On Sunday, June 29, 2014, a fatal San Diego head on collision occurred between a pick-up truck and a van along state route 76 near Pala Indian Reservation. A man was killed after he was trapped in a pick-up truck that rolled over. The accident occurred just after 10:00 p.m. just west of Adams Drive. Two others were taken to the hospital with undisclosed injuries according to the California Highway Patrol. Two medical helicopters were requested to the scene, but unable to make it due to bad weather, according to the officials. Head-on collisions are the most dangerous type of accident often leading to serious injuries and sometimes death. Although they make up only two percent of all auto accidents, they are responsible for nearly ten percent of all traffic fatalities because the driver and passenger sitting in the front seat are more vulnerable to life threating injuries as they are sitting near or at the point of impact. The most common cause of a head on crash occurs when a car leaves its own lane of traffic and crosses a double yellow line or a median, or when a driver travel the wrong direction on a one-way street. In these types of head-on accidents it is not uncommon that the at-fault driver is impaired in some way, usually by alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or a distraction. Speeding and taking a curve too fast is another common cause for the car to enter the opposing lane and into oncoming traffic. The majority of head-on collisions that cause death or serious injury can be prevented with proper precautions.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a head-on collision accident, please contact the dedicated San Diego car accident lawyers at Martinez & Schill LLP. Your initial consultation is free and confidential. Please call 619-512-5995 to discuss you case.