San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

CHULA VISTA -- According to the San Diego Union Tribune, a female pedestrian was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident in Chula Vista. The accident was reported about 5:43 p.m. Thursday, when Gloria Serrano, 44, was struck by a car while she was attempting to cross east on Otay Lakes Road at Elmhurt Street. Serrano sustained traumatic injury to her right arm and was taken to a hospital for further treatment.

The vehicle involved in the crash is described to be a silver Hyundai or Kia sedan with damage to the vehicle from the accident, including a broken passenger side headlight and a missing right side view mirror. Anyone with information regarding the driver, this incident, or who has seen the vehicle should call the Chula Vista police at (619) 691-5151.

Cause of the Hit-and-Run Crash

Based on the information provided by the San Diego Union Tribune, it is unclear what caused the driver to hit the pedestrian crossing the street. But, regardless of what could have caused this collision, there is no excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident. 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.

Injury Liability for Chula Vista Hit-and-Run Accidents

In the event, where the driver flees the scene of an accident, the victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to seek a skilled Chula Vista personal injury lawyer. An attorney who has experience in hit-and-run pedestrian accidents, can protect the victim's legal rights and help police in locating the driver involved in this January 4th accident.

In the event the driver cannot be located, an attorney can help the victim obtain compensation through her insurance, if she has one. Compensation in a personal injury claim can include and are not limited to medical care expenses, lost wages due to time away from work, pain and suffering, or other related damages.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Injured in Chula Vista Hit-and-Run Accident" »

SAN DIEGO - A 12-year-old boy was struck by a hit-and-run driver on Saturday evening in San Diego, 10 News reported. The boy, whose name was not released, was riding his bicycle along National Avenue at 37th Street at 6:08 p.m., when he was severely hit by a southbound car. The impact of the collision left the boy with a broken tibia and fibula. After the accident, he was taken to a hospital for further treatment.

Cause of the Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident in San Diego

It is unclear what caused the boy to be struck by the vehicle and why the driver fled the scene of the accident. Under 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." Therefore, the San Diego police will further investigate this December 24th collision and seek out the hit-and-run driver.

San Diego Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

There is absolutely no excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident, especially when harm is inflicted to other individuals beside themselves. Therefore, while the investigation of this accident is ongoing, the family of the child would be well-advised to contact a skilled San Diego bicycle accident lawyer.

An attorney who specializes in hit-and-run accidents can help police in efforts to locate the driver. In the event the driver cannot be located, an attorney can advise the family of their legal rights to collect compensation for the boy's injuries through their own insurance policy, if they have one. Compensation in a personal injury claim can include medical care expenses, disfigurement, scarring, pain and suffering, or other damages relating this this devastating hit-and-run bicycle accident.

Continue reading "Boy on Bike Injured in San Diego Hit-and-Run Accident" »

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" »

SAN DIEGO -- A 61-year-old pedestrian woman was seriously injured after she was struck by a vehicle in City Heights at about 11:30 p.m. Sunday, 10 News reports. The woman, whose name was not released, was removing her dead dog that had been hit by another vehicle on Central Avenue just near Dwight Street. According to the San Diego Police, while the woman was retrieving her dog, a vehicle, described to be an older red Buick sedan and driven by a Hispanic male with facial hair, hit the woman and then fled the scene. Following this terrible accident, the woman sustained a broken leg and a lacerated liver and was transported to a hospital for further treatment.

Cause of the Hit-And-Run Pedestrian Accident in City Heights

Based on the information provided by news reports, it is unclear why the driver did not stop following the collision. But, regardless of why this accident occurred, the driver should have remained at the scene of the accident until law enforcement arrived. Under 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 at the scene of the accident."

Hit-And-Run Pedestrian Accident Injury Liability

Accidents involving pedestrians and automobiles can result in catastrophic injuries or death to anyone involved. In situations such as this one, where it is evident the driver may responsible for the accident, the victim or the victim's family would be well-advised to speak to a San Diego personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney who has handled pedestrian accidents, can help the victim protect her legal rights to recover the maximum compensation she is entitled to for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this horrible hit-and-run pedestrian accident.

