San Diego Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

Dangerous roads in El Centro can cause injury to motorists, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians, and can create liability against the State of California, Department Of Transportation (CalTrans). Of course, liability may be apportioned between the class of persons noted above, and potentially other defendants who may have played some role in creating or maintaining a dangerous condition.

A motor vehicle operator driving an automobile (passenger vehicle, big rig truck, van, or bus), must make sure that they constantly stay alert, and maintain continual awareness of the numerous harmful factors that can cause an auto crash to occur at any moment. Many people may not be aware that numerous accidents and injuries occur because of defectively designed or improperly maintained roadways. Knowledgeable El Centro attorneys understand dangerous roads.
The condition of the roadways that are continuously traveled on, highways, intersections, and even safety equipment on roadways can pose a serious threat to vehicle drivers. Not only do a number of accidents occur in cities such as Imperial, Brawley, Heber, Seeley & Calexico, auto accidents are caused by poorly maintained roads. Additional causes of road defect accidents include problems occuring with medians, barriers, signs, shoulders, lights, exit ramps, lane markers, and intersections.

Continue reading "El Centro Truck Accidents ~" »

There are many different types of automobile accidents that occur in San Diego County, each of which can give rise to different types of injuries. A high-speed crash on the interstate, for example, will result in a different set of injuries than a low-speed accident in rush-hour traffic. The type of collision will impact not only the nature and extent of your injuries, but also the amount of damages you will receive. The following are just some of the many possible types of motor vehicle collisions and the typical injuries caused by each:

• Rear-End: When a vehicle crashes into the back of the vehicle in front of it, a rear-end collision results.This type of accident is typically caused by sudden deceleration or braking by the front vehicle, and may often cause a chain reaction of rear-end collisions involving multiple vehicles. The most common type of injury in rear-end collisions is whiplash.

• Head-On: Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles traveling toward each other crash. The front end of one vehicle crashes into the front end of the other vehicle. This type of accident is extremely dangerous and often results in serious internal injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and even death.

• Side-Impact (often called a "T-bone" or "Broadside" crash): A side impact collision occurs when the side of one vehicle is hit by the front- or rear-end of another vehicle. This type of collision is likely to result in severe injuries or death to occupants on the side of the car that sustained the impact. Safety features, such as side airbags, can alleviate some of the damage in side-impact crashes. When safety features don't work as they're supposed to in side-impact and other crashes, a products liability suit may be appropriate.

• Rollover: Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle flips over, sometimes rolling several times before landing on its side or roof. Rollovers often result in a large number of injuries because they are likely to occur in vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as SUVs, passenger vans, and buses, which carry a large number of occupants. In addition, passengers are often not required to wear seat belts in high-occupancy vehicles, causing them to be thrown from the vehicle during a rollover crash, which only increases the risk of injury and death.

• Single-Vehicle: A single-vehicle accident occurs when only one motor vehicle is involved in the crash. In this type of collision, a vehicle may crash into a stationary object, such as a pole, tree or billboard, or into a pedestrian or cyclist. Passengers injured in single-vehicle accidents may still be able to recover money from the driver, the driver's insurance company or, in auto defect cases, the manufacturer of the vehicle.

• Multi-Vehicle (often called "Pile-ups"): Multi-vehicle accidents, as their name suggests, involve many vehicles. These types of accidents typically occur on interstate or state highways, and are some of the deadliest types of traffic crashes. Vehicles involved in a multi-vehicle accident are often hit more than once, increasing the risk of injury. Pile-ups often result in severe internal injuries, head trauma, spinal cord injury, burn injuries and death.

For all types of accident injury victims, contacting an attorney experienced with auto accident cases is necessary to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and that your legal rights are protected at every stage of your case. Kerckhoff Law, APC represents those injured in a wide range of auto accidents, including those involving passenger vehicles, motorcycles, large trucks, buses, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Continue reading "Types Of San Diego Auto Accidents ~" »

Automobile accidents in the Imperial Valley and surrounding regions occur often, causing serious injuries and death to pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists. Incidents that occur on El Centro roadways may be caused by distracted drivers, drunk drivers, vehicle defects, and/or dangerous road conditions. Negligent drivers who cause accidents may be held financially liable for resultant injuries and deaths that they cause.

