San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

A 32-year-old Cardiff-by-the-sea woman tragically died Thursday night in an SUV rollover accident on Interstate 5, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The July 1st accident was reported at 11:28 p.m. on northbound Interstate 5 near Gilman Drive, according to a press release issued by the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office.

The victim, identified by the San Diego County Medical Examiner as Saba Shirazi, was the driver and sole occupant of a black 1997 Infiniti QX4 sport utility vehicle. For reasons still under investigation, Shirazi lost control of her vehicle and struck the center median of Interstate 5. Her SUV then crossed back into northbound traffic, where it was struck by a white 2005 Ford Focus. Shirazi died of her injuries at the scene. The 58-year-old female driver of the Ford suffered a broken leg and other serious injuries, but was expected to survive, the CHP said.

Cause of the Interstate 5 Rollover Crash

Without additional information, it is impossible to determine why this horrific I-5 accident occurred, and who was at fault. If the driver of the Infiniti lost control of her vehicle due to a mechanical design defect or a defective tire that caused a blowout, the manufacturer of the Infiniti could be liable and financially responsible for this accident, and possibly the injuries to the driver of the Ford Focus as well. On the other hand, it is possible that the driver of the Infiniti or the Ford Focus contributed to the collision. In the course of their investigation, the California Highway Patrol will certainly look at issues such as speed, potential alcohol intoxication, vehicle malfunction, dangerous road condition, and other possible causes.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability Considerations

Mutl-vehicle accidents on freeways have unique legal issues. While this accident is still under investigation by law enforcement, the family members of the victims of this crash would be well-advised to talk to an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney about the legal issues involved in this incident. A skilled lawyer can look at the facts of this accident and review the accident report to help the victims understand what exactly happened and who was responsible. An attorney familiar with these types of highway accident rollover cases can also advise the victims' families of their best course of action to protect and preserve their rights going forward, and how to obtain the maximum possible compensation in a wrongful death or personal injury claim.