Ashly Watson, 21, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after her car crashed head-on into a big-rig on Highway 62 in Morongo Valley, California the evening of August 26, 2009. According to a news report in the San Bernardino Sun, Watson was driving a 2008 Honda west near Scholl Road when she veered into the center turn lane and into oncoming traffic. The Honda struck the truck head on. Watson died at the scene, California Highway Patrol officials said. The driver of the tractor-trailer, 51-year-old Glen Boren, sustained minor injuries.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ashley Watson for their untimely and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your prayers.
San Bernardino Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 308 fatalities and 9,920 injuries were reported in San Bernardino County as a result of car accidents.
In this particular case, it is not clear based on the newspaper, how or why Watson lost control of her Honda. The news article does not state alcohol or drugs were involved or that she was distracted by something. There are a number of factors that may exist in such types of car accidents. Was there a vehicle defect in the Honda that led her to lose control and crash? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway that may have caused or contributed to the car accident? Did another vehicle force her off her lane? Investigators may tend to look into whether a medical condition caused this crash, but, given the age of the victim, I would be surprised if it was due to a medical condition.
Car Accident Liability Issues
Although it does not seem to be the case in this crash, in big rig accidents where the truck driver caused the accident, both the driver and his employer, the trucking company could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused as a result. When a victim is seriously injured or killed in a car accident, it is in the family's best interest to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will help analyze all aspects of the accident and determine whether there was any negligence involved.
A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway could have caused or contributed to the crash. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a governmental entity in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
SLS Consulting