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Auto, Motorcycle and Truck Accidents

3/9/2010
Ross Jurewitz
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Fatal East San Diego County SUV Accident Near Barona Casino

One person was killed and another injured in an East San Diego County SUV accident that took place on State Route 67 (SR-67) near Muth Valley Road, on March 7, 2010. This fatal car accident occurred around 12:20 pm.

The traffic collision between a pickup truck and SUV happened near the Barona Resort & Casino, just south of the Barona Indian Reservation. One person was pronounced dead at the scene and at least one other was taken to a hospital according to a Heartland Fire dispatcher. The police are still investigating the cause for the auto accident.

Our office forwards our condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. We also pray for a quick recovery for the injured person. We never like to hear that anyone is injured or killed in a car wreck. Unfortunately, it happens all too often—particularly along Wildcat Canyon Road and SR-67. That stretch of highway is the most dangerous road in San Diego County and is home to more fatal auto accidents than any other highway based upon traffic volume. We recommend that motorists avoid using this highway unless they absolutely have to drive it. If you have to drive on this road, be extra careful.

Ross Jurewitz is a San Diego auto wreck lawyer and the managing attorney of the Jurewitz Law Group, a California law firm dedicated to representing people seriously injured and the families of people killed by the negligence of others. If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a San Diego car crash, please order your free copy of Mr. Jurewitz's book, The Ten Biggest Mistakes that can Destroy Your California Accident Case. It is full of helpful information that will help you protect your legal rights and it is free to all California residents.

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3/4/2010
Ross Jurewitz
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San Diego Auto Accident Leaves Woman Driver Dead

A San Diego rollover car accident on I-805 caused a Fallbrook woman to lose her life after her SUV rolled over and ejected her from the vehicle. The rollover accident happened when the Nissan Xterra driven by Sarah Rachelle Phillips struck a puddle and lost control. If you have ever been injured in a San Diego auto wreck, please call the Jurewitz Law Group at 888-233-5020 for a free consultation.

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3/4/2010
Ross Jurewitz
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Seat Belt Use at All-Time High

According to a new study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belt use during 2009 was at an all-time high. Eighty-four percent (84%) of all vehicle occupants use seat belts while traveling in vehicles. That was up from 2008 where the same study found 83% of all vehicle occupants wore their seat belts. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a San Diego auto accident, please call the car wreck lawyers at the Jurewitz Law Group at 888-233-5020 for a free consultation.

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2/24/2010
Ross Jurewitz
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Lakeside Rollover SUV Accident Kills Man Along SR-67

A Valley Center man was killed after his SUV rolled over while he was driving along SR-67 in Lakeside. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to a San Diego County auto accident, please call the San Diego personal injury lawyers at the Jurewitz Law Group at 888-233-5020 for a free consultation.

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Labels: attorney auto accident car accident head injury head trauma injury lakeside lawyer personal injury rollover accident san diego san diego county sr-67 traumatic brain injury (TBI) wrongful death

2/18/2010
Ross Jurewitz
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Riverside Motorcycle Accident Kills Motorcyclist | CA Motorcycle Lawyer Attorney

Riverside motorcyclist dies after his motorcycle strikes a curb at a Riverside County rest stop near I-10. If you are involved in a Riverside County motorcycle accident, contact the Jurewitz Law Group at 888-233-5020 for a free consultation.

Please follow the San Diego personal injury lawyers of the Jurewitz Law Group through the following social networking sites. Click on any button for inside information and updates regarding hot topics in personal injury law, car accidents, motorcycle crashes, truck wrecks, dog bite attacks, slip and fall accidents, bicycle crashes, and pedestrian injuries.

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1/27/2010
Ross Jurewitz
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Temecula Car Accident Caused by Mudslide

Call the personal injury lawyers at the Jurewitz Law Group if you are injured in a Temecula car accident. They can be reached at 888-233-5020. Also, order a free copy of The Ten Biggest Mistakes that can Destroy Your California Accident Case and obtain a free consultation.

