San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

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 " »

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 " »

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 " »

Three people were taken to El Centro Regional Medical Center following a two-vehicle accident Saturday afternoon in El Centro, KXO Radio reported. The Imperial County crash occurred at the intersection of S Imperial Avenue and Vine Street, shortly after 4:30 p.m on July 3rd.

According to news reports, an elderly driver in a Ford Fusion waiting to turn onto Imperial Avenue from Vine Street allegedly pulled into the path of a Honda Accord travelling southbound on Imperial Avenue. The collision sent the Honda Accord, occupied by two Los Angeles women, about 222 feet south of the intersection, where it came to rest against a tree in the yard of a nearby home.

The driver of the southbound vehicle had to be extricated by El Centro firefighters. The passenger in her vehicle suffered a broken arm and other injuries. The elderly driver of the Ford Fusion, an El Centro woman in her early 80's, was also hurt. The intersection was closed for more than an hour while authorities investigated the cause of the crash. The Imperial Valley Press reported that no skid marks were found at the crash scene.

Cause of the Crash

If news reports are accurate, police believe the driver of the Ford Fusion caused this accident. However, El Centro Police are still investigating exactly what happened.

Car Accident Personal Injury Liability Considerations

If it is determined that the driver of the Ford Fusion caused this July 3rd El Centro car accident, she may be liable for the injuries of the two Los Angeles women in the Honda Accord. In cases such as this one, the victims of this crash or their families would likely benefit from contacting an experienced California personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help them protect their legal rights and seek compensation for their medical expenses, any lost earnings, emotional pain and suffering, and other accident related expenses. In the event that the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, an attorney may also advise victims how to seek compensation from their own auto insurance policy, if they had one.

Continue reading "Three Injured in El Centro Intersection Crash " »

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 auto 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 school bus carrying El Camino High School students overturned Wednesday morning in Oceanside, NBC News reported. The accident occurred on El Camino Real at North Douglas Drive at about 11:20 a.m. The school bus, which was was carrying 23 students that were part of a tutoring program for local elementary schools, turned on its side after it collided with a small white sedan.

One of the students was airlifted to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. The bus driver and five other students were taken to local hospitals by ground ambulance. The cause of the crash remains under investigation; it was not immediately clear who was at fault.

School Bus Accident Personal Injury Liability

It is estimated that about 17,000 students are injured in school bus accidents each year. In situations where school buses overturn, children are especially vulnerable to injury, without the protection of a seatbelt. While this accident remains under investigation, the parents of the teens hurt in this accident would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney who has successfully handled school bus accident injury cases can help the families protect their legal rights and obtain maximum, full and fair compensation for the teens' injuries as a result of this accident.

Continue reading "At Least Six Students Injured in Oceanside School Bus Accident " »

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. An 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 " »

CBS 8 News reported this morning that five people, including two young children, were taken to local hospitals after an intersection accident Tuesday evening in Chula Vista. The May 25th injury accident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on East H Street at the intersection of the Interstate 805 onramp. According to reports, an SUV stopped at a red light was rear-ended by a work truck. Police said the driver of the truck was speeding.

The impact of the collision sent the small SUV nearly 100 feet forward. The rear of the vehicle was pushed into the back seat where the two young children were seated. The parents of the children were also injured. The driver of the work truck was flown to UCSD Hospital along with one of the other victims. The other injured victims were taken to hospitals by ambulance. Chula Vista police are investigating whether alcohol was a factor in the rear-end collision.

The San Diego Union Tribune reported that the three vehicles were involved in the collision. It is unclear how the third vehicle was involved and if anyone else was hurt.

Continue reading "Five Hospitalized After Chula Vista Intersection Crash " »

A 10-year-old girl suffered serious injuries Friday afternoon when a collision caused a pickup truck to jump a curb and strike her, City News Service reported. The El Cerrito accident was reported at around 2:45 p.m. Friday, May 7th., in the 5500 block of El Cajon Boulevard. According to reports, a eastbound pickup truck collided with a westbound Volkswagen, causing the pickup truck to spin out and jump the curb, striking the young girl.

The girl, who was not identified, suffered serious head and facial injuries and was taken to Children's Hospital. We hope that she makes a fast and full recovery from her undoubtedly very serious injuries. Please keep her in your prayers. San Diego 6 News reported four people were hurt in the accident. It is not clear who else was injured or the extent of their injuries.

Personal Injury Liability Issues

As an uninvolved pedestrian standing out of traffic on the side of the road, the young girl was certainly not at fault for her injuries. She was hurt because of the collision that took place on El Cajon Boulevard. Based on the news reports, it is not clear whether the driver of the Volkswagen or the driver of the pickup truck was at fault.

