Darrel Dykes, 46, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident on Highway 18 the afternoon of July 10, 2009, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reports. Dykes was driving a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado when he drove into a large asphalt turnout and went off the highway at the 4,000-foot elevation marker. The car then landed in the northbound lane of Highway 18 below. Dykes was pronounced dead at the scene. California Highway Patrol officials are still looking into why Dykes' vehicle left the mountain highway.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Darrell Dykes for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your prayers.
According to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 308 fatalities and 9,920 injuries involving car accidents in San Bernardino County in 2007.
Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this fatal car crash occurred. There is nothing in this account that indicates Dykes was driving too fast, recklessly or under the influence. There is no indication that he fell asleep at the wheel or was distracted either. There are a few questions here. Did the accident occur because of a mechanical malfunction or a defective auto product? Was there a dangerous condition on the mountain highway, which caused Dykes to lose control of the Silverado? The answers to these questions can help determine exactly what caused this fatal car accident.
In cases where car accident victims have suffered catastrophic personal injury or death, it is in the victim's or the family's best interest to consult with an experienced California car accident attorney, who will carefully examine and analyze all aspects of the incident. If there was negligence or wrongdoing involved, a skilled personal injury lawyer could help the deceased victim's family file a wrongful death claim. Such claims usually provide compensation to cover medical/funeral expenses, loss of wages and other related damages.
SLS Consulting