Continue reading "Woman Seriously Injured in Hit-And-Run Pedestrian Accident in City Heights" »

LA JOLLA INDIAN RESERVATION - An unidentified woman tragically died early Monday morning after she was struck by a Ford Taurus on Highway 76, San Diego 6 News reported. The accident was reported around 3:30 a.m. just east of Harolds Road. The woman was reportedly walking in the roadway when she was struck. The driver allegedly fled the scene and parked at SR-76 and Valley Center Road before fleeing the area on foot. After an extensive search, the suspect, believed to be a a 69-year-old Escondido man, was located near Valley Center and Golsh Road. No further details were immediately released.

Fleeing the Scene of a Collision Is Against The Law

Regardless of why this Pauma Valley accident occurred, the driver of the vehicle should have remained at the scene until law enforcement arrived. There is never an excuse for fleeing the scene of a collision. Under 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."

Hit-and Run Accident Liability

While the investigation into the cause of this August 22nd accident is ongoing, the family members of the victim would be well-advised ton contact an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego wrongful death lawyer. An attorney who has handled claims arising from fatal pedestrian accidents on Indian Reservations can advise the victims' family of the unique legal issues pertaining to this case, and their rights hold the driver accountable for their loss, if he is determined to be responsible. In the event that the driver was uninsured or underinsured, a lawyer can also determine if the victim's family may be entitled to damages under the victim's own insurance policy, if she had one.

Continue reading "Woman Killed in State-Route 76 Hit-and-Run Accident " »

SAN DIEGO COUNTY - A 57-year-old man was found injured in a westbound bike lane in the 6800 block of Mission Gorge Road around 11:15 p.m. Tuesday night, reports 10 News. San Diego police said it appeared the man was hit by a car and are calling it a hit-and-run accident. The condition of the man is not known.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident

San Diego police are investigating the cause of the crash, which at this time, is not known. If the San Diego police investigation reveals the man was the victim of a hit-and-run accident, the driver of the car (if located) may be liable for accident-related damages. It can be difficult to locate a driver who flees from the scene of an accident and in some cases, a driver is never found. If a hit-and-run driver cannot be located, the victim may have to look to his own insurance policy for financial compensation.

As police conduct the investigation, it is highly recommend that the injured victim contact a San Diego pedestrian accident attorney who has successfully represented numerous cases of a similar nature. With the help of a reputable attorney, fair and full compensation can be recovered for medical bills, lost wages, diminished quality of life, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Injured Man Found Lying in a Mission Gorge Road Bike Lane " »

ENCINITAS - A hit-and-run collision involving a Ford F-150 pickup truck and a cyclist tragically killed a 47-year-old Encino man, ABC 10 News reported. The victim, James Steven Swarzman, rode competitively and was on a late-night training ride for the upcoming season, when he was struck by a dark colored pickup truck in the 1200 block of North Coast Highway in Leucadia. He was flown by Mercy Air to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla where he died about three hours after the collision. Authorities believe the truck involved in the crash was a 2007 or 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 or a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500 with damage to its front passenger side. Earlier reports erroneously said the vehicle involved in the incident was a Ford F-150.

Hit-and-run collisions are especially disheartening - the driver involved in this crash had every legal and moral obligation to stop at the scene of the incident. Under 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."

For the sake of James Swarzman's family and loved ones, we hope that the driver involved in this horrific incident will either come forward to authorities or be located promptly - so that he or she may be held accountable. Anyone with information that could help detectives find the hit-and-run driver is asked to call the Sheriff's Department at (858) 565-5200.

UPDATE: The Union Tribune reported 46-year-old Joseph Ricardo Fernandez of Carlsbad was arrested about 11:15 p.m. Monday in connection with the accident. Read the story here.

Following an incident such as this one, where a death is caused by negligence or a willful intentional act, the family of the victim would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable California bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney who specializes in cycling accidents may be able to help the victim's family in efforts to locate the driver, and advise them of their rights to collect compensation for their loss in an uninsured motorist wrongful death claim, in the event the driver is not located.

