San Diego Injury Lawyer Blog

50-year-old Laurie Susan Whitlow was struck and killed in a severe car accident that took place on May 11, 2012, around 9:05 p.m. at 15000 block of Olde Highway 80, near Flinn Springs Road. According to San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office, Whitlow was struck by a dark colored SUV-type vehicle driven by Anthony Wayne Olsen that was headed east as she tried to cross the road. The driver then fled the scene.

Whitlow was thrown from her wheelchair and into lanes of traffic. Whitlow suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the accident scene. Olsen was booked into San Diego Central Jail on suspicion of felony hit-and-run.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious violation under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "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."

The family of a victim killed in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence or wrongdoing would be well advised to seek the guidance of an experienced San Diego car accident lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the family's legal rights and best interests are protected.

The family could also file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

Our law office sends sincere condolences to victim’s family and friends.

Ross Jurewitz represents people injured in San Diego County hit-and-run traffic collisions and is the managing lawyer of the Jurewitz Law Group, a California personal injury law firm dedicated to representing families of people injured or killed in car accidents. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in a car accident in San Diego due to a negligent driver, please order your free copy of the The Ultimate California Car Accident Book. It is full of helpful information that will help you protect your legal rights and it is free to all California residents.

40-year-old Christopher Barton Tatro was killed in a tragic hit-and-run car collision that occurred on December 17, 2011, around 2 a.m. on 91 Freeway in Riverside. According to California Highway Patrol, Tatro was loading a disabled vehicle onto his flatbed truck on the side of the eastbound lanes of the freeway near Monroe Street when he was hit by a tan sedan, possibly a beige late-1990s Saturn.

The car veered from the number five lane into the left side of the tow truck and then struck Tatro. The collision threw Tatro about 60 feet into traffic lanes. He suffered massive injuries to his legs and torso.

Tatro was immediately transported to Riverside Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead around 4:20 a.m.

From the available information, it is appears that negligent and distracted driving of the sedan driver contributed to this serious multiple vehicle collision. If it is found that the sedan driver was driving inattentively, then he may be held liable for this accident. Also this sedan driver has committed the felony of hit-and-run, which is a direct violation of California traffic law.

The victim’s family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced Riverside County truck accident lawyer who would educate them about their legal rights. The victim’s family may file a wrongful death claim against the sedan driver to obtain compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of anticipated earnings, loss of love, care and companionship, and other accident-related damages.

Our personal injury law office sends sincere condolences to victim’s family and friends.

Continue reading "Fatal Hit-And-Run Freeway Crash Kills Tow-Truck Operator" »

72-year-old Beverly Glass was struck and injured in a serious hit-and-run car wreck that occurred on October 12, 2011 around 3:30 p.m. on Interstate 10 (I-10) just east of North Indian Canyon Drive. According to California Highway Patrol, Glass was trying to walk across traffic lanes when she was struck by a black, late model Volkswagon Jetta. The victim was thrown onto the shoulder of the freeway.

The car driver, who is believed to be a 25- year old woman stopped, talked to several witnesses, then got in the car and left the accident scene. The driver has not been cited as yet as the accident is still under investigation. Glass suffered serious injuries and was immediately transported to Desert Regional Medical Center for medical treatment.

From the available information, it appears that the car driver negligent driving and irresponsible actions contributed to this serious pedestrian wreck. Meanwhile, the injured victim or her family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced Riverside County pedestrian accident lawyer who would educate them about their legal rights and options and would assure that the at-fault motorist is brought to justice.

The injured victim can also file a personal injury claim against the at-fault Jetta driver to obtain timely compensation to cover treatment, medical and hospital costs, and other accident-related damages.

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

Continue reading "Indio Hit-and-Run Car Crash Kills Elderly Pedestrian" »

49-year-old John Cameron was killed in a serious hit-and-run truck accident that occurred on September 16, 2011, around 8 p.m. at Grand Avenue and Blackwell Blvd in the unincorporated area of Lakeland Village. According to Riverside County Coroner's office, a truck described by witnesses as a Ford F-250 travelling north struck Cameron and fled from the accident scene.

