San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Left-Turn Collision in Barrio Logan

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:36:28 -0800

SAN DIEGO - A 21-year-old man suffered a broken femur and broken collarbone in a collision Tuesday afternoon in the Barrio Logan area, 10 News reported. The accident, which involved the motorcycle, and a Chevrolet Monte Carlo, was reported at the collision of Main Street and Vesta Street, at 4:47 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

According to news reports, the victim was riding eastbound on Main Street when the Chevrolet, travelling westbound, turned left in front the motorcycle's path, onto Vesta Street. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the San Diego Police Report Traffic Division. It is unclear how fast the car or the motorcycle were travelling when the crash occurred.

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

If the investigation determines that the driver of the Chevrolet is responsible for causing this crash, by failing to yield to the right-of-way of the motorcyclist, the driver may be liable for the victim's injuries. Compensation recovered in a San Diego motorcycle accident personal injury claim may include damages for medical care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. Following a serious injury accident such as this one, the victim or his family would be well-advised to contact a San Diego personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. A skilled attorney can review the accident report, and advise the victim and his family of their best course of action following this January 31st accident.

Former La Jolla Country Day School Coach Accused of Sexual Abuse

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:46:14 -0800

SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Union Tribune reported today that a former coach at La Jolla Country Day School has been charged with 13 felony counts of sexual abuse, including a lewd act upon a child 14 or 15 years of age, and sodomy of a person under 16 by a person over 21. Vijay Prasad, a fencing coach at UC San Diego, will be arraigned Thursday. Judge David Szumowski set Prasad's bail at $200,000. If convicted, Prasad faces 11 years in state prison, according to a 10 News report. Further details about the allegations were not immediately available.

Incidents such as this alleged one are increasingly reported, and raise the question whether the organizations or entities that oversaw the program where the abuse occurred was involved. Had Prasad been accused of sexual misconduct before? Were policies in place to supervise his interactions with students? At any time was a blind eye turned to Prasad's actions?

Estey Bomberger's San Diego child molestation and sexual abuse lawyers have been nationally recognized for holding schools, day cares, foster agencies, and youth organizations accountable for sexual crimes against children and teenagers. In 2010, Estey Bomberger obtained the largest single plaintiff verdict in state history for a child molestation victim - a $30 million verdict. If your child has been the victim of abuse, contact the lawyers at Estey Bomberger for a confidential review of your potential case.

Woman Struck by SUV in La Jolla

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:36:51 -0800

LA JOLLA - A 65-year-old woman was tragically struck Friday morning while she was attempting to cross a street in La Jolla, 10 News reported. The collision took place at the 7400 block of Girard Avenue just after 7:30 a.m. when the woman was hit by a Lexus SUV that was backing up to get a parking space. The female pedestrian suffered severe head injuries and was taken to a hospital for further treatment. Police officials are investigating the situation, but they do not suspect the 20-year-old male driver to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.

Cause of the January 27th Pedestrian Accident

It is not immediately known whether the driver of the vehicle was aware of the woman crossing. However, backing up to obtain a parking spot can be a huge distraction and can cause a driver to lose the ability to be aware of his or her surroundings. Therefore, if the San Diego police determine that the driver acted negligently to pursue an empty parking space or was driving in an unsafe manner, he can be held ultimately accountable for victim's injuries.

Liability for La Jolla Pedestrian Accidents

In a serious accident such as this one, the victim or family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a La Jolla personal injury attorney. An attorney experienced in pedestrian accidents that are caused by unsafe driving, can help the victim protect her legal rights to recover the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, pain and suffering, and other related damages. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, a lawyer can also assess the victim's rights and options in pursuing a personal injury claim against her own insurance.

8 Injured in San Carlos Car Crash

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:51:01 -0800

SAN DIEGO - According to multiple news reports, roughly eight people suffered injuries after a horrific two-car accident in San Carlos Tuesday. The collision occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Lake Badin Avenue near Jackson Drive. Police at the scene said a father and his three children - aged 1, 7, and 11 - were in an SUV traveling east on Lake Badin Avenue when it was struck by a Dodge Charger carrying five people - possibly all teens.

