San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

CARLSBAD - The San Diego Union Tribune reported that a motorcyclist fatally struck a pedestrian Saturday night in Carlsbad. The male pedestrian, whose name is being withheld, was crossing El Camino Real, north of La Costa Avenue, when he was hit by a motorcyclist at about 6:40 p.m. The motorcyclist stopped after the collision and was not injured. However, the pedestrian was reported to have died at the scene of the accident.

Cause of the Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Carlsbad

There is no immediate information provided by news reports to determine who is responsible for this devastating accident or whether it could have been avoided. However, the Carlsbad Police Department will further investigate the January 7th collision and determine what happened and who is accountable.

Carlsbad Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If the police concludes that the accident was due to negligence of the motorcyclist, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a Carlsbad personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney who has handled pedestrian accidents in San Diego County, can advise the family of their legal rights in a wrongful death claim, and ensure they are fully compensated for funeral and burial expenses, future and anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Struck by Motorcyclist in Carlsbad" »

SAN DIEGO COUNTY -- According to NBC San Diego, a 62-year-old man was seriously injured in a possible hit-and-run accident in Carlsbad Sunday morning. Officers responded to the scene around 3:12 a.m. in the 300 block of Carlsbad Village Drive, when they found the pedestrian lying along the side of the road. The pedestrian, George W. Brown, sustained head injuries and was transported to Scripps Hospital in La Jolla after the crash. Doctors treating the victim indicated his injuries are consitent with being struck by a vehicle.

Cause of the Carlsbad Hit-And Run Pedestrian Accident

The incident on November 20th remains under investigation by the Carlsbad Police Department. However, based on the limited information provided by NBC San Diego, if the accident is determine by police that this was a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, it is absolutely inexcusable for the driver to flee the scene. Under the California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a): "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the Carlsbad Police at (760)931-2185.

Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability

While the investigation of this horrible accident is ongoing, the injured victim or his family would be well-advised to seek a skilled San Diego pedestrian accident lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney who has handled hit-and-run incidents, can advise the victim of his legal rights in a personal injury claim, help police in efforts to locate the driver, and decide the best course of action in recovering the maximum compensation the victim is entitled to for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages.

Continue reading "Man Severely Injured in Possible Hit-And-Run Accident in Carlsbad" »

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.

LA COSTA - In personal injury news, the city of Carlsbad has agreed to a $2.9 million settlement with a motorcyclist who suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident on La Costa Avenue on December 31, 2008. According to the North County Times, the accident from which the suit arose occurred when the motorcyclist, Frank Gaetani, collided with a Lincoln Navigator that was pulling out of a residence on La Costa Avenue.

In February 2009, Gaetani filed a lawsuit against the city of Carlsbad, alleging that the city was aware of problems on the busy commuter route, but had failed to address them. Residents of La Costa Avenue have long campaigned for the city to rework the roadway and reduce the 45 mph speed limit. Last week, the city installed signs on La Costa Avenue alerting motorists that they are "entering a residential area" and to "watch for driveways."

The driver of the Lincoln Navigator had previously reached a settlement with the victim, who suffers from permanent brain damage. The city will pay $500,000 of the $2.9 million motorcycle accident settlement. The remainder $2.4 million will be covered by the city's insurance company, Everest National Insurance Co.

Continue reading "City of Carlsbad Agrees to $2.9 Million Settlement for Motorcycle Accident " »

A 21-year-old man and a 15-year-old girl were taken to local hospitals Wednesday night after an injury collision in Carlsbad, 10 News reported. The accident occurred at the intersection of College Boulevard and Carlsbad Village Drive at about 7:50 p.m. Wednesday, according to police. Authorities believe the 21-year-old man ran a red light and collided with a minivan carrying the teenager. The man suffered a broken foot and head laceration, and the teenager was airlifted to Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego with abdominal pain. A second minor-injury crash occurred when a driver distracted by the wreckage sideswiped another vehicle and slammed into an electrical box, causing an overnight power outage.

Cause of the October 27th Carlsbad Car Accident

Carlsbad Police are investigating the cause of the accident. However, if news reports are accurate, the 21-year-old man who reportedly ran a red light likely caused this crash. It is unclear if the driver was distracted, impaired, or recklessly trying to speed through the intersection. Statistics show that male drivers under age 25 are in a high-risk group for causing collisions.

Carlsbad Car Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

If it is determined that the 21-year-old driver caused the accident, he may be liable for the serious injuries the teenager suffered, including her medical expenses and pain and suffering. In situations such as this one, where another driver is likely responsible for an accident resulting in serious injury to the passenger of another vehicle, the family of the injured passenger would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable and experienced Carlsbad personal injury attorney. Whenever injuries are serious, it is always advisable for victims to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to begin the process of determining fault and establishing liability. The claims process can be unfamiliar, and victims can protect themselves from being undercompensated by contacting a lawyer as soon as possible. Frequently victims are surprised to learn they are entitled to substantially more compensation than is initially offered by an insurance company.

