Actor Ryan O’Neal’s son, Griffin O’Neal, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for driving under the influence and injuring another motorist in a San Diego car accident. The crash, which occurred in August 2011 in San Pasqual, injured 45-year-old Sergio Reveles, a restaurant owner and father of two, who testified in the sentencing hearing that his life has been forever changed because of the injuries he sustained in this crash. O’Neal had amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana and Xanax in his system, according to toxicology test reports. O’Neal, 47, pleaded guilty in November to two felony charges – driving under the influence and possession of a firearm by a felon.

He had a previous strike on his record for shooting into an unoccupied vehicle in Los Angeles in 1992. O’Neal had checked himself into a residential rehabilitation facility after he was arrested on New Year’s Eve on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery. The incident, according to his wife, happened when she tried to stop O’Neal from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after he had become intoxicated.

San Diego DUI Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 27 fatalities and 748 injuries involving DUI collisions in San Diego. Countywide, alcohol- and drug-related crashes claimed 103 lives and injured 1,754 people, during the same year.

The Suffering of DUI Victims

O’Neal apparently apologized to Reveles at the sentencing hearing saying that he never intended to hurt anyone. But, Reveles told the judge the crash had affected his attitude to life, his family and his business although he is thankful to be alive. Reveles said he now cannot do the things he was able to do before and is not the father he used to be to his children.

Making the Right Choice

This high-profile DUI crash, which involved a celebrity’s son, is just another example of how devastating one person’s poor judgment and addiction issues can tragically change the lives of innocent victims of drunk driving and their families. This is no doubt a free country. You can choose to drink or even do drugs. That choice affects you and it may affect your family. But the minute you get in a vehicle when you are drunk or high, you are putting innocent people and their families in harm’s way. Driving under the influence is not an accident, but a choice. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

Griffin O’Neal Gets Prison for DUI Collision is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A woman was injured in a San Diego car accident after her pickup truck was T-boned at an intersection. According to a 10News report, the crash occurred at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Federal Boulevard in San Diego, the early morning of February 2, 2012. Officials say a car went through a red light before striking the victim’s pickup. Her vehicle flipped on its side and a Good Samaritan had to help her get out of it. She sustained neck and arm injuries, which are believed to be non-life-threatening. The driver and passenger in the other car were not hurt. The report states that the driver of car will not be cited because no one witnessed the infraction.

My thoughts and prayers are with the woman injured in this San Diego intersection accident. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I also commend the selfless actions of the Good Samaritan who came to the victim's aid.

San Diego Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 71 fatalities and 5,819 injuries occurred as a result of car accidents in the city of San Diego. Countywide, 217 people were killed and 12,998 were injured as a result of car accidents, during the same year.

Possible Red Light Violation

Based on this news report, the driver of the car ran through a red light. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown." However, police have not cited the driver because they could not find any witnesses to the alleged red light violation.

Liability Issues

In such cases, it is important for victims to remember that a driver does not have to be cited or arrested by the authorities to be found civilly liable for the crash. In a personal injury lawsuit, victims must only prove that the other driver’s negligence contributed to the car accident and the resulting injuries.

Victims of injury accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will help them determine liability for the accident and secure just compensation. In cases involving negligence, such as running through a red light, the at-fault driver can be held liable for medical bills, time away from work, and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Woman Injured in San Diego Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A 16-year-old Chula Vista girl and a 49-year-old El Cajon man were injured in a San Diego motorcycle accident when a 2012 Ducati veered out of control and struck their bicycles. According to a news report in U-T San Diego, the bicycle accident occurred on Japatul Valley Road near Hidden Glen Road in Alpine, the morning of January 29, 2012. Officials say the 36-year-old male motorcyclist lost control while making a right turn and slid into the two cyclists. The girl suffered major injuries and the man sustained moderate injuries. The motorcyclist complained of pain but was able to ride away from the crash. It is not clear if he will be cited for the collision.

My thoughts and prayers are with the two bicyclists who were injured in this collision. I wish them the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

San Diego Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), two people were killed and 86 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Countywide, there were six fatalities and 525 injuries reported due to bicycle accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, the motorcyclist lost control of his vehicle while making a right turn. What caused his motorcycle to slide into the bike riders? Was the motorcyclist speeding? Was he properly trained and licensed to ride a motorcycle? Was he distracted or otherwise negligent? Did he lose control of the Ducati because of an auto defect or mechanical malfunction? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

If the motorcyclist in this case is determined to have been at fault, then, he can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused to the victims. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who can help them pursue fair compensation for their losses. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to bicycle accident victims and their families.

