San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

SAN DIEGO - A 21-year-old man suffered a broken femur and broken collarbone in a collision Tuesday afternoon in the Barrio Logan area, 10 News reported. The accident, which involved the motorcycle, and a Chevrolet Monte Carlo, was reported at the collision of Main Street and Vesta Street, at 4:47 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

According to news reports, the victim was riding eastbound on Main Street when the Chevrolet, travelling westbound, turned left in front the motorcycle's path, onto Vesta Street. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the San Diego Police Report Traffic Division. It is unclear how fast the car or the motorcycle were travelling when the crash occurred.

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

If the investigation determines that the driver of the Chevrolet is responsible for causing this crash, by failing to yield to the right-of-way of the motorcyclist, the driver may be liable for the victim's injuries. Compensation recovered in a San Diego motorcycle accident personal injury claim may include damages for medical care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. Following a serious injury accident such as this one, the victim or his family would be well-advised to contact a San Diego personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. A skilled attorney can review the accident report, and advise the victim and his family of their best course of action following this January 31st accident.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Left-Turn Collision in Barrio Logan" »

SAN DIEGO - A 21-year-old motorcyclist was horribly struck and injured by a pickup truck yesterday morning, 10 News reported. The terrible crash occurred at the intersection 4th Avenue and Broadway just around 8:40 a.m Friday. According to Sgt. Ray Battrick of the San Diego Police Department, the motorcyclist was traveling south on 4th when he was hit by a 23-year-old man driving east in a 1979 Chevy pickup. The motorcyclist suffered a broken hip and other leg injuries after the crash and was transported to a hospital for treatment. No other details were released regarding the incident or the names of the individuals involved.

Accidents involving motorcycles and automobiles can yield catastrophic injuries, and at times, can be fatal for the motorcyclist as there are no barriers protecting or embracing the impact of a collision. Therefore, in situations where it is not evident what exactly happened and why, the victim or the victim's family would be well-advised to speak to an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney who has handled personal injury claims can protect the victim's legal rights and ensure the he is fully compensated for his injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings due to time away from work, pain and suffering, or other related damages in the January 20th motorcycle accident.

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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.

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY -- A motorcyclist was tragically struck and injured by two vehicles in Escondido on Tuesday morning, North County Times reported. The accident occurred at about 5:50 a.m., when the driver of a 2003 Saturn, Michael Maclean, 29, of Escondido, failed to stop at the intersection of Bear Valley Parkway and Birch Avenue, and then struck the 21-year-old Escondido motorcyclist Edgar Hernandez-Rodriguez. The collision caused the motorcyclist to be ejected from the bike and land on the road.

While Hernandez-Rodriguez was laying on the road, the driver of 2003 Dodge Dakota, Matthew Bertrand, 41, of Santee, struck him about 8 minutes after the crash. According to CHP officer Chris Parent, people at the scene tried to warn Bertrand of the injured motorcyclist lying on the road, but he failed to stop.

Following this horrific accident, Hernandez-Rodriguez sustained major injuries and was taken to Palomar Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition.

Cause of the Motorcycle Crash in Escondido

Based on the information provided by North County Times, it appears the driver of Saturn may be at fault for the collision due to failing to stop at stop sign. However, it is not evident what caused the driver of the Dakota to hit the injured motorcyclist while being warned by people about the incident. Therefore, the California Highway Patrol will investigate this December 13th motorcycle collision, and determine who are responsible for the accident.

Motorcycle Accident Injury Personal Injury Liability

In situations such as this one, the injured victim or the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer. An experienced attorney who has handled unique and complex motorcycle accidents, can help the victim protect his legal rights in a personal injury claim, and hold the responsible party and/or parties financially liable for the victim's injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and other related damages in this horrible motorcycle accident.

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY - A 35-year-old Chula Vista motorcyclist was critically injured after colliding with an SUV at about 4:55 p.m. Saturday. 10 News reported that the accident occurred at the intersection of Palomar Street and Industrial Boulevard when the driver of a Jeep Liberty made a left turn in front of the motorcyclist.

According the Chula Vista Police Lt. Dan Hardman, the motorcyclist could not avoid the collision, and therefore, struck the side of the vehicle. After this devastating crash, the motorcyclist, whose name was not immediately available, suffered serious injuries and was transported to UCSD Medical Center for further treatment.

Cause of the Motorcycle Accident in Chula Vista

Based on the information provided by 10 News, it is unclear why the driver of the SUV made a left turn in front of the motorcyclist. Therefore, authorities investigating the collision will try to determine if unsafe or negligent driving was a factor in the accident, along with who is ultimately responsible.

