San Diego Injury Lawyer Blog

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

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:54:51 -0800

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.

Two Injured in Redlands Single-Vehicle Rollover Collision

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:52:50 -0800

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.

Ross Jurewitz represents people injured in San Bernardino County car accidents 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 Redlands due to a vehicular malfunction, please order your free copy of 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.

Riverside Rollover Crash Results in Injuries

Mon, 14 May 2012 13:48:01 -0800

One person was severely injured in a rollover auto accident that took place on May 9, 2012, around 8:30 p.m. near Bradley Street and Harbart Drive in Riverside. According to Riverside fire Battalion Chief Scott Blair, one person sustained serious injuries in a possible off-road vehicle crash.

The injured victim was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The investigating officers need to determine whether the loss of control was due to negligence or any vehicular malfunction.

The victim’s family members may file a personal injury claim against the manufacturer to obtain compensation to cover treatment, hospital, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, and other related damages.

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

Ross Jurewitz represents people injured in Riverside County car accidents 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 traffic collision. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in a car crash in Riverside due to a vehicular malfunction, please order your free copy of 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.

Recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury in San Diego

Mon, 14 May 2012 07:49:04 -0800

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. At Jurewitz Law Group, our knowledgeable San Diego traumatic brain injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you need after an accident. Call us today at (888) 233-5020 for a free and confidential consultation.

CPSC Warns of Dangers Associated with Water-Walking Balls

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:41:30 -0800

“Water walking” is a new summer activity that is becoming popular at beaches, amusement parks, and other summer fun spots all over the U.S. During water walking, a person climbs inside a large flexible plastic ball, which is floating on a pool or other body of water, and can walk or ride on the water’s surface without getting wet.

While water walking looks like fun, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that it can also cause serious injuries. The CPSC has received several reports of injuries from water walking-related hazards.

First, the large plastic balls used in water walking are airtight. If a person is inside a ball too long, he or she may use up the oxygen inside it while breathing, creating an increased risk for suffocation.

Next, most balls used in water walking cannot be opened by the person inside the ball if there is an emergency and can only be opened from the outside. Constant close supervision is necessary in order to prevent an accident.

Finally, water walking balls are not padded. If the person inside the ball collides with another person, a pier, a boat, or another obstacle, he or she could be seriously injured in a San Diego watercraft accident. Since the balls are not easy to control, the risk of a collision is high.

Nobody wants a child they care about to be injured during summer fun. When a defective product causes injury, however, an experienced defective product injury lawyer in San Diego at Jurewitz Law Group can help. Call us today at (888) 233-5020 for a free and confidential consultation.

Tips for Southern California Pool Safety

Wed, 09 May 2012 07:29:07 -0800

Southern California is a great spot for lounging by the pool or throwing backyard parties, especially in the warm summer months. However, swimming pools can also cause serious injuries and even death. Young children are especially at risk from swimming pool drowning injuries.

If you’re preparing a pool for summer fun, here are a few things to consider in order to prevent injuries.

Use a fence that goes all the way around the perimeter of your pool, hot tub, or both. The fence should have self-latching gates that small children cannot open on their own. Alarms on doors or gates leading to the pool offer an extra layer of protection.
Anti-entrapment drain covers prevent swimmers or their clothing from getting caught in drains, which can result in drowning.
Make sure pool and spa covers meet federal and state safety requirements, to decrease the chance that someone will get stuck underneath them.
Make sure everyone in the family knows how to swim. If you have family members who can’t swim, keep them out of the pool unless they are wearing personal floatation devices (PFDs) appropriate for their height, weight, and body size.
Have at least one family member take classes in emergency first aid and CPR. These skills help protect everyone in the family and can literally save a life.

Swimming pool-related injuries can be severe. If you or someone you care for has been injured in a swimming pool, the knowledgeable San Diego swimming pool injury lawyers at Jurewitz Law Group can help. Call us today at (888) 223-5020 for a free, confidential consultation.

Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Newport Yacht Race Participant

Mon, 07 May 2012 07:24:17 -0800

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for the last of four boaters who were lost when the yacht they were racing collided with another object on the ocean, possibly a large ship. The other three boaters all lost their lives in the accident.

The suspected crash involved a yacht known as the Aegean. The yacht and her four crew members were competing in the Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race. The accident was discovered by two race employees riding in a safety boat, who first realized something was wrong when they came across shards of the yacht floating in the water, none more than six inches long. Once they came across a lifeboat with an identification number and the yacht’s nameplate, they were able to identify the lost vessel.

Two of the lost yachters were recovered by the team in the safety boat that discovered the accident and another was found by the U.S. Coast Guard. The fourth member of the yacht’s crew is still missing.

Investigators speculate that the yacht was hit by a larger vessel, such as a freighter. Other race participants had reported hearing a larger ship in the area near the time when the accident likely occurred.

Boating is a popular summer activity on southern California’s sunny ocean waters, but when something goes wrong, a fun trip or a challenging race can turn quickly into a tragedy. If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident, please don’t hesitate to call the experienced San Diego boat accident attorneys at Jurewitz Law Group. Our number is (888) 223-5020, and your initial telephone consultation is free and confidential.

Former Chargers Linebacker Junior Seau Dead in Apparent Suicide

Thu, 03 May 2012 11:45:34 -0800

San Diego NFL legend Junior Seau died early Wednesday, May 2, 2012, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.

According to law enforcement, Seau’s girlfriend discovered his bleeding, unconscious body at their Oceanside home. A 911 call was placed around 10am in the morning. Life-saving efforts were attempted but unsuccessful. The former San Diego Charger was pronounced dead at the scene.

Photo from SI.com

Despite widespread rumors, a law enforcement official told reporters that there was no suicide note left at the scene.

However, it is believed that Seau’s suicide was caused by depression and mental impairment brought on by head trauma he endured during his football career. Head trauma is an unfortunately continuous tragedy among football players, who constantly endure multiple and repeated hits to the head.

Born and raised in San Diego, Junior Seau came to be a local celebrity. The 12-time Pro Bowl player started his football career at Oceanside High School and went on to play for the University of Southern California (USC) before being drafted into the NFL as a San Diego Charger.

The 43-year-old athlete is survived by 4 children and an ex-wife.

The Jurewitz Law Group is saddened by this loss and sends our condolences to Seau’s family, friends, and loyal fans. This is a huge loss to the San Diego community. He is and will forever be San Diego’s most renowned Charger.

Self-Driving Cadillacs May Hit Market in 2015, Say Developers

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:02:35 -0800

Cadillacs that can pilot themselves on the road and navigate traffic safely may be available to purchase as soon as 2015, according to the vehicle’s developers. The system, known as “Super Cruise,” incorporates automatic steering, automatic braking, and a system that centers the vehicle in its lane. Using the system to drive the vehicle is optional, and the driver can switch it on or off at any time.

Components of the system will be available in some 2013 Cadillacs. These vehicles will include features like reverse-gear auto-braking and a driver’s seat that vibrates to warn the driver of certain dangers, like leaving the lane or getting too close to another vehicle.

General Motors, which makes the Cadillac, has been working on auto-drive safety features since 1997, when it started by covering vehicles with magnets used to sense the vehicle’s distance from other magnet-covered cars. A significant breakthrough came in 2007, when the company developed a way to integrate information from multiple sensors fast enough for the vehicle’s computers to “understand” and react so as to avoid a motor vehicle collision.

Vehicle sensors and other safety technology help drivers avoid accidents by letting them know what’s going on around the vehicle, alerting them to possible dangers, and making it easier to steer or stop the vehicle safely. However, every driver still has a responsibility to pay attention to the road and avoid accidents. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the experienced auto accident lawyers in San Diego at Jurewitz Law Group can help. Call us today at (888) 332-5020 for a free consultation.

