San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

A man and two women were killed early Friday morning in a crash involving two vehicles on state Route 78 in Vista, the Union Tribune reported. The August 13th crash occurred on westbound Highway 78 at about 12:30 a.m., just west of Sycamore Avenue. According to news reports, a Nissan Altima occupied by two women and two men pulled over on the side of Highway 78, because one of the women was feeling ill. The two women, Susan Orozco, 23, of Escondido, and Erica M. Oliva, 23, of Fallbrook, got out of the vehicle on the north (right) shoulder. One of the men in the Altima, Oscar Guzman, 25, of Guzman, got out of the Nissan. The other man, Geraldo Cortez, 21, of Oceanside, remained in the front passenger seat.

The Altima was then struck from behind by a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee going west on the freeway. Both Susan Orozco and Erica Oliva, who were both employees of Valley View Casino, died at the scene of the crash. Guzman was able to step away and avoid being struck. Cortez was reportedly thrown from the car upon impact, but was not seriously injured. The Jeep overturned and came to rest in the number one lane. A passenger in the Jeep Cherokee, a 34-year-old Orange County man, was killed. The driver of the Jeep, Debi Sumi, 33, of San Marcos, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and felony vehicular manslaughter.

Cause of the Highway 78 Crash

If news reports are accurate, this crash was likely caused by Debbie Sumi, who was driving under the influence and veered into the Altima parked on the shoulder of Highway 78. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, driving while under the influence of alcohol is against the law. However, the cause of the accident is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the Jeep caused this accident, she will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a). Additionally, she may be liable for the wrongful deaths of her passenger and Susan Orozco and Erica Oliva. Damages available in a wrongful death claim may include money for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care, and companionship associated with a loved one's preventable death. In some cases involving drunk drivers, punitive damages may also be awarded. While this August 13th crash remains under investigation, the family members of the three victims killed in this crash would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego personal injury attorney. A lawyer familiar with the unique legal issues of crashes involving drunk drivers can help the victims' family protect their rights and advise them of their best course of action handling communication with the insurance companies.

Continue reading "Three People Killed, One Injured in Alcohol-Related Crash on Highway 78 " »

A 53-year-old Vista woman tragically died Monday morning when her car was rear-ended on Interstate 15, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The crash occurred on the southbound side of the freeway, near Ninth Avenue, at about 6:20 a.m. According to the California Highway Patrol, four cars were involved in the collision: a 1999 Dodge Ram truck, a 2001 Mercedes, a Toyota Avalon, and a Toyota Sienna.

According to news reports, the crash started when the driver of the Dodge Ram rear-ended the Mercedes at about 60 mph. Apparently, he was unable to stop after he changed lanes and encountered stopped traffic. The driver of the Mercedes, Caroline McElhaney, 53, of Vista, was taken to Palomar Medical Center where she died shortly after arrival. The drivers of the two Toyotas, as well as a passenger in the Sienna, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the pickup truck, 28-year-old Jackson Redmond of Colton, was not hurt.

Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Caroline McElhaney, who sadly was the victim of this horrific accident. Please keep her family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time. We hope the three injured victims make a full recovery.

Cause of the I-15 Crash

If news reports are accurate, it appears that this crash was caused by the driver of the Dodge Ram, who first rear-ended the Mercedes-Benz at high speeds. It is not clear if he was distracted, impaired, simply driving recklessly, or if something else happened to cause this collision. Even if the driver was driving within highway speed limits, he still may be at fault for driving too fast for traffic conditions. However, the CHP is still investigating the cause of the fatal August 9th crash.

Continue reading "Vista Woman Killed in Multi-Car Crash on Interstate 15 in Escondido " »

Five people were injured in a multi-vehicle collision Thursday morning in the Mt. Soledad area, San Diego 6 News reported. The accident occurred on northbound Interstate 5, between state Route 52 and Gilman Drive, just before 8 a.m. The crash occurred on the left shoulder near the center divider. According to CHP reports, two men were working under the hood of their broken-down vehicle when the car was struck from behind by a silver sedan. The rear-end impact send the men flying into the air. A pickup truck rear-ended the second sedan, and a fourth vehicle may have also been involved.

The traffic delay forced a pregnant woman stuck in traffic to give birth in a parking lot off Regents Road. The baby girl was reportedly just fine, and paramedics took her and her mother to the hospital.

