San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

SAN DIEGO - According to multiple news reports, roughly eight people suffered injuries after a horrific two-car accident in San Carlos Tuesday. The collision occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Lake Badin Avenue near Jackson Drive. Police at the scene said a father and his three children - aged 1, 7, and 11 - were in an SUV traveling east on Lake Badin Avenue when it was struck by a Dodge Charger carrying five people - possibly all teens.

The impact of the collision caused the SUV to rollover and eject the 1-year-old from the vehicle. The father was also trapped in the SUV and was extricated from the vehicle. Following accident, the 1-year-old suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Rady Children's Hospital. The father and his three other children, along with the five occupants in the Dodge sustained moderate injuries, and were taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital and Scripps La Jolla.

Cause of the San Carlos Car Accident

The accident on the night of January 24th remains under investigation by the San Diego Police Department. However, based on the information provided by news reports, it is not clear what could have caused this crash. Authorities are attempting to determine if speed or negligence prompted the collision, however, they indicated alcohol may have been a factor.

San Diego Auto Accident Liability

While the investigation of the accident remains ongoing, victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact a skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney who has handled many auto accidents such as this one, can help the victims protect their legal rights to hold the party or parties responsible for the crash financially liable for their injuries, and ensure they obtain the compensation they are entitled to for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages in this devastating car accident.

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CARLSBAD - The North County Times reported a vehicle overturned in a collision Saturday afternoon in Carlsbad, near the intersection of Rancho Santa Fe Road and Calle Barcelona. The accident was reported at 5:54 p.m. on September 10, 2011, and traffic was blocked around the intersection until after 6:30 p.m., according to dispatch reports. The NC Times reported that driver of the overturned vehicle may have been injured, but the injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. It is unclear if this was a solo-vehicle accident, or if multiple vehicles were involved.

Carlsbad Car Accident Injury Liability

Anytime a vehicle accident is attributed to negligence, such as a reckless driver, a dangerous road condition, or a vehicle mechanical defect, accident victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries from the responsible party. Damages recovered in a personal injury claim may include medical treatment costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you or someone close to you has suffered a serious injury in a Carlsbad vehicle collision, contact the Carlsbad personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation. An experienced San Diego personal injury lattorney can review your potential case and advise you of your legal rights and options, should you wish to pursue a claim.

WARNER SPRINGS - One person was hurt early Saturday morning in a rollover crash on State Route 79, the California Highway Patrol reported. According to 10 News, a white two-door sedan overturned while rounding a sharp right turn in the 41000 block of the highway just after 6 a.m. Further information was not available; the cause of the June 4th Highway 79 rollover accident remains under investigation.

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POWAY - One person was taken to the hospital following a solo-vehicle rollover crash early Tuesday on Scripps Poway Parkway, 10 News reported. The accident was reported shortly before 1:30 a.m., just east of Poway's business park. One of the occupants of the vehicle was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital. The extent of the person's injuries was not clear. Further details about the rollover accident were not available. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is investigating the May 31st crash.

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VISTA - A 26-year-old Los Angeles man who survived a rollover accident early Friday morning was tragically struck and killed moments later by a passing vehicle, 10 News reported. The man, who was not identified, was the driver and one of three occupants of a Toyota Scion travelling eastbound on SR-78, just east of Civic Center drive, at about 12:37 a.m. on Friday April 22, 2011. The Scion was reportedly clipped by a pickup truck and flipped over. For unknown reasons, the driver got out of his heavily damaged vehicle, climbed over the center divider and attempted to sprint across westbound traffic. He was struck by a Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck and died at the scene.

Cause of the Highway 78 Fatality Accident

News accounts of this incident do not provide a full picture of exactly what happened. The CHP is investigating the incident, including what caused the initial rollover accident in the eastbound lanes and the secondary car vs. pedestrian incident in the westbound lanes. If the driver of the Chevy pickup truck was speeding or driving under the influence, he may be determined to be partly responsible. It is unclear whether or not the driver sustained serious injuries in the initial rollover, and why he attempted to cross the freeway.

Freeway Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Accidents such as this one are heartbreaking, and the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one is devastating. Following a fatal accident such as this one, family members may have many questions regarding who is responsible for their loved one's death. While the incident remains under investigation, family members may benefit from speaking with a California wrongful death lawyer who has represented numerous victims of Highway 78 accidents. An attorney familiar with the unique legal issues of freeway bystander and pedestrian accidents can advise the victim's family of their legal rights following this accident, and best course of action to protect them.

Continue reading "Driver Struck and Killed Following Crash on Highway 78 in Vista " »

MIRA MESA - A Ford Explorer rollover accident killed a 30-year-old Poway man early Sunday morning on Interstate 15, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The victim, Valente Martinez, was the driver and sole occupant of a 1997 green Ford Explorer heading southbound on I-15, just north of the Mira Mesa Boulevard overpass at about 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, February 13, 2011. For reasons not known, Martinez lost control of the SUV, which overturned and partially ejected Martinez through the driver's side window. Martinez, who authorities say was not wearing a seat belt, suffered a major head injury and died at the scene of the crash.

