San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

POWAY -- A three-vehicle collision in Poway left two people seriously injured on Tuesday. According to 10 News, the accident happened after 7 p.m. on state Route 67, south of Poway Road, when a man driving a large passenger van on the northbound lanes became distracted and veered onto the southbound lanes, sideswiping a trailer-towing truck.

After hitting the truck, the man attempted to drive back towards his lane, but ended up slamming head-on with a sedan headed south. The two occupants in the sedan were taken to a hospital after the accident with serious injuries. No other injuries were reported regarding the occupants in the two other vehicles.

Cause of the Car Crash on State Route 67

Based on the information provided by 10 News, it appears distracted driving was cause the accident. If this information is accurate, the driver of the van may be accountable for the collision. However, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department will further investigate the crash to determine if there are other factors that prompted the collision.

Auto Accident Personal Injury Liability

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, a study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) indicated that roughly 80% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes involve some form of driver distraction. Distracted driving can be through the use of a cell phone, looking at an object or event outside of the vehicle, reading a newspaper or a map, personal grooming, and even smoking and dealing with lighting up or putting out a cigarette.

Therefore, in situations such as this one, the injured victims or the family of the victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced California State Route 67 accident attorney. A highly committed and knowledgeable lawyer at Estey Bomberger, can help the victims protect their legal rights in a civil suit against the party responsible, and advise them the best option to obtain compensation for the damages in this horrible December 13th car accident. Compensation in a personal injury claim can include medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, or other related damages.

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY -- A horrific fiery head-on car collision in Lakeside left a three people injured, 10 News reports. The car crash occurred on the 11900 block of Highway 67 just after 9:30 p.m. Sunday. The extent of how this car accident occurred along with the individuals involved were not immediately available. However, following the crash it was reported by that one person was critically injured and was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital for further treatment. The two other individuals hurt in the collision were not immediately detailed.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

Head-on car accidents can cause the most serious injuries and/or death to any individuals involved. Therefore, while police officials are trying to determine what caused this car crash and who is officially responsible, victims or the family of the victims would be well-advised to speak to a San Diego car accident attorney to discuss their legal rights in a personal injury claim. A skilled attorney who has handled head-on car collisions like this one, can advise the victims of their legal rights and decide course of action to recover the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this horrible car accident.

Continue reading "Three Injured in Lakeside Car Accident on Highway 67" »

FALLBROOK - A 19-year-old star baseball player suffered potentially life-threatening injuries Saturday morning on Highway 76 in Fallbrook. According to multiple news outlets, Conrad Murphy was driving a Dodge Ram truck to baseball practice when the driver of a Corky's Pest Control Ford Ranger truck carrying pest control chemicals lost control and struck his vehicle head-on. The accident was reported at about 7 a.m. near Gird Road in the San Luis Rey Heights area. Murphy was driving eastbound on Highway 76, and the pickup truck, driven by a 35-year-old Oceanside resident, struck his vehicle. Murphy was flown to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido with critical injuries. The driver of the pest control truck suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital.

Who Was At Fault?

According to reports in the Union Tribune, the driver of a Ford Ranger carrying pest control chemicals told officers that he was going west on the highway just east of Gird Road about 7 a.m. when he lost traction on his rear tires and swerved into oncoming traffic. It is unclear what caused the man to lose control of his vehicle. CHP investigators will surely look at factors such as speed, unsafe turning maneuvers, cellphone use while driving, and even proper maintenance and inflation of the vehicle's tires in making their determination of exactly what happened and why. Based on the news reports, it appears that Murphy could have done nothing to avoid the collision.

Highway 76 Head-On Collision Personal Injury Liability

Whenever any accident results in serious injuries, the at-fault party may be financially liable for the victim's injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. When the responsible driver is using a company-provided vehicle, the driver's employer (Corky's Pest Control) may be liable for the victim's injuries as well. While this April 23rd Fallbrook car accident remains under investigation, the family members of Conrad Murphy may benefit from speaking with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney who can advise the unique liability issues stemming from a serious collision such as this one. A lawyer who has represented numerous victims of Highway 76 accidents can also review other similar head-on collisions in the vicinity of the accident and investigate whether a dangerous road condition may have been a factor in the crash, in which case the government entity responsible for the maintenance of the roadway could also be liable.

