San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

VISTA - A female pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle in Vista Thursday morning, North County Times reports. The accident happened shortly after 6 a.m. North Melrose Drive, just south of West Los Angeles Drive. No other information was given regarding this devastating incident.

UPDATE: According to updated information provided by the North County Times, the woman tragically killed was identified as Syd Elane Pyne, 56, of Vista. It was reported that Pyne was struck by a 1997 Toyota Camry while she was crossing North Melrose Drive with her 25-year-old daughter. The driver told police that he did not see the women crossing until it was too late. Following the accident, Pyne suffered major injuries and died at the scene, and her daughter was not hurt in the incident.

Fatal Vista Pedestrian Accident Liability

Based on the limited information provided by the North County Times, it is not apparent what prompted the accident and who is responsible. Therefore, while the investigation remains ongoing, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a Vista personal injury lawyer regarding their legal rights. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help the family understand and protect their rights in a wrongful death claim, work with independent investigators to further determine what happened and who is accountable for their loss, and advise them the best option to recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages in this tragic accident.

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VISTA -- A 68-year-old woman was tragically killed in a Vista pedestrian accident at about 5:30 a.m. Thursday, 10 News reports. The woman, whose name was not released, was severely struck by an oncoming vehicle when she was attempting to cross North Melrose Drive near North Avenue. No other information regarding the severity of the incident was given. However, following the accident, the driver stopped immediately and is cooperating with police.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident in Vista

The accident on October 27th remains under investigation by authorities. However, based on the limited information provided by 10 News, it is not certain what could have caused this crash to occur and whether or not it could have been prevented. Therefore, police officials investigating the collision will look at numerous factors and determine what happened and why.

Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In fatal pedestrian accidents such as this one on North Melrose Drive, family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a California pedestrian accident lawyer. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney who has handled wrongful deaths involving pedestrian and automobiles, can help the family understand and protect their legal rights, determine who is responsible for the accident, and decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to for funeral/burial costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this pedestrian accident.

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VISTA -- A pedestrian was severely struck by a car in Vista at about 5:05 a.m. Saturday, CBS 8 News reports. The horrific collision occurred near the intersection of East Vista Way and Warmlands Avenue. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and helped give pedestrian first aid. Following the accident, the pedestrian sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Palomar Hospital. According to the police, the pedestrian man had no identification on him, and is described to be an 18- to 24-year-old Hispanic male, weighing about 160 to 170 pounds, and is roughly 6 feet 5 inches tall. At the time of the accident he was wearing a blue/white checkered shirt and blue jeans. Anyone with information regarding this incident or the victim should contact the San Diego Sheriff's Department at (858)565-5200.

Cause of the October 8th Pedestrian Crash

Based on the limited information provided by CBS 8 News and 10 News, it is unclear what caused the driver to hit the pedestrian. Hopefully, the authorities investigating the accident can determine what caused this crash to happen and who is responsible.

Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Liability

Accidents involving pedestrians and automobiles can cause catastrophic injuries and death. In situations such as this one, if police officials determine the driver is officially responsible for the collision, the victim or the victim's family would be well-advised to consult with a knowledgeable Vista personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents, can advise the victim of his legal rights and best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this devastating pedestrian accident.

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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 " »

Four people were injured early Tuesday morning in a suspected alcohol-related crash in Vista, the North County Times reported. The accident, a solo-vehicle crash, occurred on westbound State Route 78, near Sycamore Avenue, just before 2 a.m. on September 28, 2010. According to news reports, Dante Carrillo, 25, of Oceanside, was driving a 2008 Ford Mustang westbound on the highway when he approached a construction work zone where the two left lanes of the three-lane freeway were closed. Carrillo reportedly swerved into the closed lanes to pass other cars, but lost control and struck the concrete center divider. The impact caused the Ford Mustang to spin out and strike the guardrail on the right shoulder.

