San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

Two men suffered serious injuries in a violent head-on collision Friday morning in Mission Valley, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The crash was reported on Friars Road, east of Fenton Parkway, near the Costco and Ikea shopping center. According to news reports, a 70-year-old man driving a Ford F-150 pickup truck veered across the raised center median into eastbound lanes. His truck collided head-on with a Dodge Stratus driven by a 25-year-old man.

Police reported that there was no evidence that either driver braked before the collision, and both vehicles were likely travelling close to the speed limit of 50 mph. The impact forced the engine compartment of the Dodge into the passenger compartment. The driver of the Dodge reportedly broke both of his legs and suffered other serious injuries. The driver of the Ford suffered a broken leg, broken foot, broken ribs, broken hand, and cuts and bruises. Both men are expected to survive, police reported.

Cause of the Friars Road Head-on Collision

Police are investigating the cause of the crash. It was not clear why the driver of the Ford crossed over the raised center median and into eastbound lanes. It appears that there was likely nothing the driver of the Dodge could have done to prevent the collision. Police will surely investigate whether the older driver of the truck suffered a medical condition, or if he lost control of his truck because he was distracted or impaired. It is also possible that he lost control of his truck because of a defect in the vehicle, such as a tire blowout or steering failure.

Personal Injury Liability

In situations such as this one, where a driver is seriously hurt due to an accident that was not at fault, the victim may be entitled to monetary compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering and other accident related expenses. While this crash remains under investigation, the family of the injured victim would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney as soon as possible who can help the victim protect his legal rights to compensation for his injuries. A knowledgeable lawyer can advise the family how to handle communications with insurance companies and help the family preserve and protect evidence important to future personal injury claim.

Continue reading "Two People Injured in Head-on Collision on Friars Road " »

A 65-year-old Rancho Bernardo man very tragically died Friday night when he was rear-ended by a drunk driver at a stop light, San Diego Police reported. The accident occurred shortly after 9 p.m. Friday, at Camino Del Norte and Carmel Mountain Road. According to news reports, Marc William Durham, 65, who had retired just a week ago, was headed to the movies when he stopped at a red light at the Carmel Mountain intersection. His 2002 Toyota Corolla was rear-ended by a BMW driving eastbound on Camino Del Norte and pushed into several other vehicles.

Durham was wearing a seatbelt, but the high-speed impact of the crash caused the trunk and backseat of the Corolla to be pushed almost to the front seat. He died at the scene of the crash. The 57-year-old man driving the BMW suffered minor injuries and was taken to Palomar Medical Center. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Cause of the Carmel Mountain Crash

The cause of the fatal Carmel Mountain intersection accident remains under investigation by the San Diego Police Department. However, if news reports are accurate, the man driving the BMW, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol, likely caused this fatal accident.

Drunken Driving Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

Driving under the influence of alcohol or any drug is against the law, under California Vehicle Code Section 23152: "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." If it is determined that the driver of the BMW was drunk, he will face criminal charges for his actions. Additionally, he may be held financially responsible for the death of Marc Durham in a civil claim for wrongful death. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, future lifetime earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care, solace and companionship.

Continue reading "Rancho Bernardo Man Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver in Carmel Mountain " »

Four of the eight people who died Saturday night when a truck plowed into a crowed at the California 200 off-road race were from San Diego County, authorities have reported. Spectators Brian Wolfin, 27, of Escondido, Anthony Sanchez, 23, of Escondido, Aaron Farkas, 25, of Escondido, and Michael James Dickinson, 34 of Spring Valley, were all killed Saturday night when a modified Ford Ranger driven by another San Diego County man, Brett M. Sloppy, 28, of San Marcos, went into a crowd shortly after the start of the California 200.

On Monday, the federal government launched a probe of the August 14, 2010 accident, which occurred on federal land. Video of the event showed spectators were standing as close as 5 feet from the race course and were not separated by fences or barriers.