Cameron suffered life-threatening injuries and was immediately transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead around 8:45 p.m. Based on the limited information provided in the news accounts, the family of the deceased may be eligible for compensation. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious violation under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "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."

At this time, the deceased’s family members should seek counsel from an experienced Riverside County hit-and-run pedestrian accident lawyer who would help them learn about their legal rights and options and obtain compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of anticipated wages, loss of love, care and companionship, and other accident-related damages.

Our law office offers sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved Cameron for such a tragic loss.

Continue reading "Lake Elsinore Man Killed in Fatal Hit-And-Run Pickup Truck Crash " »

13-year-old Jonathan Olagues was killed in a Rialto hit-and-run car crash that occurred on September 4, 2011, night in the 400 block of Home Street in Rialto. According to the investigating officers, the boy was riding a skateboard eastbound in the street when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle.

The motorist who struck Olagues fled from the accident scene. Unfortunately, the skateboarder suffered critical injuries and paramedics pronounced him dead at the accident scene.

It is indeed an unfortunate thing that due to a negligent driver, a young child lost his life. Investigating officers need to find out whether the motorist was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or was speeding. Any one of these could have well been the reason why the motorist fled the scene without even stopping to help a critically injured teenager, who was lying in the street, exposed to further danger.

The motorist, if found guilty, should definitely be held accountable both criminally and civilly for his cruel, selfish, and negligent actions. The driver in this case violated the law the California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) which states: "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."

Olagues’s family members would be well advised to seek the guidance of an experienced San Bernardino County hit-and-run auto accident lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that the family's legal rights and best interests are protected. The deceased’s family members can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault motorist to obtain compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of anticipated earnings, loss of love and care, and other accident-related damages.

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

Continue reading "Rialto Hit-And-Run Car Wreck Kills Young Skateboarder" »

A 26-year-old man suffered critical injuries in an Adelanto hit-and-run pedestrian accident that occurred on August 10, 2011, around 1:30 a.m. in Adelanto. According to San Bernardino County sheriff's officials, deputies found a man lying in the center of the pathway at Rancho and Aster Roads, about 2-1/2 miles west of Highway 395.

The injured pedestrian suffered serious head injuries, possible fractures on his left leg and severe road rashes. The car accident victim was immediately airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton to receive treatment for the serious injuries suffered.

From the available information, it is evident that the reckless and irresponsible behavior of the driver led to this serious car wreck. We trust that this hit-and-run motorist will soon be apprehended and brought to justice. It is illegal under California to leave the scene of any traffic accident and that includes a car wreck. This motorist should have remained at the scene, waited for the authorities to arrive, and helped the injured victim in any way he could; but, he chose to drive away from the scene.

The injured pedestrian should consult with an experienced San Bernardino County hit-and-run auto accident attorney who would educate him about his legal rights and help him obtain a timely compensation to cover treatment, medical and hospital costs, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, and other accident-related damages.

Our law office sincerely hopes that the injuries suffered by the pedestrian do not prove life threatening.

Continue reading "Adelanto Hit-And-Run Car Crash Seriously Injures Pedestrian " »

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 " »

64-year-old Manuel Cadena was killed in a Victorville hit-and-run car accident that occurred on June 26, 2011, around 8:40 p.m. at Palmdale Road west of Borrego Road. According to San Bernardino County Coroner's Office Officials, Cadena was crossing Highway 18 (SR-18), when a dark colored SUV, possibly a green or black Toyota, fatally struck him.

The SUV driver turned right onto Borrego Road after hitting Cadena and left the scene. Officers responding to the accident immediately transported Cadena to Victor Valley Community Hospital in Victorville where he was pronounced dead a few hours later.

From the available information, it is evident that the negligent driving and irresponsible actions of the SUV driver lead to Cadena’s wrongful death. Leaving the accident scene is a serious violation under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states:

"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." Motorists are not only required to stop but also remain at the scene of the crash and wait until authorities get to the scene. In addition, if the driver stayed and aided the victim, Cadena may still be alive today.

There is a clear violation of traffic rules. Cadena’s family members should immediately seek counsel from a San Bernardino County pedestrian accident lawyer to know about their legal rights and options. An experienced lawyer would assure that the at-fault party is held liable and that the victim’s family members obtain timely and fair compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of love and companionship, and other accident-related expenses.