Continue reading "Cyclist Struck and Killed on North Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas " »

RAMONA -- A 68-year-old Ramona woman suffered serious injuries Sunday night when she was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Main Street and Eighth Street, the Ramona Sentinel reported. According to reports, the victim, Darlene Gadberry, was crossing the intersection after purchasing coffee at the Chevron station when she was struck by a pickup truck making a left turn from northbound Eighth Street onto westbound Main street. The driver of the pickup truck, which was either white, or white and silver, continued west without stopping. Gadberry was airlifted to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido with serious injuries, including a broken pelvis, broken rips, and a collapsed lung.

Anyone with information about the driver of the pickup truck is urged to contact the California Highway Patrol's El Cajon office at 619-401-2000.

This Ramona pedestrian accident happens less than a month after an 85-year-old man was killed in a car vs. pedestrian accident at the intersection of Main Street and Seventh Street, just one block away. On February 11th, Ramona resident Manuel Alba was struck by a Ford F 250 when a 24-year-old driver was reportedly blinded due to the sun in his eyes. He died the next day at Palomar Medical Center.

Hit-and-Run Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

Not stopping at the scene of an accident is against the law. The driver involved in this crash had a legal and moral obligation to stop at the accident scene and remain there until law enforcement arrived. If/when the driver of the pickup truck is located, he or she may face felony charges for hit and run. Additionally, the driver may be liable for the injuries sustained by Darlene Gadberry, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. While this incident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego pedestrian accident lawyer who can help the victim understand and protect her legal rights. An attorney may be able to assist with efforts to locate the driver and in the event the driver is not located, help the victim with a compensation claim against her own insurance policy, if she had one.

Continue reading "Ramona Woman Injured in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident " »

A hit-and-run collision last week involving a hit-and-run driver left a 14-year-old boy with very serious injuries, the Escondido Police Department reported Monday in a press release. The car vs. pedestrian accident occurred on February 2, 2011, at about 2:45 p.m. According to reports, a 14-year-old boy was walking in the area of Washington Avenue (Route 78), between Hickory and Juniper, when he was struck by a white vehicle. The passenger side mirror from the vehicle, which was possibly a Nissan Maxima, was left in the roadway. The boy is hospitalized at Children's Hospital, where he is reportedly in "very serious" condition. Anyone with information about the incident or the driver involved is asked to contact Office Michael Guerrero at (760)839-4470 regarding case #11-1559.

Fleeing the Scene of a Car Accident

It is against the law - not to mention heartless - to flee the scene of an accident resulting in injury. Under 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." For the sake of the victim and his family, we hope the driver involved in this collision contacts the Escondido Police Department or is located by authorities soon.

Liability for Hit-and-Run Accidents

Following a tragic incident such as this one, it would be advisable for the family members of the injured boy to contact a knowledgeable San Diego personal injury lawyer who can ensure the victim and his family's legal rights to compensation for medical expenses and other damages are protected. An Escondido personal injury attorney can closely monitor the investigation and efforts to locate the suspect driver, so that he or she may be held accountable for the injuries suspected to have resulted from this collision. In the event that the driver is not located, an experienced lawyer can advise the family how their own automobile insurance policy might apply, if they had one.

Continue reading "Escondido Teenager Seriously Injured by Hit and Run Driver " »

A hit-and-run pedestrian accident Monday night left a man with major head and leg injuries, KGTV 10 News reported. The incident occurred at about 10:40 p.m. Monday in the 500 block of Broadway. According to news reports, nobody witnessed the accident, and a suspect vehicle was not identified. Anyone with information about the hit-and-run was urged to call El Cajon police at (619) 579-3311. Tipsters may also call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS. A reward of up to $1,000 may be offered for information leading to an arrest.

We hope the man seriously injured in this accident makes a fast and full recovery. We also hope the driver of the vehicle involved in this accident either contacts law enforcement or is located soon. In addition to being morally apprehensible, hit-and-run is a serious crime in California. According to the CHP, in 2008 (the latest statistics available), there were more than 17,000 hit-and-run incidents in California.

