San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident Fatally Injures Woman in El Cajon

Sat, 12 May 2012 12:33:03 -0800

EL CAJON -- CHP officials is investigating a devastating pedestrian accident on May 11th that killed a woman crossing Old Highway 80 in El Cajon. The woman, Laurie Susan Whitlow, 50, of El Cajon, was struck by an eastbound motorist around 9 p.m. while she was attempting to cross the 15141 block of Old Highway 80 on her wheelchair. The impact of the collision caused Whitlow to be thrown from her wheelchair and onto the roadway. Whitlow was reported to have died at the scene from her injuries.

The vehicle believed to be a dark colored sport utility vehicle, fled the scene of the accident. Authorities are asking anyone who has information regarding the fatal collision or the driver to contact them immediately.

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident Liability

Based on information provided by news reports, it is not clear what prompted this Friday night accident. But, regardless of why this happened, no individual whether he or she is at fault or not at fault, should never leave the scene before the proper authorities arrive. According to the California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a): "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Hit-and-run accidents like this one, can pose complex legal issues in determining who should be held civilly and financially liable. Therefore, contacting an attorney can benefit the victim's family in understanding any legal concerns they may have and how to protect their legal rights in a wrongful death claim.

Taking Action in a Wrongful Death Claim

While the accident remains under the investigation by authorities, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to an experienced San Diego pedestrian accident lawyer. If the family decides to pursue a wrongful death claim, an Estey Bomberger attorney knowledgeable in hit-and-run accidents such as this one, can protect the family's legal rights, assist police in locating the driver involved in this tragedy, and determine the best way to recover compensation for their tragic and unexpected loss of a family member, funeral and burial expenses, loss of love, care, moral support, and companionship.

Bonsall Personal Injury Lawyers

Thu, 10 May 2012 17:35:39 -0800

Serious injuries from an accident can profoundly impact the lives of accident victims and their families. If you have been hurt in an accident in Bonsall, or if you have lost a family member, you may be affected physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether you are facing a long physical recovery, permanent disability, or the devastating loss of a family member, your future will be forever altered. The Bonsall personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger are committed to helping accident victims recover the full and fair compensation they deserve for their injuries or loss.

Experienced Representation

Not all personal injury lawyers are able to get the same results. An attorney who understands the complexities of your case and knows what types of compensation you are eligible for may be able to recover a larger settlement than an inexperienced attorney With more than 70 years of combined experience only handling personal injury and wrongful death cases, Estey Bomberger lawyers have successfully recovered millions of dollars for victims of all types of accidents, including car accidents, motorcycle crashes, SUV rollover accidents, bicycle collisions, pedestrian and crosswalk accidents, and drunk driving accidents. Our Bonsall lawyers also handle cases involving defective products such as Skechers Shape-ups and Medtronic bone grafts, slip and fall accidents, negligent supervision, child molestation and sexual abuse.

Protecting Our Clients Rights

We prepare every case we handle for trial and in the event a fair settlement is not reached, we will promptly take a case to trial. All of the cases we handle are on a contingency fee basis, otherwise known as a no fee agreement. This means that our clients owe nothing unless we recover money for them. This allows our clients to focus on recovery without any up-front costs for legal representation. If you have been injured in an accident and would like a consultation, contact the Bonsall accident attorneys at Estey Bomberger today for a free consultation.

Bonsall Personal Injury Lawyers

Thu, 10 May 2012 17:23:58 -0800

Experienced Representation

Protecting Our Clients Rights

Pedestrian Struck by Car While Crossing El Camino Real

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:37:36 -0800

ENCINITAS -- A man in his 40s was terribly struck by a car in Encinitas last night. Just before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, the male pedestrian was reported to be crossing the 100 block of North El Camino Real when for unknown reasons he was struck by a Toyota Camry. The pedestrian, whose name and exact age was not available, was taken to Scripps La Jolla Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Further details regarding this accident were not immediately released by 10 News.

Encinitas Pedestrian Accident Liability

Determining who may responsible and financially liable for the victim's injuries in a pedestrian accident can at times be difficult. While pedestrians that are struck are frequently due to negligent and distracted drivers, authorities have not officially determined if this was the cause of the horrible May 8th accident.

