Expert Advocacy

Escondido Pedestrian Bridge Opened in North San Diego County

North San Diego County recently saw the unveiling of a pedestrian bridge, to help walkers and bikers traverse Lake Hodges, usually traveled by those going between destinations in Escondido and San Diego.

Many who took this route have long been waiting for an alternate to having to take the busy Interstate 15, which has experienced many accidents and deaths in San Diego. Frank Lary, a cyclist who frequently was forced to take this highway over the lake noted that it was “very uncomfortable. I was always looking back at the cars, seeing people on their cell phones and not paying attention.”

The San Dieguito River Park officially opened the highly anticipated pedestrian path on May 15, 2009, just in time for San Diego’s Bike to Work Day. Having been in the works for about a decade, the 990-foot-long span is not only a slim stress-ribbon bridge, but it is the longest stress-ribbon bridge in the world. The $10.5 million bridge is designed to safely guide cyclists and pedestrians over Lake Hodges and out of the way of automobiles. It is constructed of steel, tensioned steel cable, concrete, and precast concrete panels.

The David Kreitzer Lake Hodges  Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge, as it has been named, will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. It has benches on two points of its’ long span. Horses and fishing are both banned along the bridge.…

Most Likely Areas For Dog Bites in San Diego; Bites by Breed

A recent news story by NBC 7/39 highlights the areas in San Diego where victims are most likely to be bitten, the breeds most likely to bite, the months in which dog bites are most likely to occur, and the typical age of victims.

Not surprisingly, the months when dog bites are most likely to occur are warm-weather months, the most prevalent being July, when people are outside with their dogs enjoying the weather.

Also, not surprisingly, the highest number of reported dog bites come from pit bulls. Not surprisingly because the breed is very popular amongst owners who are either irresponsible or do not have the experience to control a very physical breed like a pit bull. However, the #2 breed–Labrador Retrievers–is a surprise. This breed is particularly popular amongst owners with young children and is known for its’ great temperament. We suspect the placing is due to the sheer number of the breed in San Diego County. As the news story states, any dog can bite at any time depending on the circumstances.

Our office actually gets more calls for the #4 breed, the chihuahua, than any other breed other than the pit bull. In our experience, the chihuahua is a particularly aggressive breed and will lash out at its’ owners and others. There are probably more bites by chihuahuas than the number reported. The saving grace is that, due to the animal’s size, the damage does not tend to be as serious or life-threatening as when a larger breed bites.

Last, the areas where most dog bites occur and the age of the victims raises a great deal of concern. Most dog bites occur in areas where pit bulls and more menacing dogs are popular. Coupled with the fact that most victims are under 10 years old, and this is a recipe for disaster.

Dog owners must take all steps to protect other members of the public from their animals’ aggressive actions. If you or a loved one has been bitten, knocked down, or otherwise injured by a dog, please contact us for an immediate consultation.…

San Diego Bike Riders Experience Increase in Theft

A recent rash of bicycle thefts has made the San Diego City Courthouse begin to rethink the way it treats bicycles, including where to lock them. As a high-profile cycling city, San Diego bike riders have ample opportunity and plenty of good weather to commute via bicycle rather than a car. However, due to the volume of, and demand for, bicycles, it is no surprise that thieves target them.

Brienne Thompson was one such victim when she locked up her $1,000 Fuji Roubaix in front of the Hall of Justice while serving jury duty. She even locked her bike with two very secure U-Lock locks, only to emerge from the courthouse to find that both had been cut off. San Diego Sheriff’s Department notes that the problem has “become an epidemic” and are even considering moving those specific bike racks to an area more clearly visible to law enforcement from the Hall of Justice.

The owner of the San Diego Bike shop in Downtown San Diego, Mohammad Karimi, was quoted “Bike theft is very bad in San Diego… with the situation with the economy, it’s more organize — seems to be more happening.” Karimi recommends Kryptonite locks which are great deterrents, and the company also now ensures bikes that use the locks up to $4,500.…

San Diego County Bus Crash Injures 11 Children

A school bus accident on the Campo Indian reservation has left eleven children hurt, according to San Diego County’s authorities. State Fire Department spokesperson Mike Mohler said that the bus struck a light pole at approximately 8 a.m. causing the bus to crash. Mohler said that all the eleven children were immediately taken to a local hospital and ten out of them have been released after treating their moderate injuries.

According to the California Highway Patrol, this bus accident occurred in the parking lot of the reservation’s Golden Acorn casino. The reservation is located about forty miles south-east of Downtown San Diego.

