Sometimes a positive attitude when recovering from a serious injury accident can make all the difference in the world. A local woman who was injured by a fast-moving train made an incredible recovery at Scripps Mercy Hospital and doctors have called her remarkable healing as “nothing short of a miracle” due in part to her can-do approach to get better.

Jocylynn Breeland, 27, says she doesn’t remember much before her accident except thinking that she ought to jump on the train.”A freight train comes by and I have the great idea of trying to jump on and off the freight train,” she told San Diego 6. As the young woman jumped onto the train, the heavy and fast moving locomotive pulled her underneath its wheels. Tragically, the force of the accident caused catastrophic injury to her right arm and part of her foot. After being treated at the hospital, Breeland suffered an amputation to the damaged arm.

The woman remained extremely calm, according to hospital staff, as she was admitted to the hospital. Breeland told the doctor on duty, “I’m tough. I am going to be fine.” The doctor later added, “I was totally amazed by that.”

The young woman’s tremendous recovery spanned the course of several months after she was finally released from the hospital a few weeks ago. Armed with courage and a sense of gratitude, Breeland revisited the hospital and says she was overcome by emotion when she finally got to her former hospital room.

“For me it’s just remembering there was a time when I was in that room and hoping I would be at least as functional as I am now,” she said.

Breeland hugged nurses, doctors, and hospital staff, noting how fortunate she was to survive the tragic accident in San Diego.

Injury in San Diego: what can a person do?

Catastrophic injury can, unfortunately, happen to anyone. The circumstances can often make a big difference in how you recuperate – emotionally, physically, and financially. Sometimes, when an accident in San Diego does happen, the injured may be entitled to legal rights. Depending on how the accident occurred, and who was responsible, the injured person may also be entitled to financial compensation for lost work, pain and suffering, and the degree of which the injury has impacted that person’s life and lifestyle.

The details of every case can vary, as can the compensation for the injury. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may have tried using a “personal injury calculator” that estimates how  much money you may be entitled to for your claim. These kinds of calculators are gimmicky at best and are not accurate since every case is different. A calculator simply cannot determine your potential financial compensation for an injury. For a customized consultation on your individual case, call the Law Offices of Michael Pines at 1-800-655-6585 for a free legal review.

About Michael Pines

Michael 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.

As parents, we work hard to make sure our children are kept safe in the face of potential dangers. For instance, the majority of parents install safety gates, carbon monoxide detectors, cabinet locks, and baby room monitors to curb any potential hazard when a newborn is brought home. As children get older, parents don’t change – but the safety gear does. Bicycle helmets, knee pads, elbow guards, and light reflectors are all a part of a parent’s arsenal to protect children against personal injury.

As children get older, it’s understandably more difficult to regulate just when and where your child is at all times. But as concerned members of our community, can we do a better job to help protect our own children and children in our neighborhoods?

A North Park boy may inspire you to say yes: �we can take action to increase safety in our neighborhoods.

Last month, Luke Acuna, 9, was struck by a garbage truck after skateboarding along Meade Avenue and Kansas Street in his neighborhood. Acuna was in critical condition following the accident in San Diego, and doctors were forced to amputate his leg. Today, he is courageously learning how to walk again and the brave young man is home after spending almost four months in Rady Children’s Hospital.

“Doctor Shalsky is going to help me learn how to walk, how to run, and how to play sports again,” Luke said, “because I am an athlete.”

Acuna hopes to return to being a kid again where sports like tennis, soccer, golf, and Frisbee can all be enjoyed once more. In a press conference Thursday, the young man said he even hopes to be riding a skateboard in due time. The first step is starting to walk again.

“It’s not fun, but it’s just one of those things where you have to get through, or else you won’t be able to do anything else,” he said. “A few weeks ago, I couldn’t get in my chair by myself. It was taking a long time, and I tried, but I fell. But now I can do it.”

Police found driver of the San Diego city garbage truck not at fault.

Increasing safety in your neighborhood

Whether you live in the city or on the outskirts of San Diego, every neighborhood needs to have proactive parents and guardians who can take additional action to reduce speeds and increase awareness on their streets. Of course, not every children’s injury in San Diego is avoidable – but joining forces to help stop needless accidents like these is a step in the right direction for every resident including adults and children alike.

Try these ideas in your area:

Install a “Slow Down” sign

Lawn signs are a great way to make drivers aware of children in the area. Be sure when installing your lawn sign, you are using it in recommended areas such as a front lawn, side yard, or bush area. Do not place the yard sign in the street since it can inadvertently cause a traffic accident.

Get involved with your city

In a recent blog post, we told you the city of Poway recently installed a 4-way traffic stop at a dangerous intersection after one resident was killed at that location. Dozens of parents came forward telling the city that change needed to be done – and fast. You can take action like that in your neighborhood if you know a certain intersection or road is unsafe.� Call your city or attend city council meetings and voice your thoughts to spur change in your area.