The El Centro auto accident lawyers at Kerckhoff Law, APC have represented hundreds of seriously injured victims of Imperial County auto accidents in personal injury claims, including incidents occurring in Imperial, Brawley, Calipatria, Holtville, Seeley, El Centro, Calexico, Heber, Winterhaven, and Mexicali.

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Please contact Kerckhoff Law, APC for a free consultation if you or a family member has been seriously injured or killed in an automobile crash, dog bite, or wrongful death incident.

Continue reading "Looking For An El Centro Attorney?" »

Have you or a loved one been seriously injured or killed in an automobile accident in San Diego County? If so, you should consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney to find out what your legal rights are and what your next step should be. Attorney Jason Kerckhoff knows how serious and life-changing accidental injuries can be, and how frustrating it is to try to obtain relief from insurance companies and other responsible parties.

Choosing A San Diego Injury Attorney

After an automobile crash or any other event involving serious injury or the wrongful death of a loved one, it is extremely important to work with a law firm that specializes in personal injury. Unfortunately, sometimes people are negligent, reckless, or violent, and their irresponsible or wrongful behavior causes injuries to innocent victims. When these tragic, expensive injuries happen to you or a loved one, the person or company who caused the injuries should be held responsible.

The types of skills required to successfully handle a serious automobile accident or wrongful death case are very specific. Our San Diego personal injury law firm is dedicated to assisting injury victims in obtaining the maximum financial compensation they are entitled to, so that they can move on with their lives.

The state Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) released a new survey on Wednesday contending that southern Californians (including those of us residing in San Diego County) are only slightly worse that the rest of the nation when it comes to texting or talking on a cell phone while driving.

The state's study conducted in March and billed as the first-ever observational study, revealed that 9.8 percent of Southern Californians are texting or yakking.

OTS Director Christopher J. Murphy is quoted as stating: "This study is highly significant for California ... it gives us a base to measure against in years to come as we combat this serious threat to safety on our roadways."

In 2009, a federal study showed that approximately 9% of drivers nationwide were talking on cell phones or texting while driving.

The study included 130 intersections in 17 California counties, where observers took notes while observing 5,413 drivers holding phones to their ears, wearing a Bluetooth or headset device, or those who were texting.

In the first half of April - Distracted Driving Awareness Month - more than 20,000 drivers were ticketed for holding phones to their ears while driving, as well as for texting. The fine for a first offense is $159 and rises to $279 for repeat offenses.

Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Liability In Automobile Accidents

Unfortunately, sometimes people are negligent, reckless, or violent, and their irresponsible or wrongful behavior causes injuries. When these tragic, expensive injuries happen to you or a loved one, the person or company who caused the injuries should be held responsible. Our San Diego personal injury law firm is dedicated to assisting injury victims in obtaining the maximum financial compensation they are entitled to, so that they can move on with their lives.

Vehicle accidents in the El Centro area and surrounding regions occur often, causing serious injuries and death to pedestrians and drivers. Incidents that occur on Imperial County roadways may be caused by distracted drivers, drunk drivers, vehicle defects and/or dangerous road conditions. Negligent drivers who cause accidents may be held financially liable for resultant injuries and deaths that they cause.

The El Centro auto accident lawyers at Kerckhoff Law, APC have represented hundreds of seriously injured victims of Imperial County car accidents in personal injury claims, including incidents occurring in Brawley, Calipatria, Holtville, Imperial, Seeley, El Centro, Calexico, Heber, Winterhaven, and Mexicali.

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Please contact Kerckhoff Law, APC for a free consultation if you or a family member has been seriously injured or killed in an El Centro automobile crash or Imperial County wrongful death incident.

