Taxi crash victim’s medical bills could run into the millions

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – A lawyer for the woman whose leg was crushed by a taxi that veered off a Gaslamp Quarter street and pinned her against a bar said Wednesday he was investigating who else might be at fault in the accident.

Dominque Gambale, 45, of Encinitas, was standing outside Stingaree at Sixth and Israel avenues about 2 a.m. Saturday, when the cab crashed into a crowd, injuring at least 23 people.

Attorney Vincent Bartolotta Jr., who is representing Gambale, said no lawsuits would be filed until his investigation was finished. He said Gambale's medical costs could run into the millions of dollars.

“She was in the prime of her life,” he said, “and to be cut down like this, it's like being in a war zone.

Taxi driver Sam Hassan Daly, 52, told police he blacked out moments before the accident, San Diego police Lt. Rick O'Hanlon said.

Gambale is set to undergo exploratory surgery tomorrow to determine the extent of the damage to her leg and whether she is up for additional procedures aimed at saving the limb, Bartolotta said.

She is expected to have at least two reconstructive procedures to replace soft tissue lost in the accident, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Paul Girard said.

Gambale's husband was among those hurt in the accident, Bartolotta said.