San Diego Motorcycle Accident Injury Liability

If it is determined by the police that the driver of the SUV is responsible for the accident due to negligence or unsafe driving, the injured victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to an experienced San Diego motorcycle accident attorney.

A knowledgeable lawyer who has helped numerous motorcycle accident victims, can ensure the victim's legal rights are protected in a civil suit, and decide the best way to obtain the compensation he deserves. Compensation in a personal injury claim can include medical care expenses, lost wages, scarring, disfigurement, pain and suffering, or other damages relating to this horrible motorcycle accident.

Continue reading "Man Injured in Chula Vista Motorcycle Accident" »

ENCINITAS - A motorcyclist was seriously injured after being involved in an accident in Encinitas. According to 10 News, the accident happened at about 5:30 p.m. Friday on Via Cantebria, just south of Garden View Road, when the motorcyclist struck the side of a vehicle that was backing out of a private driveway. The horrible collision then caused the motorcyclist to be thrown off the bike. Following the accident, the motorcyclist was airlifted to Sharp Memorial Hospital trauma center, where he facing life-threatening injuries.

Cause of the Encinitas Motorcycle Crash

The accident on December 9th remains under investigation by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. However, based on the information provided by 10 News, it is not immediately apparent whether either driver could have avoided this collision. Therefore, officials investigating the accident will certainly look at many factors that could have prompted collision and determine who is officially responsible.

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

Motorcycle collisions can cause catastrophic injuries and/or death to anyone involved, especially to the motorcyclist. Thus, in situations such as this one where it is not clear who may be at fault, the injured victim or family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a San Diego personal injury lawyer. A skilled attorney who has handled motorcycle accidents, can ensure the victim's legal rights are protected, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages in this terrible accident.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Injured in Encinitas Accident" »

OCEANSIDE - A 49-year-old Poway man was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident at about 6 a.m. Friday, CBS 8 News reported. The accident happened on north Interstate 5 south of Basilone Road, when the motorcyclist was struck by a 2003 Nissan 350Z driven by Eugene McCulloch, 23, of Camp Pendleton. According to CHP officer Chris Parent, McCulloch was traveling about 70 mph when he veered towards the median and lost control as he tried to correct it. The result of the crash caused the motorcyclist, whose name was not released, to sustain fatal injuries.

Cause of the Fatal Motorcycle Accident on I-5

The accident on November 18th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information provided by CBS 8 News and NBC San Diego, it is unclear why the driver veered off the road and lost control of his vehicle. Therefore, police officials investigating this devastating accident will look numerous factors that includes distracted driving, drugs or alcohol, falling asleep behind the wheel, vehicle malfunctions, and road conditions.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If the CHP determines that the driver of the Nissan is responsible for the collision, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a San Diego motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your legal rights. If the family decides to take action in a wrongful death claim, an experienced attorney can help ensure the family's legal rights are protected, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for funeral and burial expenses, future and anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, loss of love, care, affection and companionship, or other damages relating to this tragic motorcycle accident.

Continue reading "Man Tragically Killed in Oceanside Motorcycle Accident on Interstate 5" »

SAN DIEGO COUNTY -- According to 10 News, a 52-year-old Oceanside man was tragically killed in a motorcycle crash Monday morning. Stephen Michael Tomasiak, was traveling northbound on Avenida Del Oro when for unknown reasons he lost control and was thrown off his motorcycle and into a curb. San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office reported Tomasiak died just before 2:30 a.m. The authorities are trying to determine what could have caused this devastating crash to happen.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

While the accident on October 3rd remains under investigation by the Oceanside Police Department, family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a skilled San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer. If the family decides to take action in a wrongful death claim, an experienced attorney can advise the family of their legal rights, and if necessary, hire a professional investigator to reconstruct the accident to determine if the collision was caused by unsafe road conditions or motorcycle defects. The attorney can also help the family recover the maximum compensation for funeral/burial costs, future anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, pain and suffering, and other related damages in this horrible motorcycle accident.

Continue reading "Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash in Oceanside" »

RANCHO PENASQUITOS - The North County Times reported that an injury crash occurred Friday morning on the Scripps Poway Parkway onramp to northbound Interstate 15. The crash was reported just before 7 a.m., on Friday, September 16, 2011, and involved a motorcyclists and another vehicle. Further details regarding the extent of the victims' injuries or the cause of the collision were not available.

