Month: September 2018

Baby Killed In Huntington Beach Car Accident

September 9, 2018 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

A 31-year old woman along with her 11-year old daughter, and her 3-month old daughter, Ruby Gould, were struck by a car while trying to cross a marked crosswalk in Huntington Beach. This fatal pedestrian accident occurred on September 7, 2010, at the intersection of Croupier Drive and Springdale Street, approximately 91 miles from San Diego in Orange County.

According to Huntington Beach Police, a Toyota Tundra that stopped to let the pedestrians cross the street was rear-ended by a speeding Chevy Tahoe that failed to stop at the intersection.

The force of the traffic collision pushed the Tundra into the crosswalk, striking the three pedestrians. Unfortunately, Ruby was killed, while the mother and young girl sustained severe injuries. The boy who was walking along with the group escaped unhurt. The investigation of this car accident is pending.

Based on the present facts, the Chevy Tahoe driver will probably be found at fault for failing to stop at the intersection and provide the right of the way to the pedestrians as required by California Vehicle Code Section 21950. This California law holds that drivers must give the right of way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at an intersection. Violation of this law may entitle the injured woman for compensation to cover the cost of funeral arrangements for Ruby, cost of hospitalization and treatment of injuries, and other related damages.

We express our sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved the toddler for such a tragic loss. There is nothing as tragic as the loss of a child. It is just too painful to imagine. We also sincerely hope and pray that the injured victims are able to recover to their complete health soon.

NHTSA Extends “Smart Car” Testing Another Six Months

September 9, 2018 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently extended a testing program for self-driving cars. The program was initiated in August 2012 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for the collection of data on the safety of these vehicles and their systems. Many skilled San Diego personal injury attorneys have followed the testing closely, since the technology offers both benefits and concerns when it comes to driver safety.

Although the testing has been extended, the NHTSA said it has no plans to extend its decision-making when it comes to allowing self-driving technology. By the end of 2013, the agency plans to use the test results to decide whether the agency will encourage development of self-driving vehicles, demand additional research into their safety and efficacy, or both.

The purpose of the extended testing is to examine how the technology works on motorcycles and how data is transmitted between vehicles and local structures, according to researchers. These findings should help the NHTSA make a decision on whether to pursue self-driving technology in heavy vehicles like commercial trucks and buses.

One major focus of the testing is to examine whether self-driving vehicles perform better than human drivers when it comes to avoiding crashes. The test uses more than 2,800 cars, buses, and trucks, which can “talk” to one another wirelessly. They can also “talk” to traffic lights, intersections, curves, and other road sites. By transmitting data to one another, the cars “learn” one another’s position, speed, and direction, which allow their onboard computers to predict travel paths and, if necessary, avoid crashes.

How to Keep Kids Safer on Bikes

September 4, 2018 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

Children all over San Diego are headed back to school this month, and many kids will make their way to and from school on their bicycles. Bicycling is a great way to get needed exercise while also enjoying the crisp fall weather.

Whether your child is just learning to ride or has been bicycling for many years, you can help kids stay safer on their bicycles by following these safety tips, courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

  • Always wear a helmet. Helmets play a key role in preventing or reducing the severity of accident injuries. Choose a bike helmet for each child that fits properly and has not been damaged by a previous crash or other force.
  • Adjust the bicycle to fit the child. When the child stands over the bike, there should be one to two inches between the child’s body and the top bar of the frame for a standard bicycle and three to four inches for a mountain bike. The seat should be level front to back, and the seat height should be adjusted so there is a slight bend at the knee when the child pushes the pedal to its lowest point.
  • Dress to be seen. A brightly-colored vest or jacket with reflective strips will help motorists see kids on bicycles more easily, reducing the chances of a crash. Remind children that just because they can see a car does not mean the driver of the car can see them.

If you or someone you love is hurt in a bike crash, don’t wait: call the focused San Diego bicycle accident attorneys for a free and confidential consultation.