Mojave Desert Race Accident Raises Liability Questions

As more details are coming to light about the off-road race crash that killed eight people in San Bernardino Saturday night, questions of who is to blame are also arising. Did spectators put themselves in danger by getting too close to the action? Or did the promoters of the event not follow proper procedures to protect the huge crowd they invited? Was the federal government negligent in allowing such an event to occur without requiring law enforcement present? Who was responsible for the safety of this event, and what needs to be done going forward so that nothing like this ever happens again?

Protecting the Rights of Injured Victims

This tragedy that shockingly killed eight people and seriously injured a dozen more raises a number of complex liability issues. Who is liable for the deaths and injuries of the victims? While this accident remains under investigation, relatives of the victims who were killed would likely benefit from contacting an experienced and knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer. Contacting a skilled attorney soon after an accident such as this one is absolutely critical to preserving your rights to compensation for serious personal injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one. A lawyer who has successfully represented injured bystanders at sporting events can guide the victims and their families in handling communications with insurance companies and other officials, so that their rights are protected.

Continue reading "Four Men From San Diego County Killed at California 200 Race " »

Four people, including three teenagers, suffered serious injuries Sunday night when a suspected drunken driver ran his Chrysler up a curb and plowed into the Cass St. Bakery and Café in La Jolla, authorities reported. The accident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on La Jolla Blvd near Forward Street. The driver, who was only identified as a 67-year-old man, was travelling south on La Jolla Boulevard when he struck the center divider on La Jolla Blvd and then continued onto the sidewalk where the teens were walking.

When police arrived, a customer inside the café was still pinned against the vehicle. He was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla with serious injuries. Another restaurant patron suffered minor injuries. Two of the injured teens were taken to Rady Children's Hospital and one was taken to Scripps Memorial in La Jolla. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Cause of the Accident

San Diego police are investigating the cause of the August 15th suspected DUI accident in La Jolla. If news reports are accurate, the drunk driver, who chose to get behind the wheel of his vehicle while intoxicated, caused this crash. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."

Personal Injury Liability for DUI Accidents

If the suspected drunk driver is determined to have caused this crash, he may face criminal charges for driving into the café and injuring the teens and customers. Additionally, he may be financially liable for the victims' serious injuries. When accidents such as this one occur, the family members of the injured victims would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable and reputable San Diego personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contacting a lawyer soon after an accident is important, while witness recollections and evidence are still fresh. An experienced accident attorney can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights, and recover maximum compensation for their injuries, including all medical care expenses, rehabilitation and therapy, lost earnings related to the accident, and damages for pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Three Teens and Restaurant Patron Seriously Injured After Drunk Driver Crashes into La Jolla Café " »

A man and two women were killed early Friday morning in a crash involving two vehicles on state Route 78 in Vista, the Union Tribune reported. The August 13th crash occurred on westbound Highway 78 at about 12:30 a.m., just west of Sycamore Avenue. According to news reports, a Nissan Altima occupied by two women and two men pulled over on the side of Highway 78, because one of the women was feeling ill. The two women, Susan Orozco, 23, of Escondido, and Erica M. Oliva, 23, of Fallbrook, got out of the vehicle on the north (right) shoulder. One of the men in the Altima, Oscar Guzman, 25, of Guzman, got out of the Nissan. The other man, Geraldo Cortez, 21, of Oceanside, remained in the front passenger seat.

The Altima was then struck from behind by a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee going west on the freeway. Both Susan Orozco and Erica Oliva, who were both employees of Valley View Casino, died at the scene of the crash. Guzman was able to step away and avoid being struck. Cortez was reportedly thrown from the car upon impact, but was not seriously injured. The Jeep overturned and came to rest in the number one lane. A passenger in the Jeep Cherokee, a 34-year-old Orange County man, was killed. The driver of the Jeep, Debi Sumi, 33, of San Marcos, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and felony vehicular manslaughter.