Disabled Vehicles and Freeway Accidents

In situations where a vehicle breaks down on the side of a freeway, occupants should always remain in the car with seatbelts fastened until help arrives. Attempting to move or repair a vehicle can lead to serious accidents, as was the case in this July 29th accident in La Jolla. Just two months ago, three people exchanging information after an accident on the side of Highway 101 in Sherman Oaks were killed when a BMW crashed into the wreckage at high speeds. And earlier this month, the driver of a disabled Audi suffered major injuries on the Pomona Freeway when his car was struck by a bobtail box truck.

Personal Injury Liability

Based on the news reports of this incident, it is not clear what exactly happened and who was responsible. If it is determined that the driver of the vehicle caused the accident, she may be liable for the injuries of the two men who were working on the Honda, and anyone else injured in this major injury collision. While the cause of the accident is still being investigated, the family members of the seriously injured victims of this accident would be well-advised to speak with a San Diego personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help the victims' understand and protect their rights so that they receive the maximum compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses and future care costs, lost earnings as a result of their injuries, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Major Injuries in Interstate 5 Crash in La Jolla " »

A 54-year-old Yuma woman died Saturday morning in a rollover accident on Interstate 8 near Jacumba, authorities reported. The woman, identified by the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office as Martha Lidia Jimenez, was the sole occupant of a 2006 Nissan Sentra travelling westbound on Interstate 8.

At approximately 6:50 a.m., for reasons still under investigation, Jimenez's vehicle went off the side of the freeway between the eastbound and westbound lanes, and down onto Carrizo Gorge Road Underpass, where it was struck by a Ford F-150. The six occupants inside the Ford Truck were not hurt. Jimenez suffered massive head injuries and died at the scene of the crash.

Cause of the Interstate 8 Crash

The California Highway Patrol is still investigating the cause of the July 10th crash. Based on the limited information provided by news media, it is not clear exactly what happened. Did something malfunction in the Nissan or did Jimenez swerve to avoid an object in the road? It is possible that she fell asleep or was impaired. During their investigation into the cause of the collision, the CHP will look at all possible causes and contributing factors.

Potential Wrongful Death Liability

Whenever someone loses control of a vehicle for unknown reasons, resulting in a fatality, there are many questions surrounding the immediate events leading up to the accident. Family members understandably want answers and understanding as to what happened, and whether or not someone else was responsible. If a defect in the vehicle or the roadway caused or contributed to Jimenez's accident or death, the family may be entitled to justice for their loss in a civil claim for wrongful death. While this accident is under investigation, the family may benefit from speaking with an experienced San Diego wrongful death attorney about this accident and the potential wrongful death liability issues as a result of it.

Continue reading "Yuma Woman Killed in Interstate 8 Rollover Accident Near Jacumba " »

A 52-year-old San Marcos man died early Saturday when he was struck by a car while walking in the westbound lanes of Highway 78, the North County Times reported. The victim was identified by the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office as Mark Allen Dale, 52, of San Marcos.

According to news reports, CHP officers came across the victim's body lying in westbound traffic lanes at 2:48 a.m. near Vista Village Drive. It was not known what time he was struck. CHP officers discovered Dale's silver Mercury Cougar on the right shoulder of the eastbound SR 78 traffic lanes at the Escondido Avenue exit just east of Vista Village Drive. It was not clear why Dale was attempting to cross the highway. The driver that struck him fled the scene.

Based on the evidence and debris at the scene, officers believe that the vehicle that struck Dale was a 2005 or 2006 Ford Expedition XL or XLT. There was likely major damage to the front of the vehicle. Authorities said there were apparently no witnesses to the accident. Anyone with information about this accident or the driver who fled the scene is asked to contact Officer Mike Bush at (760) 757-1677.

Cause of the Accident

The CHP is continuing to investigate and search for the driver. Walking across the freeway in the middle of the night is clearly dangerous and it is possible that in doing so, the pedestrian contributed to the accident. However, no matter what happened, there is absolutely no excuse for the driver fleeing the scene of the accident. It is possible that the driver involved in this July 10th accident could have helped save Mark Allen Dale if he or she had stopped immediately afterward. The Medical Examiner's press release stated that charges will be pending against the driver or drivers involved in the accident.

Wrongful Death Liability

Along with the heartbreak and devastation of the loss of a family member, families may also face financial challenges after a sudden loss. In hit-and-run fatality accidents, in addition to criminal charges for hit-and-run, the driver involved in this accident, if he or she is located, may be liable for the wrongful death of the victim. In the event the driver is not located, the family may be entitled to compensation for their loss from the victim's own auto insurance policy, if he had one.

Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include compensation for future anticipated earnings and benefits of the decedent, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care and companionship. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would likely benefit from speaking to a San Diego wrongful death attorney about this fatal Highway 78 pedestrian accident and the unique legal issues involved. A skilled lawyer who has represented families of victims of fatal hit-and-run crashes on highways can advise the victim's family of their legal rights, options and responsibilities and best course of action should they wish to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "San Marcos Man Killed in Hit-and-Run on Highway 78 " »

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.