The San Diego personal injury attorneys at Estey Bomberger provide representation to accident victims and their families, who have suffered serious injury due to the negligence of another. If you were injured in this or any other San Diego accident and would like to know more about your rights to receive compensation from the party responsible for your injuries, contact the San Diego personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation today.

Continue reading "Injury Accident Involving Motorcyclist Reported in Rancho Penasquitos " »

Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to catastrophic injury or death in accidents caused by automobile or truck drivers making a left-turn. These accidents occur typically at an intersection or private driveway, when a motorcyclist is unable to avoid a collision with a vehicle that does not yield to their right-of-way. Even with a helmet and protective riding gear, motorcyclists can easily sustain serious injuries due to the shear size of a car, SUV or truck. Generally, the faster the vehicles are travelling, the greater risk of serious injury or fatality.

Typical left-turn accidents occur because the driver simply does not see the motorcyclist. However, the failure of a driver to see any approaching vehicle is not an excuse. Motorists have the responsibility of looking not just for other cars, but also for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Unfortunately, left-turn motorcycle accidents usually have major consequences, even at low speeds. Injuries resulting from a left-turn motorcycle accident may include traumatic brain injury, bone fracture injuries, burn injuries, road rash injuries, and blunt force internal injuries. Serious injuries may result in physical or mental disability, changing victims' lives and families forever.

Continue reading "Why Are Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents So Common? " »

ESCONDIDO - A 54-year-old woman suffered serious injuries Saturday morning when her motorcycle collided with a white 2006 Chevrolet van on northbound Interstate 15, the North County Times reported. The accident occurred near El Norte Parkway at 10:45 a.m., when a 28-year-old San Marcos man veered in front of the woman's bike. The woman, who was not identified, was riding with a group of female motorcycle riders when the van moved in front of the group. The driver of the van was arrested on suspicion of driving without a license. The CHP reported the driver appeared to be extremely fatigued. A drug test indicated he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Cause of the Interstate 15 Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the July 2nd Escondido motorcycle accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, the cause of the accident is not clear. It appears that the motorcyclist likely could have done nothing to avoid the collision. Hopefully, the investigation by the CHP will reveal exactly what happened, and who was ultimately responsible.

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the Chevy van caused the accident, he may be liable for the serious injuries sustained by the Fallbrook woman. While this injury accident remains under investigation, the injured victim or her family members would be well-advised to speak to an experienced San Diego motorcycle accident attorney. A personal injury lawyer who specializes in the unique legal issues of motorcycle accidents can advise the victim of her legal rights and best course of action to recover damages for her medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. After any serious injury accident, it is advisable to speak with an attorney soon following an accident, while witness recollections and important evidence can most easily be obtained

Continue reading "Fallbrook Woman Seriously Injured In Interstate 15 Motorcycle Crash " »

SAN DIEGO COUNTY - A 64-year-old Murrieta man was tragically killed Monday morning, June 27th, in a motorcycle accident on State Route 78. The impact of the high-speed head-on collision, which occurred around 7:40 a.m., hurled the man to the ground inflicting fatal injuries. Fox 5 News San Diego reports the motorcyclist veered into the lane of an oncoming BMW on a desert highway near Anza Borrego Desert State Park. The driver of the BMW was evaluated for complaints of back pain and the motorcycle rider, who was not identified pending family notification, died at the scene of the crash.

Cause of the San Diego County Motorcycle Accident

California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash and has yet to determine how and why this devastating accident happened. Initial investigative reports revealed the rider might have been speeding at the time of the crash. Law enforcement can be quick to place blame on a rider, but in many cases, the rider is not at-fault for the collision. It is possible the rider lost control of his bike because of a motorcycle defect or bad road condition.

Motorcycle Accident Liability

During the investigation of this tragic accident, family members of the victim should speak to a San Diego motorcycle accident attorney. A competent attorney can ensure family members are prepared to handle the legal process if action can be taken. If it is discovered the rider was not at-fault for the collision, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against a motorcycle manufacturer or government entity. Surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial costs, deceased's future earnings and savings, and loss of love, companionship and support.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Killed in Head-On Collision on State Route 78" »

CALEXICO - A 49-year-old Mexicali man suffered serious injuries in a two-vehicle accident near State Route 7 Thursday afternoon, the Imperial Valley Press reported. According to reports, at about 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2011, the victim, Jesus Zepeda, was driving his 2008 Italika motorcycle eastbound on Carr Road approaching the intersection of State Route 7. At the same time, Vanessa Mascareno, 24, of El Centro, was driving westbound on Carr Road onto the State Route 7 northbound onramp. Mascareno reportedly did not see Zepeda's eastbound vehicle as she turned into its path. The front of her Toyota collided with the left side of Zepeda's vehicle, ejecting him into the roadway. Zepeda was airlifted by Careflight to Yuma Regional Medical Center with major injuries.

