San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Alicia Slaughter » San Diego car accident lawyer

Will $27 Million Dollar Pedestrian Bridge Curb Knockdown Car Accidents?

ANorman — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:47:29 +0000

Just last week, it was revealed that a $27 million dollar pedestrian suspension bridge project near the San Diego convention center and Petco Park may not be completed on schedule. Original estimates put the bridge’s completion to early next year but the committee overseeing the venture indicated it may be as late as Spring or Summer before the project is finalized. The bridge, which is being funded by taxpayer money, could be a welcome addition to the city since it could very well cut down on the number or pedestrian knockdown accidents in the area. Still, as the well-known design firm T.Y. Lin gears up to finish the ambitious endeavor, people wonder if the bridge will really help put a dint in the alarming statistics of pedestrian deaths that occur not only in the San Diego area, but nationwide.

If so, could such bridges be a remedy to the personal injury and wrongful death incidences that often follow pedestrian-to-motor vehicle collisions?

Pedestrian Knock Down Statistics

In San Diego County alone 51 fatalities and 1,068 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in 2007. Nationwide, the numbers are staggering: Nearly 11 prevent of all traffic fatalities involve a person who was walking on foot or riding a bicycle and a motor vehicle. On the whole, pedestrians fall into the number two slot of automobile related accident deaths followed only by occupant deaths.

Unfortunately, people often assign blame solely to the victim believing that they must not have been in a crosswalk or they darted out in the street.

This may not always be the case. A distracted or drunk driver could very easily run over a pedestrian who was walking in legal areas of the street at the time. In such situations, where walkers are placing their trust in the reliability and responsible nature of the driver, they may not be able to react in time to save themselves from serious injury.

Available Walking Space

Some people without a vehicle have had to face situations where no sidewalks or bridges are available to them. This makes walking increasingly dangerous for pedestrians who have to get from point A to point B to reach school or work. Statistics indicate that a whopping 40 percent of pedestrian deaths occurred on streets that did not have crosswalks or sidewalks. In order to cut down on pedestrian deaths it would appear that city governments should consider what San Diego is doing and put pedestrian bridges or at least sidewalks in areas where pedestrian traffic is heaviest.

Pedestrian accidents unavoidable

But even with such safeguards in place we may not be able to eradicate pedestrian accidents altogether. While we will also be able to reasonably assume that an auto accident will be caused by walker error, i.e. jaywalking, crossing busy interstates, etc., the fact remains that careless drivers will also be to blame for death and injury in a pedestrian knockdown collision.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a pedestrian to vehicle car accident, get help. Contact the law firm of Slaughter and Slaughter today for a free case evaluation and learn about your rights. The consultation is free and you may be able to learn how you can receive the financial compensation you’ll require for your injuries. Every minute counts, so call now and get the justice you deserve when a pedestrian related auto accident changes you and your loved ones lives forever.

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3 Vehicle Crash Injures 2 Motorists in Tustin

ANorman — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:47:08 +0000

A Tustin area car accident involving 3 vehicles and resulted in injuries yesterday, sending 2 people to the a local area hospitals. The collision, which involved a red Honda Accord, a black Scion and a gray Mercedes-Benz sedan occurred at the intersection of of Tustin Ranch Road and Bryan Avenue. The male driver of the Scion was knocked unconscious in the collision and was immediately rushed to the Western Medical Center-Santa. The Honda driver, who was female, sustained injuries to the head and face and was taken to Kaiser in Irvine. Authorities indicated that the crash occurred after the Honda plowed into the Scion shortly after the traffic light turned green. The Scion was sent spinning in the direction of the Mercedes, who was also hit.

Authorities will have to thoroughly investigate the matter to see what happened and who was at fault. Often times the answers may not be cut and dry. For example, the Honda driver did crash into the Scion but may have done so because her brakes suddenly failed. If so, both she and the Scion driver, who were injured, could sue the car manufacturer under product liability laws. This would be due to the fact that a faulty auto product, in this scenario, the brakes, were to blame for the wreck.

If you have been hurt in a car accident, take nothing for granted. Get the facts and when you know who is liable for you injures hold them accountable. Contact our law firm today to ensure that the responsible party pays for their negligence and receive financial reparation for medical costs as well.

