San Diego Injury Lawyer Blog

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), regularly shuts down trucking companies due to repeated or serious safety violations. The agency recently ordered an individual California truck driver off the road, however – an extra step that the agency rarely takes except in serious cases.

According to the out of service order filed by the FMCSA, the driver had violated both state law and federal regulations regarding drug or alcohol use and driving several times over the past year. The agency says that the driver has been cited more than once for driving a commercial vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired or drunk driving is dangerous in any vehicle, but when the driver is operating a large truck or bus, the results can be devastating.

Continue reading "Department of Transportation Shuts Down Truck Operator for Unsafe Driving" »

A bicyclist was gravely injured in a serious Riverside DUI car accident that occurred on January 10, 2012, around 12:30 p.m. along the 300 block of East Seventh Street in San Jacinto. According to Riverside County sheriff’s officials, the bicyclist was injured in a traffic collision by 31-year-old Timothy Christopher Jones.

The bicyclist suffered a broken leg and was immediately transported to the nearby hospital for medical treatment. Jones was arrested and booked for investigation of misdemeanor DUI.

Jones will most likely be found to have violated California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) which states that “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.” Under California law, it is also illegal to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher.

The bicyclist’s family members would be well advised to confer with an experienced Riverside County DUI accident lawyer who would educate them about their legal rights and options. The victim’s family members may file a personal injury claim against the car driver to obtain compensation to cover medical, hospital and treatment cost, and other accident-related damages.

Our personal injury law office hopes that the injuries suffered by the victim heal soon and do not prove fatal.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Suffers Broken Leg in RiversideDUI Crash" »

A marine was struck when he stopped to help a disabled motorist on Interstate 805 (I-805) in the Chollas View area on December 13, 2011, around 2 a.m. According to the California Highway Patrol, the Marine and two others stopped on the southbound connector to eastbound SR-94 when he was hit.

The Marine was struck by a minivan driven by a woman, who was subsequently arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Paramedics took the Good Samaritan to UCSD Medical Center to receive treatment for the injuries suffered.

From the present information, it is quite clear that the reckless driving and irresponsible actions of the motorist led to this serious car wreck that left a Good Samaritan seriously injured. If the motorist is determined to have been at fault in this case, then she could not only face criminal DUI charges but could also be held responsible for the injuries suffered and the damages caused. To drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol is a direct violation of California traffic laws.

The injured victim’s family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced San Diego County DUI auto accident lawyer who would help them obtain timely compensation to cover treatment, medical and hospital costs, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, and other accident-related damages.

Our San Diego personal injury law office hopes that the injuries suffered by the Marine do not prove fatal.

Continue reading "Marine Struck When Helping Disabled Driver, DUI Crash" »

21-year-old Katushka Fischmann of Santa Ana, was struck and injured in a serious DUI crash that occurred on August 7, 2011, around 1:45 a.m. at the intersection of Bristol Street and Randolph Avenue in Costa Mesa.

Santa Police reported that Bonnie Yee was driving her Mercedes-Benz north when she struck Fischmann near a crosswalk. Fischmann suffered major head trauma and was immediately transported to Western Medical Center-Santa Ana for treatment.

Police officials later arrested Yee on suspicion of felony driving under the influence. It is indeed an unfortunate thing that due to the negligent and intoxicated driver, a oung woman is left in critical condition. Yee will most likely be found to have violated California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) which states that “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.”

Unfortunately the magnitude of injuries suffered by Fischmann is very high and the treatment or recovery time may be long. Fischmann needs to consult with an experienced Orange County pedestrian accident lawyer to learn about her legal rights and options and obtain a timely compensation to cover treatment, hospital and medical costs, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, and other accident-related damages.

Our personal injury law office sincerely hopes that the injuries suffered by the victim do not prove fatal.

Continue reading "Costa Mesa Pedestrian Collision Seriously Injured By Drunk Driver " »

A 64-year-old Arthur John Jacobs of Vista was killed by a drunk driver in a hit-and-run crash that occurred on July 27, 2011, around 9:45 p.m. near the intersection of El Camino Real and Cassia Street in North County. According to Carlsbad police Lt. Paul Mendes, a 23-year-old female driver struck the biker and sped away into an apartment complex’s parking lot.