SDSU Students Create “Ghost Bike” In Honor of Slain Cyclist

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:57:55 -0800

Members of San Diego State University’s student organization The Bike Stand and fellow students recently created a “ghost bike” in memory of a bicyclist killed in a car-bicycle crash at the intersection of Collwood and Montezuma streets near campus, not far from where the fatal accident occurred.

A “ghost bike” is a bicycle painted white and chained near the area in which a bicyclist lost his or her life in an accident. Along with flowers and other markers, it serves as a memorial, as well as a visible warning to motorists to pay attention, share the road, and avoid injuring or killing another person on a bicycle.

The ghost bike honors the memory of a man killed in a bicycle accident on Montezuma earlier this month. Although the SDSU students did not know the man personally, they rallied to create a memorial because they have first-hand experience with the dangers of navigating the area on bicycle and the need to remind drivers to share the road and take care around bicyclists. Students and other area bicyclists have also begun lobbying City Hall and taking other steps to get traffic-quieting measures implementing on Montezuma and surrounding streets.

At the Jurewitz Law Group, our skilled San Diego bicycle accident attorneys have represented many injured cyclists and their families after an accident. We have the legal resources and courtroom experience to help you get the compensation you need. For a free, confidential consultation by telephone, call our office today at (888) 233-5020.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Increase Harm, Cost of Motorcycle Accidents

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 07:59:26 -0800

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries of many kinds, including broken bones, severe skin and soft tissue damage, and injuries to the brain and spinal cord. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most expensive types of motorcycle injuries to treat, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They also cause the most deaths due to motorcycle accidents.

According to one study of motorcycle crashes nationwide, the average costs of medical care for motorcycle riders who suffered TBIs was 13 times higher than the average costs of medical care for motorcycle riders who did not suffer a TBI. The study found that the average motorcycle crash victim spent $2,461 on hospital care if there was no TBI. When the patients had TBIs, however, the average cost for hospital care jumped to $31,979. If the injured person needed a lengthy stay in intensive care, the costs were even higher.

In addition, the more severe a San Diego traumatic brain injury is, the more care is required after a person leaves the hospital, which means even more costs. Follow-up doctor visits, medications, equipment, and therapy to help an injured person recover from the injury all increase the final cost of a severe motorcycle accident.

At Jurewitz Law Group, our knowledgeable San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys strive to offer outstanding representation to every one of our clients. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, call our office today at (888) 233-5020 for a free, confidential case evaluation.

NHTSA Proposes Accelerator-Override Systems to Improve Car Safety

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:51:32 -0800

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently proposed new regulations that would require passenger cars, trucks, and vans sold in the U.S. to come with automatic accelerator-override systems. The system would kick in if the accelerator became stuck or if the accelerator and brake pedals were pushed at the same time. It would stop the vehicle’s acceleration and slow it down, helping to prevent a serious car accident.

The proposed regulations would require new cars sold in the U.S. to have accelerator-override systems that would slow the car down, regardless of what caused the acceleration to go out of control. Electrical problems, stuck floor mats, auto product defects, and accelerator pedals stuck in the floor carpeting have all caused out-of-control acceleration and vehicle crashes in recent years, according to the NHTSA. The systems would have to prevent the car from accelerating in each of these situations.

Some vehicles already come equipped with similar systems, according to the NHTSA. However, the agency is interested in requiring them on all motor vehicles, especially since stuck accelerators in various Toyota models have caused serious accidents or deaths in recent years. Toyota was fined $50 million for unnecessarily delaying the recall to fix the problem. The recall was eventually issued in February 2011 and it affected over 2 million U.S. vehicles.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, a skilled San Diego car crash lawyer at Jurewitz Law Group can help. To learn more about your legal options, call our office today at (888) 233-5020 for a free, confidential consultation.