The Jurewitz Law Group is a personal injury law firm representing people injured in car accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and fall injuries, dog bite attacks, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle accidents. Their personal injury office is located in San Diego, has offices in Carlsbad, California, and serves all of San Diego County including the following cities and towns:

San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Coronado.

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1/27/2010
Ross Jurewitz
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Temecula Motorcycle Accident Kills Motorcyclist

The Temecula motorcycle accident attorneys at the Jurewitz Law Group can help you obtain the medical attention that you need and provide you with guidance how to maximize your recovery. Call these California personal injury lawyers at 888-233-5020 for a free consultation and to order your free copy of The Ten Biggest Mistakes that can Destroy Your California Accident Case.

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1/10/2010
Ross Jurewitz
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Reduce San Diego, CA Auto Accidents | CA Injury Lawyer Attorney

San Diego, CA car accident lawyer Ross Jurewitz comments on a proposal from Seattle, WA auto wreck attorney Jason Epstein of Straight Talk Law to reduce the number of car crashes and injuries by raising the legal driving age to 18 years old. As a personal injury lawyer, the proposal makes sense. For a free consultation regarding your injury claim, contact the Jurewitz Law Group at 888-233-5020.

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1/10/2010
Ross Jurewitz
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Reduce San Diego, CA Auto Accidents | CA Injury Lawyer Attorney

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1/10/2010
Ross Jurewitz
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Reduce San Diego, CA Auto Accidents | CA Injury Lawyer Attorney

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8/23/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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Tour Bus Accident Kills Two People, Seriously Injures Car Driver

Date: August 14, 2009

Location: Northeast Indiana

Type: Bus vs. auto wreck

Outcome: Two people killed, driver seriously injured

Two passengers in a car that turned in front of a Christian rock band tour bus were killed and their pregnant driver seriously injured when their car abruptly turned in front of the bus, leaving no room for the bus to stop. The accident happened in Fort Wayne, Indiana and involved the Dallas, Texas based band, MercyMe. The driver, Kara Klinker, was hospitalized with serious injuries and concerns about her unborn baby. Her two deceased passengers were not yet identified. Members of the band suffered bumps and bruises, but no reported serious injuries.

Our sympathies go out to Ms.Klinker, her family, and the families of her passengers. The loss of life is always tragic and unfortunate.

San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Coronado.

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8/10/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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San Diego Car Accident Injures Firefighter | San Diego Auto Crash Lawyer

Date: August 9, 2009
Location: I-15 Freeway, San Diego, California
Type: Car struck fire truck which then struck firefighter
Outcome: One firefighter injured

An early morning auto accident along Interstate 15 injured a San Diego firefighter when a car crashed into his fire truck at a very high rate of speed. The accident took place at 1:00 a.m. on August 9 when the car struck the firefighter, who was placing cones in the roadway. The vehicle then hit the firetruck.

There were three people in the car when it struck the fireman and his truck, including a child and his father who were both rushed to the hospital with critical injuries.

The firetruck was blocking traffic for the fireman at the time of the accident. However, the car struck the truck at such a high rate of speed that it moved the truck forward and launched the fireman 10 feet into the air after it struck him. The fireman had jumped behind the firetruck for safety.

San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Coronado.

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8/10/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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Driver Killed in Imperial Beach Rollover Car Accident | Injury Lawyer San Diego

Date: August 6, 2009
Location: 1200 block of 11th Street, Imperial Beach, California
Type: Rollover car accident
Outcome: Driver killed

John Kirk Colgan, Jr. was killed on August 6 around 10:00 p.m. when his Toyota pickup truck struck several parked cars and overturned after it blew a tire. Mr. Colgan was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from his vehicle during the car crash. Although the cause of the car crash is under investigation, outside factors are likely at play, such as alcohol, cellular phone usage, or texting which would have distracted Mr. Colgan or affected his ability to drive his truck.