Give kids non-negotiable rules

Until your city makes the necessary changes in tandem with your efforts to make streets safer, consider giving your children a set on “non-negotiable” rules that include off-limit areas. If you’re aware that sidewalk play is too dangerous for your busy street, let your children know and designate what is acceptable. For instance, while sidewalk play is off-limits, you can encourage your child to play at a nearby park instead.

If your child is injured

Unfortunately, some injury accidents in San Diego can and will happen. If you suspect that another person is at fault for your child’s injury, call our children injury attorneys in San Diego at 1-800-655-6585 for a free consultation to learn your legal rights. We can help – call us today for a no-cost evaluation.

About Michael Pines

Michael 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.

As a car accident lawyer in San Diego, I see many collisions that occur based on human error. In fact, human error is generally the biggest cause of car accidents in San Diego. For instance, things like distracted driving, speeding, and even drunk driving can all be attributed to one common factor: human error. Whether it’s poor judgment or simply a lack of good driving habits, car accidents of different magnitudes happen every day.

In Hillcrest Friday, a local delivery truck driver struck a fire hydrant after trying to avoid another nearby truck. As he tried to move the large vehicle, he misjudged the turn and struck the fire hydrant instead, causing a gush of water to flood the nearby area including Scripps Mercy Hospital. As water gushed into the street and nearby buildings, it took San Diego fire crews an hour-and-a-half to turn off the water, contributing to enormous puddles throughout the area.

“I’m just upset at myself,” said the delivery truck driver, Lorenzo Gomez. “It’s an accident, but still, you know what I mean.”

While most people were kept safe during the incident, the hospital building itself suffered flooding in its basement although no patient areas were subjected to the water damage. Some hospital employees had to find alternate routes to avoid the rushing water.

“It’s the biggest fountain I’ve ever seen,” said one hospital employee.

The flooding did not contribute to any additional car accidents in Hillcrest.

“We laid some hose down so it can act as a dam to redirect the water. We also put some pumps inside and drained some of that water that was pooling inside out,” said Battalion Chief Grace Yamane with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Fortunately, there were no personal injury accidents reported at the scene of the crash.

Maneuvering large vehicles

Large vehicles are difficult to maneuver for several different reasons. First, the larger wheel radius means pre-planning and additional time when attempting to turn the vehicle. Second, large vehicles – even full-size SUVs – give drivers a different perspective on the road, leading to a potentially altered visibility versus a sedan or compact vehicle. When a driver is not used to the new visibility, a San Diego truck accident can occur.

If you drive a semi-truck, delivery van, or even a large SUV, consider the following tips for the safest drive:

Increase your distance between your truck and the vehicle ahead

Focusing on the bigger picture when driving a large truck can lead to increased safety and reduced car accident risk. Use a 10-second rule when using freeways and streets. To know if you’re following at least 10 seconds behind, locate a stationary object ahead of you. As the vehicle ahead of you passes the stationary object, count to 10 seconds. Your vehicle should not have passed the stationary object by the time you’ve counted to 10. This increased distance allows a truck driver to focus on the bigger picture and the road ahead, including an ample reaction time so an accident can be potentially averted.

Give yourself extra time to do ordinary maneuvering

In a sedan or compact car, it’s fairly easy for most people to do a 3-point turn or to park without hitting another vehicle.� But in a full-size SUV or large truck, parking or turning a large vehicle takes time and practice. Give yourself the needed time to maneuver your vehicle, and if you’re especially new at driving a large truck, practice turning, backing up, and parking in an empty, safe parking lot.

Make eye contact with the other vehicles around you

When you are able to communicate with other drivers around you, the risk of car accident injury is reduced. When attempting to back up, change lanes, or turn your truck around, try to make eye contact with other drivers around you. Chances are if you’re able to get the other driver’s attention, you can take the time needed to safely make the maneuver you desire.

Truck, Semi-Truck, and other large vehicle accidents

Unfortunately, semi-truck car accidents in San Diego can occur. If you have been injured in a car accident involving a commercial truck or semi-truck, you may be entitled to compensation. Call our personal injury attorneys at 1-800-655-6585 for a free, confidential legal review of your case. There are no out-of-pocket costs and our lawyers will answer your legal questions free of charge.

About Michael Pines

Michael 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 accident injuries of any kind are unfortunate and devastating for everyone involved. When an accident is avoidable, the stakes are even more tragic for families and loved ones who must live with the repercussions of a bad decision.

In a case out of San Diego, a woman who admitted she was driving under the influence of alcohol and methamphetamines was convicted and sentenced to 18 years in prison Wednesday. Deanna Fridley, 27, lost control over her SUV and crashed into another vehicle, killing the driver and all three passengers inside.

Accidents involving drugs and alcohol are some of the most heartbreaking cases since many of them end in debilitating injury and even wrongful death.