Cause of the I-15 SUV Rollover Accident

The California Highway Patrol is the agency investigating this fatal crash. Based on the very limited information provided in news reports, it is impossible to determined what caused this crash to occur. The CHP will surely look into whether Martinez fell asleep, was driving under the influence, or if he was distracted. It is also possible that a defect in a tire may have caused Martinez to lose control of the SUV. An inspection of the vehicle may reveal clues into what happened and why.

SUV Rollover Wrongful Death Liability

Without more information, it is impossible to tell why this accident occurred and who was responsible. SUV rollover accidents - particulary accidents involving Ford Explorers - have unique liability issues. If the accident was caused by a defect in the vehicle, the family members of the victim may pursue a wrongful death claim against the manufacturer of the vehicle or vehicle part that is determined to have caused the crash. After an accident such as this one, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a San Diego SUV rollover lawyer who has represented numerous victims of Ford Explorer Rollover accidents. An attorney familiar with the unique legal issues of For Explorer rollovers can review what happened and advise the family of their potential legal rights in a wrongful death claim.

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A 16-year-old El Centro girl sadly died Saturday evening at UCSD Medical Center in San Diego, a week after a solo-vehicle accident on Austin Road in El Centro, the San Diego County Medical Examiner reported in a press release. The victim, Betsua Alonso, was a passenger in a Ford F-150 travelling south on Austin Road. For unknown reasons, the driver veered off the roadway, and then overcorrected, causing the pickup truck to veer into the Central Main Canal north of McCabe Road. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Potential Wrongful Death Liability Issues

After a tragic accident such as this one, the family may be understandably be wondering whether the roadway could have been constructed in such a way that this accident could have been prevented. While this crash remains under investigation, the family may benefit from speaking to an experienced and knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer regarding whether a dangerous road condition was a factor in the ultimately fatal accident. If negligence of the county or state agency responsible for maintaining the roadway caused this accident, the family may be entitled to financial compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of love, care, and companionship, and other damages in a wrongful death claim.

It is important to remember that any claim against a California government agency must be filed within 180 days of the date of the accident. For this reason, family members wishing to inquiry about a potential claim should contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Continue reading "El Centro Teen Dies of Injuries Following Crash Into Irrigation Canal " »

Six teen boys, all ages 14 and 15, were hurt Wednesday afternoon when a 15-year-old boy took his grandmother's SUV without her permission and took his friends on a high-speed joy ride and crashed, East County Magazine reported. The driver, a resident of Campo who did not have a driver's license or even a learner's permet, reportedly took his grandmother's 2003 white Chevrolet Tahoe SUV without her knowledge and picked up five of his friends at Mountain Empire High School in Pine Valley. The vehicle was apparently travelling at a high rate of speed on Buckman Springs Road when the driver failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of the vehicle. The SUV overturned numerous times before coming to rest on its wheels.

One of the teens was riding in the cargo area of the Chevy Tahoe and suffered serious internal injuries. He was flown by Mercy Air to Rady Children's Hospital. The other teens, including the driver, who all were wearing seat belts, were transported by ambulance to Grossmont Hospital and Alvarado Hospital.

Personal Injury Liability Issues

It is very fortunate for all involved that none of the six young men involved in this accident were killed. Hopefully, this incident will be an example for each of the teens of the dangers of speeding and driving irresponsibly. From a liability standpoint, this accident raises a number of legal questions and possibly complex issues. Ordinarily, the owner of a vehicle is liable for injuries sustained in an accident caused by a driver who had permission to use a vehicle. In some cases involving non-permissive use, negligence of the owner (such as leaving the keys in the ignition) could make the owner of the vehicle liable for the injuries of the five passengers. In situations such as this one, the parents of the injured passengers would be well-advised to talk to a San Diego personal injury lawyer about the Pine Valley accident, and the victims' rights to compensation in a personal injury claim.

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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.

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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 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.

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A 32-year-old Cardiff-by-the-sea woman tragically died Thursday night in an SUV rollover accident on Interstate 5, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The July 1st accident was reported at 11:28 p.m. on northbound Interstate 5 near Gilman Drive, according to a press release issued by the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office.

The victim, identified by the San Diego County Medical Examiner as Saba Shirazi, was the driver and sole occupant of a black 1997 Infiniti QX4 sport utility vehicle. For reasons still under investigation, Shirazi lost control of her vehicle and struck the center median of Interstate 5. Her SUV then crossed back into northbound traffic, where it was struck by a white 2005 Ford Focus. Shirazi died of her injuries at the scene. The 58-year-old female driver of the Ford suffered a broken leg and other serious injuries, but was expected to survive, the CHP said.

