San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

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.

Continue reading "One Killed, Four Injured In Linda Vista DUI Crash " »

DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO - Four people were hurt Friday night in a suspected DUI intersection crash at Sixth Avenue and A Street, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The February 4th accident was reported at 9:08 p.m., and involved a Honda Accord being pursued by the California Highway Patrol and a Toyota Matrix. Prior to the crash, the CHP began pursuing the Honda on Interstate 8. The pursuit continued to south state Route 163. The driver reportedly yielded along the 163, and the CHP officer directed the driver to take the University Avenue offr amp in Hillcrest. The driver of the Honda then fled to Sixth Avenue, and collided with the Toyota at A Street downtown.

A passenger in the Honda and the driver of the Toyota both suffered major injuries. Two passengers in the Toyota suffered less serious injuries. The driver of the Honda was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and felony evading and resisting arrest. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

DUI Accident Personal Injury Liability

Dozens of people are seriously injured or killed everyday in accidents caused by drunk drivers in California. If news accounts are accurate, the victims of this accident may be able to recover compensation for their injuries from the drunk driver, or in the event that he was uninsured, from their own insurance policy. After a suspected alcohol-involved collision such as this on February 4th, the injured victims would be well-advised to consult with a San Diego drunk driving accident lawyer about their legal rights and options to be compensated for their injuries, including medical care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Four People Hurt in Suspected DUI Crash in San Diego " »

Five people, including four motorcyclists, were killed Saturday in a horrific accident on Highway 98 near Ocotillo, MSNBC reported. According to the Imperial Valley Press and KXO Radio, a gold Honda Civic travelling eastbound tried to pass a group of motorcycles and cut into westbound lanes, failing to see a Dodge Avenger heading westbound. The driver of the westbound car went onto the paved shoulder but then over-corrected and lost control and collided head-on with a group of motorcyclists travelling eastbound. The accident happened just before 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Five people died and six people were injured. The six people hurt in the crash were: 36-year old Carlos Ramirez Bobadilla of Mexicali who was the driver of the Dodge Avenger, 39-year old Wilson Trayor of Lakeside, 57-year old William Barnes of San Diego, 42-year old Kelly Halley of Santee, 46-year old Melanie Barnes of San Diego and 55-year old John Lombardo of Lakeside. Injured victims were taken to hospitals in Brawley, El Centro, and San Diego. For those that survived, injuries resulting from the crash included a punctured lung, broken hip, broken ankle, broken pelvis, brain hemorrhage, broken pelvis, broken ribs, broken back, broken jaw and other serious injuries.

Four of the fatality victims were motorcyclists - two men and two women. The motorcyclists were travelling as a group and were members of the Saddletramps motorcycle club. The fifth was a 31-year-old woman who was a passenger in the Dodge Avenger. The identities of the victims were not released pending notification of their families.

According to the San Diego Union Tribune, just before the accident, the group of 21 motorcyclists had been enjoying breakfast and drinking coffee at La Posta Casino in Boulevard. Then the group started their engines and continued east toward Winterhaven to celebrate the club's 10-year anniversary.

Authorities Seeking Driver of Gold Honda

The CHP is looking for the driver of the Gold Honda that did not stop following the collision. It does not matter that the driver did not physically collide with the other vehicle or any of the motorcyclists. Drivers may still be held responsible for "non-contact" hit and run accidents.

Motorcycle Accident Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

Every single one of the victims of this crash and their families would be well-advised to contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Crashes like this one - where numerous parties are involved and there is a missing hit-and-run driver - have numerous unique and complex legal issues. The victims of this accident would benefit from talking to a knowledgeable lawyer sooner rather than later, while evidence and witness recollections are fresh. The San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers at Estey Bomberger have handled dozens of motorcycle accident injury and wrongful death claims, and are available 7 days a week to answer questions and provide advice and guidance to the victims of this horrific accident. Victims or their families may call (619)312-4399, or fill out a consultation request online.