Have you or a loved one been seriously injured or killed in an automobile accident in Imperial County? If so, you should consult with an experienced El Centro personal injury lawyer to find out what your legal rights are and what your next step should be.
Imperial County personal injury attorney Jason Kerckhoff knows how serious and life-changing accidental injuries can be, and how frustrating it is to try to obtain relief from insurance companies and other responsible parties.

Choosing An El Centro-Imperial Valley Injury Attorney

After an automobile crash or any other event involving serious injury or the wrongful death of a loved one, it is extremely important to work with a law firm that specializes in personal injury. Unfortunately, sometimes people are negligent, reckless, or violent, and their irresponsible or wrongful behavior causes injuries to innocent victims. When these tragic, expensive injuries happen to you or a loved one, the person or company who caused the injuries should be held responsible.

The types of skills required to successfully handle a serious automobile accident or wrongful death case are very specific. Our El Centro personal injury law firm is dedicated to assisting injury victims in obtaining the maximum financial compensation they are entitled to, so that they can move on with their lives.

CBS8.com reports that a Monday morning collision on a rain-soaked stretch of Interstate 805 in Clairemont Mesa killed a 60-year-old motorcyclist and tangled traffic for hours during the morning commute.

The incident occurred shortly before 6 a.m. amid heavy rainfall. Apparently the driver of a Lexus SUV was traveling about 80 mph in the number one southbound lane of the freeway when he encountered slow-moving traffic ahead of him near the Balboa Avenue exit. He lost control of his vehicle, slid to the right, struck a big rig, then traveled back to the left across the roadway, crossing directly into the path of a BMW motorcycle.

The motorcycle struck the driver's side of the Lexus, ejecting the operator - Paul Palika of Oceanside. The CHP reported that he died at the scene. It was reported that the driver of the sport utility vehicle was uninjured. The investigation is ongoing and it is not clear whether or not he will be cited for this incident.

Motorcycle Accident Fatalities

Crashes on freeways most often occur because a driver was speeding, not paying attention, texting, or using a cell phone, causing needless injury and/or death to others. The CHP will conduct an investigation into the cause of the incident and make the appropriate recommendation to the District Attorney's office.

Choosing A San Diego Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been killed in a motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Unfortunately, sometimes people are negligent, reckless, or violent, and their irresponsible or wrongful behavior causes injuries. When these tragic, expensive injuries happen to you or a loved one, the person or company who caused the injuries should be held responsible. Our San Diego motorcycle injury law firm is dedicated to assisting injury victims in obtaining the maximum financial compensation they are entitled to, so that they can move on with their lives.

Sources: 10news.com, CBS8.com, California Highway Patrol

Have you or a loved one been seriously injured or killed in an accident? If so, you should consult with an experienced injury attorney to find out what your legal rights are and what your next step should be.

San Diego personal injury attorney A. Jason Kerckhoff knows how serious and life-changing accidental injuries can be, and how frustrating it is to try to obtain relief from insurance companies and other responsible parties.

Choosing A Cardiff-By-The-Sea Injury Lawyer

After a vehicle crash, dog bite attack, slip/trip-and-fall incident, bicycle injury, motorcycle injury, or any other event involving serious injury or the wrongful death of a loved one, it is very important to work with a law firm that specializes in personal injury.

Unfortunately, sometimes people are negligent, reckless, or violent, and their irresponsible or wrongful behavior causes injuries. When these tragic, expensive injuries happen to you or a loved one, the person or company who caused the injuries should be held responsible.

The types of skills required to successfully handle a serious accident or wrongful death case are very specific. Our Cardiff By The Sea personal injury law firm is dedicated to assisting injury victims in obtaining the maximum financial compensation they are entitled to, so that they can move on with their lives.

Last Thursday, the Imperial Valley Press reported that the CHP were conducting an investigation into the fatal collision between a motorcyclist and a semi-truck on Evan Hewes Highway. The motorcyclist, 29-year-old Holtville resident Monty Madrid, was traveling west on Evan Hewes Highway and the semi-truck was heading south on Parker Road, east of Highway 111.The crash occurred near westbound Parker Road, as the 53-year old El Centro resident trucker was about to turn east onto Evan Hewes Highway. A skid mark left by the 2007 Kawasaki motorcycle before it struck the driver's side of the big rig measured 38 to 39 feet in length. The CHP reports that the trucker was on his way to pick up a load of scrap metal.