Continue reading "Fallbrook Teen Critically Injured in Highway 76 Head-On Collision With Pest Control Truck " »

BALBOA PARK - Two people were tragically killed in a head-on collision early Saturday morning in San Diego, the California Highway Patrol reported. The accident was reported at 1:25 a.m. on April 16, 2011 on southbound Interstate 5, just south of Highway 163, and involved a silver Honda Civic sedan and a red Nissan Altima sedan. The driver of the Honda Civic, a 29-year-old man who was an Active Duty Petty Officer stationed aboard 32nd Street Naval Station in San Diego, was reportedly travelling the wrong way on Interstate 5. His vehicle crashed head-on with the Nissan driven by Cassaundra Renee Olivarria, 23, of Chula Vista. The driver of the Honda died at the scene of the crash. Olivarria was taken to UCSD Medical Center where she died a short time after arrival. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Cause of the San Diego County Accident

Driving the wrong way on a freeway is reckless and can have catastrophic consequences, such as what happened in this April 16th accident. The majority of wrong-way head-on collision on freeways occur because the driver of the wrong-way vehicle is either impaired by alcohol or drugs, elderly and disoriented, or attempting to commit suicide. It is unclear what happened hear. Hopefully, the CHP investigation will provide answers as to what happened and why.

Head-on Collision Wrongful Death Liability

Even though the at-fault party was killed in the crash, the victim's family may still pursue a wrongful death claim against the estate of the driver, and any other parties that caused or contributed to the incident. While this incident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim of this horrific crash would be well-advised to speak to a California wrongful death lawyer about the accident and their rights to pursue a claim for the devastating and heartbreaking loss of their loved one.

Continue reading "Two People Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on Interstate 5 in San Diego " »

FALLBROOK - A head-on collision Wednesday afternoon left two people with potentially life-threatening injuries, and a third person with serious injuries, the Fallbrook Village News reported. The accident, which involved a Ford F150 pickup truck and a Mitsubishi sedan, was reported at 3:32 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2011. The driver of the Ford, Joel Rivera, 32, was travelling northbound on South Mission Road when he fell asleep at the wheel near Big Oak Ranch. His truck swerved into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with the Mitsubishi sedan occupied by Eugene Bagwan, 55, of Lancaster, and Ricardo Totanes, 66, of Fallbrook. Both Bagwan and Totanes suffered life-threatening injuries. Totanes was flown to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. Bagwan and Rivera were taken by ambulance to the Trauma Center at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido.

Cause of the February 23rd Crash

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) - the agency investigating the collision - told the Village News that the driver of the Ford fell asleep at the wheel. Although the official cause of the crash is still under investigation, if news reports are accurate, the driver of the Ford is likely responsible for the collision. The CHP will surely look into why the 32-year-old driver fell asleep. Did he suffer from a medical condition, was he working too many hours, or was he under the influence of alcohol or impaired by drugs? Hopefully, the investigation will reveal exactly what happened, and why.

San Diego County Car Accident Injury Liability

If the driver of the Ford is determined to be responsible for this violent crash, he may also liable for the serious injuries sustained by the two occupants of the Mitsubishi sedan. If the pickup truck driver was working when the accident occurred, his employer could also be responsible. After a major injury collision such as this one on South Mission Road, the family members of the two badly injured men would be well-advised to speak with a knowledgeable and experienced San Diego car accident attorney. A skilled lawyer can help the victims and their families understand and protect their rights to be compensated for their serious injuries, including present and future medical care expenses, lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Three People Injured in Head-on Collision on South Mission Road " »

The Village News reported a woman was taken by ambulance to Palomar Medical Center following a head-on collision on State Route 76 Wednesday evening. The two-vehicle accident happened around 6 p.m. near Ramona Drive, just east of South Mission Road on Wednesday, January 12, 2011. News accounts of this incident were very limited and it is unclear why this incident occurred. Hopefully, the investigation by the CHP will reveal exactly what happened and who was responsible.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

After an injury accident such as this one, the injured victim or her family members would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego car accident lawyer. A skilled attorney can help the victim understand who was responsible for this accident and whether or not she may be entitled to recover financial compensation for the injuries she sustained, including medical care costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. It is always advisable to seek a consultation with a lawyer before accepting any compensation from your insurance company or providing a recorded statement about the accident.