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Woman Rushed to Medical Center after being Hit in Parking Lot

ANorman — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:31:31 +0000

A 46-year-old woman was rushed to the UCSD medical center after she was struck by a van in a Chula Vista parking lot this past Thursday. She suffered a skull fracture and was stated to be in critical condition late Thursday night.

The woman was hit by a 43-year-old man who was driving a van that was traveling slowly through the lot. Authorities revealed that the van collision occurred near the northeast corner of Broadway and Palomar Street around 6:45 p.m. but the driver had to be told by onlookers that he had hit the woman before he stopped.

It was then that the driver looked out his window and noticed the pedestrian lying under the van with her legs straddling the front left tire.

Could the accident be avoided?

There are so many variables that can occur with any given car or pedestrian related accident. One of the very first questions that may be asked for example, is was the driver inebriated? Seeing as he was unaware he had struck somebody, there is a good chance that was the case.

He could also have been otherwise distracted or impaired, a fact that investigators consider when such an accident occurs.

It would appear at first glance that the pedestrian had done nothing wrong as she was not in the middle of a street when the accident occurred. Forensic specialists on the other hand, could assess the situation to see if this was indeed the case.

What happens next?

When an car accident like this occurs it can take a bit of time to sort things out. Once liability is uncovered, an accident victim can file a claim against the person responsible for their injuries.

A personal injury lawsuit is often times necessary to ensure that an individual that is damaged in a collision is compensated for related medical costs and lost wages. For those who are seriously hurt after a wreck or pedestrian accident, financial reparation can also safeguard their life savings, which may be placed at risk due to the cost of long term rehabilitation and treatment.

Contact a reliable personal injury lawyer

When you or a loved one had been seriously hurt in an accident, it pays to seek the counsel of reputable personal injury attorneys.

Our legal team at Slaughter and Slaughter is well equipped to handle your accident case and will fight diligently to make sure you get the financial restitution you need. The money recovered can be applied to medical treatment and lost wages. You can also receive financial damages for your pain and suffering.

Contact the law firm of Slaughter and Slaughter today for a free case evaluation and learn what you can do after a debilitating car accident threatens you and your family’s economic future.

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Speeding Causes Head on Collision in Fountain Valley

ANorman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:33:09 +0000

An Huntington Beach resident sustained serious injury Wednesday afternoon after a head on collision in Fountain Valley. Authorities speculate that the 62-year-old man was speeding prior to veering into opposing traffic and slamming into a pick-up truck. Prior to the accident, Baron L. Mahrling was driving eastbound in his gold 1996 Chevrolet Silverado in Ellis Avenue at approximately 1:45 p.m. For unknown reasons, he accelerated and charged into opposing traffic west of Bushard Street. Mahrling then struck a black 1998 Nissan Frontier truck causing minor injury to 31-year-old Todd B. Gruca. The Silverado continued on across the street, jumped a curb and slammed into a power pole and brick wall. The man was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

Although Mahrling was no stranger to traffic accidents (he plead guilty to a DUI in September of this year), there are many cases where a car malfunctions through no fault of the driver. When this happens, the car manufacturer can be held legally accountable for subsequent injury and financial damages.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a wreck caused by a defective auto product, contact the product liability legal team at Slaughter and Slaughter. Our legal representatives understand product liability law and will work hard to ensure your receive the financial reparation you need when a car accident leaves you seriously disabled. Call us today to set up a free consualtion and learn what you can do after defective auto parts cause a debilitiating collision.

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Victim Killed in SR-56 Crash Identified

ANorman — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:18:10 +0000

A woman that was killed when her car drifted off state route 56 was identified as Jacqueline O’ Day of San Diego. Since her 2002 Volkswagen Jetta flipped over and traveled down an icy embankment early Thursday morning near Camino del Sur , authorities have attempted to identify her. During the investigation, they noted that she was wearing army fatigues and boots that signified enlisted service. They later verified that the woman was on active duty in the military. The 23-year-old soldier was pronounced dead on the scene.

When heroes like our enlisted men and women perish an entire community mourns, especially when their lives are taken so young. A mysterious car accident like the above can also leave behind burning questions in need of answers. A thorough investigation should ferret out the cause which could range from drowsy driving to a case of defective auto parts malfunctioning. If the parents of this service woman discover that malfunctioning car parts is the culprit, they can sue the car manufacturer via a product liability lawsuit — we can help.