He is survived by his wife and son, both of whom live in Imperial Beach. Our prayers go out to them.

Unfortunately, this is another tragic example why we must always wear seat belts when riding in a vehicle. While there is no way to know for sure, the survival rates for people involved in car accidents increase tremendously when seat belts are used.

Labels: accident attorney auto accident car accident imperial beach injury lawyer rollover accident wrongful death

8/4/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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Oceanside Car Accident Kills 9 Year-Old Girl, Injures Two Others

Date: August 3, 2009
Location: Northbound I-15 near the Cassidy Street exit, Oceanside, CA
Type: Drunk driver car accident
Outcome: One girl killed, two people injured

A 9 year-old Los Angles girl was killed in an early morning multi-vehicle Oceanside car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver. The accident occurred after midnight in heavy traffic when a Lexus in the fast lane changed lanes to avoid hitting a car just ahead of it. In doing so, the Lexus struck a car, which hit a Honda CRV and a big rig truck before stopping.

The girl was a passenger in the Lexus and was taken to Rady's Children's Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Two other drivers were injured and taken to Tri-City Medical Center in Vista, California.

The Jurewitz Law Group is located in San Diego, has offices in Carlsbad, California, and serves all of San Diego County including the following cities and towns:

San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Coronado.

Labels: attorney auto accident big-rig trucking accident car accident drunk driving dui dwi freeway accident i-5 injury lawyer oceanside rady's children's hospital tri-city medical center vista wrongful death

7/20/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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San Diego Child Suffers Head Injury in Hillcrest Car Accident

Date: July 17, 2009
Location: 4000 Block of Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: Child suffers head and brain injury

A 10 year-old boy suffered a serious head and brain injury when a southbound vehicle on Sixth Street crossed over the double-yellow line and struck a northbound vehicle. The boy was a passenger in the southbound vehicle. He was taken via ambulance to the hospital where he was treated for a skull fracture.

The Jurewitz Law Group is located in San Diego, has offices in Carlsbad, California, and serves all of San Diego County including the following cities and towns:

San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Coronado.

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7/20/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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Two Injured in Fallbrook Rollover Car Accident

Date: July 15, 2009
Location: Northbound Mission Road, Fallbrook, CA
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: Two people injured

A 59 year-old woman suffered life-threatening injuries and a 66 year-old woman was also injured when their car rolled over while they were travelling northbound on Mission Road at 11:30 a.m. Another vehicle had pulled in front of them near Green Canyon Road and they had swerved to avoid hitting that car. The women were taken to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido and Fallbrook Hospital.

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7/19/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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Fullerton Woman Killed in Los Angeles Area Freeway Car Accident

Date: July 19, 2009
Location: 605 Freeway near Waddell Street, Whittier, CA
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: One woman killed, two people injured

A Fullerton woman was killed when her car stalled alongside the 605 Freeway near Waddell Street when the car she was riding in was struck by a suspected drunk driver. The victim was transported to Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital where she was pronounced death. Two other people were transported to St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood with moderate injuries. The driver was arrested for vehicular manslaughter and bail was set at $25,000.

The Jurewitz Law Group is located in San Diego, has offices in Carlsbad, California, and serves all of San Diego County including the following cities and towns:

San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Coronado.

Labels: 605 freeway accident attorney auto accident car accident driving under the influence drunk driving dui dwi injury lawyer whittier

6/27/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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Riverside County Car Accident Kills Elderly Couple

Date: June 24, 2009
Location: Northbound SR-111 near Gateway Drive, Palm Springs, CA
Type: Two-car accident, rear-end collision
Outcome: Two people killed

An elderly couple from Yucaipa, Clyde Arnett and Mildred Arnett, died in a Palm Springs car accident when a speeding car struck their sedan from behind as they were stopped along the shoulder of Highway 111. The fatal auto accident happened early in the morning as the Arnetts were parked. Their vehicle was struck from behind by a Victorville man driving a Mercedes. Several witnesses observed the driver of the Mercedes driving erratically before the car crash.

