Our car accident lawyers in San Diego have been closely monitoring the advent of new laws to ban distracted driving caused by cell phone use — a top cause of car accidents in the United States.  Not to say they are completely responsible, but teenage drivers are among the most likely to get into these types of car accidents because they are overwhelmed with a large wave of new technology.

Some drivers see a distracted driving ban as a benefit for safety.

There is a proposal that is gaining momentum in the U.S. Congress that would provide incentives to states that pass distracted driving bans — namely those that ban cell phone use while driving.

In the proposal, any state that creates stricter laws would receive grant money from the federal government.  Such laws would have to ban drivers from using handheld cell phones and a complete ban of cell-phone use for drivers under the age of 18.  The National Safety Council officially supported the motion on June 8.

Residents in North Carolina have already passed a ban on texting while driving, and they believe there are more important things to do than answering a phone call if you’re behind the wheel.

“If it’s really that important of a call, you should pull over and talk,” said 40-year-old Terri Jones of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  “If it’s so important, you aren’t concentrating on the road.”

When it comes to preventing car accidents causing personal injuries, residents believe they need to set the example because some teenagers will pick up on good and bad driving habits from their parents.

“Adults are role models for kids and set an example,” said High Point, NC resident Renee Meeks.  “It’s hypocritical to say that teens can’t talk on cell phones while adults can.

Preventing car accidents causing wrongful death can sometimes be a matter of common sense.  If you’re driving on the road, that’s where your complete focus has to be.  No phone call, no text message, no email is worth the risk of getting into a car crash because you can always either pull over or wait until you get to your destination.

Call us now at 1-800-655-6585 for a FREE consultation with an experienced San Diego car accident attorney or click here to submit your case for a FREE online review.

Drivers See Distracted Driving Ban as Positive Measure is a post from: Personal Injury Accident Blog

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Ask the person selling the car if any warranty is offered with the car.  They hold the dealer or seller responsible for repairs on the car, which — if you ask our auto accident lawyers — is important.  A problem-free car is usually a safer car and one that is less likely to cause a car accident.

(Also check out our car warranty checklist.)

1.  Full Warranty

When a person buys a car with a full warranty, the dealer provides a warranty that completely covers the repair or replacement of any design defect in the car for the duration of the warranty.

2.  As Is

When a car is sold “as is”, the buyer becomes responsible for all repairs after the sale has been finalized.  The dealer will not offer any money for property damage on the car or design defects the car had at point of sale.

3.  Implied Warranty

Some state laws hold dealers responsible if cars they sell do not meet reasonable quality standards.

4.  Warranty of Merchantability

The seller promises the product for sale will do what it is supposed to (most importantly, that a car will actually drive and function properly).  This promise applies to the basic functions of a car, not foreseeable problems.

5.  Warranty of Fitness for a Particular Purpose

This warranty applies when you buy a vehicle based on the dealer’s advice that it is suitable for a specific use.

If you have problems with your car, a good warranty will allow you to easily have an auto mechanic fix it.  If you buy a car today and a design defect on your car is found a day later, your warranty will help you get it handled before a car crash.

If you are injured in a car accident, contact our San Diego law firm at (800) 655-6585 for a FREE consultation with an experienced auto accident lawyer.  You may also click here to submit your case for a FREE online review.

You owe nothing until we win your case.

Auto Accident Lawyer’s Tips for a Car Warranty is a post from: Personal Injury Accident Blog

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Forty-seven states require that you have at least some kind of car insurance, but what the law requires may not always be the best car insurance policy.  Fulfilling your legal requirement for car insurance does not make you properly insured.  Our car accident attorneys in San Diego want you to consider getting more than the minimum when shopping for car insurance.  Remember, having too much coverage is better than not having enough.

Tips for Finding a Good Car Insurance Policy

Here are some simple tips to from our car insurance checklist:

1.  Know how car insurance works. A bad car accident can cause personal injury, wrongful death and property damage that can exceed what the minimum amount of car insurance covers.  Do you want to be stuck with the remaining medical bills or property damage if your insurance does not cover those costs?