Contact the law office of Slaughter and Slaughter right away for a free case evaluation. Our understand and can help solidify your wrongful death lawsuit and hold the automaker responsible.product liability lawyers .

Call today and get the legal assistance you need to find justice for you and your lost loved one.

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23-year-old Woman Killed after Slamming into Pole

ANorman — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:17:42 +0000

A car accident in San Diego this morning resulted in the death of a woman who may have been a military officer. The incident occurred at 5:45 a.m. in the Torrey Highlands area when the 23-year old’s car drifted off State route 56, overturned and tumbled down an ice plant covered embankment. The driver was a San Diego resident whose name is being withheld pending notification of family. She died shortly after the crash, which occurred on the westbound of the freeway near Camino del Sur. The woman was driving a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta and dressed in military-style fatigues and boots.

Of course, the family of this young woman will mourn her passing and want to know what exactly happened to cause this unfortunate tragedy. It could be a simple case of driver fatigue, where an individual falls asleep at the wheel and wakes up too late to prevent the inevitable. The family could also discover that defective auto parts are the culprit and there was very little she could have done to prevent the crash. If it is the latter, loved ones will be able to sue the auto maker under product liability laws.

If you have recently discovered that faulty auto parts are responsible for your loved ones car accident, you too can file a product liability lawsuit. Contact our wrongful death lawyers right away at 858.909.9090 for a free consultation and learn what your rights are in regards to receiving due reparations after the loss of a loved one.

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Pursuing a DUI Lawsuit after a Debilitating Accident

ANorman — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:01:02 +0000

Dire statistics make it clear that anyone who drives under the influence is not only putting themselves at risk but others. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, all have been take away due to someone else’s desire to drive while inebriated.

And there really is no excuse—the statistics are clear. In 2007 alone 12, 988 people were killed in DUI prompted car accidents. In those incidents, the driver had a blood alcohol content lever of .08 or higher.

This places the death toll percentage at 31.7% of the 41,059 fatalities that occurred in the ‘07 year.

DUI and Hit and Run

With the above facts to consider, there is no doubt as to why most DUI drivers flee the car accident scene. In fact, in most hit and run scenarios, the driver ran because he or she was intoxicated. This could have been done willfully (fear of capture and reprimand) or due to the drunken state itself (too inebriated to recognize the fact that they created a calamity.) Drivers may also flee because hit and runs accidents are punished less severely than DUI relate ones. This gives the perpetrator an incentive run and attempt to sober up. Repeat DUI offenders also know they could face jail time if they have cause injury or death and feel they have little to lose.

Whatever their rationale, it doesn’t bode well for the offender, who has now amassed a slew of criminal charges by their self centered actions. If you have been injured as a result of a car accident in San Diego protect yourself.

Victims Rights

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and other advocacy groups have placed a spotlight on victims rights, making it clear that those who maim or kill on the nation’s highways because they were irresponsible enough to drink and drive, will face penalty in both criminal and civil court.

In regards to civil litigation, injured victims and the families of those who were fatally injured, have the ability to receive twofold justice. Not only will they obtain financial compensation that will help pay for their medical costs or funeral related expenses, the guilty party will be held legally accountable for their horrific, negligent actions.

The Right DUI Lawyer makes the difference

Those seeking financial compensation for their injuries should begin as soon as possible by retaining the services of a qualified DUI lawyer. These personal injury attorneys understand complex DUI laws and will know how to apply them to your case.

At the law firm of Slaughter and Slaughter we are well versed in DUI litigation and fight diligently to make sure victims and/or their families get the reparation they deserve.

Contact us today toll free at 888.207.5321 or 619.456.0027 and make an appointment for a free consultation right away. At Slaughter and Slaughter we promise to give you the passionate representation deserve, which in turn, will provide the financial and emotional closure you need after a DUI accident changes your life and your goals.

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2-year-old Boy Struck by Car Declared Brain Dead

ANorman — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:54:48 +0000

A San Diego car accident involving a 2-year-old boy has left the toddler brain dead. Victim Christopher Chavez was struck by a mini Cooper around 7:20 p.m. Tuesday at the 3300 block of Idlewild Way in Clairemont Tuesday evening and was taken to a Rady’s children’s Hospital. The child is currently on life support pending organ donation. He was declared brain dead Thursday at 12:35 p.m. The child was struck by the car after darting into traffic.

