San Diego injury accidents can often happen for various reasons including driver error and even faults in the road, and many of these accidents often end up being unavoidable. But, it’s important to remember that car accidents arising out of drunken driving or drug use are 100% preventable. Unfortunately, in San Diego County, many DUI-related injury accidents make unfavorable headlines, and when celebrities are involved, the stakes are even higher.
Griffin O’Neal, Ryan O’Neal’s oldest son, pleaded guilty last week on charges of causing injury in a car accident that occurred on San Pasqual Valley Road in San Diego County near Escondido. O’Neal admitted to being on drugs when his car veered into oncoming traffic, causing injury to another unwitting driver.
O’Neal also pleaded guilty felony charges of being in possession of a gun.
Although O’Neal faced charges of possession of rock cocaine and various types of drug paraphernalia, the charges were dropped in wake of the guilty plea. He also pleaded guilty to a 1992 conviction involving a shooting of an ex-girlfriend’s vehicle as part of case.
Prosecutors said O’Neal drove under the influence of cocaine, marijuana, and various amphetamines in his system as the crash occurred. Charges were furthered exacerbated when police found a loaded firearm in his vehicle.
Both O’Neal and the other driver involved in the case sustained personal injury and were admitted to a hospital for treatment. O’Neal was arrested the same day after the accident occurred after police found heroin in the defendant’s vehicle during a traffic stop.
Griffin O’Neal is known for his child acting with feature films such as “April Fool’s Day,” Escape Artist,” and “Assault of the Killer Bimbos.” This isn’t the first conviction for O’Neal – in 1987, he was arrested for failure to finish a community service order after a reckless boating accident that killed the son of Francis Ford Coppola.
Car accident injury: driving under the influence can kill
In this case, the car accident did not produce a wrongful death – but many DUI and drug-related accidents do not have the same fortunate outcome.
Consider the following guidelines to prevent the next San Diego DUI accident:
Join a SafeRide program
Responsibility starts with having a plan. If you’re a social butterfly, consider joining a San Diego SafeRide program, where you can prepay your car rides and always have a designated driver waiting in the wings.
Teach your teens about drunk driving early
There’s no doubt that young drivers often make bad decisions behind the wheel – but driving under the influence should not be one of them. Talk to you teens at an early age and be sure to emphasize the dangers of underage drinking. If you haven’t done so already, consider downloading our free teen-parent driving contract and outline the expectations including emergency situations (like underage drinking) for your teen driver.
Be a responsible party host
If you’re throwing the next best bash, make sure to do so responsibly. Remove alcohol one hour before the party ends and be sure to stock the snack areas with plenty of food. Don’t be afraid to take away keys if you suspect one of your guests has overindulged. Have the number of a local taxi service available just in case.
About the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC
The firm is dedicated to helping injured people in car accidents across San Diego County. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, call the firm to learn about your legal rights and to file your injury claim for free. There are no out-of-pocket costs to talk to one of our personal injury lawyers. Call us now at 1-800-655-6585.
About Michael PinesMichael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.
Here’s a hypothetical question to moms and dads out there: would you ever allow your child to crawl underneath your running car? If the answer is no, you fall into the general category of parents who cringe at the mere thought. It’s only natural to assume that a child beneath a running car is a catastrophic accident waiting to happen. But other parents may not be as prudent. Or, perhaps, they are too busy to even take note. Either way, Kate Gosselin, reality TV mom on the cancelled show Kate Plus 8, has some explaining to do after one child crawled underneath her minivan while the vehicle was still running.
“A minivan is a 3,000-pound, lethal weapon and having children crawling around it is not prudent,” KidsAndCars.org president and founder Janette Fennell told RadarOnline.com.
One of Gosselin’s sons was shown crawling underneath the van to collect a lost paper that drifted underneath the vehicle. Gosselin had been waiting at the bus stop to pick up her children. As ABC News reports, “she stayed in the driver’s seat oblivious to what was happening underneath the van, as the other children piled in. The little boy, one of the sextuplets, got into the car safely before Gosselin drove away.”
The truth is, with 8 children to take note of and with the responsibility of concentrating on the road ahead, it can be difficult to juggle all tasks at once.
Nevertheless, child activists are taking the internet by storm condemning Gosselin’s “oblivion” to the whole ordeal. “She should have gotten out of the car to supervise them, especially when you have that many children,” Fennell said. “Kids tend to put themselves in harm’s way in an instant.”
Many parents can attest to the fact that children are unpredictable and quick: the moment a parent looks away, a problem can ensue. And that’s precisely why ample supervision and minimal distraction is so important when behind the wheel. Whether it saves your child’s life, or the life of another, paying attention to your surroundings is the first step to good driving.
For good measure, Fennell added: “You should never leave children unattended in or around motor vehicles. Even if they are all capable of getting themselves into the van and getting buckled up. Children at that age are unpredictable.”