San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Coronado.

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6/27/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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Victim of El Cajon Motorcycle Accident Identified

Date: June 25, 2009
Location: 200 block of West Bradley Avenue, El Cajon, California
Type: Motorcycle vs. auto accident
Outcome: Motorcyclist killed

A motorcycle rider killed in an El Cajon motorcycle accident was identified as Lane Michael Hagerty. Hagerty was riding his motorcycle westbound on West Bradley Avenue after 5:00 p.m. when he rear-ended a slower moving car. He was taken to the emergency room at Sharp Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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6/27/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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Elderly Couple Injured in Chula Vista Auto Accident

Date: June 25, 2009
Location: 200 block of Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California
Type: One-car accident
Outcome: Two people hurt

An elderly couple in their 70s were injured when the car they were driving swerved off the road and struck six parked cars before crashing into a home. The accident happened while the male driver was exiting a parking lot on Fourth Avenue in Chula Vista, striking several cars parked along the east side of Glover Avenue. Paramedics took the driver to UCSD Medical Center to treat his broken arm. His passenger was suffering from chest pains.

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6/27/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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Man Injured in San Diego Rollover Auto Accident

Date: June 18, 2009
Location: Southbound SR-163 in San Diego, California
Type: Rollover car crash
Outcome: One person injured

A San Diego rollover accident on Highway 163 seriously injured a man when his Toyota 4Runner SUV rolled over on southbound SR-163. The car accident happened when the SUV and another car tried to merge and the the SUV ended up overcorrecting and rolled over. The driver of the SUV was ejected and taken to the hospital with major injuries.

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6/27/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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Man Injured After San Diego Car Accident

Date: June 26, 2009
Location: Interstate 5 (Golden State) Freeway near Sea World Drive, San Diego, California
Type: One-car accident
Outcome: One person injured

A San Diego man was injured when his car skidded off the I-5 freeway near Sea World and crashed into the Tecolote Creek riverbed. The vehicle came to rest in about two feet of water. The man was taken to the hospital for undisclosed injuries, while the California Highway Patrol cleared the accident from the highway.

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6/27/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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Navy Man Killed in Chula Vista Car Accident

Date: June 23, 2009
Location: Otay Lakes Road near Wueste Road, Chula Vista, California
Type: One-car wreck
Outcome: One person killed

A 24-year-old Coronado Navy man who was stationed on the aircraft carrier Nimitz died after he drove his car off the road in Chula Vista. He drove his 2001 Nissan Maxima down an embankment when he failed to negotiate a turn and ran down the road around 11:00 p.m. His name was not released by the California Highway Patrol.

San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Coronado.

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6/27/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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Tracy Car Accident Kills Woman and Throws Toddler from the Car

Date: June 26, 2009
Location: 1800 block of MacArthur Drive, Tracy, California
Type: One-car accident
Outcome: Woman killed, toddler injured

A single car auto accident killed a 22-year-old woman and critically injured her 3-year-old son after their car crashed into a tree. The woman's son was life-flighted to UC Davis Medical Center and is in critical condition. He was found at the crash scene 35 feet from the crash site in a stream bed. The woman was still stuck inside her seat belt. The cause of the wreck is still unknown.

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6/26/2009
Ross Jurewitz
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CalTrans Considers Barrier Along State Route 67 in San Diego County

California Department of Transportation officials are considering installing a barrier on dangerous State Route 67 which runs through the eastern part of San Diego County, including Ramona and Lakeside. Despite stepped up enforcement by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers, deadly car accidents continue to occur. Based upon an appeal from San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob, CalTrans is considering a concrete center median barrier to prevent street racing accidents like the one that killed Alexandria Drake of Chula Vista. Since 2003, there have been 29 fatal accidents along the same stretch of SR-67.

San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Coronado.