Cause of the April 7th Carr Road Crash

The CHP is investigating the accident and has not made an official determination of fault. However, If news accounts of this incident are accurate, the driver of the Toyota is likely responsible for this collision Under California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a), "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Imperial County Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the Toyota was responsible for this accident, she may be liable for the injuries sustained by Zepeda. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable California car accident lawyer. An attorney who specializes in representing victims of major injury accidents can advise the victim and his family of their legal rights to compensation, and best course of action to protect his rights. Damages available in a personal injury claim may include medical care and treatment expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Mexicali Man Injured in Left Turn Crash on Carr Road" »

POINT LOMA - A 20-year-old US Navy Sailor was tragically killed Thursday when his Suzuki motorcycle collided with a Cadillac Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Rosecrans Street and Canon Street, San Diego Police reported. The motorcyclist, who was not named, was riding northbound on Rosecrans Street when a 64-year-old woman driving southbound made a left turn at Canon Street and collided with his motorcycle at about 1:30 p.m. The motorcyclist was ejected from his bike thrown into the back passenger window of the Cadillac. He died at the scene of the crash. Rosecrans Street was closed between Upshur Street and Shelter Island Drive while police investigated. The driver of the Cadillac suffered cuts and bruises, and was taken to a nearby hospital.

Cause of the March 31st Point Loma Motorcycle Crash

The cause of the incident remains under investigation, and based on the news accounts, it is unclear what exactly happened. Witnesses reportedly told police that the motorcyclist had sped up as he entered the intersection when the light turned yellow. Based on the news reports, the driver of the Cadillac should have yielded to the right-of-way of the motorcyclist. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a), "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Left-turn accidents involving motorcyclists happen somewhat frequently, when drivers are merely looking for other vehicles, and fail to notice an approaching motorcyclist. If police determine that the driver of the Cadillac was at least partially responsible for this fatal motorcycle accident, the family of the victim may pursue a wrongful death claim against the driver, and any other responsible parties. It is possible that a dangerous road condition or unsafe intersection design could also have played a role, in which case the city or other agency responsible for the intersection could be liable. While this incident remains under investigation, the family of the victim may benefit from contact a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney who can oversee the investigation and advise them of their legal rights and options following this accident.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Killed in Left-Turn Crash on Rosecrans Street " »

CLAIREMONT MESA - A 60-year-old Oceanside man was very tragically killed Monday morning in a multi-vehicle crash involving a Lexus SUV, a BMW motorcycle, and a big rig on a rain-slicked Interstate 805, the North County Times reported. The accident was reported in the far-left southbound lanes of the freeway near Balboa Avenue, shortly before 6 a.m. on Monday, March 21, 2011. According to the California Highway Patrol, a motorist was driving a Lexus SUV at about 80 mph when he came upon slower moving traffic in front of him, which caused him to lose control and strike a big rig. The impact of the collision with the big rig caused the SUV to cross directly into the path of the motorcycle, driven by Paul Palika, 60, of Oceanside.

Cause of the March 21st Crash

If news reports are accurate, it appears almost certainly to be the case that the driver of the SUV was responsible for this fatal collision. However, the incident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. It was not clear whether the driver of the SUV, who was not identified, will be cited or charged for the fatal accident.

This accident comes in the wake of a number of fatal and serious injury accidents involving San Diego County motorcyclists. This March 21st accident was the fourth motorcyclist fatality this month in San Diego County. Fatal motorcycle accidents were reported March 18th in Escondido, March 17th in Lakeside, and March 10th in Casa De Oro. Additionally, a motorcyclist was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash on Thursday March 3rd; another motorcyclist reportedly suffered a leg fracture in a Poway intersection accident on Monday, March 1st.

Wrongful Death Liability

If the CHP determines that the driver of the Lexus SUV caused this crash, he may be liable for the wrongful death of Paul Palika, in addition to possible criminal charges he could face for negligent driving. While this incident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking with an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer. A skilled attorney with many years of experience representing victims of motorcycle accidents on San Diego freeways can help the family members understand and protect their legal rights to hold the at-fault driver - and any other parties that contributed to this accident - fully accountable.

Continue reading "Oceanside Man Killed in Monday Morning Crash on Interstate 805 " »