The impact of the collision caused the SUV to rollover and eject the 1-year-old from the vehicle. The father was also trapped in the SUV and was extricated from the vehicle. Following accident, the 1-year-old suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Rady Children's Hospital. The father and his three other children, along with the five occupants in the Dodge sustained moderate injuries, and were taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital and Scripps La Jolla.

Cause of the San Carlos Car Accident

The accident on the night of January 24th remains under investigation by the San Diego Police Department. However, based on the information provided by news reports, it is not clear what could have caused this crash. Authorities are attempting to determine if speed or negligence prompted the collision, however, they indicated alcohol may have been a factor.

San Diego Auto Accident Liability

While the investigation of the accident remains ongoing, victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact a skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney who has handled many auto accidents such as this one, can help the victims protect their legal rights to hold the party or parties responsible for the crash financially liable for their injuries, and ensure they obtain the compensation they are entitled to for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages in this devastating car accident.

Two Pedestrians Struck by Car in San Marcos

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:25:13 -0800

SAN MARCOS -- According to the San Diego Union Tribune, a woman and child were injured Tuesday after they were struck by a car while attempting to cross a street in San Marcos. The accident happened just after 3 p.m. on West San Marcos Boulevard near Pico Avenue. A medical helicopter arrived at the scene to transport one or both victims to a hospital. No other information regarding this terrible pedestrian accident was released.

UPDATE: According to an updated report provided by the San Diego Union Tribune, two women and a child were struck by a car on Tiger Way near Positive Place. The driver of the vehicle, a 22-year-old woman, stopped at the scene. The two pedestrian women, ages 61 and 40, complained about pain and were taken to Palomar Hospital in Escondido. The child - a 3-year-old girl - was airlifted to Rady Children's Hospital with unspecified injuries.

Liability for San Marcos Pedestrian Accidents

While it remains to be seen what caused this January 24th accident to occur, it would be well-advised for the victims or the family of the victims to seek an experienced San Marcos personal injury attorney. An attorney who is knowledgeable in pedestrian accidents around San Diego County, can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights, work with a highly skilled investigators to determine the other party's liability, and advise them the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to for medical care expenses, lost wages and earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this horrible pedestrian accident.

Motorcyclist Struck by Pickup Truck in San Diego

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:51:46 -0800

SAN DIEGO - A 21-year-old motorcyclist was horribly struck and injured by a pickup truck yesterday morning, 10 News reported. The terrible crash occurred at the intersection 4th Avenue and Broadway just around 8:40 a.m Friday. According to Sgt. Ray Battrick of the San Diego Police Department, the motorcyclist was traveling south on 4th when he was hit by a 23-year-old man driving east in a 1979 Chevy pickup. The motorcyclist suffered a broken hip and other leg injuries after the crash and was transported to a hospital for treatment. No other details were released regarding the incident or the names of the individuals involved.

Accidents involving motorcycles and automobiles can yield catastrophic injuries, and at times, can be fatal for the motorcyclist as there are no barriers protecting or embracing the impact of a collision. Therefore, in situations where it is not evident what exactly happened and why, the victim or the victim's family would be well-advised to speak to an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney who has handled personal injury claims can protect the victim's legal rights and ensure the he is fully compensated for his injuries, including medical care expenses, lost earnings due to time away from work, pain and suffering, or other related damages in the January 20th motorcycle accident.

Man Tragically Killed in Chula Vista Bicycle Accident

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:52:06 -0800

CHULA VISTA -- According to 10 News, a 77-year-old man struck a bicyclist with his car just after 8:30 a.m. Thursday. The tragic Chula Vista incident happened on Fourth Avenue when the driver was exiting a parking lot at Rice Elementary. The bicyclist, whose name is being withheld, was taken to a local hospital, where died about an hour later from his injuries. Lt. Eric Thunberg indicated that it is not clear if the driver was an employee at the school, however, he reported that the bicyclist apparently had the right of way at the time of the collision.