Continue reading "One Killed, One Seriously Injured Thursday Night in I-5 Rollover Crash Near Gilman Drive " »

A Lakeside man was tragically killed early Tuesday morning in an accident on southbound Interstate 15 between Felicita Road and Via Rancho Parkway in Escondido, the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office reported. The accident occurred at about 12:35 a.m. Tuesday, June 15th. The California Highway Patrol reported that some unsecured items, including a barbecue grill and what appeared to be a piece of wooden furniture, fell off a vehicle, and the motorcycle struck it. The driver of the motorcycle, David Ronald Jensen, 49, of Lakeside, and his wife were both thrown from the bike. According to San Diego 6 News, both were able to get up after the crash. However, Jensen was struck by a passing Toyota Prius moments later and killed. Jensen's wife was taken to Palomar Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Road Debris Accident Statistics

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, vehicle parts, cargo, or other material that has been unintentionally discharged from vehicles onto the roadway is estimated to cause over 25,000 crashes per year in North America resulting in approximately 80-90 fatalities. The most common forms of vehicle-related road debris include tire treads, garbage from waste haulers, and lumber and construction materials. Particularly for motorcyclists, road debris is a serious safety concern.

Continue reading "Lakeside Man Killed, Wife Injured in Interstate 15 Motorcycle Accident in Escondido " »

In personal injury news, the parents of a 22-year-old woman who died in a crash last year in Florida have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a Collier schoolteacher, alleging she was speeding and intoxicated when she struck the SUV their daughter was riding in November 13, 2009.

The victim, Bree Kelly, was a front seat passenger in a 2001 Ford Explorer SportTrac SUV that was struck from behind by an Infiniti G35 driven by Andrea Kidder, 28, on eastbound Interstate 75 in Florida. The Ford Explorer rolled multiple times and Kelly was ejected. She died less than 12 hours after the crash. The driver of the SUV, Nicholas P. Mason, suffered minor injuries. Kidder was not hurt.

The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the accident and no charges or tickets have been filed, pending the results of blood-alcohol-content analysis, which should be completed within 8-10 weeks. According to the Naples News, the wrongful death lawsuit alleges that Kidder, while driving intoxicated, negligently drove her car into the rear of the SUV, causing it to veer off the highway and eject Kelly. The suit seeks damages for Kelly's family for past and future medical expenses, lost future income that Kelly would have earned, funeral expenses, and other damages.

Continue reading "Wrongful Death Suit Filed Against Florida Teacher After Fatal Crash " »

A Chula Vista woman died and a San Diego woman suffered very serious injuries Tuesday morning in a horrific head-on collision on California State Route 125, KGTV 10 News reported. The accident occurred on state Route 125, north of Jamacha Road at about 8:40 a.m.

Authorities say that Neydi Arely Ramirez, 25, of Chula Vista, was driving north on the highway when for reasons not known, she lost control of her gold Ford Explorer and crossed the center divide. Her SUV overturned and collided with a silver Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Theresa Flournoy, 48, of San Diego. The impact of the collision sent the SUV into the path of a marked Border Patrol Jeep Wrangler driven by an on-duty agent.

Ramirez, who authorities say was wearing her seat belt, died at the scene of the crash. Flournoy suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Mercy Hospital. The Border Patrol agent did not suffer serious injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. A CHP officer said there was no evidence that alcohol or drugs played a role in the June 1st accident.

Continue reading "Chula Vista Woman Killed, Two Others Injured in Head-On Crash on State Route 125 " »

A woman and her dog were injured in a rollover accident Friday morning on Interstate 5, San Diego 6 News reported. The crash occurred on southbound I-5, north of Cannon Road, shortly after 10:00 a.m. May 28th. According to reports, a tire blew out on the vehicle, causing it to veer up a steep embankment and overturn on the west side of the freeway. Carlsbad firefighters removed the woman and her dog from the car. The woman was taken to a hospital and a police officer took the dog to a veterinarian. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the Carlsbad rollover accident. The extent of the victims' injuries was not reported.