Cause of the Highway 78 Crash

If news reports are accurate, this crash was likely caused by Debbie Sumi, who was driving under the influence and veered into the Altima parked on the shoulder of Highway 78. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, driving while under the influence of alcohol is against the law. However, the cause of the accident is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the Jeep caused this accident, she will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a). Additionally, she may be liable for the wrongful deaths of her passenger and Susan Orozco and Erica Oliva. Damages available in a wrongful death claim may include money for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care, and companionship associated with a loved one's preventable death. In some cases involving drunk drivers, punitive damages may also be awarded. While this August 13th crash remains under investigation, the family members of the three victims killed in this crash would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego personal injury attorney. A lawyer familiar with the unique legal issues of crashes involving drunk drivers can help the victims' family protect their rights and advise them of their best course of action handling communication with the insurance companies.

Continue reading "Three People Killed, One Injured in Alcohol-Related Crash on Highway 78 " »

A 53-year-old Vista woman tragically died Monday morning when her car was rear-ended on Interstate 15, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The crash occurred on the southbound side of the freeway, near Ninth Avenue, at about 6:20 a.m. According to the California Highway Patrol, four cars were involved in the collision: a 1999 Dodge Ram truck, a 2001 Mercedes, a Toyota Avalon, and a Toyota Sienna.

According to news reports, the crash started when the driver of the Dodge Ram rear-ended the Mercedes at about 60 mph. Apparently, he was unable to stop after he changed lanes and encountered stopped traffic. The driver of the Mercedes, Caroline McElhaney, 53, of Vista, was taken to Palomar Medical Center where she died shortly after arrival. The drivers of the two Toyotas, as well as a passenger in the Sienna, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the pickup truck, 28-year-old Jackson Redmond of Colton, was not hurt.

Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Caroline McElhaney, who sadly was the victim of this horrific accident. Please keep her family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time. We hope the three injured victims make a full recovery.

Cause of the I-15 Crash

If news reports are accurate, it appears that this crash was caused by the driver of the Dodge Ram, who first rear-ended the Mercedes-Benz at high speeds. It is not clear if he was distracted, impaired, simply driving recklessly, or if something else happened to cause this collision. Even if the driver was driving within highway speed limits, he still may be at fault for driving too fast for traffic conditions. However, the CHP is still investigating the cause of the fatal August 9th crash.

Continue reading "Vista Woman Killed in Multi-Car Crash on Interstate 15 in Escondido " »

A cyclist was hospitalized after an accident Friday evening in San Marcos, 10 News reported. According to news reports, cyclist Michael Schaffer of San Marcos was riding across Smilax Road when he collided with a Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle driven by Charles Martin, also of San Marcos. The accident occurred at about 6:23 p.m. on August 6, 2010. According to the Sheriff's Department, the impact caused Schaffer to become wrapped around the front hood of the vehicle and carried for approximately 34 feet. Schaffer was taken to Palomar Medical Center with serious head injuries.

Cause of the Bicycle Accident

The cause of the San Marcos bicycle accident remains under investigation by the San Diego Sheriff's Department. Based on the limited information provided by news reports, it is unclear whether the cyclist violated the right-of-way of the Ford Explorer, or the Ford Explorer violated the right-of-way of the cyclist, or what happened to cause this collision. It is not clear who was at fault for this accident.

Bicycle Accident Injury Liability

Bicycle accidents, such as this one in San Marcos, cause serious injury. If it is determined that the driver of the SUV caused this accident, he may be liable for the injuries it resulted in, including the cyclist's medical expenses and care costs, lost earnings due to not being able to work, and pain and suffering. While this investigation is pending, his family may benefit from speaking to a skilled and knowledgeable San Diego bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney who is also a cyclist and has represented dozens of injured bicyclists can help the victim and his family protect their legal rights and ultimately recover the maximum compensation available for this accident and the serious injuries it resulted in.

Continue reading "Cyclist Seriously Injured in Collision with SUV in San Marcos" »

The San Diego Union Tribune reported a bicyclist was injured Monday afternoon in a collision with a sport utility vehicle in the 4S Ranch area. The crash was reported at 3:14 p.m., near the intersection of Camino del Norte and Dove Canyon Road. According to news reports, a 17-year-old girl driving the SUV lost control of her vehicle, and it overturned several times, striking the 29-year-old woman riding a bicycle. Both the teen driver and the cyclist were hurt and were taken to the hospital. The extent of their injuries was not clear.

