Bridgette T. Hale, 36, was killed in a San Diego car accident after a wrong-way driver crashed into her vehicle on Highway 67 in Lakeside. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, Hale's Chevy Astro van collided head-on with an Oldsmobile 98 that was heading north in the southbound lane of the highway near Johnson Lake Road the afternoon of January 26, 2010. California Highway Patrol officials said 51-year-old John Hallaway, the driver of the Oldsmobile, suffered major injuries. Eyewitnesses said he crossed over the double yellow lines and was going the wrong way for at least a quarter mile as several drivers swerved out of the way.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Bridgette T. Hale for their tragic and devastating loss. According to another report, Hale lived in Ramona with her boyfriend and infant son. Heartbreaking! Please keep this grieving family in your prayers. It is indeed fortunate that no one else got hurt.
San Diego Car Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 93 fatalities and 2,460 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. In San Diego County as a whole, car accidents claimed 268 lives and injured 14,641 people during the same year.
What Caused the Accident?
Based on the news article, Hallaway said he doesn't remember what happened and that he may have fallen asleep. CHP officials say there was no evidence that suggested speeding, drug or alcohol use was involved here, but are investigating the matter. Apparently State Route 67 has been the scene of numerous fatal accidents over the years and is a designated DUI safety corridor, vigorously enforced by the CHP.
The big question here is how and why Hallaway got on the wrong side of the highway. I trust investigators have taken blood and/or urine samples from this driver to ensure that he was not under the influence of drugs -- recreational or prescription. It is illegal under California law to drive under the influence of alcohol or any type of drugs.
An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help
Hale's family members would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the criminal investigation and make sure their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to tell the family how their car insurance policy applies to an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist. The best personal injury 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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