Before buying insurance, there are some important factors to consider:

• The kind of car you have can influence your decision making.  Auto insurance for a sports car is going to be more expensive than most other automobiles.
• Your driving record can negatively affect your car insurance if you have moving violations or car accidents on your record.
• You should also determine the amount of money you are willing to pay each month.

Understanding the basics will help you in knowing if the policy you choose will take care of all of your needs after a car crash.

2.  Determine which type of auto coverage in case of a car accident.

Liability coverage pays for accidental personal injury and property damages to others.  Injury damages include coverage for medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages.  Property damage includes your own vehicle and damage to other cars.

Collision coverage pays for damages to your car caused by a car accident with another vehicle or object.  Comprehensive coverage pays for loss or damage to the insured car from something other than a car accident like fire, wind, vandalism or theft.

Medical coverage pays medical expenses regardless of fault when caused by a car crash.  Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays medical expenses for the insured driver, regardless of fault, for treatment due to a car accident.

Uninsured Motorist coverage pays your car’s damages when a car accident is caused by a driver who does not have liability insurance.  Underinsured Motorist coverage pays damages when a car crash is caused by someone who does not have enough liability insurance.

Rental reimbursement is simply used if a car accident causes an insured driver to have to rent a car while their car is being repaired.

Know the laws in your state because many insurance policies combine different types of coverage.  Remember that even though you have the minimum car insurance for your state, your minimum coverage may not be enough if a car accident causes high medical bills or property damage.

3.  Know your car insurance needs. First, know your state laws. Forty-seven states require liability insurance.  Fifteen states — including New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania — also require personal injury protection.

Second, weigh your options.  With so many options out there, knowing what you will need if a car accident happens is the key to making sure you have enough coverage for when a car crash occurs.

Next, determine how much money you want to spend.  If you know the laws and you know what you need, you can piece together a policy, but make sure you have enough coverage.  Did you know that if an insurance policy is not enough in a car accident, attorneys can go after your personal assets?  Too much insurance is better than not enough.  It is much better for the insurance company to be responsible for expenses than you if a car accident happens.

Finally, think about your vehicle and your finances.  If your car is completely totaled in a car accident, would you be able to afford a replacement?  If not, having comprehensive and collision coverage is a good idea.  The decision to have this depends on the price of your car.  More expensive cars are usually harder to replace if the car is totaled in a car crash.

4.  Auto insurance prices vary. Several factors affect the price of auto insurance.  Prices vary by company, and comparing prices thoroughly before buying a policy is always a good idea.

The first thing that affects your insurance price is what kind of car you drive.  A sports car usually costs more to insure than a family sedan.  Did you know that where you live can affect insurance costs?  If you live in an area where there are a lot of car accidents or vandalism, insurance will cost more.

The final factors that affect the price of auto insurance have to do with who you are.  Your age, sex, marital status and driving record are all factors.  Accident rates are higher for drivers under the age of 25 as well as for young males and single males.

There are four main factors that can help you keep your car insurance down:

• Consider buying one that “looks good” to car insurers.  Insurance companies know what kinds of cars are prone to problems and which cars are stolen most often.
• Most insurance companies offer discounts for reasons like good students, having more than one car insured and accident-free driving.
• Consider carpooling or using public transportation to get to work.  Using your car less can save money.
• Drive carefully!  Insurance companies are not friendly to accident-prone drivers.  The safer you drive, the more your rate will drop.

5.  Understand your deductible. Purchasing car insurance is not always about the value of your car or how often you get into car accidents.  Car insurance can also have to do with how much money you are willing to pay for your coverage.  All car insurance policies have a deductible — the amount an insured person must pay before the insurance pays the remainder of each covered loss.

You are required to pay for some of the damages in a car accident, but the amount depends on your policy.  Deductibles vary but are usually in amounts of $100, $250, $500 or $1,000.  For example, if a car accident causes $2,500 worth of property damage and medical bill costs, having a $500 deductible means you are required to pay the $500 and the insurance company will then pay the other $2,000.