Cause of the 4S Ranch Bicycle Accident

Details about the cause of the August 2nd bicycle accident were limited, and it is not evident what happened to cause the driver of the SUV to lose control of her vehicle. At this point, there are more questions than answers as to what occurred. Was the teen driving the SUV distracted, speeding, or did a tire blowout or road hazard cause her to lose control? Investigators will look at these factors, and others, to determine what happened, and who was responsible.

Personal Injury Liability for Bicycle Accidents

In situations such as this one, where the negligence of a driver may have played a role in an injury accident, the injured victim or her family members would likely benefit from consulting with a San Diego bicycle accident lawyer. A skilled personal injury attorney who has successfully represented victims of car vs. bicycle accidents can help the injured victim protect her legal rights and recover the maximum financial compensation that she may be entitled to for her injuries as a result of this accident. Damages awarded in a personal injury claim can include money for medical care expenses, lost earnings related to an accident, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Injured in Crash with SUV in 4S Ranch " »

Five people were injured in a multi-vehicle collision Thursday morning in the Mt. Soledad area, San Diego 6 News reported. The accident occurred on northbound Interstate 5, between state Route 52 and Gilman Drive, just before 8 a.m. The crash occurred on the left shoulder near the center divider. According to CHP reports, two men were working under the hood of their broken-down vehicle when the car was struck from behind by a silver sedan. The rear-end impact send the men flying into the air. A pickup truck rear-ended the second sedan, and a fourth vehicle may have also been involved.

The traffic delay forced a pregnant woman stuck in traffic to give birth in a parking lot off Regents Road. The baby girl was reportedly just fine, and paramedics took her and her mother to the hospital.

Disabled Vehicles and Freeway Accidents

In situations where a vehicle breaks down on the side of a freeway, occupants should always remain in the car with seatbelts fastened until help arrives. Attempting to move or repair a vehicle can lead to serious accidents, as was the case in this July 29th accident in La Jolla. Just two months ago, three people exchanging information after an accident on the side of Highway 101 in Sherman Oaks were killed when a BMW crashed into the wreckage at high speeds. And earlier this month, the driver of a disabled Audi suffered major injuries on the Pomona Freeway when his car was struck by a bobtail box truck.

Personal Injury Liability

Based on the news reports of this incident, it is not clear what exactly happened and who was responsible. If it is determined that the driver of the vehicle caused the accident, she may be liable for the injuries of the two men who were working on the Honda, and anyone else injured in this major injury collision. While the cause of the accident is still being investigated, the family members of the seriously injured victims of this accident would be well-advised to speak with a San Diego personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help the victims' understand and protect their rights so that they receive the maximum compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses and future care costs, lost earnings as a result of their injuries, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Major Injuries in Interstate 5 Crash in La Jolla " »

In personal injury news, this week a San Diego County jury awarded almost $11 million in damages to an 87-year-old woman and her 62-year-old daughter for very serious injuries they sustained in a November 2008 crash in Clairemont caused by a Pizza Hut delivery driver who suffered a seizure.

Olena Novak, 87 suffered a broken neck and other serious injuries in the accident, and Her daughter, Shari Novak, 62, suffered permanent brain damages and is no longer able to care for herself or communicate. The 18-year-old pizza delivery driver suffered only minor injuries.

After the accident, the Pizza Hut delivery driver learned she suffered from a complex seizure disorder. Although the families originally sued the driver, she was eventually dropped from the lawsuit, and the families sued Pizza Hut, claiming they were responsible for the crash. Jurors awarded $2.2 million to Olena Novac for past medical expenses, past and future lost earnings and past and future non-economic loss, and $8.6 Million to Shari Novak, for past and future medical costs and past and future non-economic loss, such as physical pain and suffering.