Our law office offers sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved Cadena for such a tragic loss.

Continue reading "Elder Pedestrian Killed In Victorville Hit-And-Run Crash" »

A pedestrian in his 50s suffered serious injuries when he was struck by an unidentified SUV on May 18, 2011, around 12:35 a.m. in the Homeland area of Hemet. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the pedestrian was walking across Highway 74 when a SUV struck him. The SUV was described as a dark-colored Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator with chrome rims, estimated to be a 2002 to 2006 model. Riverside police are searching for the driver.

The pedestrian suffered major injuries and was immediately transported to Riverside County Regional Medical Center for medical treatment. It is absolutely inhuman that the SUV driver did not stop and fled from the accident scene, leaving the elderly pedestrian unattended.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious violation under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states:

"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."

Morally, the SUV driver should have remained at the accident scene and waited until authorities got there.

The pedestrian’s family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer serving Riverside County to learn about their legal rights and obtain fair compensation to cover treatment, medical and hospitalization costs, and other accident-related damages. A Riverside County pedestrian lawyer would assure that the at-fault SUV driver is apprehended and brought to justice.

Our sincere prayers go out to the injured pedestrian and we hope that he recovers quickly.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Injured In Riverside County Hit-And-Run Car Accident " »

An unidentified bicyclist was killed and three others suffered serious injuries in a fatal hit-and-run bicycle crash that occurred on May 11, 2011 in Ventura County. According to the responding California Highway Patrol Officers, the driver of the Hummer struck four bicyclists in two separate locations around 6:51 p.m. Wednesday.

One bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. The other three were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The investigating officers are trying to determine whether the Hummer driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, distracted by cell phone or had any medical issue.

If found guilty of driving under these circumstances, then he may be held liable for the victim’s wrongful death and the injuries suffered by the other bicyclists.

Regardless of the reason, the victims’ family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced personal injury attorney in Ventura County to obtain compensation to cover medical bills, loss of future income, loss of love and companionship and other accident-related expenses. A personal injury attorney can help get the justice they deserve and would ensure that the driver of the Hummer is held responsible.

Our law office offers sincere condolences to all those injured in this tragedy.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Killed in Ventura County Hit and Run Accident" »

A bicyclist suffered serious injuries in a San Diego hit and run car accident that occurred on October 15, 2010, around 8:00 p.m. According to the San Diego Police, this auto accident occurred on Pomerado Road near the intersection with Caminito Vecinos.

San Diego Police Officer David Stafford said that the injured bicycle rider, a man in his 40s, was riding his bike when he was struck from behind by a car near. The bicyclist suffered a fractured vertebrae, along with several bruises and scrapes. Stafford said that the bicycle rider had a six pack of beer in his bag, had been drinking, and would not provide his personal information to the investigating officers..

The investigating police officers believe that the damaged pieces of the hit and run vehicle will provide some clue about the car and help them trace the owner. From the present facts, it is clear that the hit and run car driver struck the bicyclist, whether or not the bicyclist was impaired or driving carelessly. The bicyclist here has also 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.” This law applies regardless of whether you are operating a motor vehicle or a bicycle.

The investigating officers need to determine why this San Diego motor vehicle accident occurred. From the facts reported, it appears that both the driver and bicyclist share some responsibility for causing the traffic accident. First, the car driver by fleeing from the accident scene showed irresponsible behavior and if found guilty will be held liable, in part, for the cyclist’s injuries. Leaving the scene of an injury accident is a serious violation under California Vehicle Code 20001. The bicyclist, even if partially responsible for causing the accident, can seek compensation for the cost of medical treatment, hospitalization costs, and other accident related damages. The degree to which the bicyclist is responsible for causing his own injuries will reduce his recovery through the legal theory of comparative negligence.

We recommend the injured cyclist seek assistance from an experienced Rancho Bernardo bicycle accident lawyer who could help him get a fair compensation for the injuries hesuffered. We sincerely hope that the injured bicyclist did not suffer any life threatening injuries and recovers From his injuries soon.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Injured In Rancho Bernardo Hit And Run Car Accident " »