Labels: accident attorney auto accident car accident dangerous roadway design injury lawyer san diego sr-67 street racing wrongful death

San Diego Injury Lawyer Blog

Fatal San Diego Wrong Way Driver Appears In Court

Date: 03/11/2010

39-year old San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputy, Ken Collier, lost his life on February 28, 2010 in a San Diego car crash while attempting to stop a drunk driver who was speeding in the wrong direction on Interstate 15 (I-15).

San

The accused in this deadly car accident, Jose Pedro Lopez Jasso, 22, was found to be under heavy influence of alcohol and marijuana while he was driving the wrong way down the freeway. Last week Jasso pleaded not guilty. He has been charged with driving the wrong way, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and DUI causing death.

Our office hopes that Jasso is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We also extend support and condolences to the family and friends of Deputy Collier.

San Diego Hit And Run Car Accident Leaves Pedestrian Injured

Date: 03/10/2010

A pedestrian was left injured in San Diego hit and run auto accident that took place on March 8, 2010, in the Midway area of San Diego. The pedestrian accident occurred around 6:15p.m.

The victim was found lying face down near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue and Cauby Street by the San Diego Police Department and a white pick-up truck was seen speeding away from the scene of the accident. The injured pedestrian was taken to UCSD Medical Center for treatment.

Our office prays for a quick recovery for the injured pedestrian. Though it’s yet unclear whose negligence caused this accident, it goes without saying that both the driver and the pedestrian need to be careful while on the road. Pedestrians must always cross the street from a designated crosswalk or at an intersection. As for drivers, besides respecting the speed limit, it is well advised to keep a look out on both sides of the road.

San Diego Pedestrian Accident Injures Man in Wheelchair

Date: 03/09/2010

An intoxicated 50-year old man in a wheelchair was struck by a car on March 7, 2010, when he rolled into a street from between two parked cars. The San Diego pedestrian accident took place about 2 a.m. in the 2800 block of University Avenue.

The victim, whose name has been withheld by police, was hit by a Honda sedan driven by a female motorist, reported San Diego Police Officer David Stafford. He suffered serious injuries to one of his legs and was taken to a hospital.

Our office wishes a quick recovery to the victim. However, this accident is a good reminder that people need to be more careful and alert while crossing road. Attempting to cross a road, when you are not in full view of a driver, especially from between two parked cars, is very dangerous. The safest place to cross the street is at a designated crosswalk. If that is not available, then the next best place is to cross at an intersection. In either case, even if the pedestrian has the right of way via a traffic signal, a pedestrian should not cross the street before checking to make sure it is safe from crossing vehicles.

Carlsbad Pedestrian Accident Kills Teenager

Date: 03/08/2010

An 18-year old pedestrian lost his life in a Carlsbad pedestrian accident on March 5, 2010. The incident took place along Palomar Airport Road between El Camino Real and Camino Vida Roble, near where Carlsbad, Vista, and San Marcos intersect in North San Diego County, around 9:45 p.m.

A witness to the accident called in the paramedics immediately following the auto vs. pedestrian accident. According to reports, the man was struck by two cars as he was crossing Palomar Airport Road. The first vehicle did not stop and the driver of a second vehicle was stopped by the Carlsbad Police after it struck the man in the road. The second driver did not realize he had struck the man in the road. The Carlsbad Police is continuing investigation after inspecting the crime scene.

Our office forwards our condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. We also wish that the police will track down and arrest the driver of the first vehicle—the one that struck and killed this pedestrian. There is nothing more infuriating than a careless and negligent driver who causes significant injury or death who does not stop to assist the person they just hurt. We understand that it is scary when you realize that you have injured someone with your car, but there is no excuse to ever leave the scene of an accident. Your presence is necessary to contact emergency service personnel and to perhaps provide basic life saving techniques until the ambulance can arrive. When you leave the scene of an accident, you take away that hope.