Two Injured in San Diego Bicycle Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Benito Federico Ruiz-Ruiz, 48, was killed in a San Diego County motorcycle accident after he was struck while crossing the street. According to an NBC San Diego news report, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on El Camino Real near La Costa Avenue in Carlsbad, the night of January 7, 2012. The northbound motorcycle struck Ruiz-Ruiz, who died at the scene. Officials suspect that Ruiz-Ruiz may have attempted to illegally cross the roadway. An investigation is ongoing.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Benito Federico Ruiz-Ruiz for their tragic loss. They are in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 26 injuries reported involving pedestrian accidents in Carlsbad. During that same year, 57 fatalities and 937 injuries occurred due to pedestrian accidents in San Diego County.

Pedestrian Right of Way Laws

Based on this news report, it is not clear if the victim was in a crosswalk or at an intersection at the time of the crash. The pedestrian may have crossed the roadway illegally. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Liability Issues

If the motorcyclist is determined to have been at fault here, the victim's family can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking damages for funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship. Victims' families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims or their families.

Pedestrian Killed in San Diego Motorcycle Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Driver, Michelle Reni Cafagna, 20, and passenger Rizelle Cabana Alamares, 24, were fatally injured in a San Diego car accident after their car struck a palm tree, the afternoon of December 15, 2011. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the fatal car crash occurred on El Camino Real near Via Las Rosas in Oceanside. Officials say Cafagna lost control of the sedan before it veered into the center divider and crashed into a palm tree. Alamares died at the scene of the accident, while Cafagna succumbed to her injuries after being airlifted to a nearby hospital. Officials are investigating the cause of this collision.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Michelle Reni Cafagna and Rizelle Cabana Alamares following this tragic accident. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

San Diego Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), eight people were killed and 728 were injured as a result of Oceanside car accidents. During that same year, there were 217 fatalities and 12,998 injuries reported as a result of San Diego County car accidents.

What Caused this Fatal Crash?

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to what caused the sedan to veer out of control. Was there an auto defect or mechanical malfunction that led to the car accident? Were there other vehicles involved? Did a dangerous condition on the roadway contribute to the collision? Was the driver speeding, driving distracted, driving under the influence of alcohol, or otherwise negligent? I trust investigators are looking into all possible causes of this terrible incident.

Liability Issues

Families of deceased car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and options. In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing, financial compensation may be available for the victim's family by filing a wrongful death claim. It would also be in the best interests of the family to preserve the vehicle in its current crashed condition, unaltered, so it can be thoroughly examined for defects, malfunctions, and other related evidence. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Driver and Passenger Killed in Oceanside Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A woman was injured in a San Diego car accident after she was hit by a trolley. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the injury collision occurred the evening of December 7, 2011 at the intersection of West Ash Street and Pacific Highway in the Core-Columbia neighborhood of downtown San Diego. The 35-year-old woman was chasing her Chihuahua when the southbound trolley struck her. The pedestrian suffered facial fractures and a broken wrist, but is expected to survive. She was hospitalized for treatment. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured pedestrian. I wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

San Diego Pedestrian Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 18 fatalities and 494 injuries involving San Diego pedestrian accidents. Also, countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 57 lives and injured 937 people, during the same year.

Pedestrians' Right-of-Way

Based on this news report, it appears that the woman ran chasing after her dog. But it is unclear if she had the right-of-way at the intersection or if she was in a crosswalk at the time. California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: "Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard." The same section also states: "The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway."

Claim for Compensation

If the driver of the trolley was at fault here, then, the driver as well as his or her employer can be held liable for the pedestrian's injuries. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault party for damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization costs, and physical therapy. Victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will provide them with more information about pursuing their legal rights. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Pedestrian Injured in San Diego Trolley Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

At least two customers were injured in a San Diego car accident after a car crashed into a restaurant, the afternoon of December 2, 2011. According to a 10News report, the car accident occurred at the Surati Farsan Mart on Black Mountain Road near Miramar. Officials say the female motorist may have stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brakes, before she drove her car all the way into the restaurant and injured the customers. The victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have stated that alcohol or drugs were not factors in this incident, and that the brakes and transmission were working properly in the vehicle. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this San Diego accident. I’m relieved to hear that no one was seriously injured in this crash. It is indeed fortunate this was the case. I wish the victims the very best with a complete and speedy recovery.