Chula Vista Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

It is unclear why the driver was not aware of the bicyclist on the roadway. However, if police determine that negligent and unsafe driving prompted this fatal January 19th collision, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a Chula Vista personal injury lawyer. A compassionate attorney knowledgeable in fatal bicycle collisions can advise the family of their legal rights in a wrongful death claim, hold the responsible party accountable for the death of the victim, and help the family recover the compensation they are entitled to for the unexpected and tragic loss of their loved one.

Cyclist Struck by Car in Sorrento Valley

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:02:49 -0800

SAN DIEGO - A bicyclist sustained major injuries after he was struck by a car in Sorrento Valley Thursday afternoon. According to the San Diego Union Tribune, a Toyota sedan apparently swerved to the right and then struck the bicyclist at about 1:05 p.m. on Sorrento Valley Boulevard, just east of Whispering Heights Lane. The car eventually came to complete stop after it traveled across the sidewalk and struck a tree.

Following the accident, firefighters and paramedics pulled the cyclist beneath the vehicle after he was pinned underneath for about 10 minutes. The mid-40s bicyclist, who witnesses at the scene stated was bleeding heavily, was transported to a hospital for further treatment. The driver of the sedan - a 75-year-old woman - was also taken to a hospital for treatment, however, the condition or the extent of the driver's injuries was not released.

Cause of the Bicycle Accident in Sorrento Valley

Information obtained through the San Diego Union Tribune does not clearly indicate what caused the driver of the Toyota to swerve and hit the bicyclist. Authorities investigating this January 19th collision will look to determine whether speed, distracted driving, vehicle malfunctions, or negligent driving played a role in this terrible accident.

Injury Liability for San Diego Bicycle Accidents

Following an incident such as this one, the injured bicyclist would be well-advised to speak to an experienced San Diego bicycle accident lawyer. If the victim cannot contact an attorney due to his injuries and/or hospitalization, family members are advised to seek an attorney immediately regarding his legal rights.

An attorney who is handled cases involving car vs. bicycle accidents, can help the victim protect his legal rights, ensure evidence and witness statements are preserved to demonstrate the other party's responsibility, and recover the maximum compensation the victim is entitled to in a personal injury claim. Compensation in a civil claim can include medical care expenses, lost wages, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and other damages relating to this horrific bicycle accident.

Woman Killed in Vista Pedestrian Accident

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:32:03 -0800

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

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

Fatal Vista Pedestrian Accident Liability

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

37 Plaintiffs File Mass Tort Lawsuit Against Skechers Inc. for Shape-ups Injuries

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:38:29 -0800

On Monday, San Diego based product liability firm, Estey Bomberger, LLP filed a mass tort lawsuit against Skechers USA, Inc. on behalf of 37 plaintiffs who had been seriously injured as a result of wearing the heavily marketed Skechers Shape-ups. The shoe manufacturer advertised the Shape-ups as a "toning shoe," the unstable, two inch, rocker bottom sole designed to cause "micro instability," which manufacturers claimed would increase the physical fitness of the wearer by simply walking. However, for many consumers the shoes' "micro instability" was in fact, too unstable, causing a variety of different injuries and pain to the wearer's ankles, knees, hips, and back.

Types of Skechers Injuries
The rocker bottom soles featured in Skechers Shape-ups and similar toning shoes force the wearer to roll their feet from toe to ankle on an unstable, elevated sole. Continued use of the shoes have caused fall accidents, strained the wearer's muscles and placed unusually intense pressure on hip and ankle bones. Some of the injuries that have been reported on Safer Products.gov (a reporting system under the Consumer Product Safety Commission) include:

Fractures

Broken bones

Joint dislocation

Torn muscles, ligaments, tendons

Achilles tendinitis

Strained back

Consumer Reports discouraged anyone with a bone condition or balance problems from using the toning shoes, and likened the experience of walking in a pair of Shape-ups to "walking on a flimsy suspension bridge." The American Council of Exercise conducted independent studies on toning shoes, and raised concerns that the "extended use of these toning shoes may alter the walking gait mechanics of wearers."

