San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

GM Issues Recall Over A Decade Late

Over a dozen people have died in fatal accidents linked to GM’s faulty ignition switches since the early 2000’s, which raises the question: Why did it take almost 15 years to issue a recall on the defective part? According to a GM memo, the automaker was aware of the faulty switches as early as 2002, but still approved them, despite the fact that the “sample testing of the ignition switch torque was below the original specifications set by GM.” The ignition switches had a tendency to switch from “on” to “accessory” or “off” positions while driving. The issue resulted in over 30 accidents; however, the cost to repair the ignition switches was deemed too steep to justify a recall, according to GM documents. Sadly, GM continued to investigate the issue in 2005 after a string of ignition-related accidents involving Chevy Cobalts, but ultimately made no action. The U.S. Department of…
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What Is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit made after someone dies as a result of the negligence of another person or organization. In California, wrongful death claims can be made by a deceased person’s spouse, domestic partner, parents, children of deceased siblings, grandparents or anyone financially dependent on the deceased person. It is important to note that wrongful death does not occur in the same circumstances as homicide; think of it more as an extreme personal injury case. Newly-released information about the recent debacle between the Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) revealed that an incident involving the two departments had the potential to result in a wrongful death. A Ford Mustang flipped over on I-805, and the CVFD responded first to the scene. The fire truck was parked to protect emergency crews and accident victims from oncoming traffic. Then, a CHP officer arrived…
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San Diego Teen Struggles After Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries, depending on the location of impact, can leave victims immobilized and emotionally distraught. The trauma of the accident coupled with the grim recovery to come can be like an illness unto itself. However, dramatic recoveries are still possible and, hopefully, can inspire brain injury victims in the midst of post-accident therapy to keep striving for improvement. For example, a San Diego teen recently danced for a sold out audience at Cathedral Catholic High School; this is nothing unusual except for the fact that one year ago she was the victim of a violent car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver. The teenager, her mother and two sisters were leaving last year’s annual dance show when a suspected drunk driver going the wrong way on SR-52 collided with them head on. Moments before the impact, the mother asked the teenager to take her legs off the dashboard,…
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