Finding the Right Insurance Policy Takes Work

Buying insurance does not have to be as complicated as it seems.  There are simple tips and rules every consumer should know when shopping for car insurance.  If you are ever in a car accident, having the right types of insurance can be the difference in how much you pay for your coverage per month as well as what you have to pay after a car accident.

As car accident lawyers, we want you to be smart about what type of car insurance you buy.  Always remember that a little more out of your pocket now can mean a lot less out of your pocket later if you are involved in a car accident.  The bare minimum is barely enough.

Call our San Diego law firm now at 1-800-655-6585 for a FREE consultation with an experienced car accident attorney or click here to submit your case for a FREE online review.  We have a large bilingual staff that can assist you in either English or Spanish.

5 Tips to Find a Good Car Insurance Policy is a post from: Personal Injury Accident Blog

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Most importantly, this list should help you avoid some mistakes along the way and hopefully help you maximize your personal injury settlement.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or legal advice.

Tips For How You Can Help Your Attorney

1.  Make copies of everything. Clients often ask what copies need to be made.  Our answer is “everything!”  Keep a file with copies of everything you send us.  We especially need copies of the following:

• Your own automobile insurance declarations page which was in effect on the date of the accident (or a copy of the one for the automobile you may have been driving)
• All medical bills
• Your health insurance card
• All property damage estimate(s)/evaluation(s)
• Accident-related photographs
• Historical medical records in your possession (and indicate any x-ray or other type studies/films in your possession)
• All witness information and/or information exchanged at the scene of the accident
• Any other related records/documents.

2.  Set up a payment plan for your medical and health insurance related billings. Please make sure to handle the payment of any related medical expenses with your health insurance provider.   Upon receipt, please send or fax us a copy of any Explanation of Benefits.  And if you have any medical payment benefits from your own insurance (or the vehicle you were a passenger), there may be legal time limits to file your claim.

If you do not have any health insurance, it is your responsibility to apply for assistance for payment of your medical bills.  These government assistance programs include CHAMPUS, County Medical Benefits, Aid To Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), Medi-Cal, etc.  If you do not qualify for these programs, then you must set up a medical lien with your health care provider payable at the conclusion of your claim.  Just remember that medical creditors are not legally required to provide you with a lien.

If all else fails, you may attempt to establish a payment plan with your medical creditor or, if possible, pay them in full.  The important thing to remember is that your related medical and out-of-pocket expenses will be made part of your claim and can be recouped in your settlement.

3.  Inform your treating doctor of anything that relates to your claiming injury. Pay particular attention to any changes to the way you feel — no matter how trivial you believe your symptoms might be — and be as honest as possible about any pre-existing conditions that may affect your current case.  Insurance companies keep a record of any and all claims against any insurance companies; therefore, please make sure that your doctors and our offices are aware of any and all previous personal injuries, workers compensation claims, disability and other related claims.

Regarding your medical treatment, please remember that your attorneys are not doctors.  You and your doctors are completely in charge of your medical treatment, not your attorney.  Therefore, please make sure we know when you are done with treatment or released by your health care provider because your doctors will not call our offices upon your release.  If you continue to experience pain, please make sure we are fully informed of any further problems or treatment.

4.  Your medical treatment must conclude before your claim can be settled. Experience has shown that it is impossible to predict when your case will be brought to conclusion.  A number of factors, including the length of your medical treatment and availability of witnesses, all contribute to the length of a case.  Before any personal injury settlement is reached, all parties have to conduct an investigation of your accident.

Many cases do not move as quickly as our clients would like, and there might be time periods when your attorneys have not contacted you in some time.  This does not mean that your case has been forgotten, but rather there are sometimes slow periods while you are treating and recovering.  Our firm has a system of periodically reviewing and following-up (such calling you or your doctors, but you should still keep us advised).  Even though it may not seem like it, our attorneys do everything possible to make sure that your claim is handled quickly without sacrificing attention to detail.