One step at a time: the essentials of good driving habits with children on-board
Staying focused on the task at hand, especially while driving, is essential to good driving habits, especially when children are the primary passengers. There’s no doubt that our lives are packed with schedules full of errands, appointments, deadlines and promises. But remember: take your time in completing tasks, especially driving; after all, even if it takes a little longer, you may save a life in the process. Good driving habits start with:
A distraction-free zone
Make sure your car is distraction-free. If you must stop for some reason – say, a crying child or waiting for someone – then pull over to a safe area, turn off the vehicle, and check in on your passengers. You never know when an eager and curious child will hop out of a vehicle.
Kids safely strapped in
Booster seats assure the child’s safety in the event of a car accident. Various sizes are available for children up to 12.
Rules in place
Often, one of the best ways to prevent personal injury and potential car accidents is to have a set of car rules in place. Rules won’t work for little ones, but older children can respond well to rules, especially when there are firm consequences in place (try to avoid bribes, though, if you can help it).
About the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC
Every personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael Pines works hard to understand the complexities of your injury claim. If you have been injured in an accident of any kind, and suspect the accident occurred due to someone else’s negligence, we can help. Call us at 1-800-655-6585 and we will answer all of your legal questions for free.
About Michael PinesMichael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.
Car accidents can happen to anyone: even celebrities are not immune. For Griffin O’Neal, such was the case last Wednesday when the son of actor Ryan O’Neal and brother of actress Tatum O’Neal was taken to the hospital after a head-on collision in Escondido injured the famous actor.
The accident occurred just outside of the greater San Diego area after O’Neal veered into a vehicle head-on, according to reports at CBS Los Angeles. Moments later after complaining from car accident pain and injury, O’Neal was taken to Palomar Medical Center where he sought medical care. He was released from the hospital the same day.
Unfortunately for the O’Neal family, the news comes in wake of other misfortunes including an arrest for O’Neal’s younger brother Redmond, who made headlines for his alleged heroin possession found by police in his car days earlier prior to Griffin’s accident.
“My Oneal brothers are not doing that great right now. Will take a prayer if you have it in you,” said Tatum O’Neal in a tweet.
O’Neal is known for ties to the show “Ryan & Tatum: The O’Neal’s” on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Understanding accident injuries
Many people experience some form of pain or injury after an accident, requiring hospitalization, if even for a short while. Know that the effects of a car accident injury can go well beyond the car accident, even if the patient is not hospitalized for very long. For instance, car accident whiplash can last for months, years, or even a lifetime – well beyond the initial pain caused by the car accident.
While reports do not indicate which specific injuries, if any, O’Neal experienced, there is a possibility that a head-on collision like O’Neal’s could produce serious injury like whiplash or other forms of catastrophic injury.
To help avoid car accident injury altogether, consider the following tips:
- Obey posted traffic laws, especially speed signs since they are designed to protect you and others around you.
- Do not depend on a GPS entirely—use your best judgment and common sense when entering freeways, unfamiliar roadways, or new areas.
- Consider taking a driving refresher course every 5 years to brush up on new traffic laws and best practices from behind the wheel.
- Never drive distracted! Put down your cell phone, agenda, GPS, food, makeup and other potentially dangerous distractions when you are behind the wheel. Many accidents can be avoided if you place more emphasis on driving than other tasks.
If you have been injured in a car accident, call the accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC at 1-800-655-6585 or submit your case details online. The legal consultation is free, and there are no out-of-pocket expenses required on your behalf.
About Michael PinesMichael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.
The world lost another celebrity to speeding early Monday morning. Ryan Dunn, most famously known for his role in the stunt movie, Jackass, including other MTV hits, was pronounced dead at the scene along with his passenger, Zachary Hartwell. Police officers found his Porsche in flames after the vehicle careened off the road in outer Pennsylvania. While details of the car accident are still underway, police suspect that speeding and a possible case of intoxication were a possible cause of the accident.
After the death of Dunn was announced, hundreds of thousands took to Facebook and Twitter to mourn the loss of their beloved MTV star. And within moments of the news, investigators released reports that Dunn may have been traveling as fast as 130 mph. As news of Dunn’s car accident traveled the web, more reports surfaced that may suggest Dunn had been drinking just hours prior to the crash.
In a formidable alleged tweet just moments before the crash, Dunn and his buddies were photographed drinking at a local watering hole. Reports have not confirmed nor denied the possibility of a DUI-related accident, even though Dunn’s alleged tweet showcasing his drinking prior to driving has stirred a great deal of controversy on the web.
Some celebrities have taken to their Twitter to post their opinions about Dunn’s crash. Roger Ebert, acclaimed movie critic, is now under fire for posting, “Friends don’t let jackasses drink and drive,” after speculation of Dunn’s intoxication from behind the wheel.
