse) on Sea World Drive. 10 News reported that alcohol was found on the vehicle, but investigators did not believe the teen had been drinking. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the San Diego Police Department traffic division.

San Diego Car Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If the police investigation confirms news accounts that the 15-year-old driver of the Toyota caused this accident, the parents of the underage and unlicensed driver may be liable for the wrongful death of the driver of the Mercury. Following an accident such as this one, the family members of the deceased victim may benefit from speaking to an experienced San Diego wrongful death attorney. A skilled lawyer can advise the victims' family of their legal rights to hold the driver's family accountable for the loss of their loved one, and recover damages in a wrongful death claim.

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ESCONDIDO - A 54-year-old woman suffered serious injuries Saturday morning when her motorcycle collided with a white 2006 Chevrolet van on northbound Interstate 15, the North County Times reported. The accident occurred near El Norte Parkway at 10:45 a.m., when a 28-year-old San Marcos man veered in front of the woman's bike. The woman, who was not identified, was riding with a group of female motorcycle riders when the van moved in front of the group. The driver of the van was arrested on suspicion of driving without a license. The CHP reported the driver appeared to be extremely fatigued. A drug test indicated he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Cause of the Interstate 15 Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the July 2nd Escondido motorcycle accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, the cause of the accident is not clear. It appears that the motorcyclist likely could have done nothing to avoid the collision. Hopefully, the investigation by the CHP will reveal exactly what happened, and who was ultimately responsible.

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the Chevy van caused the accident, he may be liable for the serious injuries sustained by the Fallbrook woman. While this injury accident remains under investigation, the injured victim or her family members would be well-advised to speak to an experienced San Diego motorcycle accident attorney. A personal injury lawyer who specializes in the unique legal issues of motorcycle accidents can advise the victim of her legal rights and best course of action to recover damages for her medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. After any serious injury accident, it is advisable to speak with an attorney soon following an accident, while witness recollections and important evidence can most easily be obtained

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY - According to a 10 news report, a 70-year-old man was tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle early Friday morning as he was walking along a Spring Valley highway. The 2:12 a.m. pedestrian accident took place on State Route 125 at Spring Street. The man's legs, which were severed in the accident, remained on the highway as the vehicle carried his body away. According to the CHP, after hitting the man, the driver of the vehicle pulled off the freeway and did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Although it is not clear why the man was walking on the highway or what caused the July 1st collision, situations such as this one are a tragic reminder of the dangers pedestrians face. Every year, thousands of pedestrians across the nation are struck and killed by inattentive drivers, speeding drivers, aggressive drivers and drunk drivers.

While the incident remains under investigation by authorities, it is vital that the deceased's family members seek the counsel of a San Diego pedestrian accident lawyer. Surviving family members may choose to file a wrongful death claim against the driver if it is determined the driver's actions were the cause of the accident and resulting death. A highly skilled attorney can help families prepare and process all necessary claim paperwork to ensure state filing deadlines are met on time.

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