(Chula Vista, CA) Two people died and three others sustained injuries in a two-vehicle Telegraph Canyon Road collision in Chula Vista.
On Monday, August 11, at about 7:45 p.m., the Telegraph Canyon Road collision occurred. According to the Chula Vista Police Department, the incident happened on Telegraph Canyon Roach near Apache Drive.
When police investigated, they learned a 41-year-old man from National City drove westbound on Telegraph Canyon Road. While attempting to make a left turn onto Apache Drive, he crashed with an SUV travelling eastbound.
By the time officers arrived at the Telegraph Canyon Road collision site, they found the SUV flipped over, trapping four passengers. Fire personnel extricated them from the vehicle but pronounced a 75-year-old man dead. Paramedics transported the three surviving SUV passengers to a hospital, and listed them in stable condition, the department said. Paramedics also transported a 76-year-old man to the hospital, but later died. Authorities reported paramedics also transported the driver from National City to a hospital with minor injuries.
Legal Opinion on the Telegraph Canyon Road Collision
The Telegraph Canyon Road collision appears to involve a likely violation of California Vehicle Code 21801. This means a driver intending to turn left must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. Based on the Chula Vista Police Department’s report, the 41-year-old driver turned left into the path of the eastbound SUV. This type of failure to yield is a common cause of serious injury and fatal crashes in California.
If investigators confirm that the eastbound SUV had the right-of-way, the left-turning driver could be found negligent. The force of the collision, which flipped the SUV and trapped its occupants, shows the high speed and impact involved. The tragic death of the 75-year-old passenger makes this not only a personal injury matter but also a wrongful death case. The three surviving SUV passengers of the Telegraph Canyon Road collision also have grounds for injury claims, even though they are now in stable condition.
The surviving family members of the deceased man can bring a wrongful death action under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This could cover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and loss of the financial or household contributions he provided. The injured SUV passengers, along with the deceased man’s estate, can also seek damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses. California’s comparative negligence rule means damages could be reduced if the investigators find the SUV driver partially at fault. Based on the facts, the primary liability appears to rest with the left-turning driver.
What the Family can Do
The family of the deceased passenger and the injured survivors should contact an experienced wrongful death and personal injury attorney. Key evidence will include the Chula Vista Police Department’s collision report, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and any event data from the vehicles involved. Medical records will also be vital for both the wrongful death and injury claims. The family should secure this information quickly. Prompt legal action will ensure the victims’ rights are protected and give the families the best opportunity to secure the compensation they deserve for this devastating loss.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