Ebert continued on his blog by explaining, “I do know that nobody has any business driving on a public highway at 110 mph, as some estimated – or fast enough, anyway, to leave a highway and fly through 40 yards of trees before crashing. That is especially true if the driver has had three shots and three beers. Two people were killed. What if the car had crashed into another car?”
The moral is straightforward: drive responsibly
We already know that drinking and driving can cause serious consequences like personal injury, catastrophic injury, and even wrongful death. Even celebrities aren’t immune to the consequences of speeding, drinking and driving, and reckless driving. Car accidents can happen to anyone, especially if coupled with dangerous behavior.
If you spot a reckless or drunk driver, alert police by pulling over and calling 911.
How can you tell if the driver ahead of you is driving under the influence? According to MADD, look for these tell-tale signs of drunk driving:
* Irregular acceleration
* Tailgating
* Weaving/failure to drive in a straight path
* Hitting or near-hitting guard rails or other objects
* Erratic braking
* Leaving a turn signal on, or forgetting to put one on
* Forgetting to put headlights on
* Excessive speeding
* Or, possibly, driving considerably below speed limits
* Driving on the wrong side of the road
Call the police if you see a drunken or reckless driver. Of course, pull over to a safe shoulder or off the highway when calling the police.
About the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC
The Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC, specializes in personal injury, helping those injured in car accidents seek fair recovery. As San Diego’s safety ambassador, Michael Pines aims to educate the public on accident preventions. If you have been injured in a car accident, San Diego personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael Pines can evaluate your case free of charge. Call 1-800-655-6585 or submit your case online.
About Michael PinesMichael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.
David Beckham reported to be OK after rear-end accident | photo source: Washington Post
After a rear-end accident Monday, David Beckham, soccer star and husband to Posh Spice, is okay according to authorities. Reports confirm Beckham has not sustained personal injury, despite the hospitalization of the other driver implicated in the accident.
Beckham may be best known for his influence in U.S. soccer after joining the ranks in Major League Soccer. He has played for the Los Angeles Galaxy since 2007, with famous roots in England after playing for Manchester United and Real Madrid, in addition to captaining England’s national team from year 2000 to 2006.
Details of the car accident
The car accident occurred on the San Diego 405 freeway just outside of Torrance, Calif., according to California Highway Patrol authorities. Beckham was reported to have rear-ended another vehicle, and while he left the scene of the accident unscathed, the other driver was hospitalized for what may be whiplash, after complains of neck pain.
Beckham’s Cadillac is reported to have struck a Mitsubishi that was stalled in the carpool lane of San Diego freeway 405. The name of the driver, a 40-year old Los Angeles resident, was not released.
Freeway Safety: 3 Tips for the everyday driver
As drivers, we can often get used to the routine of freeway driving, but it’s never been more important o be cautious on the freeway as it is on interior roads and driveways. In fact, with the increased speed of freeway commuting, driving with a sense of caution and alertness is essential to maintaining your safety and the safety of others. Consider the following tips as you take to California’s busy and unpredictable freeways.
- 1. Handling emergencies on the freeway: Think before acting
One of the best rules for freeway driving, especially for emergency situations, is to think before you act. All too often, drivers can have knee-jerk reactions to emergency situations such as blowouts, wheel trouble, steering trouble, unsafe lane changes, and other urgent situations. However, a spontaneous reaction can often result in overcorrection, spin-out, or further stress on the situation. Try to remain calm and think before reacting, if you can help it.
- 2. Entering the freeway: accelerate to the same safe speed as cars you are merging with.
As you begin the process of merging into the freeway, be sure you accelerate your vehicle to the same speed of those vehicles on the freeway, assuming the it is the legal speed limit. Look for an available space in the nearest traffic lane you are entering, and as you identify one, you will want to merge smoothly into your lane using your taillight turn signal. Drivers on the freeway should be courteous and allow you to merge, but you are required to yield and be aware of the traffic lanes you are entering.
- 3. Stopped vehicles: always pull over to the shoulder
Never park on the freeway. As the case with Beckham, it can be difficult for drivers to realize you are parked before it is too late. And, depending on your case, it may be illegal to park your car in any fashion on the freeway. Always pull your vehicle to the side of the road, the shoulder, or even exit the freeway if you can for the safest alternative. Do not ever assume you are seen by other drivers when you are parked on the shoulder of the freeway. San Diego car accidents can often happen even for vehicles pulled over to the side of the road.
Post-accident: What’s next?
If you have been involved in a car accident that has resulted in injury, the best advice we can provide is to get in touch with legal counsel since the claims process can be complex. There is no reason you should have to pay for medical bills, or deal with lost wages. The Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC, are San Diego’s most trusted personal injury attorneys with reviews and testimonials to match. Call us now at 1-800-655-6585 for a free legal session to discuss your case.
About Michael PinesMichael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.
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