Cause of the Interstate 5 Rollover Crash

Without additional information, it is impossible to determine why this horrific I-5 accident occurred, and who was at fault. If the driver of the Infiniti lost control of her vehicle due to a mechanical design defect or a defective tire that caused a blowout, the manufacturer of the Infiniti could be liable and financially responsible for this accident, and possibly the injuries to the driver of the Ford Focus as well. On the other hand, it is possible that the driver of the Infiniti or the Ford Focus contributed to the collision. In the course of their investigation, the California Highway Patrol will certainly look at issues such as speed, potential alcohol intoxication, vehicle malfunction, dangerous road condition, and other possible causes.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability Considerations

Mutl-vehicle accidents on freeways have unique legal issues. While this accident is still under investigation by law enforcement, the family members of the victims of this crash would be well-advised to talk to an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney about the legal issues involved in this incident. A skilled lawyer can look at the facts of this accident and review the accident report to help the victims understand what exactly happened and who was responsible. An attorney familiar with these types of highway accident rollover cases can also advise the victims' families of their best course of action to protect and preserve their rights going forward, and how to obtain the maximum possible compensation in a wrongful death or personal injury claim.

Continue reading "One Killed, One Seriously Injured Thursday Night in I-5 Rollover Crash Near Gilman Drive " »

A Chula Vista woman died and a San Diego woman suffered very serious injuries Tuesday morning in a horrific head-on collision on California State Route 125, KGTV 10 News reported. The accident occurred on state Route 125, north of Jamacha Road at about 8:40 a.m.

Authorities say that Neydi Arely Ramirez, 25, of Chula Vista, was driving north on the highway when for reasons not known, she lost control of her gold Ford Explorer and crossed the center divide. Her SUV overturned and collided with a silver Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Theresa Flournoy, 48, of San Diego. The impact of the collision sent the SUV into the path of a marked Border Patrol Jeep Wrangler driven by an on-duty agent.

Ramirez, who authorities say was wearing her seat belt, died at the scene of the crash. Flournoy suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Mercy Hospital. The Border Patrol agent did not suffer serious injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. A CHP officer said there was no evidence that alcohol or drugs played a role in the June 1st accident.

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A woman and her dog were injured in a rollover accident Friday morning on Interstate 5, San Diego 6 News reported. The crash occurred on southbound I-5, north of Cannon Road, shortly after 10:00 a.m. May 28th. According to reports, a tire blew out on the vehicle, causing it to veer up a steep embankment and overturn on the west side of the freeway. Carlsbad firefighters removed the woman and her dog from the car. The woman was taken to a hospital and a police officer took the dog to a veterinarian. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the Carlsbad rollover accident. The extent of the victims' injuries was not reported.

Tire Blowouts and Personal Injury Liability

In any situation where a tire blowout leads to a vehicle rollover accident, injured victims are well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney as soon as possible. There are many causes of tire blowouts, including, aged tires, underinflated tires, nails, and other debris, and defects in the manufacturing of the tire. An experienced attorney can arrange to have the vehicle and the blown out tire inspected to see if the way the tire was manufactured caused this crash, and if the tire has previously been recalled for any defects. If an accident is caused by a tire defect, the manufacturer of the tire may be financially liable for the injuries of the victim, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

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A 55-year-old Chula Vista man died in a SUV rollover on Interstate 5 in Kern County Friday morning, KBAK Eyewitness News reported. According to news reports in Bakersfield.com, the victim, Alex Ayson Solis, was driving a 2004 Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle northbound on Interstate 5 shortly after 10 a.m., just south of Highway 46 when, for unknown reasons, he lost control of his vehicle. The car overturned multiple times and Solis, who was wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene of the crash.

The California Highway Patrol reported that there were six people inside the SUV. One other passenger was airlifted to Kern Medical Center with major injuries. Four others were taken to local hospitals by ground ambulance with moderate to major injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Fatal Ford Explorer Rollover Accidents

There have be a number of fatal rollover accidents this year in Southern California involving Ford Explorer sport utility vehicles. On Sunday, April 25, 2010, a Canyon Country man when the 1999 Ford Explorer he was riding in overturned multiple times on the 14 Freeway in Agua Dulce. On Monday, April 5, 2010, a San Diego man died in a Ford Explorer rollover accident on Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton. On Sunday, March 28, 2010, two people from, Rancho Cucamonga were killed in a rollover accident on Interstate 15 in the Cajon Pass. On Thursday, March 4, 2010, two men were killed in a rollover accident on Interstate 40 involving a 2001 Mercury Mountaineer (Mercury Mountaineers are mechanically identical to Ford Explorers).

Liability Issues in Ford Explorer Rollover Accidents

Ford Explorer rollover rates are higher than the rates of the vehicle's competitors. Many of the injuries and fatalities sustained in rollover accidents can be attributed to design defects in the vehicles that cause them to be unstable and susceptible to overturn. In February of this year, a jury in West Valley Superior Court returned a 12-0 verdict ordering Ford Motor Company to pay $23.5 million to a woman paralyzed when her 1997 Ford Explorer overturned on Interstate 15 in 2007. At the trial for that accident, a jury saw evidence that Ford had been shown improvements that would make the vehicles safer, but did not implement them.

Continue reading "Chula Vista Man Killed, Five Injured in Ford Explorer Rollover on Interstate 5 in Kern County " »