San Diego Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 71 people were killed and 5,819 were injured in San Diego car accidents. Countywide, there were 217 fatalities and 12,998 injuries reported as a result of car accidents, during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been a factor in this collision. The authorities also report that there was no mechanical malfunction in the vehicle. I trust investigations are looking into all possible causes of this accident? Was the driver of the car distracted or inattentive before losing control of the accident? Did the driver suffer from some type of medical condition or disorientation? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

Victims of car accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing the at-fault party can be held liable for the resulting medical bills, time away from work, pain and suffering, and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to victims and their families.

San Diego Car Accident Injures Two is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A 45-year-old man was injured in a San Diego car accident when a driver plowed his vehicle into a Taco Bell restaurant, the afternoon of November 14, 2011. According to a 10News report, the car crash occurred at the Taco Bell on Vista Way in Vista. Officials say the 62-year-old driver was parking his Suzuki when it suddenly accelerated over the sidewalk and into the Taco Bell. The man injured in the collision complained of pain to his entire left side and the driver suffered a major cut to his head. It is unclear what caused the vehicle to accelerate into the building. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with both injured victims of this San Diego accident. I wish them both the best for a complete and speedy recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 10 people were killed and 283 were injured in Vista car accidents. During that same year, San Diego County car accidents led to 217 fatalities and caused 12,998 injuries.

What Caused This Injury Accident?

Based on this news report, the driver claims the vehicle accelerated for unknown reasons. I trust officials are looking into whether these claims are accurate or whether the driver's negligence contributed to the accident. Was the motorist distracted, fatigued, under the influence, inattentive or negligent in any way? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here.

Fault and Liability

If the driver of the Suzuki is found to have been at fault, then, he can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. If it is determined that the accident stemmed from an auto defect or mechanical malfunction, the defective part manufacturer may be held liable for the resulting injuries. Injured victims of car accidents would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. Victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages.

San Diego Car Accident Leaves Taco Bell Customer Injured is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

Mark Andrew Jones, 52, was killed in a San Diego car accident involving a suspected drunk driver. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car accident occurred the afternoon of November 13, 2011 on Ashley Road in Ramona. Officials say 49-year-old Harold Green was driving at a high rate of speed, before losing control of his car and crashing into the retaining wall of a private driveway. The vehicle rolled over several times. Jones, who was a passenger in the car, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. Green has been hospitalized with spinal cord injuries, and is expected to be charged with felony DUI.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Mark Andrew Jones for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

DUI Statistics

According to the California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 11 fatalities and 96 injuries involving DUI collisions in the unincorporated areas of San Diego. Also, countywide, alcohol-related crashes claimed 103 lives and caused 1,754 injuries, during the same year.

California DUI Laws

Based on this news report, it appears that Green was not only speeding but was also under the influence at the time. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "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." A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges.
California Penal Code Section 191.5 (a) states: "Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence."

Victims' Claim for Compensation

Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will advise victims' families in such cases about their legal rights and options. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) web site at www.madd.org.

DUI Collision in San Diego Causes Fatality is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal

A woman was critically injured in a San Diego car accident after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Gemini and Pegasus avenues in Mira Mesa, the morning of October 31, 2011. Officials say the woman was pushing a stroller containing her small dog when a 2000 Honda Civic hit her. She suffered major head trauma and had to be revived by paramedics. The dog was not injured. The 31-year-old female driver claimed she could not see the pedestrian because the sun was in her eyes. It is unclear if the driver will be cited in connection with this major injury car accident.

My thoughts and prayers are with the woman who has been seriously injured in this San Diego accident. I wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

San Diego Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 18 people were killed and 494 were injured in San Diego pedestrian accidents. During that same year, 57 fatalities and 937 injuries occurred due to pedestrian accidents in San Diego County.

Laws Relating to Pedestrians

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver failed to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian who was crossing the street at the intersection. California Vehicle Code Section 21950 states: "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." The same section also states that the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk "shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of a vehicle or take any other action relating to the operating of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian."

Liability Issues

If the driver of the Honda is determined to have been at fault, she may be held liable for the injuries suffered by the victim. Pedestrian accident victims can pursue compensation for damages including medical bills, hospitalization, rehabilitation services, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims of negligent drivers would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Pedestrian Seriously Injured in San Diego Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Lawyer Journal