Skechers Shape-ups Defectively Designed
In their book Therapeutic Footwear, foot experts Wendy Tyrell and Gwenda Carter suggested rocker bottom shoes be carefully prescribed for certain foot conditions. But Skechers mass-produced what was previously a prescription-only shoe and mass distributed the dangerous shoes. Despite the statement from Skechers that millions of people use Shape-ups without experiencing any serious injuries, dozens of injuries are being reported. Skechers Shape-ups can cause serious injuries not only to the elderly, but young and physically fit people as well. Nearly 140 reports of Skechers Shape-ups related injuries have been reported on Safer Products.gov by people of all ages.

Consult a San Diego Skechers Shape-ups Injury Lawyer Today
If you have been harmed as a result of walking or standing in a pair of Skechers Shape-ups, please consult a professional Skechers Shape-ups injury lawyer before the statute of limitations governing your potential case expires. A professional San Diego product liability lawyer can help you determine your eligibility to recover damages for:

Medical bills

Lost wages

Pain and suffering

Toning shoe injury related incidentals

Body Found Near La Jolla Grocery Store

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:24:10 -0800

LA JOLLA - A body was found Wednesday morning outside of Jonathan's Market in La Jolla, CBS 8 reported. The victim, who was identified only as a man in his 70's or 80's, was pinned between a commercial trash bin and a wall in the 7600 block of Fay Avenue. Police looked at video surveillance and saw images of a tractor-trailer backing into the alley, leading them to believe the truck could have pushed the garbage bin into the man. The time of the accident was not clear; the body was discovered by an employee of Jonathan's Market at about 7 a.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2012. More information was not immediately available.

UPDATE: According to the San Diego Union Tribune, the victim was identified as 83-year-old Alfonso de Bourbon. De Boubon was fatally crushed when he was pinned in-between a garbage bin and a loading dock as a big-rig was backing up at about 6 p.m. Tuesday. Video surveillance showed the truck driver leaving the scene, but it is uncertain whether he or she knew what happened. However, if the driver was aware of the situation, he or she can be held liable for the victim's death and be criminally charged.

San Diego Fatal Accident Liability

Following a fatal incident such as this one, the family of the victim would be well-advised to consult with a San Diego personal injury lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney experienced in hit-and-run truck accidents can help protect the family's rights in a wrongful death claim, assist authorities in locating the driver involved in this horrific accident, and obtain the compensation the family is entitled to, which includes funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, loss of love, care, affection, support, and companionship. If the driver cannot be found, the family can obtain compensation through the victim's insurance, if he has one.

San Diego Three-Car Wreck Injures Three

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:48:01 -0800

SAN DIEGO - Three people, which includes a 3-year-old and a 4-month-old baby, were sent to a hospital Sunday after they were involved in a three-car wreck in the Mission Bay area of San Diego, 10 News reports. San Diego police said that the driver of a silver Mazda sedan is believed to have caused the crash that occurred at about 3:05 p.m., and indicated he may have been drinking and driving.

Following this horrific accident, the driver of the Mazda - 29-year-old Kaleb Clark - ran away after arriving at the hospital. His passenger, whose name was not released, was taken to UCSD with life-threatening injuries. The occupants in the second vehicle - a 3-year-old and 4-month-old baby - sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to UCSD Hospital. The mother of the children and the occupants in the third vehicle were not injured after the incident.