Although CHP Officer Torres did not fault the trucker for causing the crash, he did confirm that the semi-truck pulled out in front of the motorcyclist, adding that all motorists traveling on highways have the right-of-way.

Wrongful Death Liability

In motor vehicle accidents where the driver of one vehicle is involved in a crash which causes death to another driver, the family of the victim is advised to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney, if they have not already done so. If it is determined that the driver of the semi is found responsible for this incident, the driver may be held liable for the death.

Continue reading "Fatal Imperial Valley Evan Hewes Highway Semi-Truck v. Motorcycle Crash ~" »

KTLA.com reports that studies show driving while texting is more dangerous than driving under the influence. Recent fatalities involving texting while driving occurred in 2007 when a New York high schooler and her for fellow cheerleaders were killed due to her slamming head-on into a truck, killing all of them. The 2008 Chatsworth train collision, in which 25 people died and more than 100 were injured, was officially attributed to the engineer of the Metrolink commuter train being distracted by text messaging.

Unfortunately, the laws applicable to the problem of texting while driving reflect vital misunderstandings about why cell phone use combined with a moving vehicle can be so deadly. This was a major topic at the Transportation Department's Distracted Driving Summit on Sept. 21st.

Studies reflect that texting while driving can be more dangerous than driving while swigging Jack Daniels. In a 2009 survey, Car and Driver magazine tested two of its staffers under a variety of conditions. It found that on average, driving at 70 mph, one man braking suddenly while legally drunk (0.08 blood alcohol content) traveled 4 feet beyond his baseline performance. However, when reading an e-mail while driving sober, he traveled 36 feet beyond the baseline result and 70 feet while sending a text. In the worst case - while texting - he traveled 319 feet before stopping.

66% of respondents to a 2007 Harris Interactive poll admitted they've texted while driving, even as 89% said it should be banned.

Not to mention that our youngest drivers, who already are in far more than their share of roadway accidents and deaths, text the most, according to government and insurance industry reports.

Texting While Driving & Accidents

Texting and driving is not only dangerous, it's against the law in California. Senate Bill 28, enacted on September 24, 2008, "prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication."

New legislation has been introduced that could increase the fines for sending text messages and talking on handheld cell phones while driving. On June 23, 2010, California Senate Bill 1475 was passed, which would add one point to a driver's driving record.

The bill also strengthens California's hands-free and no-texting laws for motorists. The new law also extends to bicyclists. SB 1475 now moves to the State Assembly for consideration.

We all know about the dangers associated with texting while driving. Even Oprah Winfrey has joined the cause, ending each of her shows with a request that her viewers sign her pledge to not text and drive. It would be great to see ALL states implement a ban on texting while driving. Many lives would hopefully be saved and many auto accidents would probably be prevented.

Sources: Insurance Institute For Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, KTLA News.com

Continue reading "Texting Worse Than Drunk Driving ~" »

The Highway Loss Data Institute reports that a recent study determind that texting-related crashes did not decrease in those states which passed laws banning texting while driving. Rather, the texting bans were found to be associated with an increase in the number of insurance claims filed for collision damage in vehicle crashes.

The HLDI study compared collision claim rates in the months before & after texting while driving was banned in Washington, California, Louisiana, and Minnesota with the claim rates in nearby states that don't currently have texting laws. A previous HLDI study uncovered similar results for bans on driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone.

This evidence may indicate that texting laws are ineffective, and that other measures to decrease texting while driving should be explored.

Texting While Driving & Accidents

Texting and driving is not only dangerous, it's against the law in California. Senate Bill 28, enacted on September 24, 2008, "prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication."

