At Berman & Riedel, LLP, we are deeply committed to protecting the dignity and well-being of the San Diego Elderly. Our Elder Abuse Resources provides a personal, compassionate, and professional approach to identifying, preventing, and addressing elder abuse. With our expert legal team by your side, you have access to essential information, and advice ensure every senior is treated with the respect and care they deserve. Trust Berman & Riedel, LLP to be your reliable legal partner in creating a safer, more supportive environment for our elders.

18-year-old Driver Killed in Wildomar When Hit Head-On by Careless Motorist

Posted on January 26, 2009 by William M. Berman
Last Updated On: 5th February 2026, 08:22 pm

Wildomar, California – 18-year-old Michael Stone of Temecula, California, was killed when the vehicle he was driving was struck head-on at a high rate of speed by a pick-up truck being driven by 19-year-old Cory Tavares at the intersection Bundy Canyon Road and Monte Vista Drive in Wildomar. According to police reports, the accident happened shortly before 8:00 p.m. when the vehicle being driven by Tavares crossed the divide into oncoming traffic. The three passengers that were traveling in Michael Stone's vehicle, all of whom are under the age of 18, survived the head-on collision but had to be transported to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Michael Stone and the others involved. 

Although a tragic and unfortunate accident, in the case of the death of a young person like Michael Stone who is most likely unmarried, his parents would possess a rightful wrongful death against the responsible driver for the loss of their son.  To the extent he was married, his wife would posses such claim.

When parents lose a child through the negligent or wrongful acts of another, California law permits the surviving heirs to obtain monetary damages through the filing of a civil, the goal being to compensate the parents for the loss of “love, care, comfort, society and affection” of their child.  While such damages are immeasurable, there are no “caps” upon recovery for such claims under California law and it is up to the attorney handling the claim to establish the extent of the loss the parents have suffered.  The attorneys with firm Berman & Riedel, LLP, have handled many such claims, with great success, thereby serving to hold the wrongdoing party responsible for their actions.

Berman & Riedel, LLP is a prominent plaintiffs’ personal injury and wrongful death firm located in San Diego, California. The firm is well-known throughout the State of California for obtaining exceptional results on behalf of people who have suffered serious personal injuries or lost a loved one through accident events as well as handling cases on behalf of elderly and dependent adults who have suffered personal injury or wrongful death through acts of abuse or neglect while residing in a nursing home or other care facility for the elderly.  The firm can be contacted by calling (858)350-8855, and personal injury and wrongful death consultations are always free of charge.


About Berman & Riedel, LLP firm managing partner attorney William M. Berman:

William M. Berman
William M. Berman is a seasoned attorney and the founding partner of Berman & Riedel, LLP. With over 20 years of experience in personal injury and elder abuse law, William has successfully represented countless clients in complex legal matters, earning a reputation for his expertise, commitment to justice, and exceptional results. His work has been recognized by multiple legal organizations, including Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers. As a passionate advocate for the rights of vulnerable individuals, William is dedicated to ensuring that victims of elder abuse receive the justice they deserve. His blog contributions draw from his extensive experience and serve to educate and empower those seeking legal guidance.
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions people have about working with a lawyer. During your initial consultation, we will be happy to answer questions that are particular to your case.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Elder Abuse Attorney?

The attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP, accept elder and nursing home cases on a contingency-fee basis. This type of agreement means you do not pay any attorneys’ fees out-of-pocket for legal representation. Attorneys’ fees are also contingent on the outcome of your case.

You benefit from legal representation in exchange for an agreed-upon percentage of a settlement or jury award. We will only recover a fee if you recover compensation.

What Should I Do if I Suspect a Loved One is the Victim of Elder Abuse?

The first step is to report the abuse to the appropriate authorities. Call 911 if the situation is life-threatening. Otherwise, it can be reported to the police and appropriate agencies. For abuse in the community or a hospital, call Adult Protective Services at 1-833-401-0832. For abuse in a nursing home or long-term care facility, contact your local long-term care ombudsman or call 1-888-452-8609

The next step is contacting a California elder neglect lawyer to help you safeguard your loved one’s rights, investigate the abuse, and hold the facility accountable.

Can You Tell Me How Much My Case Is Worth?

There is no way to determine the exact value of an elder abuse or personal injury case, especially early in your case. However, an experienced attorney can give you an estimated range based on their experience with similar cases.

There are many factors that may influence the value of your case, such as:

  • Your total financial or economic damages
  • The severity of your injuries
  • The impact of your injuries on your daily life
  • The strength of your case
  • Whether you share fault for your accident
  • Insurance policy limits 

Some damages are easy to calculate, such as lost wages and medical bills. Calculating the value of diminished earnings for the rest of your life or future medical needs, however, may require the help of experts. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering have no intrinsic financial value. These damages are challenging to calculate. 

If your case goes before a jury, you may potentially be able to recover more than you could through a settlement. However, this introduces a new element of risk: the jury. The circumstances of your accident and even how sympathetic you or the defendant are can influence the outcome.

During your consultation and throughout your case, we will help you understand how these factors influence your case. We will also work tirelessly to document the value of all your damages and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

The vast majority of cases are resolved by reaching a settlement agreement outside of court. Very few personal injury cases actually go to trial, but it is more likely if the facts in your case are in dispute, a legal issue is being contested, or you have a high-value case.

An experienced lawyer will build your case as if it will go to trial from the beginning. The stronger your case and evidence, the more likely a fair settlement will be reached.

How Do I Know If I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

The more serious your injuries or the more complex your case, the more important it becomes to seek experienced legal counsel.

Legal representation is vital if your case involves a complex area of law, such as elder abuse or neglect, premises liability, commercial vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, or serious work-related accidents. Determining liability, navigating decades of legal precedence, and interpreting specific statutes in these cases is best done with years of relevant legal experience.

Remember that the insurance company is not on your side, even if the insurance adjuster seems sympathetic and you receive a settlement offer. If you are being blamed for an accident or sustained serious injury, a lawyer will help you protect your rights and build the strongest case possible. This includes calculating the full value of your current and future losses.

Do You Accept Cases Outside of San Diego?

While our law office is located in San Diego, Berman & Riedel, LLP, accepts cases throughout the state of California.

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The information on this website is for general information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. No information on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Berman & Riedel, LLP at (858) 997-0678 if you would like to discuss your legal matter with a member of the firm.

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