You should also always keep in mind that you must prove to the responsible person’s insurer that: (1) they are at fault and (2) monetary damages were caused by the accident (i.e. medical bills, lost wages or pain and suffering).   In almost all cases (with limited exceptions), you will receive one lump bodily injury settlement for your entire claim.  If you later find something else wrong with you after you settle, you can not go back and ask for more money.  Therefore, it is up to you and your doctor to document what is wrong with you, before you settle your case, and more importantly to document it as objectively as possible (e.g., the diagnostic tests previously mentioned).  This is precisely the reason you must reach maximum medical improvement, keep in mind that this does not necessarily mean that you are free of pain or your symptoms.

5.  Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your doctors and your legal team. If anyone other than your doctors or attorneys attempt to contact you, please ask them to contact our offices.  Any mail from anyone other than your doctors or attorneys should be immediately forwarded to our offices before you fill out or sign anything that could damage your case.

6.  Keep your attorneys fully informed of any changes in your life. Please be sure to provide us with the names and addresses of any doctors who treated you for your current injuries as well as any similar injuries you may have had in the past.  It helps to keep a daily log of related expenses and time missed from work or school.

In addition, while your claim is pending, your attorneys will need to be aware of any changes or occurrences in your life which may have an impact on your case.  Some examples include change of address or phone number, arrests, subsequent accidents, divorce, etc.  When in doubt, call us and let us decide whether or not the matter is important.

7.  If all else fails, ask your attorney. Our clients often have plenty of questions.  After all, the legal process when dealing with an accident can be quite confusing.  As you think of questions, write them down, and at the appropriate time, call our offices and speak to an attorney.  If the response is inadequate or you are uncomfortable with the answer, please do not hesitate to say so.  You only get one settlement in personal injury law, so you need to get it right the first time.

Contact an Attorney ASAP after Your Accident

If the unfortunate happens and you do get into a car accident, the best thing you can do for yourself is to seek legal representation quickly.  Experienced personal injury lawyers, like the ones at our San Diego law firm, will help you avoid costly mistakes many people make when dealing with insurance companies who are often looking out for their best interests, not yours.

Contact our bilingual offices as soon as possible at 1-800-655-6585 for a FREE Consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in San Diego.  You may also please click here to submit your case for a FREE Online Review.  We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you owe us nothing until we recover money on your behalf.

7 Ways To Help Your Attorney Maximize Your Settlement is a post from: Personal Injury Accident Blog

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Automobile accidents can be worse with an older car as older cars tend to breakdown and possess worn parts.

Here is our car accident lawyers’ used car buyer’s checklist.

1.  There is a big difference in buying from a dealer versus buying from a seller. Dealers are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), whose Used Car Rule requires dealers to post a Buyers Guide in every used car.  The Buyers Guide will let you know if the used car comes with a warranty, advises you on safe buying practices and also lists any known mechanical and electrical problems at the time of sale.

Private sellers, meanwhile, are not regulated by the FTC and usually are not covered by the “implied warranties” of state law.  This means a private sale will probably be on an “as is” basis, unless your agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise.  Private sellers are also not required to make sure a vehicle passes inspection — or carry a minimum warranty — in many states.

2.  Does the used car come with a warranty? The Buyers Guide should display what kind of warranty is on the car if the car is comes with one, and there are three types of warranties for used cars:

• As Is/No Warranty
• Implied Warranty
• Full Warranty

3.  Consider a service contract. Like a warranty, a service contract provides repair and/or maintenance for a certain period.  Warranties are included in a car’s price, but a service contract costs extra and is sold separately.

When determining whether or not to buy a service contract, consider a few things:

• Does the service contract duplicate the warranty or does it begin after the warranty runs out?
• Is the vehicle likely to need repairs?
• Does the service contract cover all parts and systems of the car?
• Is the dealer offering the service contract reputable?

4.  Avoid spoken promises. The FTC recommends that you always avoid spoken promises.  Spoken promises are hard to enforce and are not easily proven in court.

If a dealer makes a promise, have it written on your Buyers Guide.

5.  Have your own mechanic inspect the car. You should always have a used car inspected by an independent mechanic before you make a used car purchase.  Even though you may be sending your mechanic a certified used car, certified used cars are only inspected to see if a car is safe to drive.  Your mechanic can look deeper and give you a good indication of a used car’s value under the hood.