Tire Blowouts and Personal Injury Liability

In any situation where a tire blowout leads to a vehicle rollover accident, injured victims are well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney as soon as possible. There are many causes of tire blowouts, including, aged tires, underinflated tires, nails, and other debris, and defects in the manufacturing of the tire. An experienced attorney can arrange to have the vehicle and the blown out tire inspected to see if the way the tire was manufactured caused this crash, and if the tire has previously been recalled for any defects. If an accident is caused by a tire defect, the manufacturer of the tire may be financially liable for the injuries of the victim, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Woman and Dog Injured in Interstate 5 Rollover Accident in Carlsbad" »

A 55-year-old Chula Vista man died in a SUV rollover on Interstate 5 in Kern County Friday morning, KBAK Eyewitness News reported. According to news reports in Bakersfield.com, the victim, Alex Ayson Solis, was driving a 2004 Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle northbound on Interstate 5 shortly after 10 a.m., just south of Highway 46 when, for unknown reasons, he lost control of his vehicle. The car overturned multiple times and Solis, who was wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene of the crash.

The California Highway Patrol reported that there were six people inside the SUV. One other passenger was airlifted to Kern Medical Center with major injuries. Four others were taken to local hospitals by ground ambulance with moderate to major injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Fatal Ford Explorer Rollover Accidents

There have be a number of fatal rollover accidents this year in Southern California involving Ford Explorer sport utility vehicles. On Sunday, April 25, 2010, a Canyon Country man when the 1999 Ford Explorer he was riding in overturned multiple times on the 14 Freeway in Agua Dulce. On Monday, April 5, 2010, a San Diego man died in a Ford Explorer rollover accident on Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton. On Sunday, March 28, 2010, two people from, Rancho Cucamonga were killed in a rollover accident on Interstate 15 in the Cajon Pass. On Thursday, March 4, 2010, two men were killed in a rollover accident on Interstate 40 involving a 2001 Mercury Mountaineer (Mercury Mountaineers are mechanically identical to Ford Explorers).

Liability Issues in Ford Explorer Rollover Accidents

Ford Explorer rollover rates are higher than the rates of the vehicle's competitors. Many of the injuries and fatalities sustained in rollover accidents can be attributed to design defects in the vehicles that cause them to be unstable and susceptible to overturn. In February of this year, a jury in West Valley Superior Court returned a 12-0 verdict ordering Ford Motor Company to pay $23.5 million to a woman paralyzed when her 1997 Ford Explorer overturned on Interstate 15 in 2007. At the trial for that accident, a jury saw evidence that Ford had been shown improvements that would make the vehicles safer, but did not implement them.

Continue reading "Chula Vista Man Killed, Five Injured in Ford Explorer Rollover on Interstate 5 in Kern County " »

Three adults and one child were seriously injured Saturday morning in a horrific head-on crash on Highway 76, the California Highway Patrol reported. The accident occurred on State Route 76 about four miles west of Old Highway 395, near Stage Coach Road, at about 8:45 a.m.

According to reports by City News Service, a 33-year-old man driving a 2009 Toyota Camry westbound on Hwy 76 drifted into eastbound lanes and collided head-on with a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer sport utility vehicle. The California Highway Patrol reported both vehicles were going between 40 to 50 mph when the head-on collision occurred. Airbags in both vehicles deployed, and all parties were wearing their seat belts.

The driver of the Camry and his 11-year-old son, both from Temecula, suffered major injuries. The driver of Chevy Trailblazer, a 57-year-old man and a passenger, a 56-year-old woman, both from Vista, suffered serious injuries. The driver of the Camry was flown to Sharp Hospital helicopter, and the two occupants in the Trailblazer were taken to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido by ambulance. The 11-year-old boy, who suffered possibly life-threatening injuries, was flown to Rady Children's Hospital.

Cause of the Crash

The CHP is currently investigating the cause of the crash. However, if news reports are accurate, the driver of the Camry caused this crash by crossing over double yellow lanes and into eastbound traffic, directly into the path of the Trailblazer. Why he lost control of his vehicle is not clear.

Personal Injury Liability

While this May 15th head-on collision remains under investigation, the family of the victims in the Trailblazer would be well-advised to speak to an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney about this accident. An attorney experienced with the issues of head-on highway crashes will be able to help the victims seriously injured in this crash understand and protect their legal rights, and recover the monetary damages they are entitled to for this accident. Compensation awarded in a personal injury claim can include monetary damages for all medical expenses, lost earnings as a result of the accident, emotional pain and suffering and other accident-related expenses.

Continue reading "Four People Seriously Injured in Head-On Crash on Highway 76 " »

A 60-year-old Riverside County man suffered very serious injuries Sunday afternoon in a crash on Highway 76 near Pala Casino, the Fallbrook Village News reported. According to reports of the incident, the motorcyclist, Martin Davidoff of Wildomar, was riding his 2002 Yamaha motorcycle eastbound on State Route 76 west of Magee Road in the Pala area when he rear-ended a stopped 2008 Chevy Colorado pickup truck at 1:29 p.m.

