San Diego Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Working as a San Diego auto accident lawyer, I have seen time and time again the ability of stricter driver laws to decrease fatal auto accidents. Perhaps no alcohol related legislation has had as much of a obvious affect as when the legal drinking age of 21 was signed into place. All states had their own legal drinking ages for decades and for forty years all states had their drinking age set at 21. During the Vietnam War, however, over twenty states dropped their drinking age which triggered a dramatic increase in drunk driving fatalities. Young drivers would start traveling to states with lower drinking ages and then drive back to their residents creating chaos along the way. President Ronald Regan, however, saved a significant number of lives by signing legislation making the nations drinking age 21. With this came a dramatic drop in the number of drunk driving fatalities. In spite of legislation having a positive effect there are still those who choose to drink and get behind the wheel, and underage drinking contributes to a significant amount of these. But what can be done besides legislation to protect your teen from the dangers of drunk driving?

With a significant number of youth being introduced to alcohol at a young age (58% of high school senior have admitted to being drunk at least once) it Is necessary for some action to be taken to help keep these teens off the roads. Car accidents are the number one cause of death for teens and 60% of these fatal car accidents involve alcohol. Though this may be disheartening to parents and make them reconsider allowing their teen behind the wheel- studies show parents can control this problem more than any law.

According to studies simply discussing alcohol and drunk driving with your teen significantly lowers their chance of using alcohol. Discussing these topics with your teens can be uncomfortable- but ultimately it will lead to better decisions and a greater peace of mind.

Talking to Your Kids About Drunk Driving, an article by Seattle car wreck lawyer Jason Epstein is full of useful tips for starting the conversation with your teen. The article also contains links to useful resources including facts and horror stories to make your teen realize the true danger they put themselves in when they drink. To learn more click on the link above.

If your life has been altered by the irresponsibility of a drunk driver be sure to contact a lawyer quickly. If you are in the San Diego area contact my car accident law firm for a free consultation- if you are in Washington state contact Jason Epstein’s Bellevue personal injury law office, Premier Law Group.

A 23-year old suspected drunken driver injured five persons in a two-vehicle car accident along Interstate 5 (I-5) on September 27, 2010. According to California Highway Patrol officer Denise Quesada, this fatal Orange County car accident occurred on the northbound I-5 freeway south of State Route 91 (SR-91) around 12:26 a.m. Quesada said that one of the vehicles overturned on the right shoulder of the road.

Sabha Mikha, driving a 2004 Mazda, was arrested on the suspicion of felony drunken driving. All five people who suffered injuries in this car accident were identified as Maria Garcia-Salas, 24, who was driving a 1993 Ford Explorer, and Rosa Garcia, 5, Elizabeth Garcia, 22, Evelyn Aguilar, 19 and Jesus Garcia, 20. All the injured victims suffered minor to moderate injuries.

If Mikha is determined to have been at fault in this case, then he could face not only criminal DUI charges, but could also be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization and other related damages.

According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." It would be in the best interests of injured victims in to seek advice of an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable.

We offer our sympathies to all those who suffered injuries in this car accident and hope that they recover to their complete health soon.

Continue reading " Five People Injured in Orange County Auto Accident " »

A one-and-a-half-year old toddler was struck by a car in Moreno Valley on September 27, 2010, around 5:30 p.m. According to Riverside County Sheriff’s spokeswoman, Melissa Nieburger, this car accident took place in the 21500 block of Dracaea Avenue, approximately 90 miles north of San Diego.

The injured child was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment where his condition is unknown. Investigators are trying to determine the exact cause of this car accident.

Based on this news report, it appears that the car driver was driving inattentively and recklessly at a high rate of speed. It is not known whether the car driver was driving under influence or was sober. If it is found that he was driving under influence of drugs or alcohol then he might be held responsible for the harm that he has caused. The injured child’s parents would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California car accident lawyer who will advise them about their legal rights and options. In such cases, child’s parents could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, and other related damages.

We express our sincere sympathies to the injured child’s parents for such pain and hope that the child recovers to his health completely.

Continue reading " Riverside County Auto Accident Injures Child " »

A 3-year old boy was struck and killed in a Madera County pedestrian accident on September 21, 2010, around 6:45 p.m. This car accident occurred in Madera, approximately 300 miles from San Diego. According to Madera Police officer George Yang, the driver of a silver Saturn SUV struck a young boy who was crossing the intersection at Martin Street and Olive Avenue.