Continue reading "Five Dead, Six Injured in Highway 98 Crash Near Ocotillo " »

A man died Monday afternoon in a suspected DUI crash on Interstate 8 in the Flinn Springs area of San Diego County, 10 News reported. The victim, who was not immediately identified, was the driver of a Ford Econoline van that was struck head-on by a 1995 Ford Explorer driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of the freeway. The fatal accident occurred shortly before 3:30 p.m. near Harbison Canyon Road. According to news reports, the driver of the Ford Explorer made a U-turn on the freeway and began driving the wrong way. The collision with the Econoline van happened moments later. The driver of the Econoline van was killed. The female driver of the Ford Explorer suffered serious injuries. According to the California Highway Patrol, she was suspected of driving while intoxicated and will undergo a blood screening to determine if drugs or alcohol were in her system at the time of the collision.

Drunk Driving Is An Epidemic That Must Stop

While this accident is devastating and tragic, it is sadly one of many accidents that happen every day caused by a suspected drunk driver. On average, 32 people a day are killed in drunk driving accidents in the US - more than 1,000 people every month. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reports that one in three people will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol is a crime - and drunk driving accidents are physically painful, emotionally traumatic, and financially devastating. The consequences of drinking and driving are long-lasting not just for victims, but for their families as well.

DUI Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In accidents such as this one, where a drunk driver is suspected of causing a fatal accident, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a DUI accident victim lawyer about their legal rights to hold the driver financially accountable for her actions. If the suspected drunk driver is confirmed to have caused this accident, she may be liable for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings and benefits the victim would have received over the course of his lifetime, and damages for loss of love, care, affection, and companionship in a wrongful death claim. In certain cases involving drunk drivers, punitive damages may also be awarded, depending on the circumstances.

Continue reading "Man Killed, Woman Arrested in Suspected DUI Head-On Collision on Interstate 8 " »

An Alpine woman and her two dogs were tragically killed Saturday night in a head-on collision on Alpine Boulevard, 10 News reported. The crash, which authorities reported was caused by a suspected drunk driver, occurred around 8:25 p.m., east of Dunbar Lane. The victim, identified by the San Diego County Medical Examiner as Cathrine Marie Harless, 63, had been driving a green Chevy Silverado 1500 pickup truck westbound, while at the same time, a tan GMC Sierra extra-cab pickup truck was travelling eastbound. The male driver of the GMC, Brian Peterson, 40, of Rancho Bernardo, reportedly crossed into the westbound lane and struck Harless's vehicle head-on. Harless was ejected from her vehicle and died at the scene of the crash. Peterson was airlifted to Sharp Memorial Hospital. After he was released, he was booked into San Diego County Jail on charges of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter.

Cause of the Crash

East County Magazine reported that Peterson "Crossed over the roadway's double yellow lines directly into the path of the oncoming vehicle," according to officer Brian Pennings, California Highway Patrol, who also stated that Harless was unable to avoid the collision. If news reports of this crash are accurate, this accident was 100% preventable by the driver of the GMC. Driving under the influence is an epidemic problem in California and throughout the entire country. Our condolences go out to the family of Cathrine Harless and everyone who knew her and loved her.

Wrongful Death Liability

In situations such as this one, where another driver is suspected of driving under the influence and causing a fatal crash, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a San Diego wrongful death attorney. In addition to the criminal charges the suspected drunken driver is facing, he may also be held financially liable for his actions in a civil claim. An experienced wrongful death lawyer - one who has aggressively represented families of victims of DUI head-on collisions - can help the victim's family protect their legal rights and advise them of their best course of action to pursue maximum compensation for their loss, including funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings or benefits, and loss of love, care and companionship. Although no amount of money can ease the pain of a unexpected and devastating loss, pursuing a wrongful death claim can ease the financial burdens of a loved one's passing as well as hold the at-fault party financially accountable for his actions.