Therefore, as the San Diego Sheriff's Department is investigating the collision, the victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to seek an experienced Encinitas personal injury lawyer. An attorney knowledgeable in car vs. pedestrian accidents in San Diego County can decide the best option in protecting the victim's legal rights and, recovering the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages in this pedestrian accident.

Kettrell Berry Arrest Alarms Parents and San Diego Community

Sun, 06 May 2012 23:33:37 -0800

SAN DIEGO - Kettrell Berry, 49, a recently-fired supervisor at the San Diego Center for Children was arrested Friday on 25 counts of child molestation, NBC San Diego and Fox 5 San Diego reported. Berry was booked into San Diego Central Jail, where he was held in lieu of more than $1.12 million in bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon.

According to the news report, before being fired on April 19th, Berry worked for 9 years at the San Diego Center for Children, a non-profit organization that provides mental health, social and educational services to children and families. Many of the children and teens at the center face social, emotional, behavioral and educational challenges.

Dave McCaslin, the CEO of the Center confirmed the arrest to NBC San Diego. He said in a statement regarding Berry's arrest, "We are saddened by the breach of trust that has occurred. In the Center's 125 years of service in San Diego we have been a lifeline for over 10,000 children. We took immediate action by contacting the San Diego Police Department and Child Protective Services and have been partnering with them throughout the investigation."

McCaslin continued, "The safety of our children is always our first priority and we are taking action to ensure their continued safety. We are committed to helping and protecting children and the action of one person will not deter us from providing the best possible care and hope for these children."

According to jail records, Berry's charges include: Oral copulation with a person under 16; unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor at least three years younger; penetration by foreign object on a person under 16; and lewd and lascivious acts involving a victim 14 or 15 years of age.

Fostering Accountability and Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

Mentally and behaviorally challenged children and teenagers are especially vulnerable to harm by the adults they place their trust in. When shocking events like this one occur, the question "what could have been done to prevent this?" is always raised. In California, supervising entities, such as the alleged perpetrator's employer, may be liable if they knew or should have known about the events that occurred.

Parents have a limited amount of time to take civil action against child molesters and sexual abusers. If you would like to know your legal rights following this incident or any other, contact Estey Bomberger for a free and confidential review of your legal rights. The San Diego sexual abuse attorneys at Estey Bomberger have more than 70 years of experience representing molestation victims. In 2010, our attorneys obtained a $30 million verdict for a sexual abuse victim, the largest-ever single plaintiff sexual abuse verdict in California history.

School Supervisor at San Diego Center for Children Arrested on 25 Accounts of Child Molestation

Sat, 05 May 2012 18:38:40 -0800

KEARNY MESA - A school supervisor at the San Diego Center for Children was arrested Friday on 25 counts of molestation, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. According to the newspaper, Kettrell Berry, the suspect, was fired from the school on April 19th violations of organizational policies. The school was made aware of an investigation "some time ago" and has cooperated fully with the lengthy investigation.

Berry, who had worked at the school for nine years, was booked on 25 various charges, including lewd and lascivious acts with a 14 or 15 year old, oral copulation with a person under 16, and 20 charges of sex with a foreign object on a person under 16.

Civil Liability for Child Molestation

In California, when sexual abuse occurs at a school, there are circumstances where the perpetrators' employer may be held liable for their conduct. In cases of child molestation or sexual abuse, if the employer, such as a school, church or youth organization, knew or reasonably should have known about the conduct, the victim may be entitled to compensation.

Estey Bomberger attorneys are among the nations' most experienced sexual abuse advocates. We have recovered millions of dollars for individuals and families harmed by sexual perpetrators. Our results include a $30 million verdict in 2010 for a victim of sexual abuse in Santa Clara County. If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse, contact the San Diego child molestation lawyers at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation.

San Diego Rollover Accident on Kearny Villa Road Injures Four

Fri, 04 May 2012 22:37:55 -0800

SAN DIEGO - Before 4 a.m. this morning, four people were injured and taken to local hospitals after being involved in a solo-vehicle car accident. The horrible Friday crash happened on Kearny Villa Road just south of Miramar Road, when the driver of a Honda lost control and hit the center divider, causing it rollover several times. Three of the four occupants in the vehicle sustained minor injures, and one male passenger suffered serious injuries. Their names and ages of the victims hurt in the wreck were not released.