The driver determined to have caused this crash will likely also be determined to have caused the young child's injuries. While the accident is still being investigated, the family of the girl hurt in this crash would be well-advised to talk to a San Diego personal injury attorney familiar with the unique legal issues of pedestrian accidents involving children. An experienced attorney can help the family understand and protect their legal rights, and recover the compensation the victim is entitled to for her injuries, including her medical care expenses and pain and suffering endured as a result of this accident.

Continue reading "Head-On Collision Injures 10-Year-Old Girl Standing on Side of Road " »

An 87-year-old man died Sunday about five hours following a crash in Point Loma, authorities reported. The accident occurred at the intersection of Centraloma Drive and Nimitz Boulevard at about 8:15 a.m. on April 18th. The man, identified by the San Diego Medical Examiner as Rolando Arnold, was taken to UC Medical Center in Hillcrest where he died about five hours after the crash. Based on the news reports of this accident in the San Diego Union Tribune, it is unclear how the accident occurred and if any other vehicles were involved. The San Diego police department is investigating the cause of the crash.

Fault and Wrongful Death Liability

Without more information, it is impossible to tell who is responsible for this fatal accident. However, if another driver caused this fatal Point Loma auto accident, or if a dangerous condition in a roadway caused the accident, the family of the victim may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one. While this accident is under investigation, the family of the man killed in this crash may benefit from speaking with an experienced San Diego wrongful death attorney who can oversee the investigation and determine whether the family may have legal rights in a wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "87-Year-Old Dies of Injuries After Point Loma Intersection Crash " »

A 24-year-old woman suffered major injuries Saturday after she was struck by a car in University City, authorities reported. The accident occurred at the intersection of Genesee Avenue and La Jolla Village Drive just before noon on April 17, 2010. According to reports in the San Diego Union Tribune, the woman, who was not identified, was riding northbound on Genesee Avenue when she was hit by a 2004 Infiniti sedan that was travelling west on La Jolla Village Drive.

Witnesses reported the windshield of the Infiniti was shattered, and authorities said that the woman's injuries were serious, but did not appear to be life-threatening. San Diego police are currently investigating the cause of the accident. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.

This UTC area accident is at least the second major accident involving a cyclist on Genesee Avenue in the last six months. On November 9, 2009, a 63-year-old San Diego man was killed when his bicycle collided with a police car at the intersection of Genesee Avenue and Governor Drive, about 1.5 miles from the location of this April 17 accident.

Fault and Liability Issues

Based on the news report of the accident, it is unclear why the accident occurred and who was at fault for the accident. In the course of their investigation, police will hopefully determine if the driver of the Infiniti was at fault, or if the cyclist rode into the path of the car. If the driver of the Infiniti caused this accident, he may be held financially liable for the cyclist's medical expenses, any lost earnings caused by the accident, and her pain and suffering.

While this crash remains under investigation, the family of the injured cyclist would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and skilled San Diego bicycle accident lawyer who can explain the unique legal issues of this accident, and help the family protect their legal rights and understand their options. Depending on how the accident occurred, the cyclist may be entitled to compensation for her injuries even if the driver is not cited for the accident by law enforcement.

Continue reading "Female Cyclist Struck By Car, Seriously Injured in University City " »

A 19-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman were seriously injured Saturday night in a crash in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego police reported. The crash occurred at the intersection of Bernardo Center Drive and Camino del Norte, shortly after 9 p.m.

According to reports by City News Service, the 76-year-old woman ran a red light at the intersection and collided with the vehicle driven by the 19-year-old, who was turning left from Berando Center Drive onto Camino Del Norte. The woman, who was not identified, was driving a Toyota Camry. The 19-year-old man was driving an Acura Coupe. It is not clear how fast the vehicles were going when the collision occurred. The young man suffered a serious knee injury, and the woman injured her pelvis. Both were taken to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido. Police are investigating the crash, but do not believe alcohol was a factor in the collision.

Fault and Liability Issues

If news reports are accurate, the woman driving the Camry was likely at fault for running the red light. Accidents involving elderly drivers also raise questions as to whether the driver had the abilities or skills to drive safely. With growing numbers of elderly drivers on the road, crashes involving elderly drivers are on the rise. While this accident remains under investigation by law enforcement, the young man injured in this crash would be well-advised to speak with a San Diego personal injury attorney who can help him protect his legal rights following this accident. Compensation for a car accident injury claim can include damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to the accident.

Continue reading "Two Injured in Rancho Bernardo Intersection Crash " »