Wind Power Facilities Linked to Deadly Accidents

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 07:58:27 -0800

Wind turbines are often touted as “green” alternatives to generating electricity that don’t rely on petroleum or create greenhouse gases or dangerous radiation, the way conventional coal or nuclear plants often do. However, little attention has been paid recently to the serious accidents that can take place at wind turbine sites, according to a recent article in East County Magazine.

According to researchers, approximately 128 wind turbine workers die each year as a result of workplace accidents. Many of these accidents occur while workers are attempting to repair or maintain the wind turbines’ spinning blades. Although the equipment is supposed to have shut-off systems to prevent accidents caused by moving blades, the turbines are so delicate that even a moderate breeze may start them moving, causing accidents.

The height of most wind turbines also creates a risk for workers. Several fatal work accidents since 2003 have involved workers whose safety equipment has malfunctioned or been caught in wind turbine equipment and broken, causing them to fall several hundred feet to the ground. Finally, weather conditions often contribute to wind turbine injuries and deaths, such as a 1994 Minnesota accident in which a man was seriously injured by chunks of ice falling from wind turbine blades.

At Jurewitz Law Group, our trained San Diego workplace accident attorneys apply their legal skills and practical experience to fight for outstanding results for each client we represent. We’re dedicated to helping injured workers and their families get the compensation they need so they can focus on getting back on their feet. For a free and confidential consultation, call us today at (888) 233-5020.

U-Turn Attempt on CR-98 Results in Injuries

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:53:36 -0800

A man who tried to make an improper U-turn on CR-98 near Woodland recently caused a crash that left him with possibly severe injuries, according to a recent article in The Daily Democrat.

The driver, a 90-year-old Woodland resident, tried to make a U-turn and head in the opposite direction on CR-98 from the way he was driving. During the turn, his vehicle crashed into a truck driven by another Woodland resident, a 58-year-old woman. Rescue workers took the 90-year-old to a local hospital for evaluation of the bloody nose and neck pain he suffered in the crash. The other driver did not appear to be injured at the scene.

Failing to obey traffic rules is a common cause of auto accidents in California. Many traffic rules are indicated by signs, signals, and lines painted on roadways, but others are not always made obvious on every stretch of road. Drivers are expected to know the rules of the road and to follow them in order to avoid serious accidents that may leave themselves and others injured or even killed.

At Jurewitz Law Group, our diligent California car accident injury lawyers can help you and your loved ones through every step of the process after an accident, from filing claims with any insurance companies to seeking compensation from negligent parties in court. For more information about your legal rights and options, call us today at (888) 233-5020 for a free, confidential telephone consultation.

Protect Yourself and Your Family from San Diego Dog Bite Injuries

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:06:53 -0800

Most people associate “dog bite injuries” with strange dogs or with dog breeds raised to guard buildings and people, such as Rottweilers or pit bulls. However, any dog may bite any human being, and even the bite of a small dog can cause serious injuries.

Help protect yourself and your family from dog bites by following these tips for socializing with dogs.

When meeting a strange dog, stand still and allow the dog to see and sniff you before attempting to touch or pet it. If the dog growls or backs away, do not try to follow or touch it. Always ask a dog’s owner, if possible, before offering your hand to a dog to sniff or trying to pet it.
If you are approached by a strange dog, do not run away. Stand still and avoid making direct eye contact with the dog, as the dog may interpret this as aggression. If you are knocked to the ground, curl up in a ball and protect your face, head, and neck as much as possible.
Before adopting a dog, talk to a veterinarian or licensed breeder about which breeds would be best for your family. Spend time with the new dog before bringing it into your home. If any member of the family is afraid of dogs, do not adopt one; wait until the family member has learned more about dogs and is no longer afraid of them.

Dog bites can cause serious fear, pain and suffering, and serious injuries. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, please don’t hesitate to call an experienced San Diego dog bite injury attorney at the Jurewitz Law Group. We will help you understand your legal rights and protect your family’s needs. Call us today at (888) 233-5020 for a free and confidential consultation by phone.