San Diego Auto Accident Injury Liability

If authorities locate the driver who fled after the accident and concludes the collision was caused by either driving under the influence and/or negligence, he can be held accountable for the victims' injuries. Therefore, in unique situations such as this one on January 8th, the victims would be well-advised to contact a skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer regarding their legal rights. A knowledgeable attorney who has handled numerous auto accidents, can ensure the victims rights are protected in a civil claim and help them recover the maximum compensation for their injuries, including medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages to this horrendous car accident.

Man, Woman, and Toddler Struck by Car in Hillcrest

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:30:15 -0800

SAN DIEGO - Three pedestrians - a man, a woman, and a toddler - were struck by a vehicle in Hillcrest at about 10:47 a.m. Sunday, NBC San Diego reported. The tragic accident happened at the intersection of 4th and University Avenue when for unknown reasons the driver of a car struck the three of them. The woman and a young girl, who was in a stroller, were taken to a local hospital. One of them is said to have sustained life-threatening injuries. The victims' names or whether the male pedestrian was injured was not immediately available.

San Diego Pedestrian Accident Injury Liability

The limited information provided by NBC San Diego, did not clearly indicate what caused the crash. Therefore, while the investigation of this January 8th accident remains ongoing, the victims or the family members of the victims would be well-advised to speak to a knowledgeable San Diego personal injury attorney. As accidents such as this one can have complicated legal issues, an attorney experienced in pedestrian accidents can help the victims protect their rights, and ensure they are fully compensated for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Pedestrian Struck by Motorcyclist in Carlsbad

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 23:10:57 -0800

CARLSBAD - The San Diego Union Tribune reported that a motorcyclist fatally struck a pedestrian Saturday night in Carlsbad. The male pedestrian, whose name is being withheld, was crossing El Camino Real, north of La Costa Avenue, when he was hit by a motorcyclist at about 6:40 p.m. The motorcyclist stopped after the collision and was not injured. However, the pedestrian was reported to have died at the scene of the accident.

Cause of the Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Carlsbad

There is no immediate information provided by news reports to determine who is responsible for this devastating accident or whether it could have been avoided. However, the Carlsbad Police Department will further investigate the January 7th collision and determine what happened and who is accountable.

Carlsbad Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If the police concludes that the accident was due to negligence of the motorcyclist, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a Carlsbad personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney who has handled pedestrian accidents in San Diego County, can advise the family of their legal rights in a wrongful death claim, and ensure they are fully compensated for funeral and burial expenses, future and anticipated lifetime earnings and benefits, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Pedestrian Injured in Chula Vista Hit-and-Run Accident

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:31:46 -0800

CHULA VISTA -- According to the San Diego Union Tribune, a female pedestrian was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident in Chula Vista. The accident was reported about 5:43 p.m. Thursday, when Gloria Serrano, 44, was struck by a car while she was attempting to cross east on Otay Lakes Road at Elmhurt Street. Serrano sustained traumatic injury to her right arm and was taken to a hospital for further treatment.

The vehicle involved in the crash is described to be a silver Hyundai or Kia sedan with damage to the vehicle from the accident, including a broken passenger side headlight and a missing right side view mirror. Anyone with information regarding the driver, this incident, or who has seen the vehicle should call the Chula Vista police at (619) 691-5151.

Cause of the Hit-and-Run Crash

Based on the information provided by the San Diego Union Tribune, it is unclear what caused the driver to hit the pedestrian crossing the street. But, regardless of what could have caused this collision, there is no excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident. Under 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.

Injury Liability for Chula Vista Hit-and-Run Accidents

In the event, where the driver flees the scene of an accident, the victim or the family of the victim would be well-advised to seek a skilled Chula Vista personal injury lawyer. An attorney who has experience in hit-and-run pedestrian accidents, can protect the victim's legal rights and help police in locating the driver involved in this January 4th accident.

In the event the driver cannot be located, an attorney can help the victim obtain compensation through her insurance, if she has one. Compensation in a personal injury claim can include and are not limited to medical care expenses, lost wages due to time away from work, pain and suffering, or other related damages.