Barbara Lowe, 74, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident the afternoon of October 27, 2009 after the vehicle she was a passenger in, crashed into a tree off Highway 38 in Big Bear. According to a news report in the San Bernardino Sun, Lowe was in a 1999 Ford Explorer when the driver veered off the highway and hit a tree. California Highway Patrol officials said Lowe was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly after the crash. The driver was also taken to the hospital with injuries, but the extent of his injuries is not known.
I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Barbara Lowe. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this woman. Please keep them in your prayers. I hope the driver did not suffer major injuries and wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery.
San Bernardino Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 40 people were injured in car accidents in Big Bear Lake. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 308 deaths and 9,920 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2007.
Based on this news report, it's not clear what caused the driver of the Explorer to veer off the roadway. Was the crash caused by a vehicle defect or a mechanical malfunction in the SUV? Was the Explorer run off the road by another vehicle? Did the driver suffer a medical condition? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway? It's hard to tell at this point which one of these factors played a role here. I trust we will get more answers when the official investigation is concluded.
History of Ford SUV Auto Product Defects
However, what we do know is that Ford SUVs -- specifically the Explorer, Expedition and Excursion models -- are notorious for going out of control and overturning even at low speeds. Because of their high center of gravity, these Ford SUVs are disproportionately prone to rollovers compared to other passenger vehicles. In cases where an auto product defect is suspected, it is very important that the vehicle in question be preserved in its crashed state, unaltered, so it can be thoroughly examined by an expert for any evidence of product defects or malfunctions.
Injury victims and/or their families would be well advised to consult with a reputed
California personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in auto products liability cases and has represented injured clients against large American and Japanese auto makers. The best auto product defect law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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