The driver then fled from the accident scene after hitting the young boy. The boy was later transported to Madera Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious violation 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." Motorists are not only required to stop, but also remain at the scene of the crash and wait until authorities get to the scene.

It is absolutely incomprehensible that the SUV driver did not stop to help the young boy. The SUV driver committed the felony of hit-and-run with a serious injury and therefore should be held criminally and civilly responsible to pay the boy’s family for the cost of the funeral, loss of love, and loss of support of companionship. We advise the victim’s family to seek advice from an aggressive Madera County car accident lawyer who could help them get a fair compensation for the pain and suffering. We sincerely hope that the investigating officers will make every possible effort to provide victim’s family with some justice.

Continue reading " Three-Year Old Boy Killed In Madera County Hit And Run Auto Accident " »

Americo Aucaruri, 53, a Fontana resident died in a San Bernardino rollover car accident on September 18, 2010, around 5:20 p.m. According to the San Bernardino County Coroner, this auto accident occurred on Interstate 10 (I-10) near Etiwanda Avenue, approximately 95 miles north of San Diego.

Aucaruri was driving her green colored Jeep Cherokee when she was rear-ended by a driver of another vehicle. The impact of the collision was so strong that her Jeep rolled over several times before it came to rest below the Etiwanda Avenue overpass.

Aucaruri was pronounced dead at the accident scene where as passengers in the jeep suffered minor to major injuries. All the injured victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. California Highway Patrol officers are investigating the exact cause of this car accident to find out whether the other vehicle driver was guilty. If it is found that the other car driver was inattentive or was driving under influence—or was simply travelling too fast for road conditions in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 22350--then he will be financially responsible for paying Aucaruri’s family compensation for funersl costs, loss of love and companionship, and loss of support. The injured victims are also entitled for a compensation to cover the medical costs, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering. Both Aucaruri’s family and those hurt by the other driver’s negligence should consult with an experienced San Bernardino auto accident attorney to learn about their rights under California law.

We offer our deepest condolences to Aucaruri’s family for such a sudden and irreversible loss. We also sincerely hope and pray that the injured victims are able to recover to their health completely.

Continue reading " Driver Killed in Rollover San Bernardino Auto Accident " »

Jeanna Simington, 40, from the North Highlands neighborhood of Sacramento, was killed in a rollover car accident on September 23, 2010, around 4:05 a.m. at westbound Interstate 80 (I-80) approximately 400 miles north of San Diego in Northern California. Simington was driving her black colored 1992 Nissan Pathfinder and lost control when she turned into left direction.

Simington’s car crossed the westbound lanes and struck the center median with such an impact that the car overturned many times before it came to rest. This auto accident blocked two westbound lanes of I-80. Simington was pronounced dead at the accident scene.

Simington was wearing her seat belt and it is unclear what made her lose control of the vehicle. It is unknown whether drugs and alcohol were the factors behind this fatal car crash. However, given the time of day that this happened, it is likely that drugs, alcohol, or sleep deprivation played a role in this traffic collision.

Unfortunately, it is unclear from the facts of the story why the accident occurred. There is a possibility that the accident may have been the result of a mechanical defect or design issue. It could have also been the result of an uneven road surface. Regardless of the facts, the Simington’ s family should consult a Sacramento personal injury attorney to determine if there are any facts which would suggest that the accident was the cause of someone else’s negligence. The lawyer may also hire detectives and investigators to find the exact cause of the wreck before vital clues are lost.

If this accident occurred due to bad road condition or any mechanical fault, then Simington’s family might be eligible for a compensation to cover the cost of funeral and burial, loss of earnings, and loss of love and compassion.

Continue reading " Rollover Car Accident Kills Sacramento Woman " »

A major car accident blocked California State Highway 116 in both the directions for more than an hour on September 18, 2010, in Sonoma County, approximately 400 miles from San Diego. According to California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Mines, a solo-car accident occurred around 11:10 a.m. on Highway 116, east of Martinelli Road.

One person suffered moderate to major injuries and was transported to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for treatment. This auto accident blocked the two-lane highway in both directions until it was reopened around 12:30 p.m.

