MIRA MESA - A Ford Explorer rollover accident killed a 30-year-old Poway man early Sunday morning on Interstate 15, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The victim, Valente Martinez, was the driver and sole occupant of a 1997 green Ford Explorer heading southbound on I-15, just north of the Mira Mesa Boulevard overpass at about 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, February 13, 2011. For reasons not known, Martinez lost control of the SUV, which overturned and partially ejected Martinez through the driver's side window. Martinez, who authorities say was not wearing a seat belt, suffered a major head injury and died at the scene of the crash.
Cause of the I-15 SUV Rollover Accident
The California Highway Patrol is the agency investigating this fatal crash. Based on the very limited information provided in news reports, it is impossible to determined what caused this crash to occur. The CHP will surely look into whether Martinez fell asleep, was driving under the influence, or if he was distracted. It is also possible that a defect in a tire may have caused Martinez to lose control of the SUV. An inspection of the vehicle may reveal clues into what happened and why.
SUV Rollover Wrongful Death Liability
Without more information, it is impossible to tell why this accident occurred and who was responsible. SUV rollover accidents - particulary accidents involving Ford Explorers - have unique liability issues. If the accident was caused by a defect in the vehicle, the family members of the victim may pursue a wrongful death claim against the manufacturer of the vehicle or vehicle part that is determined to have caused the crash. After an accident such as this one, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak to a San Diego SUV rollover lawyer who has represented numerous victims of Ford Explorer Rollover accidents. An attorney familiar with the unique legal issues of For Explorer rollovers can review what happened and advise the family of their potential legal rights in a wrongful death claim.
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