When we hears a story about a child being hurt in a car accident it is difficult for us not to be moved. Our hearts also immediately go out to the parents who are suffering alongside their precious child. One also wonders if something more could have been done to prevent the tragedy. For example, even if the child darted into traffic, was the driver speeding? Could he have avoided hitting the baby? Only a thorough investigation can provide the answers. If authorities conclude that the driver is at fault, he is then liable for the toddlers injuries and can be pursued in court via personal injury litigation. Our San Diego personal injury attorney has extensive experience in dealing with auto accidents and catastrophic injuries.

When a child is hurt parents have the ability to receive justice via the civil court system. Call our law offices today to learn more about your legal options in this regard. You can talk to a personal injury lawyer for free and discover what you and your family can do to receive reparation as well as fair treatment.

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Personal Injury Claims – What you need to Succeed

ANorman — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:32:22 +0000

Accident victims who know their rights will move quickly to pursue a personal injury claim after they have been hurt in an accident. Even so they may not know what they should do to ensure that they build a solid foundation for a strong case.

Honesty is key

Of course, one of the first things an accident victim will need to do is locate a personal injury lawyer that specializes in their type of accident. For example, someone who was hurt in a slip and fall will need an attorney studied in premises liability law. A victim that was harmed by a consumer product will have to seek out a lawyer that is adept at handling product liability cases.

Once located, the accident victim and or family members should meet with the lawyer face to face for a case review. Often times personal injury lawyers will offer this service for free to see if you have a legitimate claim or not. If you do, you will then be advised on how and when to get started.

Be sure to be honest with the lawyer about the circumstances of the case when you talk to them. If you feel you had a hand in the accident, say so. In many cases, culpability will not keep you from receiving compensation. It is hard for a lawyer to fight for your rights if they do not have the full picture. Besides which, lying will weaken you case, especially if the other side gets wind of it.

Secure and Present Documentation

Medical records, police reports, witness statements, audio and video tape, all of these items can help you and your attorney present an iron clad case in court. While some of these items, like witness depositions, will be attained by the attorney it doesn’t hurt to have some of this documentation already in hand when you visit your personal injury lawyer for the first time.

Expert Testimony

This will largely be the domain of your lawyer, so be sure you retain one that has the ability to acquire specialist that can make your case in a courtroom.

Reconstructionists, forensic specialist, doctors and other authority figures can give a jury and/or judge a clear picture of what transpired the day of your debilitating accident. This helps provide the necessary information that will enable them to find in your favor.

An experienced Attorney

As stated before, finding a quality personal injury lawyer that specializes is the best key for success. When investigating law firms, be sure to ask about their track record in regards to previous cases that were similar to yours. They should also be able to provide a referral list of former clients who were happy with their services. Be wary of any firm that seems hesitant to do so.

We at Slaughter and Slaughter can provide all of the above and more. With years of combined personal injury experience, we give our clients the expert legal representation they deserve after they have been hurt in a serious accident.

Whether you have sustained a severe burn, spinal injuries or suffered trauma due to a car accident, we can help you obtain the compensation you need for medical cost and lost earnings.

Call us today at 888.207.5321 or and set up a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers today. You don’t have to suffer needlessly after a car accident changes you and your family’s lives forever. You can and should receive justice – Slaughter and Slaughter can help.

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Sedan and Van Crash Head on Near School

ANorman — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:25:28 +0000

A head on collision in Anaheim near an elementary school resulted in paramedics being called to the scene although no one was taken to the hospital. The incident occurred near the crosswalk of Westmont Elementary School and mall at approximately 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of Westmont Drive and Loara Street. The vehicles, a Honda Accord and a blue van which had the words “Advanced Clinical Research Institute” written on the side of it, both sustained substantial front end damage.

According the witnesses, the Honda was turning left on Westmont in front of the van when they collided into one another. The driver of the Honda, a woman, told authorities she was experiencing chest pains paramedics at the scene did not take her to the hospital.

Although the woman who complained of pain was not taken to the hospital it may be in her best interest to see a doctor anyway. There have been many stories about people who appeared to be okay after a car accident who later died from undiagnosed internal injuries much later. If the woman did indeed sustain injury she would have it documented and could receive financial compensation for her injuries. If you or a loved one has been in a similar accident you can receive damages for your injuries as well. Contact our law offices for a free case assessment right away and get the money you need after a personal injury changes the course of your life forever.

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