Our office wishes for all the injured children to reach a full recovery. It is hard to imagine that the bus driver failed to pay such attention to his job that the bus struck a light pole. One would think that a driver charged with the safety of kids would be more careful while operating a vehicle.

We sincerely hope and pray that none of the injured victims sustain any life-threatening injuries.…

Encinitas Man Loses Life in Pedestrian Accident While Trying to Cross El Camino Real

A man from Encinitas lost his life recently when he was hit by a car while attempting to cross El Camino Real. The 46-year-old tried to cross the busy road on a recent evening when he was hit by a Toyota Camry traveling north in the 100 block of El Camino Real, according to witnesses. Investigators are still looking into the case and planning to speak to the driver and examine the vehicle involved in the crash.

The 46-year-old man, who suffered severe injuries in the crash, was rushed by rescue workers to a nearby hospital for treatment. He did not have any identification on him at the time. Unfortunately, hospital staff were unable to save his life; his injuries proved fatal approximately one day after the accident.

Approximately 60 San Diego County residents lose their lives in pedestrian accidents each year, according to the California Department of Public Health. Anywhere from 350 to 500 people are injured in San Diego County pedestrian accidents each year. In recent years, men have been slightly more likely than women to be hit in pedestrian accidents, but women have been slightly more likely to die as a result of their injuries.

The number of pedestrian accidents has decreased slightly in recent years, but motorists should still take care to watch for pedestrians in order to help avoid accidents.

Car accidents can cause serious harm, especially when an unprotected pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist is involved. If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident, a skilled San Diego fatal car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you need. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.…

Wheelchair Bound Woman Killed in San Diego Hit-and-Run Car Crash

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 the victim’s family and friends.…

San Diego Injury Victims: How Not to Perform at a Deposition

Every person I know gets nervous when it is time to sit for a deposition. They worry that they’ll have to deal with the worst imaginable movie deposition with opposing counsel yelling at them, wagging their finger, and calling them a liar.

Very rarely does that ever happen. Most of the time, it is a very simple question and answers session.

Our office instructs clients that there are two simple rules for performing at deposition:
1. Listen carefully and answer directly.
2. Be truthful.

If you follow those rules, you’ll be fine. But here are a few examples of what not to do at a deposition.

First, don’t lose your temper. Don’t rise to the bait.

Second, speak clearly and act……well, sane.

Third, don’t get in a fight with the attorney.

Fourth, don’t act superior…or a jerk

It’s enough to drive court reporters and videographers nuts….or just lame.…

Two Injured in Redlands Single-Vehicle Rollover Collision

Two people, both in their mid-40s, suffered serious injuries in a solo-vehicle rollover crash that took place on May 9, 2012, around 3:30 p.m. eastbound Interstate 10(I-10). According to California Highway Patrol Officer Mario Lopez, a green Ford Bronco went out of control and landed north of the 500 block of 11th Street, trapping a woman passenger.

Both the injured victims were immediately transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center for treatment. From the present facts, it is unclear as to how this traffic collision occurred. However, the driver reported a problem with a tire, suggesting that a blowout might be the cause. It seems that a vehicular malfunction may have contributed to this serious crash.

The injured victim in such cases could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and other related damages.

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

Recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury in San Diego

About 1.7 million U.S. residents suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 75% of these injuries are mild, offering a chance of complete or near-complete recovery. The more serious a TBI is, or the more TBIs suffered over time, the more likely it is that permanent disabilities will result.

To help maximize the chances of recovery, the CDC recommends the following care tips:

• Avoid suffering another blow to the head, which could cause another TBI. Stay out of sports, workplaces, and other situations where head trauma is likely. Get someone to “spot” you if you have trouble walking after an injury, as a fall could also cause re-injury.
• Rest. Plenty of rest is necessary for the brain to heal itself. Take time off work or school if needed to give your TBI a chance to heal.
• Your ability to react to dangers is often decreased after a TBI. Ask your doctor when it’s safe for you to return to driving, work, or other activities that require you to be alert.
• Avoid alcohol and any drugs other than those your doctor has prescribed.
• See your doctor immediately if you begin vomiting, losing consciousness, suffer severe headaches, or cannot stay awake.

Even mild traumatic brain injuries can leave lingering disabilities, and moderate or serious ones can cause permanent injury or death. Our knowledgeable San Diego traumatic brain injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you need after an accident. Call us today for a free and confidential consultation.…

Bicyclist Killed in Ventura County Hit and Run 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.…