Carrillo suffered major injuries, according to the CHP and was taken to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, along with passengers Leticia Montesinos, 21, and Javvah Shah, 24, both of Oceanside, who suffered injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Another passenger was treated at the scene of the crash. Carrillo was arrested at the hospital on suspicion of felony driving under the influence.

Drunk Driving Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

If news reports of this September 28th accident are accurate, the suspected drunk driver of the Mustang is likely responsible for causing this Highway 78 accident in Vista. If he is determined to be at fault pending the investigation, he may be held financially liable for the injuries sustained by his three passengers. In situations such as this one, where a drunk driver is suspected to have caused a crash resulting in injury, the injured passenger victims would be well-advised to speak to a San Diego drunk driving accident attorney. A skilled lawyer can help the injured victims protect their legal rights so that they may recover the maximum compensation they may be entitled to for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings due to the accident, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Four Injured in Suspected DUI Crash on Highway 78 " »

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 73-year-old Vista man was killed early Wednesday morning in a hit-and-run accident near the intersection of E. Vista Way and Monte Mar Road in Vista. The victim, Richard Louis Canngiano, was apparently attempting to cross the E Vista Way south of the intersection when, according to Sheriff's Deputies, a passerby observed the victim on the ground. It was not clear whether the man had fallen, or had been struck.

The passerby turned around to help the Canngiano. However, before the passerby could reach him, Canngiano was struck by a a small pickup truck similar to a mid 90's Ford Ranger travelling south on E. Vista Way in the #1 lane. The driver of the pickup truck stopped briefly, but fled the scene.

It is not clear why Canngiano was crossing the road so early in the morning, or whether other vehicles were involved. Regardless of why this accident occurred or whose fault it was, fleeing the scene of an accident causing injury or death is a crime. Under the 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."

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Richard Canngiano. For the family's sake, we hope that the driver of the vehicle that fled this accident will come forward or be located quickly. The vehicle likely has a suspension lift and larger tires, and paint damage on the front end. If anyone has information about this incident, the driver, or the vehicle involved, they are asked to contact Deputy Cannon at the Vista Sheriff's Station (760) 940-4556.

Continue reading "Elderly Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident in Vista " »

Just one week after a 15-year-old Vista boy was killed in a hit-and-run skateboard accident in Vista, another teenage boy was injured in Vista after being struck by a car while skateboarding. The victim, an 18-year-old Vista man, was riding his skateboard near Cedar Road and West Vista Way on Friday afternoon when he was struck at around 4:20 p.m., the San Diego Union Tribune reported.

The victim suffered two broken legs and other injuries and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. The driver of the car that struck the skateboarder reportedly told authorities he tried to stop but was not able to avoid the collision. The Vista Sheriff's department is investigating the incident.

More than 25,000 people visit emergency rooms each year with skateboard accident injuries. If you or someone in your family has suffered serious injuries or was killed due to being struck by a car while riding a skateboard, you would be well-advised to contact a San Diego personal injury attorney about your legal rights. If the accident was the result of another driver's negligent or careless driving, or a defect in the roadway, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

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Sheriff's Deputies are looking for the driver of a white Toyota Camry who struck and killed a 15-year-old Vista boy Friday night. The boy was taken by ambulance to Palomar Medical Center with critical head injuries, where he died. The incident occurred on Thibodo Road, east of Edna Way at about 7 p.m. Friday. The victim, identified by the San Diego County medical examiner as Lucas Giaconelli of Vista, was skateboarding with friends when he was hit from behind by the speeding Toyota Camry.

Please keep the family of Lucas Giaconelli in your prayers, as they are coping with this terrible tragedy resulting in the loss of this young man's life. For the family's sake, we hope the driver is located or that he or she will turn himself or herself in to authorities. Witnesses or anyone with information about this accident is asked to contact sheriff's deputies at (858)565-5200. If you live in the Vista area, be on the lookout for the vehicle. The Camry has tinted windows and likely has a broken headlight and front-end damage.

Leaving the scene of an accident that results in injury or death is against the law. 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, because the victim was in fact injured, the driver had a responsibility to stop.

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