California Personal Injury Attorneys » San Diego

Major Injuries in San Diego Pedestrian Accident

Toni — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 07:47:20 +0000

A pedestrian accident in San Diego resulted in major injuries for a 5-year-old boy the evening of July 13, 2010. A San Diego 6 news report states that a man who was backing up his vehicle pinned the little boy against a wall. He then left the scene on foot without stopping to render aid to the injured victim, in this case a young child. Thankfully the boy sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

I sympathize deeply with this boy and his family for what they are going through at this point. I wish this child the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

There were 13 fatalities and 80 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Diego, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In San Diego County as a whole, 246 people died and 13,527 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is a serious crime under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "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." I trust authorities will soon locate this individual and bring him to justice.

Claim for compensation

It would be in the best interests of injured victims' families to contact a skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims about how their own car insurance policy applies to a hit-and-run case or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Have you witnessed a hit-and-run collision? We would like to hear about your views on how to curb this serious problem in our society.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

Major Injuries in San Diego Pedestrian Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

San Diego Boy Drowns in Neighbor's Backyard Pool

Joyce — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:49:21 +0000

Nicholas Norman, 5, died in a swimming pool accident in a backyard pool the night of June 20, 2010. According to a 10news report, Nicholas was found floating face-down in the pool behind a next-door neighbor's home on Loma Alta Drive in San Diego. Police officials said he was pronounced dead in a La Mesa hospital shortly after he was found. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the parents of Nicholas Norman. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this little boy whose 6th birthday was just around the corner. Tragic! Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Fatal swimming pool accidents, especially those involving young children, are all too common in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that nationally more than one in four fatal drowning victims are children 14 and younger and for every child who dies from drowning, another four were treated for submersion injuries. The CDC also found 30 percent of the children 1 to 4 years old who died in 2005, died by drowning. Many suffer catastrophic injuries as well.

Causes and Liability Issues

In this particular case, it is not clear how or why the drowning occurred. The article states that the boy was found in the neighbor's pool. There are a number of unanswered questions here. Was the boy playing at the neighbor's house? Who was watching him at the time? Was he unsupervised? Was he alone at the time? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine the cause of the accident.

Usually in such cases, the individuals or caregivers responsible for watching the child at the time could be held liable. If a child visits your house and drowns in your pool, you could be held liable. This is just the start of summer and we've already had about a dozen drowning incidents and near drowning incidents in Southern California.

If your child has been injured in a swimming pool accident, please seek the counsel of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer to get more information about your legal rights and options. In cases where a child has suffered major injuries in a near-drowning incident, the child's parents can seek compensation from the responsible party for medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. In fatal cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, a wrongful death claim may be filed.

What precautions do you take at home or when you attend a pool party to avoid a swimming pool accident?

San Diego Boy Drowns in Neighbor's Backyard Pool is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Pedestrian Injured in San Diego Hit-and-Run Collision

Joyce — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:48:05 +0000

A major injury pedestrian accident in the Torrey Pines area of San Diego was caused by a bicyclist who struck a woman and fled the scene, officials say. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the 22-year-old woman was walking a dog the night of June 13, 2010 when she was hit from behind by a bicyclist. She was knocked to the ground and hit her head. The bicyclist left the site of the collision. The woman went home. But after a few hours she admitted herself to a hospital where it was determined that she had suffered double skull fracture. No description of the suspect is available.

I hope and pray that this pedestrian's injuries were not serious. I wish her the very best for a quick and full recovery from her injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents
In San Diego County, pedestrian accidents claimed 63 lives and caused 998 injuries in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. In San Diego, 23 people died and 533 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year. Also, countywide, 246 deaths and 13,527 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2008.
Hit-ad-Run Law
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "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."

Claim for Compensation

Victims who have been injured as a result of negligence or wrongdoing can file a personal injury claim against the negligent party seeking compensation to cover injuries, damages and losses. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise victims about their legal rights and options in such cases.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for pedestrians and bicyclists in your city or neighborhood?

Pedestrian Injured in San Diego Hit-and-Run Collision is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Postal Worker in San Diego Killed in Dog Attack

Toni — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:43:35 +0000

Hao Yun "Eddie" Lin, a 33-year-old letter carrier, suffered fatal personal injuries the afternoon of May 25, 2010 after he was attacked by a Rottweiler on his Oceanside route, which caused him to fall and hit his head. According to a news report in the North County Times, Lin was found lying on the street with a major head injury that day and taken to a local medical center. He had severe brain swelling from the fall and died from those injuries on June 3. The Rottweiler that attacked Lin was put down at the owner's request, officials said. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family of this postal worker. Lin is survived by his wife, Teri, and three young children. Tragic! His grieving family members and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Postal Workers and Dog Bites

According to the U.S. Postal Service, in 2006, 3,184 letter carriers were dog bite victims in the United States. In the Orange County/Long Beach area, postal employees suffered the most dog bites in 2006 – 96 incidents. This area was followed by Houston with 94 dog bites, Sacramento with 82 and Los Angeles, 77.

