San Diego Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

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.

Continue reading "Have You Been In An El Centro Accident?" »

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.

10News.com reports that a 46-year old bicyclist was struck by a car door In the 2500 block of University Avenue In North Park, San Diego. The incident occurred Monday at approximately 5:00 p.m.

A 22-year-old woman who was getting out of her parked vehicle opened her car door into the path of the bicyclist.

Bicycle Injuries & Liability

A vehicle owner who has parked a vehicle on a street has a duty to look for oncoming bicyclists and vehicles before opening a car door.

If the police investigation determines that the vehicle owner is at fault, her automobile insurance (if available) should cover the losses associated with this claim.

Retaining A San Diego Bicycle Injury Lawyer For Assistance

In incidents such as this bicycle crash, where the driver of a vehicle causes personal injury to a bicyclist, the victim may benefit from speaking to an experienced San Diego bicycle injury lawyer. If it is determined that the vehicle driver is responsible for this incident, she may be held liable for the cyclist's injuries.

Continue reading "San Diego Bicyclist Struck By Car Door ~" »

At Kerckhoff Law, APC, we use our experience in handling accident cases to investigate every possible contributing cause of an accident to ensure that you will receive full compensation for your injuries. Evaluating all of the facts involved in the cause of a motor vehicle accident requires skill and experience.

Our San Diego automobile accident attorneys will take over the investigation of your case so that you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries. We can assist you in finding an appropriate medical specialist to treat you, and we can make arrangements with your medical care providers to wait for payment until your case is resolved through settlement or trial.

What To Do After An Auto Accident

What information should I obtain?

Should I call the police?

When should I contact an attorney?

Should I contact my own insurance company?

Should I go to the doctor?

Is there anything special I should tell my doctors?

Do I need to take pictures of the accident scene?

Do I have to take photos right away or can I wait?

What about preserving other evidence besides photos?

Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company? What if they call me?

Click here for a free consultation. No recovery, no fee. All costs advanced.

You may not know that California has a strict liability dog bite statute which states that the owner of a dog is liable for damages inflicted by his/her dog if it bites a person who is either in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including on or near the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness (California Civil Code Section 3342).

Therefore, the dog owner is liable regardless of whether or not the dog had ever been vicious before, and regardless of whether or not the owner had reason to believe the dog would behave in a vicious manner. The dog does not get "one bite free."

In dog bite cases, it is essential that prompt measures be taken to preserve evidence (including taking photographs), investigate the incident in question, and enable physicians and other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate all of the injuries.

In the majority of dog bite cases, the law only allows for the injured party to collect damages designed to make one "whole"; however, in circumstances where it can be proven that a particular dog had demonstrated vicious behavior in the past, there is the possibility that the party can also recover what are known as "punitive" damages. These are designed not for the purpose of making the injured party "whole," but rather to punish the wrongful conduct of a dog owner who knowingly keeps a vicious animal which could cause harm to innocent persons. In the event that punitive damages are warranted, the amount of money that the injured party can recover would be substantially more than in the typical dog bite case.

Click here to review dog bite safety tips that we previously blogged about.

Continue reading "Injured In An El Cajon Dog Bite Attack?" »

California has a strict liability dog bite statute which states that the owner of a dog is liable for damages inflicted by his/her dog if it bites a person who is either in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including on or near the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness (California Civil Code Section 3342).

The dog owner is liable regardless of whether or not the dog had ever been vicious before and regardless of whether or not the owner had reason to believe the dog would behave in a vicious manner ~ the dog does not get "one bite free."

In dog bite cases, it is essential that prompt measures be taken to preserve evidence, investigate the incident in question, and enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate all of the injuries.

In the majority of dog bite cases, the law only allows for the injured party to collect damages designed to make him/her "whole"; however, in circumstances where it can be proven that a particular dog had demonstrated vicious behavior in the past, there is the possibility that the party can also recover what are known as "punitive" damages. These damages are designed not for the purpose of making the injured party "whole," but rather to punish the wrongful conduct of a dog owner who knowingly keeps a vicious animal which could cause harm to innocent persons. In the event that punitive damages are warranted, the amount of money that the injured party can recover would be substantially more than in the typical dog bite case.

Click here to review dog bite safety tips that we previously blogged about.

Continue reading "Injured In A San Diego Dog Bite Attack?" »

Have you or a loved one been seriously injured or killed in an accident? If so, you should consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer 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 San Diego Injury Attorney

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 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.

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.

Have you or a loved one suffered a personal injury due to the negligence of someone else?
If so, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to find out what your legal rights are and what your next steps are.

Choosing A Solana Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

After an automobile accident, 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.

The types of skills required to successfully handle a serious accident or wrongful death case are very specific. Don't be fooled by choosing a lawyer who dabbles in these types of cases, rather than one who handles them exclusively, as we do. Making a bad choice in getting the wrong attorney can be one of the most regrettable decisions you can make, and may significantly reduce the outcome you might otherwise be able to achieve.

Jason Kerckhoff is an experienced Solana Beach accident lawyer with over 28 years of experience providing legal representation to serious accident victims in southern California, including Encinitas, Carlsbad, Cardiff-By-The-Sea, Solana Beach, and Del Mar.

Have you or a loved one suffered a personal injury due to the negligence of someone else?
If so, you should consult with an experienced, aggressive attorney to find out what your legal rights are and what your next steps are.

Choosing An Encinitas Personal Injury Lawyer

After an automobile accident, 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.

The types of skills required to successfully handle a serious accident or wrongful death case are very specific. Don't be fooled by choosing a lawyer who dabbles in these types of cases, rather than one who handles them exclusively, as we do. Making a bad choice in getting the wrong attorney can be one of the most regrettable decisions you can make, and may significantly reduce the outcome you might otherwise be able to achieve.

Jason Kerckhoff is an experienced Encinitas accident lawyer with over 28 years of experience providing legal representation to serious accident victims in southern California, including Encinitas, Carlsbad, Cardiff-By-The-Sea, Solana Beach, and Del Mar.

A San Marcos woman accused of crashing into the back of a car parked on the shoulder of State Route 78 ~ killing three people ~ is scheduled to be arraigned today in a Vista courtroom.

33-year-old Debbie Sumi is expected to be charged in causing the August 13th crash near the Sycamore Avenue exit.

Paramedics took Sumi to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido for treatment of severe injuries, and placed her under arrest on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.

Hiring An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

In order to learn more about your legal rights as an injured bystander, or if you are a family member of someone who was killed in this crash, contact an Kerckhoff Law, APC as soon as possible to discuss your potential case and rights to compensation from whoever is responsible for the accident.

Continue reading "San Marcos Woman To Be Arraigned For Fatal DUI Crash ~" »

Have you or a love one been injured by someone else's negligence in an El Centro accident? If so, you should consult with an experienced, aggressive attorney to find out what your legal rights are and what your next steps are.

Choosing An El Centro Serious Injury Lawyer

After an automobile 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.

The types of skills required to successfully handle a serious accident or wrongful death case are very specific. Don't be fooled by choosing a lawyer who dabbles in these types of cases, rather than one who handles them exclusively, as we do. Making a bad choice in getting the wrong attorney can be one of the most regrettable decisions you can make, and may significantly reduce the outcome you might otherwise be able to achieve.

Jason Kerckhoff is an experienced El Centro accident lawyer & Imperial Valley personal injury lawyer who has over 28 years of experience providing legal representation to serious accident victims in southern California, including San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Imperial Counties.

Four motorcyclists were killed in a suspected drunk driving crash in Iowa this week. The crash occurred only minutes after dispatchers received reports that a pick-up truck was driving erratically and weaving in and out of traffic, police officials said.

How The Crash Occurred

The motorcyclists were on their way home after attending an annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, when they were struck by a pick-up truck driven by 21-year-old Andrew D. Schlichtemeier.

The four motorcyclists who were killed have been identified as 62-year-old Dennis Chaney, 49-year-old Dale Aspedon, 62-year-old Steven Benscoter and 48-year-old Jay Bock.

Schlichtemeier suffered only minor injuries in the accident. He is under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol for suspected drunk driving and may face four charges of vehicular homicide pending the outcome of the investigation.

Schlichtemeier submitted to a blood test for alcohol content before being discharged from the hospital. The results of that test have yet to be released.

Wrongful Death Liability

This is a terrible tragedy for all involved, as well as for the families and friends of the victims. In incidents such as this one - where the negligence of the pick-up driver apparently caused the crash and subsequent fatalities, the injured victims and their families would benefit from consulting with a wrongful death attorney. A qualified and experienced attorney who has successfully represented victims of motor vehicle crashes can best advise and help the injured victims and the family of the decedents as to their legal rights.

Continue reading "Four Motorcyclists Killed In Suspected Drunk Driving Crash ~" »

According to the San Marcos Sheriff's Department Press Release, today at approximately 6:23 p.m., bicyclist Michael Schaffer of San Marcos, California was struck by a Ford Explorer being driven by Charles Martin, also of San Marcos. The Explorer was traveling northbound on Smilax Road in the City of San Marcos in San Diego County.

Mr. Schaffer's body was wrapped around the front hood of the Ford Explorer and carried for approximately thirty-four feet. Mr. Schaffer, who sustained serious head trauma from the incident, was transported by paramedics to Palomar Medical Center for medical treatment.

Personal Injury Liability

In incidents such as this one - where the negligence of the driver may have caused the injury - the injured victim and/or his family members would benefit from consulting with a San Marcos bicycle accident lawyer. A qualified and experienced personal injury attorney who has successfully represented victims of SUV versus bicycle accidents can help the injured victim obtain the maximum monetary justice to which he is entitled.

Damages available to an injured victim include compensation for:

• Medical care and treatment


• Lost earnings


• Pain and suffering, and


• Diminished quality of life.

Continue reading "Serious San Marcos Auto Versus Bicycle Injury ~" »

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

Choosing A Cardiff-By-The-Sea Serious Injury Lawyer

After an automobile 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.

The types of skills required to successfully handle a serious accident or wrongful death case are very specific. Don't be fooled by choosing a lawyer who dabbles in these types of cases, rather than one who handles them exclusively, as we do. Making a bad choice in getting the wrong attorney can be one of the most regrettable decisions you can make, and may significantly reduce the outcome you might otherwise be able to achieve.

Our Cardiff-By-The-Sea accident lawyers are experienced trial lawyers and have in excess of fifty years combined experience providing legal representation to serious accident victims in southern California, including San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Imperial Counties.

Continue reading "Cardiff-By-The-Sea Serious Accident Lawyers ~ Cardiff By The Sea Injury Attorneys " »