Continue reading "Two Injured in Carlsbad Intersection Car Accident " »

An elderly Carlsbad woman was taken to the hospital Sunday afternoon after she was struck by a car driven by another elderly woman in Carlsbad. The accident occurred in the 3500 block of Celinda Drive (near Chesnut Avenue), at about 1:15 p.m. According to the Coast News, the initial investigation revealed that an elderly woman was backing a car out of the driveway, while the elderly pedestrian was standing or walking behind the vehicle. As the car went into reverse, the pedestrian was caught between the left rear of the vehicle and another car parked in the driveway. The pedestrian, who was not identified, suffered serious head and torso injuries. She was taken to the football field at Carlsbad High School and flown via air ambulance to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla.

Personal Injury Liability Issues

Carlsbad Police are investigating the incident. However, if news reports are accurate, it sounds as if the driver of the vehicle may be responsible for this accident. In situations such as this one, where another driver may be responsible for an accident that causes serious injury to a pedestrian, the family members of the injured victim may benefit from speaking to an experienced San Diego pedestrian injury attorney. An attorney experienced in the unique legal issues of pedestrian backup accidents can advise the victim's family of her rights to compensation for her injuries, including hospitalization costs, future medical care, pain and suffering and other related damages.

Continue reading "Elderly Woman Struck by Car Backing Out of Driveway in Carlsbad " »

A 22-year-old man was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital after he was struck by a pickup truck while riding his bike in Carlsbad, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The accident occurred Monday, June 7, at about 11:30 p.m. on Cannon Road, east of Hemingway, police said.

The man, who was not identified, suffered a head injury and an apparent broken leg. The pickup driver, who was also not identified, was not cited. However, the investigation into the cause of the accident is still pending and charges could be filed at a later date. 10 News reported that the cyclist was riding in the bike lane when he was struck.

Bike Accident Personal Injury Liability Considerations

While this accident remains under the investigation of police, the family of the victim injured in this accident would be well-advised to consult with a San Diego bicycle accident attorney. Even if the driver is not cited, the victim may still be entitled to compensation for his injuries in a personal injury claim. A skilled bike accident lawyer can help the injured victim understand and protect his legal rights, and obtain full and maximum compensation for his medical expenses related to the accident, lost earnings and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Cyclist Hospitalized After Carlsbad Bicycle Accident " »

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.

Continue reading "Woman and Dog Injured in Interstate 5 Rollover Accident in Carlsbad" »

The North County Times reported a 17-year-old Carlsbad resident was seriously injured early Thursday morning when she drove a Ford F-150 Truck into a construction zone on Carlsbad Boulevard. The accident occurred near Island Way, at about 1 a.m. on April 15th. The teenager was trapped in her vehicle. Apparently, she had driven about 21000 feet through barrel barricades and a chain link fence. The truck pushed the fence forward until it became lodged under a large excavator.

The teenager, who was not identified, was extricated and transported by helicopter to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. Please keep her in your prayers. We hope she makes a full recovery.

Who Was At Fault?

Carlsbad police were investigating why the accident occurred. Based upon the news reports of the incident, it is not clear if the girl was driving recklessly or otherwise at fault, or if something was wrong with her vehicle. If the accident was caused by a defect in the vehicle or mechanical malfuction, such as a faulty gas pedal, the manufacturer of the Ford could be held liable for the Carlsbad accident and the teen's injuries.

Fault and Personal Injury Liability

In situations like this, where it is not entirely clear what happened, injured victims and their families would be well-advised to speak with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney who can oversee the investigation by law enforcement and determine if the accident was in fact the fault of the auto manufacturer. In any situation where a defect in the vehicle is suspected, the car must not be repaired or altered until it can be inspected, as the vehicle itself is important evidence.

Continue reading "Carlsbad High School Student Injured in Early Morning Construction Zone Crash " »

The lure of the beach and mild climate brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to Carlsbad, CA each year, and is the year-around home to more than 100,000 people. Unfortunately, a number of people are injured, some very seriously, in car accidents in this beautiful part of San Diego County every year. After a serious car accident, it is important to choose a personal injury attorney who is familiar with the community you were hurt in and the local court system. The Carlsbad personal injury attorneys at Estey Bomberger have been representing and protecting the rights of both visitors and residents injured in San Diego County for nearly two decades.

We have handled a number of Carlsbad auto accidents, including accidents on Interstate 5, drunk driving accidents, and accidents involving pedestrians in downtown Carlsbad. To learn more about how we have helped victims of personal injury and wrongful death in San Diego and throughout Southern California, see our client video testimonials and case results. To speak with an attorney about your case, call us anytime for a free consultation over the phone. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, give you an honest opinion of the value of your potential personal injury case, and advise you of your best course of action going forward.