Finding a pre-purchase inspection facility is easy.  For about $100, you can get a general idea of the condition of the car.

6.  Find a mobile inspection service if necessary. If the dealer will not let you take the car off the lot, you may be able to find a mobile inspection service that will go to the dealer.  Either way, ask your mechanic for a written report on the following:

• Cost estimate for necessary repairs.
• Used car’s make, model and vehicle identification number (VIN).

Of course, be sure to use that repair estimate to negotiate the price of the car.

7.  Take all necessary precautions when buying a used car. No matter where you buy a used car, you should always take every precaution necessary before making your used car purchase.  If you think that your used car caused an accident, then contact our bilingual San Diego law firm at 1-800-655-6585 for a FREE consultation with a car accident attorney.  You may also click here to submit your case for a FREE online review.

You owe nothing until we win your case.

Source: Federal Trade Commission’s Facts for Consumers on Buying a Used Car

Tips for Buying a Used Car is a post from: Personal Injury Accident Blog

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If you’re a teenager with a car, you are probably thrilled about the freedom that a vehicle supplies.  Our auto accident lawyers just want to remind you of the great responsibility driving is, as you must protect your life and the lives of the other people on the road.  Use this list an example of what not to do.

The ten biggest mistakes teenage drivers make causing wrongful death.

Every year, teenage drivers make mistakes that cause auto accidents leading to personal injuries or wrongful death.  Teenagers reading this blog and parents of teenage drivers should take note of the following ten biggest mistakes you can make behind the wheel.

1. Risk taking.  Since auto accidents are the leading cause of injuries and wrongful death for people age 15 to 20, don’t take unnecessary risks.
2. Not wearing a seat belt.  Seat belts are the simplest way to prevent injuries and fatal auto accidents.  It’s also illegal to be a driver or passenger without wearing one.
3. Speed.  Take note of what the speed limit is for the road you’re driving on, and stick to it.  Speeding can increase the chance of an auto accident because it reduces the amount of time you have to react to avoid one.
4. Rowdy riders.  Did you know adding one teenage passenger to a vehicle increases a teenage driver’s chances of getting into an auto accident by 50 percent?
5. Cell phones.  Driving should be your only focus.  Distracted driving caused by cell phone use is a growing national problem, and new laws have made it illegal.
6. CD players.  If you can, refrain from changing your music while driving.  Studies have shown that changing radio stations or getting the right tune on an iPod is the most common distraction for teenage drivers.
7. Late-night cruising.  Some states actually do not allow teenagers to drive at night until they reach a certain age.  Driving at night can be dangerous because of decreased visibility, so drive at night only if you absolutely have to.
8. Driving under the influence.  Drunk driving is dangerous for drivers of any age, but teenage drivers face double trouble if they get caught — drunk driving charges and charges of minors in possession of alcohol.
9. Peer pressure.  Don’t be afraid to have a mind of your own.  If you believe that something your friends suggest is a bad idea, don’t do it.  Since your life is at stake if you make a mistake, you shouldn’t be convinced to do something you don’t want to.
10. Overconfidence.  Teenage drivers don’t know everything there is to know about driving.  Many auto accidents are the result of a teenager thinking they can do something but are proven wrong.

Getting a drivers license symbolizes so much in the life of a teenager.  It is a gigantic step into a whole new world of opportunity.  As this is granted, remember to drive safely and responsibly.  Homework mistakes can be corrected, but driving mistakes can change your life or the lives of anyone suffering injuries or wrongful death forever.

Call us now at 1-800-655-6585 for a FREE consultation with an experienced San Diego auto accident attorney or click here to submit your case for a FREE online review.

The 10 Deadliest Mistakes Teenage Drivers Make is a post from: Personal Injury Accident Blog

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Car accidents cause the injuries and wrongful deaths of celebrities, athletes, the average Joe or Jane or people who have spent their lives making a difference for other drivers’ safety.  You never know when an auto accident is going to happen, so the best precaution you can take is simply be mindful.  Be aware of what’s around you, avoid speeding and obey all the rules of the road.