Continue reading "San Diego Jury Awards $10.8 Million to Mother and Daughter For Crash Involving Pizza Hut Delivery Driver" »

San Diego 6 News reported two motorists were injured Wednesday night in a head-on collision in the Clairemont Mesa West area. The accident, which was reported at 7:56 p.m. in the 3400 block of Boyd Avenue, involved an Acura Integra and a Toyota Corolla.

According to news reports, the 18-year-old driver of the Acura Integra going southbound attempted to pass another vehicle, and struck a northbound Toyota Corolla head-on. Both the driver of the Integra and the 67-year-old driver of the Corolla reportedly suffered broken femurs. Both drivers also had a passenger with them, and the passengers suffered minor injuries. Police do not believe alcohol was a factor in the collision.

Personal Injury Liability Issues

If news reports are accurate, it appears that the driver of the Acura caused this crash by making an unsafe passing attempt. If this is true and he is determined to have caused the July 28th head-on collision, he may be liable for the injuries of the two occupants of the Toyota Corolla, as well as the injuries of his own passenger. While this crash is under investigation, the victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer about this accident, and their rights to compensation in a personal injury claim. Damages awarded for injuries may include money for medical expenses and related care costs, lost earnings or wages, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Head-on Crash on Boyd Avenue Injures Two People " »

A five-year-old boy was seriously injured in Alpine Tuesday afternoon in an apparent hit-and-run accident, San Diego 6 News and East County Magazine reported July 13th. The incident was reported shortly after 5 p.m., in the 2100 block of Alpine Glen Place in the Japatul Valley area.

According to news reports, the young boy, who was not identified, was pinned between a vehicle and a block wall. The boy, who was breathing and conscious but may have suffered broken bones, was airlifted to a hospital. The suspect fled the scene. Authorities were able to get an ID on the car that struck the boy, and the vehicle was registered to a local owner, identified as only a white male adult. Law enforcement went to his home, but he could not immediately be located.

Duty to Stop at Scene of Accident

It is absolutely horrifying to imagine that a grown adult would flee the scene of an accident, and leave an innocent young little boy suffering, as it appears was the case here. Regardless of how an accident occurs, leaving the scene of an accident is against the law, not to mention morally reprehensible. Under the California Vehicle Code § 2001 (a) "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." When the driver is located, he will likely face criminal charges for fleeing the scene of the accident.

Liability for Personal Injuries

When the driver is located, in addition to criminal charges, he may be financially liable for the injuries of the boy in a personal injury claim. While this accident is under investigation, the parents of the victim would be well-advised to contact a San Diego pedestrian accident attorney about this accident and the legal issues stemming from this accident. A skilled lawyer can help the family obtain compensation for the boy's injuries and pain and suffering as a result of this accident. In the event the driver is not located or if the driver is located and uninsured, an attorney may be able to help the family obtain compensation from their own motor vehicle insurance policy, if they had one.

Continue reading "Five-Year-Old Boy Injured in Alpine Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident " »

A 54-year-old Yuma woman died Saturday morning in a rollover accident on Interstate 8 near Jacumba, authorities reported. The woman, identified by the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office as Martha Lidia Jimenez, was the sole occupant of a 2006 Nissan Sentra travelling westbound on Interstate 8.

At approximately 6:50 a.m., for reasons still under investigation, Jimenez's vehicle went off the side of the freeway between the eastbound and westbound lanes, and down onto Carrizo Gorge Road Underpass, where it was struck by a Ford F-150. The six occupants inside the Ford Truck were not hurt. Jimenez suffered massive head injuries and died at the scene of the crash.

Cause of the Interstate 8 Crash

The California Highway Patrol is still investigating the cause of the July 10th crash. Based on the limited information provided by news media, it is not clear exactly what happened. Did something malfunction in the Nissan or did Jimenez swerve to avoid an object in the road? It is possible that she fell asleep or was impaired. During their investigation into the cause of the collision, the CHP will look at all possible causes and contributing factors.