Liability and Injury Victims' Rights

After a major injury accident such as this one, it would be advisable for the family members of the victim to contact a San Diego pedestrian accident lawyer, who can offer advice and resources in the search for the driver and the investigation into the cause of the accident. If a dangerous roadway condition caused the accident, the city or county agency responsible for the victim's injuries could be liable for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. In hit-and-run accidents, in the event the driver is not located, the victim may be able to recover financial compensation from his own insurance policy, if he had one.

Continue reading "Man Critically Injured in El Cajon Hit and Run Pedestrian Accident" »

A 48-year-old El Cajon man was very seriously injured when he was struck by a hit-and-run vehicle in El Cajon Monday night, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The accident happened about 9 p.m. as the man walked across North Mollison Avenue, south of Interstate 8, according to police. The man, who was not identified, was struck by a vehicle believed to be a gray Nissan X-Terra. The SUV did not stop, and continued south on Mollison. A witness followed the vehicle to Madison Avenue, and then lost track of it. Anyone with information about the vehicle or the driver is urged to contact San Diego Police at (619) 441-5559.

We hope the man injured in this accident did not suffer life-threatening injuries and that he is able to make a full recovery. We also hope that the driver is located or contacts authorities soon. Not stopping at the scene of an accident is a serious crime in California. In this situation, and any incident involving injury to another party, the driver had an obligation to stop. If or when the driver is located, depending on the circumstances, he or she could be charged with a felony, regardless of who was at fault for the initial collision.

Hit and Run Accident Personal Injury Liability

Victims of hit-and-run accidents and their family members may benefit from seeking a consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego personal injury lawyer. An attorney who has represented numerous victims of hit-and-run pedestrian accidents can advise the victim of his best course of action to protect his legal rights, as well as aid in efforts to locate the suspect driver and vehicle. In the event that the driver is not located, a lawyer can also help the victim pursue maximum compensation for his injuries from his own automobile insurance policy, if he had one.

Continue reading "Man Critically Injured in El Cajon Pedestrian Accident " »

A man riding a motorized wheelchair / scooter suffered a very serious head injury Christmas morning when he was struck by a driver who fled the scene, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The accident happened on December 25, 2010, shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Paradise Valley Road near East 8th Street. The victim, a 57-year-old man who was not identified, was struck from behind by a burgundy pickup reportedly truck driven by Joshua Becerra, 22, of San Diego. According to the Union Tribune, Becerra stopped "only long enough to remove debris from beneath the truck, then sped off."

Becerra's uncle reportedly called police several hours later, and Becerra was subsequently arrested. The victim was taken to a hospital, where he was reportedly in serious condition.

Cause of the National City Accident

The incident remains under investigation. Based on the news reports, it appears that the driver of the pickup veered off the roadway and struck the man on the shoulder. There is no excuse for not stopping at the scene of an accident. - leaving the scene of the crash is against the law under California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a). Although it is fortunate that Becerra's family contacted police, it is disheartening that this young man left a man seriously injured in the roadway - on Christmas no less.

Hit-and-Run Accident Personal Injury Liability

After any accident resulting in serious injury, the family members of the injured victim would be well-advised to speak with a knowledgeable San Diego personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer who has represented numerous victims of hit-and-run accidents can advise the victim and his family of their best course of action to protect their rights following this accident, and help them hold the driver financially accountable for medical expenses, any lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Continue reading "Man on Motorized Wheelchair Struck by Car in National City " »

A five-year-old boy was seriously injured in Alpine Tuesday afternoon in an apparent hit-and-run accident, San Diego 6 News and East County Magazine reported July 13th. The incident was reported shortly after 5 p.m., in the 2100 block of Alpine Glen Place in the Japatul Valley area.

According to news reports, the young boy, who was not identified, was pinned between a vehicle and a block wall. The boy, who was breathing and conscious but may have suffered broken bones, was airlifted to a hospital. The suspect fled the scene. Authorities were able to get an ID on the car that struck the boy, and the vehicle was registered to a local owner, identified as only a white male adult. Law enforcement went to his home, but he could not immediately be located.