Based upon the present information, it is unclear what caused this traffic accident. The investigating officers will undoubtedly perform a thorough investigation to determine why this one vehicle crashed. If during the investigation it is found that the crasj occurred due to a mechanical fault on the vehicle or a bad condition of the road, the responsible manufacturer and government entity charged with maintaining the road may be held responsible for the injured people’s medical damages, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering. Small comfort, however, to those hospitalized by this serious injury collision. Our office wishes them the best and hope that they can recover from their injuries without long-term problems.

Continue reading " Major Sonoma County Car Accident Closes Highway 116 " »

Patricia Rodriquez, 36, was killed in a rollover car accident on September 8, 2010, when the car driven by Rodriguez’s husband, Sergio Rodriquez, went out of control. This accident occurred on Highway 375 in Victorville, approximately 96 miles from San Diego. According to San Bernardino County Sherriffs, Mr.Rodriguez turned sharply to avoid a slow moving vehicle and overcorrected, rolling his 2003 GMC Yukon.

There were eight to nine passengers in the car at that time, out of which three women were ejected from the vehicle due to the impact of the accident. Patricia Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the traffic accident scene. A 14-year old boy who was also ejected out of the car was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Seven other passengers present in Rodriguez’s car sustained minor bruises while those in the slow moving vehicle fortunately escaped unhurt. Sherriff’s spokeswoman Arden Wiltshire reported that both the vehicles never collided and investigators are trying to determine what caused this fatal auto accident. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor behind this car accident.

Unfortunately, it is uncertain from the facts of the story why the accident occurred. From the facts of the story, it seems that the accident was most likely caused by the slow moving vehicle or Mr. Rodriguez overcorrecting. There is, however, a possibility that the accident was due to a mechanical defect or design defect that caused the SUV to rollover. Irrespective of the reason behind this fatal car accident, Patricia Rodriguez’s family should consult with a San Bernardino County wrongful death attorney who can help them acquire a fair compensation to cover cost of funeral and burial , loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. The injured victims are also liable for a compensation to cover the cost incurred for their medical treatment and pain and suffering.

We offer our sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved Patricia Rodriguez for such a tragic loss. We also hope and pray that the injured victims are able to recover to their complete health soon.

Continue reading " San Bernardino Rollover Auto Accident Kills Woman " »

A four-car accident injured two people on September 14, 2010, around 6:38 a.m. This Orange County car accident occurred on Bristol Street and Sunflower Avenue in Costa Mesa, approximately 80 miles from San Diego. According to the authorities this car accident involved a white Chevrolet Suburban, gold Ford Explorer, a white van, and a blue Chevrolet SUV.

Captain Fred Seguin said that the two injured victims were transported by the Costa Mesa Fire Department to local hospitals with moderate injuries. Police diverted traffic to eastbound and westbound Bristol Street near South Coast Plaza.

Investigating officers need to determine what caused this four-car accident. If it is found that this auto accident occurred due to the negligence or inattentiveness of any of the four car drivers then the responsible driver will be responsible to compensate the injured victims for the cost of their medical care, any lost earnings and wages, the damage to their vehicles, and pain and suffering. The injured victims should consult with an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer about their rights and to make sure that they do not miss out on any compensation, such as MedPay or Underinsured Motorist coverages, that they may be entitled to.

Continue reading " Costa Mesa Auto Accident Injures Two " »

A 30-year old Santa Ana man was killed in an Orange County car accident when he was ejected from a compact car that hit a couch on Interstate 5 (I-5) on September 12, 2010, around 9:29 p.m. According to California Highway Patrol, this auto accident occurred north of La Veta Avenue in Orange, approximately 80 miles from San Diego.

Roy Kosgue, 20, from Irvine was driving his 2000 Toyota Corolla car at 65 mph when he ran into a black couch sitting on the pathway. Kosgue applied his brakes but was not able to avoid hitting the couch.

The impact of the traffic collision forced Kosgue to lose control of his vehicle and it collided into the left rear side of a 2000 GMC Safari. The middle rear passenger in the Safari was ejected out of the car and later pronounced dead by the Orange County Fire Department.

California Highway Patrol officer Denise Quesada said that it is unknown whether the couch was the primary reason behind this car accident or if the driver of the Corolla was distracted. Investigating officers are trying to determine what caused this fatal car crash.