Based on this news report, the postal worker, Lin, was not bitten by the Rottweiler. The dog apparently charged him and may have pushed him over causing Lin to hit his head and sustain the fatal head injury. There are still several unanswered questions here. How did the dog attack him? Was the dog unrestrained? Did the dog have a prior history of vicious attacks?

California Dog Bite Law and Liability

California law holds dog owners responsible for attacks and injuries caused, no matter what. The only exception to the "strict liability statute" is if the dog attacks a burglar, trespasser or assailant. California’s Civil Code Section 3342 states: "The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness."

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, dog bite victims' families can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. In many such incidents, the deceased victim may be the family's sole breadwinner putting these families under severe emotional and financial strain. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options in such cases.

How can postal workers be better prepared against dog attacks while on the job?

Postal Worker in San Diego Killed in Dog Attack is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Man Injured in Chula Vista Car Accident

Toni — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 22:43:08 +0000

A 35-year-old man sustained serious injuries in a San Diego car accident after he was struck by an out-of-control vehicle while jogging on the sidewalk. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the major injury collision occurred the morning of May 31, 2010 on Telegraph Canyon Road in Chula Vista. The man was running on the sidewalk along the south side of the roadway near Paseo Ladera, when a Nissan Sentra went over the curb and struck him.

The man was taken to a hospital with head and facial injuries and may have also suffered broken bones. Investigators are in the process of determining why the car left the roadway. However, they have not arrested driver after determining that alcohol or drugs were not factors.

I sympathize with this injured victim for what he and his family are going through at this time. I sincerely hope he has not sustained any catastrophic injuries in this crash and pray that he recovers quickly and completely from his injuries.

San Diego Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 58 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Chula Vista. In San Diego County as a whole, 63 people died and 998 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Fault and Liability

Based on this news report, it is not entirely clear how or why the driver of the Nissan Sentra lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the pedestrian. Officials say alcohol or drugs were not factors. I trust they are also looking into whether the driver was distracted, driving at an excessive rate of speed, or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision.

If it is determined that the driver of the vehicle was at-fault for this horrific collision, he or she could be held liable for the injuries caused to the jogger. In such cases, injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Victims would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced Chula Vista personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

As a pedestrian, what are some of the precautions you would take on the roadway?

Man Injured in Chula Vista Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Teenager Killed in San Diego Car Accident

Joyce — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:25:10 +0000

BreAnna Erickson, 17, was killed in a San Diego car accident the evening of May 28, 2010, after the Acura Legend in which she was a passenger collided head-on with another vehicle. According to a news report in the San Diego Union-Tribune, BreAnna was killed and four other teens were injured when the driver of the sedan they were in, lost control, crossed into opposing lanes of traffic and crashed into a truck. Police say BreAnna was wearing a seatbelt and was sitting in the center rear seat of the Acura when it crashed in the 12500 block of Sabre Springs Parkway.

Police say the car seemed to have been traveling too fast when it approached a curve. The other injured teens are all expected to survive although one of them is said to have sustained multiple fractures. All wore seatbelts and drugs or alcohol was not involved, officials said.

Car Accidents in San Diego

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records (SWITRS), there were 81 fatalities and 6,123 injuries involving car accidents in San Diego. Countywide, 246 people died and 13,527 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Was there a Dangerous Roadway Condition?

This news report still leaves a number of questions unanswered. What exactly caused the driver of the Acura to lose control? How fast was he or she driving at the time? Were there any vehicle defects in the Acura that led to the fatal accident? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which caused or contributed to this fatal crash? Officials say that stretch of Sabre Springs Parkway where the accident occurred, is a dangerous one. Other fatal car crashes have occurred recently on that road.

Liability Issues

I would be interested to find out what makes that a dangerous section of the road. Did the city or governmental agency in charge of maintaining that roadway attempt to fix the dangerous condition there? If this accident was in fact caused by a dangerous roadway, the agency in charge of maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. The best San Diego personal injury lawyers will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for motorists in your city?

Teenager Killed in San Diego Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Man Faces Huffing DUI Charges in Fatal San Diego Car Accident

Joyce — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:05:36 +0000

Romeo Dumlao, 34, has been charged in connection with a DUI collision that occurred in San Diego four months ago killing 9-year-old Ashley Heffington. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the arrest was made this week and Dumlao was charged with gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI, both felonies. The fatal car accident occurred the morning of December 31, 2009 near the intersection of Sports Arena and West Point Loma boulevards. Ashley was a rear-seat passenger in a vehicle stopped at a light when Dumlao struck the vehicle from behind. Ashley was in critical condition for 12 days before she died from her injuries.

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Officials say Dumlao is accused of inhaling vapors from a computer dust removal aerosol can in order to get high. This is also known as "huffing." This is the first time prosecutors in San Diego are pursuing a "huffing" DUI charge. The arrest was delayed by months because toxicology tests take time. Although preliminary tests showed the presence of vapors in Dumlao's system, the tests had to be sent to a lab in Pennsylvania in order to determine the levels. Authorities also found several cans with compressed air in Dumlao's home and in his vehicle.