CBS 8 News reports that the San Diego police are investigating the accident and believe speed may have been a contributing factor. News reports also indicated the passengers were possibly under the influence of alcohol, however, the driver was not.

San Diego Car Accident Liability

While the cause of the terrible accident has not been officially confirmed by police, the injured victims or the family of the victims would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable San Diego car accident attorney about their legal right is a personal injury claim. An attorney experienced in serious injury accidents such as this one, can advise the victims of their rights and best course of action in recovering the compensation for their injuries, lost earnings, medical care expenses, pain and suffering, and other related damages in this May 4th solo-vehicle accident.

Pedestrian Struck and Injured in Nestor Hit-and-Run Accident

Fri, 04 May 2012 02:32:35 -0800

SAN DIEGO - A 52-year-old pedestrian was struck by a motorist Thursday night in the Nestor area, NBC San Diego reports. The male pedestrian, whose name was not released, was hit by a teal-colored Honda on Palm Avenue and Saturn Boulevard around 8:15 p.m. According to authorities investigating the pedestrian accident, the vehicle fled from the accident and was last seen traveling north on Palm. The pedestrian was taken to UCSD Medical Center with serious injuries, including a broken tibia and fibula.

Cause of the Pedestrian Accident

It is not officially known why this May 3rd car vs. pedestrian collision happened. However, there is no right for a person to flee the scene of an accident, especially when harm is inflicted upon another individual. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a): "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Anyone with information regarding this hit-and-run accident or the driver should contact local law enforcement.

Liability Issues for San Diego Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents

Following horrendous accident such as this one, the victim would be well-advised to speak to a San Diego personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney knowledgeable in pedestrian accidents can help the victim protect his legal rights and assist local police in searching for the driver involved. If for any reason the driver cannot be found, an attorney can advise the best course of action in recovering compensation through his insurance, if he as one.

Construction Worker Injured in National City Scaffold Collapse

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:44:38 -0800

NATIONAL CITY - A construction worker was injured last night when a scaffolding outside an Office Depot in National City collapsed on him, NBC San Diego reports. The devastating incident happened around 10:00 p.m. Tuesday on Highland Avenue as construction workers were remolding the front entrance of the store. According to 10 News, one of the workers, whose name was not released, was working underneath scaffold that was being supported by large wood planks when for unknown reasons it collapsed.

Co-workers at the scene came to aid the man, and attempted to dig him out from under the steel and wood. Fire crews and paramedics also arrived to help extricate the worker. He was then freed and taken to the trauma center at UCSD Medical Center with serious injuries. OSHA is currently investigating the situation to determine what could have caused this May 1st construction accident.

National City Construction Accident Liability

One of the most dangerous lines of work in the United States is working in the field of construction. Construction workers have a high risk of injury and at times death. Types of accidents these workers can encounter at a construction site can include and are not limited to crane accidents, scaffolding accidents, welding accidents, falls, and defective machinery.

Although construction accidents are not always the construction company's fault, there are times when the architects, equipment manufacturers, general contractors, and insurance companies are responsible. Therefore, while it is not clear why the horrible incident occurred and who is officially accountable, the victim or family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak to an experienced National City personal injury lawyer. An attorney who has represented many victims in construction-related accidents, can help the victim understand and protect his legal rights, and ensure the victim recovers the maximum compensation he is entitled to.

Three Killed, One Missing in Yacht Racing Accident

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:23:18 -0800

SAN DIEGO - A tragic and fatal boat racing accident left three people dead and another still missing this past weekend. According to numerous news sources, the accident occurred around the Coronado Islands, 15 miles south of San Diego, when a GPS race tracking system indicated a 37-foot sailboat, named the Aegean, disappeared at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

The boat carrying four crew members, were sailing in the annual Newport to Ensenada boat race. The Los Angeles Times, reported two of the four crewman died from blunt-force trauma, while the third drowned. The three victims were identified as Kevin Rudolph, 53 of Manhattan Beach, William Reed Johnson Jr., 57, of Torrance, and Joseph Lester Stewart, 64, of Bradenton, Florida. U.S. Coast Guard is still searching for the other missing boater.