Medical emergency officers responding to the car crash pronounced Jacobs dead at the accident scene. The female motorist was later arrested on the suspicion of manslaughter, drunk driving, and hit-and-run. The driver did the double felony of not only drinking and driving but also fleeing from the scene of accident. Both these actions are a direct violation of California law.

Jacobs’s family members should consult with an experienced San Diego DUI car crash lawyer who would educate them about their legal rights. hit-and-run bicyclist accident attorney will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the negligent driver is held liable for compensation. Jacobs’s family can file a wrongful death claim and obtain compensation from the at-fault party to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of love, care and companionship, and other accident-related damages.

Our law office offers sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved Jacobs for such a heart rendering loss.

Continue reading "Carlsbad DUI Hit-And-Run Car Crash Kills Elderly Bicyclist " »

Cameron Cook, 18, of Ladera Ranch was killed in a fatal Orange County DUI car accident that occurred on April 2, 2011 around 11:40 p.m., south of Katella Avenue along the 57 freeway in Anaheim, approximately 91 miles from San Diego. California Highway Patrol officers reported that Cook was a passenger in a Camaro that was struck by a Honda Civic driven by Ashley Bryan.

California Highway Patrol officer Devon Boatman said that the Camaro spun after being struck and finally came to rest facing north on the right shoulder of No. 5 lane along the southbound 57 freeway. The vehicle was then struck by Bryan’s vehicle, pushing Cook over the edge of an overpass to the ground below. Cook was immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment where he was later pronounced dead.

Officials later arrested Bryan on suspicion of driving under influence and gross vehicular manslaughter. From the available information, it is clear that Bryan’s negligent actions lead to this fatal car accident that killed the teenager. It is indeed an unfortunate thing that due to the negligent and intoxicated driver the young teenager lost her life. Bryan will most likely be found to have violated California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) which states that “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.”

Cook’s family members should consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Orange County to obtain compensation to pay funeral and burial costs, loss of earnings and financial support, and loss of love and companionship. Our law office offers sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved Cook for their loss.

Continue reading "Woman Arrested for DUI after Fatal Anaheim Car Accident" »

One man suffered serious injuries when he was struck badly by a suspected DUI car driver in Spring Valley, a East San Diego County community, on October 16, 2010, around 11:00 a.m. According to California Highway Patrol officer Brian Pennings, Colin Eisner, 33, driving a Ford Contour struck a Toyota Tacoma on State Route 125 (SR-125) close to Jamacha Boulevard.

Pennings said that the Tacoma rolled over several times while the Ford went down an embankment after the crash. The pickup driver suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Eisner fortunately escaped unhurt and was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

From the facts of the story, it appears that Eisner’s negligence lead to this major San Diego car accident. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."

If after the initial investigation it is found that Eisner caused this drunk driving auto accident, then he should be responsible for the injured victim’s injuries and other damages. The injured victim is entitled to receive compensation to pay for the cost of hospitalization, loss of earnings, medical expenses, and other accident related damages.

It would be in the interest of the injured victim to seek counsel from an experienced San Diego auto accident lawyer who would ensure that Eisner is held accountable for the offense he committed.

We hope that the driver of the Toyota Tacoma recovers completely from his injuries and is able to return to his activities and family.

Continue reading "Spring Valley DUI Car Accident Seriously Injures Man" »

Ronald Troyer, 67, a suspected drunken, injured three teenagers who were walking on the sidewalk in La Jolla on August 21, 2010 around 6:30 p.m. San Diego authorities reported that the three teens, Alani Agurre, 14, Miles Ploger, and Ian Brininstool, whose ages are not known, were walking on La Jolla Boulevard when a speeding Chrysler New Yorker hit them. Two more teenagers walking with them fortunately escaped unhurt.

