San Diego, CA (November 23, 2023) Four people lost their lives on Thanksgiving day in a rollover crash on State Route 94 in San Diego. The California Highway Patrol reported that the single-vehicle collision occurred just before 2:30 a.m. just outside of downtown San Diego.
It happened near Home Avenue at the transition to State Route 15, authorities said. A black BMW M3 was leaving downtown San Diego with 5 occupants, when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The BMW crashed into an embankment and then rolled over several times before it came to a stop. Witnesses in the area told the California Highway Patrol that they saw the BMW driving at least 100 miles per hour before the collision.
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Emergency crews arrived at the scene and found that four of the occupants had been ejected from the vehicle during the collision. Paramedics hurried to give life-saving treatment to them, but sadly, all four were pronounced dead at the scene. The California Highway Patrol identified the victims as a 33-year-old woman, a 20-year-old woman from National City, a 35-year-old man from Chula Vista, and a 26-year-old man from La Mesa.
A 22-year-old female passenger, a San Marcos resident, was injured in the crash, but survived. Paramedics rushed her to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The California Highway Patrol reported that the survivor was the only one in the vehicle wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.
Officers are investigating this collision, but suspect the driver was driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.
Liability In San Diego Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A San Diego Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the families of the four people killed in this tragic San Diego Accident. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a San Diego car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.