Eric Lamb, a crew member riding in a safety boat, spotted pieces of the sailboat - no more than six inches long - spanning over an area of two square miles. Based on what Lamb observed, he explained it looked as if the boat was hit by another vessel. U.S. Coast Guard officials stated last known position of the Aegean was close to the rocky shoreline, but the area where the Aegean was possibly struck is a common path for tankers and freighters heading to the Los Angeles or Long Beach ports, NBC San Diego reports.

Wrongful Death Liability for Boating Accidents

It is not immediately clear what caused this horrendous accident on April 28th. However, news reports have indicated the boat may have been struck by a freighter or a larger commercial vessel, it has not been officially determine by authorities. Therefore, in situations such as this one, the family of the victims would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from a compassionate San Diego wrongful death lawyer. An attorney knowledgeable in fatal boating accidents occurring near the San Diego Bay, can ensure the families legal rights and best interests are protected, and advise the families the best course of action in recovering compensation for the loss of their loved ones, funeral and burial expenses, loss of love, care, support, affection, and companionship.

Downtown San Diego Car Accident Injures Three

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:18:12 -0800

SAN DIEGO - At about 10:30 p.m. Sunday night, a terrible car crash in the downtown area of San Diego left three people injured, 10 News reports. The collision happened at 4th and Date Street when a silver vehicle wrongly identified the 4th Street off-ramp from the Interstate 163 as the transition on-ramp to the northbound Interstate 5. The vehicle then ran a stop sign and t-boned a taxi carrying two passengers and the driver. After the crash, both drivers and one female passenger in the taxi were taken to a hospital with unknown injuries.

Liability for San Diego Auto Accidents

It is uncertain whether driver negligence, distracted driving, road conditions, or speed contributed to the crash. It is also not evident if the driver of the silver vehicle could have prevented or avoided the collision. Therefore, while the April 29th collision remains under investigation by the San Diego Police Department, it would be well-advised for the victims or family of the victims to seek a San Diego car accident attorney about their legal rights in a personal injury claim. An attorney who understands accidents such as this one, can help inform the victims of their legal rights and decide the best way to recover compensation for their injuries and other related damages that occurred in this awful car accident.

Interstate 805 Rear-End Accident in San Diego Injures Three

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:40:44 -0800

SAN DIEGO - A horrible rear-end collision left at least three people, including a child, seriously injured in San Diego on Thursday, 10 News reports. The accident happened just after 1:45 p.m. on northbound lanes of Interstate 805. The multi-vehicle crash involved a red Chrysler PT Cruiser and a silver vehicle. Police officials stated the silver vehicle struck the PT Cruiser from behind. Following the accident, three people, which included a 5-year-old child, were taken to a hospital for further treatment. No other information was released at this time.

Based on the information provided by 10 News, there is no clear indication as to what prompted this collision. However, if police investigators conclude the crash was due speed and/or negligent driving by the person operating the silver vehicle, the driver may be held liable for the victims' injuries, medical care expenses, lost earnings due to time away from work, pain and suffering, and other damages.

After a serious injury accident, the victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to consult with a San Diego personal injury lawyer. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney at Estey Bomberger, can advise the victims and family of their legal rights, and decide the best option in recovering compensation for the devastating damages resulting from the April 26th car accident.

Woman Killed, Others Injured in San Diego Rollover Crash

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:25:51 -0800

SAN DIEGO -- A devastating rollover accident on a San Diego freeway near Mira Mesa left one person dead and others injured yesterday afternoon. According to 10 News, the crash happened at about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday on northbound Interstate 805 when a 2003 Toyota Rav4 SUV was struck by a 2005 Nissan Altima whose driver had swerved to avoid a collision with a sedan veering into her lane. The Altima then a 2011 Toyota Tacoma, causing the truck to swerve into the guardrail.

After the SUV was hit, it overturned several times before coming to a stop on a concrete railing and dangling over a 30-foot construction pit. Caltrans workers doing a construction project near the incident rushed to position a forklift under the vehicle to secure it and prevent it from falling into the pit.