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Three adults and a child suffered serious injuries in a head-on collision Friday night, the East County Magazine reported. The San Diego County accident was reported at 7:22 p.m. on Friday, December 17, 2010, on southbound State Route 94 near Otay Lakes Road. Further details were not available; it was unclear why the crash occurred or who was responsible.

Head-on Collision Personal Injury Liability

Head-on collisions have unique legal issues, and the CHP will surely investigate whether one of the drivers was intoxicated, distracted, or even possibly fell asleep at the wheel. In major injury accidents such as this one on Highway 94, it is always advisable for accident victims or their family members to speak to an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer about the accident and the unique legal issues involved. A skilled attorney can review the CHP report and advise the victims of their legal rights to compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Major Injury Head-on Collision Reported on Highway 94 " »

Another head-on collision on Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista has sent several people to the hospital, News 8 and 10 News both reported Sunday. The accident happened at about 10:45 a.m. on Otay Lakes Road near Lower Otay Reservoir on Sunday, December 5, 2010. According to CHP reports, a white car travelling at high speeds crossed double yellow lines and collided with a gray SUV. Several people were taken to the hospital with major injuries. Both vehicles had to be towed from the accident scene.

Cause of the Otay Lakes Road Head-on Collision

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Based on the limited information in news reports, it appears that the driver of the white vehicle may have been speeding, and could be responsible for this accident. Hopefully the investigation by law enforcement will reveal exactly what happened, and who was responsible.

Head-On Collision Personal Injury Liability

In California, victims of auto accidents caused by the negligence of others may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings due to not being able to work, and pain and suffering. After any accident resulting in serious injury, it is always advisable for accident victims to speak to an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer. An attorney can review the cause of the accident and help victims understand and protect their legal rights to compensation for their injuries and other related damages.

Continue reading "Several Injured in Head-on Collision on Otay Lakes Road " »

An American missionary from Lincoln, NE, suffered severe injuries last month in a devastating accident in Baja California, on the eve of the annual Baja 1000 race, the Lincoln Journal Star reported. The accident, a high-speed head-on collision, happened on November 17, 2010. The victim, James Lamb, 34, had just landed in Mexico and was driving with his brother, Andy Lamb, 33, from their missionary headquarters in northwestern Mexico to Ensenada to get potable water. Minutes after James Lamb started driving up a narrow dirt road, a truck coming the opposite direction slammed into his vehicle at the crest of the hill.

According to Race-Dezert.com, the truck that hit Lamb's minivan was the No. 86 Traxxas trophy truck driven by Mike Jenkins and Josh Baldwin. The speed of the vehicle was not known, but it was reportedly going at about 70% of race pace speed, according to one report. This horrific head-on collision happened the day before the Baja 1000, a thousand-mile off-road race that takes place every year on Mexico's Baja California peninsula. The trophy truck that struck Lamb's vehicle was on a reconnaissance run to prepare for the race.

Moments later after the collision with the trophy truck, a prerunner truck occupied by three U.S. Marines who had served in Afghanistan and a fourth civilian man stopped and rendered aid to James Lamb, who was trapped upside down in the smashed minivan. James' brother Andy suffered much less serious injuries.

The collision crushed both of James Lamb's legs. Lamb, the father of two children, was bleeding profusely, and his left arm was attached to his body by only a tendon. It took two hours until Mexican medics arrived - at which point the Marines told them what to do in Spanish, and even showed them how to use the extrication equipment to free Lamb from the wreckage. The next day, a life-flight jet was able to take James to UCSD Medical Center in San Diego, where he underwent emergency surgery, and began the very long road to recovery.