Continue reading "Alpine Woman and Two Dogs Killed in Head-on Crash on Alpine Boulevard" »

Four people were injured early Tuesday morning in a suspected alcohol-related crash in Vista, the North County Times reported. The accident, a solo-vehicle crash, occurred on westbound State Route 78, near Sycamore Avenue, just before 2 a.m. on September 28, 2010. According to news reports, Dante Carrillo, 25, of Oceanside, was driving a 2008 Ford Mustang westbound on the highway when he approached a construction work zone where the two left lanes of the three-lane freeway were closed. Carrillo reportedly swerved into the closed lanes to pass other cars, but lost control and struck the concrete center divider. The impact caused the Ford Mustang to spin out and strike the guardrail on the right shoulder.

Carrillo suffered major injuries, according to the CHP and was taken to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, along with passengers Leticia Montesinos, 21, and Javvah Shah, 24, both of Oceanside, who suffered injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Another passenger was treated at the scene of the crash. Carrillo was arrested at the hospital on suspicion of felony driving under the influence.

Drunk Driving Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

If news reports of this September 28th accident are accurate, the suspected drunk driver of the Mustang is likely responsible for causing this Highway 78 accident in Vista. If he is determined to be at fault pending the investigation, he may be held financially liable for the injuries sustained by his three passengers. In situations such as this one, where a drunk driver is suspected to have caused a crash resulting in injury, the injured passenger victims would be well-advised to speak to a San Diego drunk driving accident attorney. A skilled lawyer can help the injured victims protect their legal rights so that they may recover the maximum compensation they may be entitled to for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings due to the accident, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Four Injured in Suspected DUI Crash on Highway 78 " »

A 54-year-old Ramona man tragically died Saturday night after he was struck by a Toyota 4Runner driven by a suspected drunk driver in Ramona, San Diego 6 News reported. The accident fatal occurred at 8:50 p.m. while the cyclist , David Bruce Menea, was crossing Main Street (SR-67) near Kalbaugh Street. According to news reports, the driver, Suzanne Reed, 32, allegedly struck the victim while he was crossing the street. After striking Menea, Reed struck a parked Volkswagen and pushed it inside of a liquor store. Two passengers in the parked Volkswagen suffered minor injuries, and a woman inside the store suffered cuts to her leg. Menea died at the scene of the accident.

Cause of the Fatal Bicycle Accident

The CHP is investigating the cause of fatal September 11th bicycle accident. There were reports that Menea was not crossing the road legally when the crash occurred. However, the driver of the SUV was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. She is scheduled to be arraigned in Superior Court in El Cajon at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15.

Wrongful Death Liability

Bicycle accidents such as this one have unique legal issues. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear what exactly happened. In situations such as this one, the family members of the victim killed would be well advised to speak to an experienced DUI bicycle accident attorney. Even if the cyclist is partially at fault, his family may still be entitled to compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim against the driver, or any other party partially responsible for this fatal accident. A skilled lawyer can help the victim's family understand and protect their legal rights while the cause of the bicycle accident remains under investigation. Damages that may be awarded in a wrongful death claim include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care and companionship of family members.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Struck and Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver in Ramona " »

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 drunk driving 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 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 drunk driving injury victim 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 Drunk driving accident victim 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 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 drunk driving accident.

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 " »

Three people were taken to area hospitals after a intersection accident just before 11 p.m. Friday in Rancho Penasquitos, San Diego police reported. The accident occurred at the intersection of Park Village Road and Ragweed Street. According to news reports, the suspected drunken driver, a man in his 20's, was driving a silver sedan that ran a red light and collided with a black car at the intersection. It was not clear what direction the vehicles were traveling.

The suspected drunken driver and a 24-year-old female passenger in his vehicle both suffered serious injuries. The 20-year-old man driving the black car was also injured; all three were taken to area hospitals.