Former Caltrans spokesman killed in head-on car accident in Wyoming.

Former Caltrans worker Jim Larson was killed in a head-on car accident in Wyoming on June 28. (SOURCE: San Diego Union Tribune)

Have you ever wondered who started planting flowers on California highways as you zoom on the freeway?

You have former Caltrans worker Jim Larson to thank for that, and that is what he leaves behind after a head-on car accident caused his wrongful death on Monday, June 28.

Jim Larson and his brother Lloyd were driving on state Highway 789 on their way to a family function at Yellowstone National Park.  At about 3 p.m., his Jeep Cherokee was hit by a 2002 Chevy pickup going south.

According to details, the driver of the Chevy apparently drifted across the center line divider, and the wrong way driving caused crash.  Upon impact, Jim Larson was ejected from his car causing fatal personal injuries, and his brother Lloyd was taken to a hospital for his injuries.

Larson started working for Caltrans in 1957 and retired in 2002.  In that time, Larson brought containers of seeds to maintenance yards asking workers to spread them along highways.  The aesthetic pioneer was also behind the “Avoid the Cone Zone” campaign to promote the safety of workers along the highways.

There are no specific details as to why the driver of the Chevy veered on to the wrong side of the road, but our car accident lawyers in San Diego are going to let the authorities find out.  We know that drunk driving or distracted driving can be possible causes, but we choose not to speculate an exact cause.

Every time you drive along a California highway, take time to appreciate the great work Larson did to help you enjoy your time on the freeways because it goes without saying there are plenty of things not to love about it.

Call us now at 1-800-655-6585 for a FREE consultation with an experienced San Diego car accident attorney or click here to submit your case for a FREE online review.

Ex Caltrans Spokesman Killed in Head-On Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Accident Blog

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If you’re driving your car, you should always be clear headed and completely focused on the road.  Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs — both top causes of car accidents — can make driving a lot more complicated because both hinder your motor skills and lower your reaction time.  One split second miscalculation can lead to DUI car accidents causing injuries and wrongful death.

Sentence issued in wrongful death case involving driver under the influence of drugs.

Becky Marie Anderson, 45, plead guilty to charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in connection with a November 23, 2009 DUI car accident that caused the wrongful death of 36-year-old Kristen Ann Bedard.

Anderson was given a 16 year sentence for that charge, a felony charge of driving under the influence causing injury and a misdemeanor charge of unlawfully being under the influence of a controlled substance.

According to details, Anderson told police she had gotten a dose of methadone — a strong painkiller — at a clinic in Escondido that morning and took other pills.  Anderson later identified those pills as Valium the night before.  She said the car accident happened as a result of distracted driving as she was trying to grab a piece of paper that was making noise in the car and took her eyes off the road.

Bedard was walking to work at Target at about 7 a.m. when she was hit and killed on Community Road south of Aubrey Street.  Bedard’s family is understandably upset and took the opportunity in court to voice their opinions.

“You cannot imagine the amount of hate and disgust we have for you…,” the father said in court of Anderson.  “You deserve a much stronger sentence.”  The same gentleman called for uniformity in DUI laws across all states.

Anderson already had two previous convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol in 1998 and 1999.

Our car accident lawyers in San Diego are hoping that a new pilot program to use breathalyzers for convicted DUI offenders will reduce the number of repeat drunk drivers on the road, but there are those who try to drive under the influence of drugs — either medicinal or illegal.  Driving under the influence of drugs is just as bad as drunk driving, so avoid driving if you’re under the influence.

Call us now at 1-800-655-6585 for a FREE consultation with an experienced San Diego accident lawyer or click here to submit your case for a FREE online review.

Driver Under the Influence in Wrongful Death Sentenced is a post from: Personal Injury Accident Blog

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Elderly drivers are already under an intense amount of scrutiny because many feel they shouldn’t be driving on the road at all.  These people blame declining motor skills, and when you add drunk driving, a top cause of car accidents, to the mix, it makes an already difficult task harder.  Drinking and driving may also be potentially life threatening if the car crash causes wrongful death.