Accident Personal Injury Liability Issues

It is fortunate that the Marines who stopped at the scene were able to help - they may have indeed saved Lamb's life. However, the reality of this accident is that it caused permanently life-changing, catastrophic injuries. This accident raises a number of questions. Who is going to pay for surgeries, hospitalizations, and the treatment that James Lamb will need for the rest of his life? Is the reckless driver that caused this crash going to be held accountable? Despite the fact that this accident happened in Mexico, and not in the United States, the injured victim and his family likely have some legal recourse to hold the at-fault driver accountable. Lamb and his family likely have the ability to file a claim in the U.S. given that both drivers were U.S. citizens and the Baja 1000 is sponsored by a U.S. based sanctioning body.

In the aftermath of this accident, it would be absolutely advisable for the family of the victim to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A knowledgeable attorney can review the very unique legal issues that arise from this devastating accident and advise the family of their best course of action to hold the reckless driver fully accountable for the serious injuries he caused, including medical expenses, loss of earnings, physical pain and emotional suffering, and other related damages.

Sources: The Lincoln Journal Star Online, PickupTrucks.com, Race-Dezert.com

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" »

Two women reportedly suffered major injuries Tuesday morning in a head-on collision in Rancho Santa Fe, the North County Times reported. The two-vehicle accident occurred on Via De La Valle near the intersection of Calzada del Bosque at 11:31 a.m. on September 7, 2010. Firefighters from the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District responded and found two female drivers trapped in their vehicles with major injuries. Both women, who were not identified, were extricated and separately flown to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. The cause of the head-on collision is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Cause of the Rancho Santa Fe Head-on Collision

Based on only limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why this head-on crash occurred or who was responsible. Usually, when head-on collisions occur, one of the drivers is responsible for leaving their lane and entering oncoming traffic, either because they were distracted by something, impaired by alcohol, medication, or drugs, or because they fell asleep at the wheel. It is also possible that a driver suddenly swerved to avoid something in the road, or something malfunctioned mechanically in their vehicle to cause loss of control. Excessive speed can also be a factor in head-on collisions. Hopefully, the investigation by the CHP will provide answers as to what happened and why.

San Diego Car Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

If one of the drivers is determined to be at-fault for this serious injury accident, she may be liable for the injuries sustained to the other driver. While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, the family members of the injured victim may benefit from consulting with an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego personal injury attorney. A lawyer who has successfully represented numerous victims of head-on collisions in San Diego County can help the victim and her family undertand and protect her legal rights to ensure maximum compensation is recovered for injuries, medical expenses and pain and suffering as a result of this September 7th accident.

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A head-on crash on Interstate 8 near Westside road in El Centro left a 54-year-old Brawley man with multiple broken bones, KXO Radio reported. The two-vehicle accident was reported shortly after midnight on Monday, September 6th. According to the CHP, Clemente Hernandez, 54, of Brawley was driving eastbound on Interstate 8, while Devin Debrow, 23, of Show Low, AZ, was driving westbound. For reasons still unknown, Denbow drove off the roadway and onto the right shoulder, and then travelled across both westbound lanes, across the center divider, where it overturned several times. Denbow's vehicle continued into eastbound lanes where it collided with Hernandez's vehicle head-on. Denbow suffered minor injuries. A passenger in his vehicle was reportedly not hurt. Hernandez suffered multiple broken bones and was taken to El Centro Regional Medical Center.

Cause of the Interstate 8 Crash

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the Interstate 8 injury crash. If news reports are accurate, it appears that Hernandez was not responsible for this accident. The CHP is investigating what caused Denbow to lose control of his vehicle and cross end up in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 8.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

In situations such as this Labor Day car accident, where another party may be responsible for an accident resulting in serious injury, injured victims and their families are well-advised to consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer. An attorney who has represented victims of head-on collisions on Interstate 8 can advise the victim of his unique legal rights following this accident, and help him recover the maximum compensation he may be entitled to for his serious injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. In the event that the driver responsible for this accident was not insured or did not have adequate insurance coverage, a skilled personal injury lawyer may be able to help the victim recover compensation from his own automobile insurance policy, if he had one.

Continue reading "Brawley Man Injured in Head-On Crash in El Centro " »

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 " »

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" »