Following the accident, the driver of the SUV, 43-year-old Brian D. Thomas of San Diego, sustained broken ribs, cuts, and bruises. His wife, Rebecca, 42, suffered minor injuries. Their 8-year-old son Bryan and 22-year-old Daniesha Thompson sustained lacerations and bruises. Another passenger, Bryan's 66-year-old grandmother Laura Hall, suffered major head trauma. All five individuals were taken to a hospital for treatment, however, Hall later died due to her injuries. The occupants in the other vehicles were reported to be uninjured.

Cause of the San Diego Accident on I-805

The accident on April 25th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information from 10 News, it is not clear what exactly caused the crash, and if the other driver who may be involved knew what has happened. Therefore, CHP officials will determine if factors such as speed, negligence, and unsafe driving were factors in the collision, and ultimately who is at fault.

San Diego Car Accident Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

In tragic situations such as this one, the injured victims along with family of the deceased victim would be well-advised to seek immediate consultation from a San Diego car accident lawyer. An experienced and caring attorney who has handled personal injury and wrongful death claims, can help the victims and family understand and protect their legal rights, assist police in locating the other driver that may be involved in the collision, and advise them the best course of action in recovering compensation for their injuries and the unexpected loss of their family member. Compensation in a civil claim can include but is not limited to medical care expenses, funeral and burial cost, lost earnings, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Motorcyclist Injured in Hit-and-Run Accident on State Route 163

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:02:50 -0800

SAN DIEGO - According to 10 News, a hit-and-run crash on a Linda Vista freeway left one person injured early this morning. The terrible accident happened when a vehicle struck a motorcyclist traveling in the left lane of southbound state Route 163 at about 2:17 a.m. Monday. Following the collision, the motorist did not stop and chose to flee the scene.

Other drivers near the incident pulled over to help the motorcyclist to the shoulder of the highway. However, immediately after Samaritans helped the victim, another vehicle slammed into the motorcycle causing it to burst into flames. The motorcyclist was taken to Scripps Mercy Hospital with unknown injuries. It was not reported if any other individuals were hurt in the accident.

Cause of the Linda Vista Motorcycle Crash

Based on the information from 10 News, it is not clear what caused the horrible crash on state Route 163 and why the driver fled the scene following the collision. However, there is no reason to leave the scene of an accident. According to the California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a): "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Liability Issues for Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents that results in an injury can have complex legal issues. The unfamiliarity of how to recover compensation for the victim's injuries and the horrible damages that have occurred when another party may be at fault can be a difficult process. Therefore, as the April 23rd accident is being investigated by the CHP, the victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a skilled San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney who has handled hit-and-run accidents, can help the victim understand and protect his legal rights, and assist authorities in locating the driver involved in the collision. If the driver cannot be found, an attorney can ensure the victim recovers the maximum compensation in a personal injury claim through his or her insurance, if he or she has one.

Two Hurt in State Route 56 Head-On Car Accident in San Diego

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:29:24 -0800

SAN DIEGO -- A 60-year-old woman was gravely injured Wednesday when a motorist in San Diego was traveling on the wrong side of the road. It was reported by the San Diego Union Tribune that the two-vehicle crash happened at 11:25 p.m. on Route 56 near Camino del Sur in Torrey Highlands.

CHP officer Art Athans stated the driver of the an Infinity G35 was going east on the westbound lane when she then collided with a Scion XD head-on. The Infinity's driver, Jennifer Keiko Sase, 38, of Santee, was taken to a hospital after the crash, but later arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. The driver of the Scion, a 60-year-old San Diego resident woman, sustained severe injuries, including head trauma, a broken left leg and arm, and a fractured neck.

Cause of the April 18th State Route 56 Crash

Updated reports from news sources indicated the terrible San Diego car collision on state Route 56 was due to possible drunken driving. If officials do in fact determine alcohol was a factor in the accident, the driver can be criminally charged and may be held liable for the victim's injuries and other related damages.

San Diego Car Accident Injury Liability

Following a serious injury accident, the victim or family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a San Diego personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney who has helped many victims in drunk driving accidents, can ensure the victim's legal rights are protected and the victim recovers the maximum compensation for the horrifying damages and injuries she sustained.