DUI Collisions in San Diego

My heart goes out to the family of Ashley Heffington who has no doubt suffered an irreparable loss, apparently because of one person's reckless actions. This grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were 34 fatalities and 904 injuries involving DUI collisions in San Diego, California. Countywide, 104 people died and 2,033 were injured as a result of alcohol or drug-related car accidents during the same year.

Protecting their Rights

If Dumlao is found guilty, I hope he receives the maximum punishment. I'm also pleased that prosecutors in San Diego are pursuing this unusual case. California law deems it illegal to drive under the influence of any intoxicant, be it alcohol, recreational drugs or prescription drugs. If "huffing" a chemical gets a driver high and impaired, he has no business getting behind the wheel of a vehicle!

I hope Ashley's family has retained the services of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will help them through the legal process and make sure that their rights and best interests are protected. DUI offenders should be held both criminally and civilly liable for their actions.

Do you believe the DA made the right decision in prosecuting this individual for huffing and driving?

Man Faces Huffing DUI Charges in Fatal San Diego Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Woman Injured in San Diego Car Accident

Joyce — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:46:50 +0000

A woman was severely injured in a San Diego car accident after she was struck by an SUV at a city intersection. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the woman was walking at the intersection of Second Avenue and Elm Street in the Park West neighborhood the morning of April 28, 2010, when a Ford Explorer hit her. The female pedestrian sustained major injuries in this collision. She was transported to a nearby hospital with hip injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

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My heart goes out to this injured pedestrian and her family. I hope her injuries were not catastrophic and pray for her speedy and complete recovery.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) there were 23 fatalities and 533 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in San Diego. Countywide, 63 people died and 998 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.

Based on this news report it appears that the woman was walking in a crosswalk at the time of the collision. If that was the case and if she had the light, the motorist could be found at fault for failing to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian.

Crosswalk Laws

California Vehicle Code section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

Liability Issues

Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident attorney will also be able to determine whether there was a dangerous condition at the intersection at the time of the injury collision. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

What are the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in your city or neighborhood?

Woman Injured in San Diego Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Two Killed in Escondido Car Accident

Toni — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:16:38 +0000

Two people, one of them identified as 32-year-old Michelle Santos, were killed in a San Diego car accident after two vehicles struck each other in Escondido. San Diego 6 reports that Santos was traveling west on Old Castle Road near Champagne Boulevard early morning on April 18, 2010, when her vehicle swerved into oncoming traffic lanes and collided head-on with the other car. California Highway Patrol officials said Santos was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver was transported to a hospital but died shortly after the crash. The San Diego County Medical Examiner's office identifies the second victim only as a 65-year-old Fallbrook woman.

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I offer my deepest sympathies to the two families who have surely suffered a devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Escondido Car Accidents

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 10 fatalities and 732 injuries involving car accidents in Escondido. In San Diego County as a whole, car accidents claimed 246 lives and caused 13,527 injuries during the same year.

Car Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not clear what caused Michelle Santos to swerve into opposing lanes of traffic and cause this fatal head-on collision. There are several questions here. Was Santos impaired or fatigued at the time? Was she distracted? Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in her vehicle that caused her to lose control? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway? Was she speeding or otherwise negligent? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine exactly what caused this accident.

Liability Issues

If Santos is determined to have caused this accident, the other victim's family can file a claim against Santos' estate or her insurance. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical/funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. Victims' families in such cases would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. The best personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and a comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Have you been injured in an accident? What were the biggest challenges you faced in the aftermath of an accident?

Two Killed in Escondido Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Four Injured in Oceanside Car Accident

Toni — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:06:07 +0000

Two children and two adults sustained injuries in a San Diego car accident after one vehicle rear-ended another on the 5 Freeway in Oceanside. According to a news report in the North County Times, the injury collision occurred the afternoon of April 1, 2010 near Oceanside Boulevard, when a 1996 Toyota Camry carrying a 67-year-old woman and an 8-year-old boy, rear-ended a 2002 Lexus SUV occupied by a 60-year-old woman and an 11-year-old girl. California Highway Patrol officials say the driver of the Toyota did not see traffic slowing ahead and attempted to stop at the last instant, but it didn't help. The 11-year-old girl who was "in a lot of pain" was airlifted to an area hospital. The two adults and the boy sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital.

I sympathize with everyone who was injured in this accident especially the young children. I hope the girl did not sustain major injuries. I wish her and the other injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Car Accidents

There were seven fatalities and 722 injuries involving car accidents in Oceanside in 2008, according to CHP's traffic accident statistics. In San Diego County as a whole, car accidents claimed 246 lives and injured 13,527 people during the same year.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Toyota Camry may have been at fault for this horrific injury accident. Given that the Toyota rear-ended the Lexus at freeway speeds, it is fortunate that no one was killed. I trust officials are asking several questions here. Was the female driver of the Camry under the influence? Was she distracted by something? Was she simply not paying attention to the traffic ahead of her? If she is determined to have been at fault for this accident, she could be held financially responsible for the injuries caused.

In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation and other related expenses. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims about their legal rights and options, and will also, make sure that the negligent parties are held liable for their actions. A skilled car accident lawyer should advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies in a case where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Four Injured in Oceanside Car Accident is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers