November 17, 2010

Motorcycle Accident Described in Graphic Detail

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Details of last week’s tragic motorcycle accident in eastern San Diego County that claimed the lives of five members of a motorcycle club are now being reported. Twenty-one members of the Saddletramps Motorcycle Club were on a desert ride to celebrate its 10th anniversary when the horror began. According to witnesses, the group was traveling together, in a pack, on a two-lane desert road when a gold Honda Civic pulled up behind them, then attempted to pass the group. The Honda reached speeds of up to 90 mph.

As the Honda tried to pass, it must have either not seen the Dodge Avenger driving in the oncoming lane, or ignored it, but to avoid a head-on collision, the Dodge swerved to the right, but overcorrected in its attempt to recover, and drove directly into the pack of motorcycles. One witness described it as a bowling ball knocking down pins.

The "carnage was unreal," said Saddletramps president Carl Smith, who himself was narrowly missed by the careening Dodge. The accident, we now know, killed four riders, and critically injured five more (a passenger in the Dodge was also killed). A Blood Drive will be held for the survivors this Saturday, November 20, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. held by San Diego Harley Davidson in the parking lot at 5600 Kearny Mesa Road in San Diego.

The search is on for the gold Honda Civic. Unfortunately, no one got the license number, but you can be sure there are a lot of people looking. The driver of the Dodge Avenger was arrested after police noticed the smell of alcohol on his breath. Whether or not alcohol played a role in the accident remains to be determined. A manhunt is on for the gold Honda. The California Highway Patrol is looking for a
newer model gold Honda Civic with California license plates and a male driver. It was last seen leaving the scene of the accident heading eastbound on Highway 98 towards Calexico. Anyone with information should call CHP at 760-482-2500.

Source: LA Times

The personal injury lawyers at Walton Law Firm represents individuals and families who have been impacted by all types of injury-producing incidents, including auto accidents, wrongful death claims, worksite injuries, elder abuse and neglect, sexual molestation, pedestrian injuries, construction accidents, property injuries, and malpractice matters. Call toll free at (866) 607-1325 or locally at (760) 571-5500 for a free and confidential consultation.

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March 1, 2010

San Diego Marines Motorcyle Deaths Decline Due to Marine Corps Increased Safety Efforts

The number of local Marines killed while riding motorcycles decreased for the first time in three years. The decrease is the result of new safety classes made available to Marines at Camp Pendleton and Miramar Air Force Base. In particular, the Marines are targeting those who ride sport bikes which are lightweight, powerful and popular with younger riders. The course teaches practical skills and mental training according to Richard Stampp, who works with Camp Fox Professional Services which designed and delivers the new course. The Marines have made the new course more accessible, and riders don't have to wait to get into the course. At both Miramar and Camp Pendleton, riders can enroll very soon after signing up for it. As another means to promote safety, the Marines are encouraging more experienced riders to act as mentors for those with less experience. The mentors hold monthly rides and demonstrate safe riding techniques. Marine leaders are committed to training riders and helping them avoid injury and death.

Source: North County Times.

Walton Law Firm, a North San Diego County law firm, represents accident victims throughout San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties and has recovered millions of dollars for individuals injured by car accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist claims, defective products, construction accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bites, insurance disputes, and medical malpractice suits. Call (760) 571-5500 for a free consultation.

December 24, 2009

Non-Profits Help Injury Victims at Christmas Time

A major injury can cause major financial burdens, particularly at Christmas time. In San Diego County, there are a few non-profit charitable organizations founded by injured individuals and their families that are there to help. The Can't Keep Me Down foundation, founded by Bobby DuCharme of Mira Mesa who was paralyzed in a surfing accident, and the Del Mar foundation HeadNorth, founded by Eric Northbrook, who was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident, have stepped up big time.

In today's Union Tribune are stories of local families who face the arduous task of caring for someone who has suffered a serious injury. For example, Maria Rodriguez was having a tough year and an event tougher Christmas. She cares for her 15-year-old son, who was rendered quadriplegic in an accident, when the transmission on the transport van failed. Then the home she was renting was foreclosed upon, forcing her to move. The events drained her savings.

That's when the Can't Keep Me Down foundation entered the scene. The DuCharme family filled the Rodriguez' living room with a big television, clothes, toys, and holiday decorations. The HeadNorth foundation added to the giving with furniture and a Christmas tree.

As an unemployed single mother with four children, Maria Rodriguez already has a tough life. But it’s been even tougher lately. “We’ve been blessed with amazing, amazing people in our lives,” said Rodriguez.

Watch this video for more about her story.

The Union Tribune story, which can be found by clicking here, profiles the stories of other accident victims.

The accident and injury lawyers at Walton Law Firm LLP represent individuals who have been injured in all types of accidents, including auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, construction accident. Call (866) 607-1325 for a free consultation.

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April 28, 2009

Motorcycle Accidents Continue Despite Safety Measures

When it became clear that young Marines were dying at an alarming rate in motorcycle accidents, Marine Corp leaders created safety courses for riders to build riding skills and safety awareness. According to reports, those courses have apparently not worked as there have already been seven Marines killed in motorcycle accidents this year, the same amount as this time last year.

Despite the number of fatalities, officials hope that the new safety program will start to show its effectiveness by the end of summer. Those who have participated in the safety course, Marine leaders say, have already become safer riders.

The Marine Corp has regular safety courses, including "track days" that allow riders to ride on a designated course at top speeds in a controlled environment. They also invite professional riders, and motorcycle schools to the base to discuss rider safety.

The motorcycle accident lawyers at Walton Law Firm LLP represent riders and passengers who have been injured in motorcycle accidents.

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March 13, 2009

Dramatic San Diego Motorcycle Accident Claims Life

A dramatic car accident on southbound SR 163 claimed the life of a motorcyclist. According to witnesses, an unidentified pickup truck abruptly changed lanes, cutting off a Ford Ranger pickup, causing it to lose control and veer across lanes and into another car. The Ranger then careened into a motorcyclist, throwing the rider over the center divider and into northbound traffic where he was struck by a car and killed.

The accident occurred at around 4:45 p.m. near the Kearney Villa Road exit. The pickup that started the chain of events did not stop.

The rider of the motorcycle was identified as Michael Anthony Freitas of Riverside.

The San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys at Walton Law Firm LLP represent individuals and families who have been involved in auto and motorcycle accidents. Attorney Scott Barber has been a street and dirt motorcycle rider for more than 20 years. Call for a free and confidential consultation.

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