William Robert Wingate, 47, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after he lost control of his SUV and crashed, the morning of March 5, 2010. According to a news report in The San Bernardino Sun, Wingate was driving a Toyota 4Runner on the southbound 15 Freeway near Duncan Canyon Drive, in Fontana. According to witnesses, the SUV veered off the roadway and crashed into the back of a parked tractor trailer, which was apparently waiting for roadside assistance. The Toyota SUV rolled over and caught fire. Wingate died at the scene. No one else was injured.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of William Robert Wingate for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this man. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 14 deaths and 627 injuries involving car accidents in Fontana. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 263 fatalities and 8,504 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Car Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how exactly this rollover accident occurred. There are still several unanswered questions here. Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the 4Runner that caused it go out of control and crash? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway? Was any other vehicle involved in this accident? I trust investigators are looking at different scenarios in order to determine what happened and why.

Auto Product Liability Issues

Victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact a reputed California personal injury lawyer, who is experienced in successfully handling auto product defect cases against large auto makers including Toyota, Ford and GM. In any auto product defect case, it is critical to preserve the vehicle in its current crashed condition so it can be carefully examined for vehicle defects, mechanical malfunctions and other evidence.

If the accident was caused by a vehicle defect, the auto maker or manufacturer of the defective product can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. Victims' families in such cases could seek compensation to cover medical/funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

We are 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 a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.