Potential Wrongful Death Liability

Whenever someone loses control of a vehicle for unknown reasons, resulting in a fatality, there are many questions surrounding the immediate events leading up to the accident. Family members understandably want answers and understanding as to what happened, and whether or not someone else was responsible. If a defect in the vehicle or the roadway caused or contributed to Jimenez's accident or death, the family may be entitled to justice for their loss in a civil claim for wrongful death. While this accident is under investigation, the family may benefit from speaking with an experienced San Diego wrongful death attorney about this accident and the potential wrongful death liability issues as a result of it.

Continue reading "Yuma Woman Killed in Interstate 8 Rollover Accident Near Jacumba " »

A 52-year-old San Marcos man died early Saturday when he was struck by a car while walking in the westbound lanes of Highway 78, the North County Times reported. The victim was identified by the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office as Mark Allen Dale, 52, of San Marcos.

According to news reports, CHP officers came across the victim's body lying in westbound traffic lanes at 2:48 a.m. near Vista Village Drive. It was not known what time he was struck. CHP officers discovered Dale's silver Mercury Cougar on the right shoulder of the eastbound SR 78 traffic lanes at the Escondido Avenue exit just east of Vista Village Drive. It was not clear why Dale was attempting to cross the highway. The driver that struck him fled the scene.

Based on the evidence and debris at the scene, officers believe that the vehicle that struck Dale was a 2005 or 2006 Ford Expedition XL or XLT. There was likely major damage to the front of the vehicle. Authorities said there were apparently no witnesses to the accident. Anyone with information about this accident or the driver who fled the scene is asked to contact Officer Mike Bush at (760) 757-1677.

Cause of the Accident

The CHP is continuing to investigate and search for the driver. Walking across the freeway in the middle of the night is clearly dangerous and it is possible that in doing so, the pedestrian contributed to the accident. However, no matter what happened, there is absolutely no excuse for the driver fleeing the scene of the accident. It is possible that the driver involved in this July 10th accident could have helped save Mark Allen Dale if he or she had stopped immediately afterward. The Medical Examiner's press release stated that charges will be pending against the driver or drivers involved in the accident.

Wrongful Death Liability

Along with the heartbreak and devastation of the loss of a family member, families may also face financial challenges after a sudden loss. In hit-and-run fatality accidents, in addition to criminal charges for hit-and-run, the driver involved in this accident, if he or she is located, may be liable for the wrongful death of the victim. In the event the driver is not located, the family may be entitled to compensation for their loss from the victim's own auto insurance policy, if he had one.

Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include compensation for future anticipated earnings and benefits of the decedent, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care and companionship. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would likely benefit from speaking to a San Diego wrongful death attorney about this fatal Highway 78 pedestrian accident and the unique legal issues involved. A skilled lawyer who has represented families of victims of fatal hit-and-run crashes on highways can advise the victim's family of their legal rights, options and responsibilities and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "San Marcos Man Killed in Hit-and-Run on Highway 78 " »

A drunk driver who caused a fatal accident on December 13th on North Torrey Pines Road has been sentenced to six years in state prison, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. In March, Michael Patrick Landri, 31, of Carmel Valley, pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Landri had been going home from a holiday Christmas Party when he rear-ended a stopped Volkswagen Passat at high speeds on December 13th. The impact ruptured the gas tank on the Passat and both vehicles burst into flames immediately following the collision. A passerby pulled Landri out of his Infiniti, but the victim, 33-year-old Jared Franklin Purton, suffered burns on more than 80 percent of his body and died at the scene of the crash.

Experts believed that Landri had been traveling between 88 and 109 mph at the time of the collision. The posted speed limit was 45 mph. Landri's blood-alcohol was measured at double the legal limit following the fatal crash.

After emotional family member victim impact statements, Judge Eugenia Eyherabide sentenced Landri to the midterm prison sentence available, taking into consideration his lack of a criminal record, his efforts to seek alcohol abuse treatment and his remorse.

Continue reading "Drunk Driver Sentenced to Six Years in Prison For Fatal Torrey Pines Accident " »