Fatal Motorcycle Accidents by Marines Reduced by Nearly Half in 2009

Date: 03/05/2010

The Marine Corps announced that it significantly reduced the number of fatal motorcycle accidents involving Marines in 2009. In 2008, the Marines reported a record high of 25 deadly motorcycle crashes. They year before, the Marine Corps 19 Marines were killed in motorcycle wrecks. However, in 2009, the total number of Marines who lost their life was reduced to only 14--a reduction of more than 40%.

San Diego has three Marine bases--Camp Pandleton, Miramar Air Station, and the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot. Camp Pendleton and MCAS Miramar accounted for 4 deaths each during 2009. In 2008, 9 Camp Pendleton Marines and 2 MCAS Miramar Marines were killed due to motorcycle accidents. No data was released for MCRD San Diego.

In the wake of the rising Marine casualties from motorcycle crashes, the USMC hired contractor Cape Fox Professional Services to provide suitable training programs to Marines in motorcycle riding and safety. In the past five years, the number of Marine motorcycle fatalities has constantly increased from 13 in 2005, to 16 in 2006, 19 in 2007, 25 in 2008, before significantly reducing to 14 in 2009. Citing the significant drop as a success of Cape Fox Professional Services, Washington has renewed their contract for the 2010 fiscal year. The Marine Corps will soon also launch an interactive website, SemperRide.com, where professionals featured in $500,000 safety movie, Semper Ride, can be contacted by Marine motorcyclists.

Our office celebrates and appreciates the effort of our local San Diego Marine community to be safe motorcyclists and hope that the new safety program will continue to reduce the number of motorcycle accident fatalities. However, two issues are still concerning. First, 14 Marines were killed due to motorcycle accidents--which is still far too many to have lost their lives. Second, 8 out of the 14 fatal motorcycle wrecks involved San Diego based Marines--that is nearly 60% of all Marine motorcycle deaths occurring in San Diego! Our office supports the Marines and their mission and recognize the risk and sacrifice they make when they put themselves in harms' way defending our country. It is therefore tragic when Marines unnecessarily lose their lives in motorcycle accidents that can be avoided.

San Diego Car Accident Lawyer Blog

San Diego, CA Family Sues Toyota for Fatal Car Crash

Date: 03/11/2010

A San Diego lawsuit was filed by the surviving family members of California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Saylor and his family against automaker giant Toyota following the infamous car accident which took their lives. The Toyota 2009 Lexus ES- 350 provided to Officer Saylor by Bob Baker Lexus while Officer Saylor’s vehicle’s was being repaired had started unexpectedly and uncontrollably accelerating. The Lexus raced across San Diego’s freeways and roads before finally crashing and bursting into flames in Santee.

The lawsuit accuses Toyota of manufacturing and distributing a dangerous product along with Bob Baker Lexus, the El Cajon based car dealership who loaned the sedan, for negligence. The surviving relatives are seeking an unspecified amount in damages.

Up to today, 58 people have been killed in the cases involving a Toyota vehicle with acceleration malfunctioning. While even one injury or lost life due to unexpected and uncontrollable acceleration is too many, these deaths are completely inexcusable. One would expect that the gas pedal or brake pedal in your car would work properly at all times. These are the controls that manage the speed of the vehicle itself. For the car to speed away without the guidance of the driver is a scary thought and can certainly cause severe injury and death.

San Diego County Toyota Sudden Acceleration Malfunction Nearly Kills Driver

Date: 03/10/2010

61-year old James Sikes found himself in a death trap when his Toyota Prius started auto accelerating and went out of control. Sikes was heading east on Interstate 8 (I-8) in the Lakeside area of San Diego County around 1:30 p.m. when he realized that the hybrid-electric sedan was speeding at 90 mph despite all his efforts to regulate down its speed.

Sikes called 911 and immediately California Highway Patrol officers sprung into action. In spite of their swift response, the car had already traveled 30 miles before it was brought to a halt. The officers put up a brave effort by pulling their cruiser ahead of the Toyota Prius which slowly decelerated as the shock-struck Sikes received instructions from the patrol officers via their vehicle’s public-address system on how to bring the emergency breaks into function.

