Mariano Orendain, 50, of Kingman, Arizona, was fatally injured in a San Bernardino car accident after the vehicle in which he was a passenger went out of control and crashed. According to a report in The San Bernardino County Sun, the car crash occurred on the 40 Freeway in Ludlow, the morning of May 22, 2012.
California Highway Patrol officials say Orendain was riding in a 2004 Dodge 1500 pickup truck when the driver lost control. The truck overturned across westbound lanes and landed on the shoulder. Orendain died at the scene of the rollover accident. The injured driver was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family members and many friends of Mariano Orendain, who are grieving this tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
San Bernardino Car Crashes
According to CHP’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 83 fatalities and 1,704 injuries occurred involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. During the same year, car accidents countywide claimed 223 lives and injured 7,870 people.
What Caused This Fatal Crash?
Based on this news account, it appears that the driver of the pickup truck lost control of the vehicle before it rolled over. There are, however, several unanswered questions here. Was the driver distracted, fatigued, speeding, inattentive or otherwise negligent? Was the driver of the pickup under the influence? Was there some type of auto defect or mechanical malfunction in the pickup truck, which led to this fatal rollover accident? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the incident? Were any other vehicles involved in this crash? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.
Liability Issues
In a solo vehicle crash, it is important to preserve the vehicle in its current condition unaltered so an expert can thoroughly examine it for evidence of defects or malfunctions. If an auto defect caused the accident and the subsequent injuries, the automaker can be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses. If this accident was caused by driver negligence, the deceased passenger’s family can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault motorist seeking compensation for damages such as medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, and loss of love and companionship. An experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer will better advise victims or their families about their legal rights and options.
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