If is found that Kosgue’s inattentiveness caused this fatal car wreck, then he might be responsible to pay the victim’s family compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of financialsupport, and loss of love and compassion.

Continue reading " Fatal Orange County Car Accident Caused by a Couch on Freeway " »

Two people sustained serious injuries in a four-vehicle car accident on the east side of Escondido on September 12, 2010 around 1:00 p.m. According to Escondido Police Lt. Jim Stuard, the car crash occurred on East Valley Parkway at the intersection of Hidden Trails Road.

Passersby told the police that two people in the car were unconscious. The roadway to Valley Center remained closed after the auto accident. From the available facts, it is unclear what caused this traffic collision. However, it cannot be ruled out that it might have occurred due to a mechanical failure, bad condition of the road, or the loss of control by one or more of the drivers.

If it is found that this car accident occurred due to the negligence of either driver, then he might be held liable to compensate the injured victims for their medical costs, lost wages, and other related damages.

We hope and pray that all those hurt in this car crash recover to their complete health soon.

Continue reading " Two Injured In Escondido Car Accident " »

Richard Steinberg, 50, sustained serious injuries on the morning of September 6, 2010, when he crashed his Saturn on Interstate 80 (I-80) near American Canyon, approximately 500 miles from San Diego in Solano County. According to California Highway Patrol officers, Steinberg was speeding in his car when he made a sharp turn and crashed his vehicle into the center divider where it overturned.

Two off-duty firefighters present at the traffic collision scene provided Steinberg with medical assistance before he was transported to Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center. The exact cause of this auto accident is however not clear and it cannot be ruled out that it might have occurred due to bad condition of the road.

If the investigation reveals that a third party was at fault for causing Steinberg to lose control of his vehicle, either due to a car design issue or failure to maintain the road in a safe condition, the responsible parties might be responsible to pay Steinberg compensation for medical costs, cost of hospitalization, cost of treatment, lost wages, and other related damages.
We sincerely hope that Steinberg recovers to his complete health soon.

Continue reading " Vallejo Man Injured In I-80 Auto Accident " »

A giant red truck caused a four car accident in Oakland on September 8, 2010 when the truck’s brakes failed. The truck slammed into a silver Honda car that was waiting for the light to change at the intersection of Grand near Lake Merritt and Mac Arthur, approximately 450 miles from San Diego in San Francisco County.

When the truck hit the car, it caused a multiple vehicle chain reaction accident involving four cars that rammed into each other. Drivers and passengers in the cars sustained minor injuries, but none of them was reported to be life threatening.

From the facts available, it seems that the truck lost its’ brakes due to a mechanical defect. If this is found in the investigation, then the automotive manufacturer might be responsible to pay the injured victims with compensation for the medical costs and the damage done to the cars. It is also possible that the brakes failed due to overloading. In this case too, the employer of the truck driver may be held liable for causing the traffic collision.

The injured victims should consult with an experienced Oakland car accident lawyer who will keep abreast with the investigation and ensure fair compensation. We hope that the injured victims recover to their complete health soon.

Continue reading " Oakland Traffic Accident Caused by Truck With No Brakes " »

A North County Transit District bus driver and six passengers sustained injuries when their bus collided with a pickup truck on the afternoon of August 28, 2010. According to Valley Center authorities this accident occurred around 2p.m. on North Lake Wohlford Road south of Valley Center.

The southbound pick up truck crossed into the northbound lanes and struck the district bus. Sgt. Scott Payson said that the left front end of the truck hit the left front of the bus and caused moderate damage to both the vehicles. The pickup driver fortunately escaped unhurt, but the bus driver along with his passengers suffered injuries. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment of their injuries.

The windshield of the bus shattered and some of the passengers complained of back and neck pain. Investigating officers are trying to determine why the pickup driver entered into the wrong lane on a straight stretch of road. Payson said that drugs and alcohol do not appear to be the reason behind this crash, but distraction due to cell phone cannot be ruled out. A right-of-way violation may have played a part in this traffic collision. California law requires drivers to give the right of way to oncoming vehicles and to cars who have already entered the intersection from a different road.

If this accident occurred due to the negligence of either or both of the drivers, then the responsible persons might be liable to pay legal compensation to the injured passengers for medical costs and other related deamages.

Continue reading " San Diego County Bus Accident Leaves Seven Injured " »