Alani Agurre was carried for about twenty yards on the top of the car’s hood before he was thrown into the glass window of Cass Street Café and was pinned underneath the car. Agurre sustained serious injuries, including a broken arm and a broken pelvis. All three of the teenagers were immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Troyer was arrested later and charged with felony drunk driving causing injury. A complete investigation is being carried out to know the exact cause of this crash. Troyer has history of drug and alcohol abuse. It will not be a surprise if he is found to be driving under the influence of any one of these.

Under California law, it is unlawful for anyone to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of any drug or alcohol per California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a). Therefore, the injured teenagers are entitled for a compensation to cover the cost of treatment of injuries, cost of hospitalization, and other related damages. Unfortunately, the magnitude of the injuries is very high in this accident. Troyer, who has a history of past drunk driving arrests and is believed to be homeless, probably does not have adequate insurance to pay for the injuries he has caused. The children’s families would be well advised to confer with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney.

Continue reading "Three La Jolla Teens Hurt By Suspected Drunk Driver in San Diego Pedestrian Accident" »

Yesenia Mitre, 25, collided with a firefighters’ truck and left four firefighters injured. The truck was on its’ way to answer a medical emergency on the morning of June 13, 2010. According to reports, Mitre drove out directly in the lane of traffic the fire truck was travelling in close to Alpine in eastern San Diego County. Due to the collision, the fire truck lost control and hit a pole.

According to the San Diego 6 news report, Mitre was driving under the influence and was arrested. The four firefighters sustained serious injuries while Mitre sustained a broken wrist.

It is indeed an unfortunate thing that due to the negligent and intoxicated driver, the four firefighters were badly injured. It is absolutely insane that instead of giving way to the emergency truck, Mitre drove right into its path. Mitre will most likely be found to have violated California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) which states that “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.” Under California law, it is also illegal to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher.

Continue reading "Driver Under the Influence Collides with San Diego Firefighter Truck" »

An El Cajon jury reached a verdict regarding a Nov. 21, 2009 car crash that killed 35-year old Cydil Deann Kohlmeyer. The guilty driver was sentenced for 15 years on the charges of misdemeanor hit-and-run and gross vehicular manslaughter for driving while intoxicated.

The guilty, 53-year-old Deborah Felix, had fatally injured Kohlmeyer, a mother of three, while driving drunk along Pepper Drive in El Cajon. Felix had also managed to strike mailboxes and a pickup after hitting the victim. Felix will be sentenced on May 11 by El Cajon Judge Lantz Lewis. Jurors also found Felix guilty of a sentence-enhancing allegation that she had fled the scene of the accident after committing the crime. According to Felix, she wanted to urinate and had gone farther away from the scene to relieve herself. What a silly and inexcusable reason to leave the scene of the accident!

Our office is in agreement with the verdict and hope that Felix serves all of her time for taking the life of Ms. Kohlmeyer. People driving under influence should be punished harshly. We hope that other drivers learn from this, and restrain themselves from drinking and driving. If a drunk driver is unfortunate enough to cause an accident, please be responsible enough to stay at the scene and try to assist the injured until help arrives.

Continue reading "San Diego DUI Driver that Killed Mother Found Guilty" »

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).

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.

Continue reading "Fatal San Diego Wrong Way Driver Appears In Court" »

An 18-year old boy was arrested for crashing his car into a house in Claremont on February 22, 2010. This San Diego car crash incident took place at around 2:30 a.m. at a house in the 4800 block of Dubois Street.

Though the house was occupied, nobody was injured because of the auto accident. The teenage driver, whose name was not immediately released, was arrested on suspicion of driving under influence(DUI) said San Diego Police Officer Jane Jacobsen.

Driving during the early hours of the morning, particularly under the influence of alcohol, is very dangerous. This accident was further compounded by an inexperienced teenage driver who is most likely not as capable as a more experienced driver even under the best of circumstances. In this case, the driver is lucky that no one was hurt. But just think what would have happened if as a result of the teen driver’s recklessness someone would have died or been severely injured? We urge all parents to make sure that their children understand the gravity of the issue and stress that driving under the influence of alcohol is a recipe that can lead to serious injury or death.

Continue reading "San Diego DUI Auto Accident Ends With Car Crashing Into Clairemont House" »