Man driving under the influence of alcohol sentenced after crashing into restaurant.

75-year-old Richard Alfred Daus was sentenced to six years in state prison after crashing his SUV into a restaurant causing the wrongful death of a patron. (SOURCE: San Diego 6)

75-year-old Richard Alfred Daus pleaded guilty and will serve six years in state prison to charges of gross vehicular manslaughter in connection to the DUI car accident wrongful death of Randy Eugene Smith that happened on January 3, 2010.

Surveillance tape shows that Daus’s car exited an ATM and drove across marked parking spaces.  The drunk driver then slammed into the Carl’s Jr in El Cajon sending the 66-year-old Smith  — who is usually in the burger place to grade papers — 35-40 feet across the eatery causing fatal personal injuries ranging from a crushed chest to an amputated left leg.

Daus already has a prior conviction for drunk driving in Alaska, and in 1952, reckless driving was the cause of a car accident that led to the wrongful death of a teenager in Cook County, Illinois.

At the time of the car accident, Daus blood-alcohol content measured at .22 percent, which is almost three times the legal limit in California.

Our car accident lawyers in San Diego know about the dangers that drinking and driving can present.  It’s an irresponsible choice that you shouldn’t make at any age.  Driving under the influence of alcohol rarely ends well, and there are so many other alternatives.  If you’re drinking, don’t drive.  That’s a decision that can serve you well into your golden years.

Call us now at 1-800-655-6585 for a FREE consultation with an experienced car accident attorney or click here to submit your case for a FREE online review.

Drunk Driver who Crashed into Restaurant Sent to Jail is a post from: Personal Injury Accident Blog

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If you decide to drink and drive, you’re making a horrible decision that can change lives if it goes wrong.  When celebrities make this choice, it’s even worse because they have the money to hire their own drivers or call taxis to prevent drunk driving — a top cause of car accidents in the United States.  DUI car accidents almost always lead to injuries or wrongful death, and unfortunately, this crash is no exception.

Former ‘Melrose Place’ star charged with vehicular manslaughter after DUI car accident.

Amy Locane, former star of 'Melrose Place', was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter following a DUI car accident on June 27, 2010. (SOURCE: MTV.com)

Amy Locane, former star of the 90s television show ‘Melrose Place’, was charged with vehicular manslaughter in connection to a car accident caused by drunk driving in New Jersey.

The 39-year-old Locane allegedly struck the passenger side of a 2010 Mercury Milan as it was going into a driveway in Montgomery, New Jersey.  Helene Seeman, who was in the passenger seat of the Milan, was killed instantly at the scene.  The driver, Fred Seeman, was airlifted to a hospital and is in critical condition because of his personal injuries.

The actress admitted to drinking several glasses of wine before getting behind the wheel.  Before crashing into the Milan, Locane was involved in a rear-end hit and run car accident in Princeton, New Jersey according to prosecution testimony given to The Star-Ledger.

RadarOnline.com reports that witnesses claim Locane’s reckless driving caused her to swerve and “knock down several mailboxes”.  If she is convicted, the actress can get up to ten years in prison after the charges.

Amy Locane is best known for her role as Sandy Harling on ‘Melrose Place’, but she is also known for playing the role of Johnny Depp’s love interest in the 1950s-style comedy ‘Cry Baby’ — directed by John Waters.

There are too many alternatives to drinking and driving, and too often, story after story comes in about drivers who don’t make those choices.  Our car accident lawyers in San Diego want to remind you to make preparations before you go out.  Figure out who the designated driver is.  Decide if you’re going to come home or stay at a friend’s.  If you’re already out and you feel you’ve had too much, call a cab when you leave the bar.  Making good choices before you go out helps keep you from making bad choices after leaving.

Call us now at 1-800-655-6585 for a FREE consultation with an experienced San Diego car accident lawyer or click here to submit your case for a FREE online review.

Amy Locane Charged with Manslaughter in DUI Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Accident Blog

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