Fridley, who could have avoided the accident had she not been drinking and driving, agreed to a plea deal agreeing to four counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. �For the first time since the San Diego car accident, the young woman apologized to the family of the killed victims.

“I’m very sorry for all the pain the families have been put through,” Fridley said in court. “I pray the Lord comforts you. … I’m sorry.”

Fridley has already served four years in custody for the wrongful death car accident.

“If you gave a year in jail for each life you have destroyed, you would be in jail for a lifetime,” said one of the surviving family members. “You didn’t just take those four lives. … Our lives have been destroyed forever. We will never be able to fill that hole that my brother and Rubi left.”

Know the law, avoid a car accident

Most people know that drunk driving and driving under the influence of any substance is illegal throughout the United States. But despite common knowledge, many DUI car accidents in San Diego still happen. Get to know the law surrounding alcohol impairment behind the wheel – even if you think you might be OK to drive, stay on the safe side and get a taxi or a designated driver instead. It’s never OK to drive and face the high risk of accident and injury.

California law says that a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more constitutes drunk driving. As far as how much alcohol exactly contributes to a blood alcohol level of 0.08% depends on the person – various height and weight differences can contribute greatly to each individual’s alcohol tolerance.

The safest rule of thumb is to arrange for a taxi cab or designated driver well ahead of time. If you know drinks are going to be served, stay on the right side of the law and do not get behind the wheel. The old saying, “Better safe than sorry” is truly applicable: don’t risk your life or the life of another person by driving drunk.

If you have been injured in a car accident and suspect the other driver was intoxicated, the Law Offices of Michael Pines can help. Call us today at 1-800-655-6585 for a free and confidential legal evaluation of your case.

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About Michael Pines

Michael 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.

As a car accident lawyer in San Diego, I can attest first-hand at the devastation an auto injury can have on the affected person and their loved ones. That’s why a smarter car with advanced safety features can be a true lifesaver for San Diegans everywhere – and now that the government has taken an interest in improving our roadway safety, the likelihood of reducing car accident injury risk can be a real possibility for the future.

The hope for safer roadways comes following an announcement that a new safety system referred to as vehicle-to-vehicle communication – or V2V – is being developed by a group of advocates who are interesting in protecting the public. The technology will enable drivers to avoid car accidents on-the-fly. In other words, the car itself will work to prevent some of the common types of accidents we see today: rear-end collisions, side impact car accidents, and even head-on collisions.

For instance, V2V technology will warn a driver from entering an unsafe intersection when it senses another vehicle in the same zone.  The technology works by alerting an ordinarily unaware driver that a dangerous situation is ahead. In a normal car, the driver would enter the intersection unknowingly and most likely hit the other vehicle, thus causing a side impact car accident. The new technology, however, would flash a red warning light thereby alerting the driver of the danger ahead and possibly avoiding the car accident altogether.

How does the technology work?

It uses Wi-Fi-enabled communication which exchanges data from vehicle to vehicle. Vital information like location, speed, and direction of travel is exchanged with other drivers near your vehicle. The safety system can then make recommendations depending on the various scenarios that present themselves throughout the drive, contributing to an overall safer roadway system.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, several universities, and many automakers have supported the safety initiative, although word on its release is still pending.

“These systems are being aggressively developed because they could be the next big safety breakthrough,” said Rik Paul, automotive editor at Consumer Reports.  “But adequate oversight of how the information is used is essential to ensure the privacy of drivers and to prevent abuse.”

Reducing your risk of car accidents today

While advances in safety are underway, you can take preventative steps today to reduce your risk of a San Diego car accident. Consider implementing the following tips into your daily driving routine, and make the roadways a safer place for all.

Turn your car into a serene place

Often, it seems that most Americans are in a rush to get to their destination. Not only are we eager to get going as soon as possible, but the distractions are seemingly endless: GPS devices, radio, children, passengers, cell phones, food… you name it, and it’s unfortunately probably been done while driving. But that doesn’t mean it’s okay. Take your time on the roadway. Consider decluttering your vehicle, turning off the radio, and even inviting your passengers and children to join in on a more relaxing car ride altogether. Do not engage in dangerous activities like cell phone use, applying makeup, eating, or texting. Focus on the road ahead and help reduce the chance of car accident injury for you and other drivers around you.

Leave a few minutes ahead of schedule

Allowing for a little extra room in your schedule can go miles – literally – in your overall driving experience. Adding just 10 minutes extra to your daily itinerary can help you stay focused on the road and relaxed. Leaving a few minutes early can lead to good driving habits like following posted traffic signs, coming to complete stops, and waiting for pedestrians to cross the street. In addition, the whole driving experience can be greatly improved with time on your side.

Despite being even the most cautious driver, car accidents in San Diego can still happen. If it does, and you need free legal advice on what to do next, call San Diego’s most trusted personal injury attorneys at 1-800-655-6585.

About Michael Pines

Michael 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.