According to CHP reports, the gas tank of the motorcycle then ruptured and sprayed fuel onto the roadway and also onto Davidoff, engulfing him in flames. A Pala Tribal Law Enforcement officer used a fire extinguisher to put out flames. Davidoff was taken by Mercy Air to UCSD Burn Center with possibly life-threatening injuries and burns to the majority of his body. The driver of the Chevy, a 33-year-old Santa Ysabel woman, was not hurt in the accident.

According to the Fallbrook Village News, witnesses of the crash left the scene before investigators could talk to them about what happened. Witnesses are asked to call the Oceanside area office with any information they have on this collision: (760) 757-1675. The Fallbrook Village News stated that the CHP could not understand why the gas tank ruptured and ignited right away, as it did in this May 2 accident. Witness information could be very important in determining the cause of the crash.

Based on the news reports of this incident, it is not clear why this crash occurred. It is possible that a part in the motorcycle malfunctioned or was defective, causing the tank to easily rupture. While the investigation, the family of Martin Davidoff would be well-advised to speak to a San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer who can arrange to have the bike inspected to determine the cause of the crash. An attorney can also stay on top of the official law enforcement investigation and once it is complete, advise the victim and his family of their legal rights in a personal injury claim. If the bike was defective, the victim may be entitled to substantial compensation for his injuries, including medical bills, lost earnings related to the accident and pain and suffering endured as a result of his injuries.

Continue reading "Wildomar Man Badly Burned in Highway 76 Crash near Pala Casino " »

Three people were injured in a multi-vehicle accident involving a motorcycle on Interstate 8 in La Mesa, the California Highway Patrol reported. The April 23rd accident occurred on westbound I-8 at Spring Street shortly before 10 a.m. The San Diego News Network reported that two vehicles collided first and then a motorcyclist collided into the wreckage of the initial collision. Two motorists and the motorcyclists were taken to local hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to moderate. The CHP is investigating the cause of the crash.

Accidents on freeways, especially accidents involving motorcycles, frequently cause catastrophic injury or death, and it is fortunate that it sounds like no one involved in this accident suffered life-threatening injuries. We hope everyone makes a full and fast recovery.

While the cause of this Interstate 8 accident remains under investigation, the injured victims and their families may benefit from speaking with a San Diego personal injury lawyer. Whoever is deemed at fault for this accident may be held financially responsible for the other victims' injuries in a personal injury claim. An attorney can help the victims negotiate maximum compensation with the insurance company and make sure they receive full and fair compensation for their injuries, including all related medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Three People Hurt April 23 in Interstate 8 Crash in La Mesa " »

A 38-year-old Pine Valley woman and a 7-year-old boy both died in a tragic crash on Interstate 8 in Alpine on Friday, authorities reported. The April 16th accident occurred on westbound Interstate 8, west of Tavern Road, at about 5 p.m. Although there were apparently no witnesses to the crash, evidence showed that the vehicle, a 2004 Land Rover sport utility vehicle, swerved left and overturned numerous times in the dirt and brush. Investigators were not sure how fast the SUV was travelling when the accident occurred.

The San Diego Medical Examiner identified the driver as Jennifer Foster. The name of the young boy killed in the crash was not released. Both victims died at the scene of the crash. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the accident. Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact the CHP at (619) 401-2000.

Land Rover Rollover Accidents

Sport utility vehicles have a number of safety issues that can cause a rollover or result in catastrophic injury or death in the event of a rollover accident. Land Rover sport utility vehicles specifically have a higher center of gravity that may make them susceptible to a rollover. Land Rover has paid out millions to victims and their families injured or killed in rollover crashes. In May 2009, a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge ordered Jaguar Land Rover to pay $21.1 million to a California man who was paralyzed after a Land Rover rollover accident on the 118 Freeway in 2003 (see the March 28, 2009 LA Times article).

SUV Rollover Accidents and Liability Issues

Based on the news reports of this Interstate 8 accident, it is not clear why the accident happened. Did something in the roadway cause the driver to lose control of the SUV, or did something malfunction with the Land Rover? While the cause of the accident is still under investigation, the family of the victims may benefit from speaking with an experienced SUV rollover accident lawyer. If a defect in the roadway or a defect in the vehicle caused this accident and the two fatalities, the family may be entitled to damages in a wrongful death claim. An attorney can explain the unique legal issues of rollover accidents and explain the family's legal options and best course of action going forward in a possible product liability claim.

Continue reading "Two Killed in SUV Rollover on Interstate 8 Near Alpine " »