New legislation has been introduced that could increase the fines for sending text messages and talking on handheld cell phones while driving. On June 23, 2010, California Senate Bill 1475 was passed, which would add one point to a driver's driving record.
The bill also strengthens California's hands-free and no-texting laws for motorists. The new law also extends to bicyclists. SB 1475 now moves to the State Assembly for consideration.

We all know about the dangers associated with texting while driving. Even Oprah Winfrey has joined the cause, ending each of her shows with a request that her viewers sign her pledge to not text and drive. It would be great to see ALL states implement a ban on texting while driving. Many lives would hopefully be saved and many auto accidents would probably be prevented.

Sources: Insurance Institute For Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute

Continue reading "Prohibition Of Texting While Driving Has Not Reduced Crashes ~" »

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function such as mobility or feeling. Frequent causes of damage are trauma (auto accidents, gunshots, falls, etc.) or disease (polio, spina bifida, Friedreich's Ataxia, etc.). The spinal cord does not have to be severed in order for a loss of functioning to occur. In fact, in most people with SCI, the spinal cord is intact, but the damage to it results in loss of functioning

Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of spinal cord injuries. We advise that you wear a seat belt every time you are in a motor vehicle. If children are traveling with you, make sure that they are are properly buckled into a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt as appropriate for their age and size.

The second leading cause of SCI is violence, most often related to the use of firearms. Keep firearms and ammunition locked in a cabinet or safe when not in use.

Prevent falls using a step stool with a grab bar to reach objects on high shelves; install handrails on stairways; install window guards to keep young children from falling out of windows; and use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are present.

Play sports safely. Make sure to wear all required safety gear, and never engage in head-first moves, such as spearing (in football, using the helmet to tackle) or sliding head-first into a base. Avoid hitting the boards with your head in ice hockey. Insist on spotters when performing new or difficult moves in gymnastics.

These safety tips are presented in order to educate you about the inherent dangers leading to spinal cord injuries. For more information about SCI, click on our web site.

Continue reading "Preventing Spinal Cord Injuries ~" »

The CHP reports that the northern part of state Route 67 was completely closed down this morning following a crash between a tractor-trailer and three vehicles during the morning commute.

According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, the crash occurred just north of Poway Road on a two-lane stretch of the highway around 7:25 a.m. As of 8:00 a.m., the SR-67 was closed to southbound traffic at Archie Moore Road and to northbound traffic at Poway Road.

SR-67 Crash Liability

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Investigators are still conducting their investigation as to how the crash occurred and who will be determined to be at fault.

Continue reading "Multi-Vehicle Crash On SR-67 Shuts Down Poway Road ~" »

Yesterday, the U.S. Transportation Department reported that the number of people killed in automobile crashes relating to driver distraction declined last year, but the problem remains an epidemic for motorists in the United States.

The Transportation Department said 5,474 people were killed in 2009 in crashes which involved distracted driving ~ a 6% decline from the 5,838 people killed in 2008. Distraction-related deaths accounted for 16% of all traffic fatalities in 2009, the same percentage as in 2008. The latest data came as the overall number of highway deaths dropped in 2009 to its lowest level since 1950.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the problem of drivers failing to keep their eyes on the road ~ often due to operating cell phones, mobile devices, or other forms of distraction ~ remains an epidemic. He also said that the data could be the "tip of the iceberg," because many police reports don't document whether distraction was a factor in vehicle crashes, making it difficult to know the full scope of the problem. Today, Mr. LaHood is kicking off a second national summit on distracted driving. He has pushed all states to adopt tougher laws against texting while driving & other forms of distractions.

Sixteen percent of drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving. Young drivers were the highest proportion of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes compared to people of other ages.

The Obama administration has prohibited federal employees from texting while driving on government business, and also has banned commercial bus and truck drivers from texting behind the wheel.

Thirty states & the District of Columbia prohibit drivers from texting behind the wheel. Eight states have passed laws barring drivers from using hand-held cell phones. Legislation is pending in Congress to force all states to ban texting while driving.

Continue reading "Deaths From Distracted Driving Down In 2009 ~" »