Cause of the Rancho Penasquitos Accident

San Diego Police said the driver who ran the red light was driving under the influence of alcohol. If news reports are accurate, he is responsible for causing this DUI collision, and the injuries it resulted in.

DUI Accident Personal Injury Liability

In addition to criminal charges the suspected drunken driver is facing, he may also be civilly liable and financially responsible for the injuries of his passenger and the driver of the black car. While this accident remains under investigation, the victims of this accident would be well-advised to talk to a San Diego drunk driving accident lawyer about their legal rights. Compensation available in a personal injury claim can include monetary damages for medical expenses, lost earnings related to an accident, emotional pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses. An experienced lawyer can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights and obtain the maximum financial compensation they may be entitled to for their injuries.

Continue reading "Three Injured after Suspected DUI Driver Runs Light in Rancho Penasquitos " »

A 28-year-old woman was arrested Saturday on suspicion of driving under the influence after a crash in Chula Vista, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The accident occurred at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Main Street at about 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 29th. Authorities believe the 28-year-old woman ran a red light, resulting in the collision with a man on a motorcycle. The woman kept driving but was apprehended. The motorcyclist, who was not identified, was taken to a hospital with bone fractures and other injuries. Police found methamphetamine in the woman's vehicle. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Personal Injury Liability Issues

Under California Vehicle Code § 23152 (a): "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." Leaving the scene of an accident is also against the law. While this incident is under investigation, the family of the man injured in this accident would be well-advised to contact a Chula Vista personal injury attorney who can hold the negligent motorist financially accountable for their loved one's injuries. A DUI motorcycle accident victim attorney can help the family obtain compensation for the victim's medical expenses related to the accident, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Injured After Suspected DUI Crash in Chula Vista " »

A 29-year-old Fallbrook man suspected to be under the influence of alcohol lost control of his 1986 Isuzu on South Mission Road Thursday night and crashed head-on with a 1985, causing major injury to the other driver, the California Highway Patrol reported. The suspected drunk driver, Jose Gaspar, was also driving without a license when he struck the victim, Archie A. Barnes, 45, of Fallbrook.

The accident occurred at about 7:25 p.m. April 1, 2010 on South Mission Road, north of Via Monserate. Gaspar was driving south at about 45 mph when he collided with Barnes' vehicle in the northbound lane. Barnes' vehicle overturned as a result of the collision. Barnes sustained major injuries, including a broken left femur, and was taken to Palomar Hospital. Gaspar took off on foot, but was apprehended and arrested shortly after the accident. He sustained moderate injuries and was booked in the Vista Jail on charges of felony driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without a license, and felony hit-and-run.

We wish Barnes the best for a full and speedy recovery following this completely preventable accident. Please keep him in your prayers.

Fault & Liability Issues

It is against the law to drive under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). In cases such as this one, the victim and his family would be well advised to speak with a San Diego auto accident lawyer experienced in handling drunk driving injury accidents. If the at-fault driver was not insured or underinsured, as he may have been since he was driving without a license, an attorney can also help the victim understand how his own car insurance policy may apply to this accident.

Continue reading "Suspected Drunk Driver Causes Major Injury Crash in Fallbrook " »

After two deadlocked trials, a third jury convicted John Michael Sedej, 47, of Poway, of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated for a July 13, 2007 crash. The fatal accident occurred at 1:20 a.m. at La Jolla Village Drive and Genesee Avenue. Nancy Galeana-Ramirez, 28, died in the crash. Her mother and aunt were also injured. Sedej was driving an Acura SUV when he ran a red light and collided with a 2000 Ford Expedition carrying Galeana-Ramirez and her mother and aunt.

The verdict was read October 29, after which Sedej was taken into custody. Judge Melinda Lasater will be sentencing him today - he faces up to 12 years in prison. Sedej was also convicted of DUI causing injury and driving with a measurable blood-alcohol level causing injury.

Continue reading "Poway Man to be Sentenced for 2007 Fatal DUI Crash " »