A 47-year-old woman was killed in a San Diego car accident the morning of April 28, 2010 after she lost control of her car and collided with a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the woman was traveling east on Otay Lakes Road, in a 1992 Nissan Maxima, when she drifted on to the right lane while negotiating a curve, lost control of her vehicle and then went into opposing lanes of traffic.

At the time, two on-duty Border Patrol agents were heading west on Otay Lakes in two marked Ford F-250 patrol vehicles. The woman's Maxima skidded sideways between the two trucks and was broadsided by one of the patrol vehicles. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. One of the agents was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. Investigators are looking into whether wet road conditions may have contributed to the crash. They do not believe alcohol or drugs were involved. The San Diego coroner has not identified the Chula Vista woman pending notification of her family members.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this deceased victim for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

San Diego Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 traffic accident statistics, 81 people died and 6,123 were injured as a result of car accidents in San Diego, California. Countywide, car accidents claimed 246 lives and caused 13,527 injuries during the same year.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this tragic car accident occurred. Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which caused or contributed to this crash? Did the woman lose control of the vehicle because of an auto product defect or a mechanical malfunction in the Nissan? I trust officials are looking into exactly what caused her to lose control of the Maxima.

In such cases, it would be a good idea to preserve the vehicle in its current state, unaltered, so it can be carefully evaluated, by an expert, for product defects, malfunctions or other evidence. If a dangerous or defective roadway is found to have caused the crash, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

What would you consider are some of the most dangerous roadways for drivers in your city?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.