Duty to Stop at Scene of Accident

It is absolutely horrifying to imagine that a grown adult would flee the scene of an accident, and leave an innocent young little boy suffering, as it appears was the case here. Regardless of how an accident occurs, leaving the scene of an accident is against the law, not to mention morally reprehensible. Under the California Vehicle Code § 2001 (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." When the driver is located, he will likely face criminal charges for fleeing the scene of the accident.

Liability for Personal Injuries

When the driver is located, in addition to criminal charges, he may be financially liable for the injuries of the boy in a personal injury claim. While this accident is under investigation, the parents of the victim would be well-advised to contact a San Diego pedestrian accident attorney about this accident and the legal issues stemming from this accident. A skilled lawyer can help the family obtain compensation for the boy's injuries and pain and suffering as a result of this accident. In the event the driver is not located or if the driver is located and uninsured, an attorney may be able to help the family obtain compensation from their own motor vehicle insurance policy, if they had one.

Continue reading "Five-Year-Old Boy Injured in Alpine Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident " »

A 52-year-old San Marcos man died early Saturday when he was struck by a car while walking in the westbound lanes of Highway 78, the North County Times reported. The victim was identified by the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office as Mark Allen Dale, 52, of San Marcos.

According to news reports, CHP officers came across the victim's body lying in westbound traffic lanes at 2:48 a.m. near Vista Village Drive. It was not known what time he was struck. CHP officers discovered Dale's silver Mercury Cougar on the right shoulder of the eastbound SR 78 traffic lanes at the Escondido Avenue exit just east of Vista Village Drive. It was not clear why Dale was attempting to cross the highway. The driver that struck him fled the scene.

Based on the evidence and debris at the scene, officers believe that the vehicle that struck Dale was a 2005 or 2006 Ford Expedition XL or XLT. There was likely major damage to the front of the vehicle. Authorities said there were apparently no witnesses to the accident. Anyone with information about this accident or the driver who fled the scene is asked to contact Officer Mike Bush at (760) 757-1677.

Cause of the Accident

The CHP is continuing to investigate and search for the driver. Walking across the freeway in the middle of the night is clearly dangerous and it is possible that in doing so, the pedestrian contributed to the accident. However, no matter what happened, there is absolutely no excuse for the driver fleeing the scene of the accident. It is possible that the driver involved in this July 10th accident could have helped save Mark Allen Dale if he or she had stopped immediately afterward. The Medical Examiner's press release stated that charges will be pending against the driver or drivers involved in the accident.

Wrongful Death Liability

Along with the heartbreak and devastation of the loss of a family member, families may also face financial challenges after a sudden loss. In hit-and-run fatality accidents, in addition to criminal charges for hit-and-run, the driver involved in this accident, if he or she is located, may be liable for the wrongful death of the victim. In the event the driver is not located, the family may be entitled to compensation for their loss from the victim's own auto insurance policy, if he had one.

Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include compensation for future anticipated earnings and benefits of the decedent, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care and companionship. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would likely benefit from speaking to a San Diego wrongful death attorney about this fatal Highway 78 pedestrian accident and the unique legal issues involved. A skilled lawyer who has represented families of victims of fatal hit-and-run crashes on highways can advise the victim's family of their legal rights, options and responsibilities and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "San Marcos Man Killed in Hit-and-Run on Highway 78 " »

A 22-year-old woman suffered a double skull fracture Sunday night after she was struck from behind by a bicyclist while walking her dog, police reported. The woman, who was not identified, was walking her dog east on Carmel Valley Road near Caminito Del Barco in Del Mar when she was knocked down by a cyclist around 9:00 p.m. She was able to get up and walk to her home, but later when to a hospital, where she was diagnosed with a skull fracture and head injury. Police were then called to the hospital, and began their investigation. No description of the cyclist was immediately available.

Hit and Run Accidents involving Cyclists

Cyclists have the same obligation as drivers of motor vehicles to stop at the scene of any accident resulting in injury. Regardless of who was at fault or responsible, the cyclist had a duty to stop. Under California Vehicle Code § 20001, "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..." In this case, for leaving the scene of the accident, the cyclist may face the same legal sanctions for this accident as the driver of an automobile would have.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Struck by Hit-and-Run Cyclist in Del Mar " »