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Numerous law suits have recently been filed against Toyota as millions of cases pertaining to malfunctioning breaks and acceleration system have been reported in the United States and worldwide. It has not been long when, during August 2009, when a similar malfunction led to the death of CHP Officer Mark Saylor and his family. Our office remembers them with warmth and our thoughts go out to their surviving family members. The Saylor family has filed a lawsuit against Toyota and the dealership that lent them the Lexus rental car involved in their auto accident. Their case is proceeding through the San Diego Superior Court.

San Diego Swideswipe Car Accident Injures Border Patrol Officers

Date: 03/09/2010

Two U.S. Border Patrol agents suffered minor injuries in a San Diego auto accident accident on March 7, 2010, when they were sideswiped by another car near Harris Ranch Road on State Route 94 (SR-94). The car crash took place around 7:20 pm.

The driver who hit the Border Patrol officers took off after the collision but was quickly tracked down at her home. She claims that she did not realize she had hit their patrol vehicle until the investigators contacted her. She also claims that she heard what sounded like a gunshot when she struck the deputies. The driver had her driver’s license for less than 30 days when the accident occurred

We are thankful that nothing serious took place. At the same time we feel that those people who have just learned to drive should be more careful while on the road, not just for their safety but for other’s as well. Also, it is very difficult if not impossible to believe her story about how the collision occurred. Drivers feel when their vehicles strike another object with enough force to cause injury. That was most certainly the case here. She was most likely trying to escape responsibility.

Convicted Teenage Drunk Driver Speaks to Students about Fatal Rancho Santa Fe Car Accident

Date: 03/08/2010

Branden Butler, the 17-year old teenager serving 547 days of service in the Juvenile Hall in Vista, spoke to Rancho Buena Vista High School students in a Vista courtroom on March 5, 2010. On October 4, 2009 Butler rammed his car into a wooden fence on La Granada Road, killing his Torrey Pines High School classmate and friend, Alex Capozza (pictured below).

San Diego DUI car accident victim Alex Capozza

Butler was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the auto accident. After partying in Rancho Santa Fe, he had gone out with friends to get some food when the fatal car accident took place.

This is the first time that Butler has spoken publicly about what happened and he did so as part of the San Diego Superior Court’s Court Day which featured talks by lawyers and judges about what the Court does on a day-to-day basis. It also featured mock trials and, in the case of Butler, speeches by convicted criminals about the impact their crime has had on their life.

While there is no excuse for Butler’s actions—and drunk driving is completely inexcusable—Butler should be commended for speaking with these students. The source article for this post was not clear whether his presence was court ordered. However, it seems from the subject of his talk and the words that he communicated that his poor choice to drive while intoxicated has caused him a tremendous amount of grief and remorse. He was very remorseful about the loss of his friend and the impact Alex’s death has had on the Capozza family. Unfortunately, it is often only after a fatal auto accident, that people reflect and acknowledge that they made a poor and dangerous choice. If only it could be the other way around.

Los Angeles Auto Accident Leaves Driver Dead

Date: 03/05/2010

A 27-year old Torrance man was arrested on March 4, 2010 in connection with a fatal Los Angeles traffic accident that took place on the San Diego Freeway (I-405) near the Crenshaw Boulevard off-ramp. The accident had taken place at around 2:24 am.

Baek was driving southbound on the freeway when he rear-ended a van at a high rate of speed. The driver of the van lost control, veered across two lanes of traffic and struck a third vehicle driving in the slow lane of the freeway. The van left the freeway and went down a steep embankment. Baek was booked on a count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and two counts of driving while intoxicated causing injury or death.
Our office wishes to offer our sincere prayers and condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. We once again urge all drivers to be more careful while attempting to switch lanes. Try not to exceed the speed limits. And never, ever, drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you witness motorist driving erratically, try to avoid them as much as possible. They may be driving while intoxicated.