Jacqueline O'Day, a 23-year-old servicewoman, was killed in a San Diego car accident the morning of October 1, 2009, 10news reports. O'Day was westbound on Route 56 in the Torrey Highlands area when she lost control of her 2002 Volkswagen Jetta near Camino Del Sur. The car rolled over and tumbled down an embankment, California Highway Patrol officials said. O'Day, who is a soldier on active duty, was pronounced dead at the scene.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Jacqueline O'Day for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved her, including her fellow servicemen and servicewomen. They will certainly be in my prayers.

San Diego Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 85 deaths and 6,516 injuries involving car accidents in San Diego city. In San Diego County as a whole, 268 deaths and 14,641 injuries were reported in 2007 as a result of car accidents.

It's hard to tell based on this news account, what caused this California car accident. Apparently no one saw this accident occur. The accident was itself reported by a passer-by who saw O'Day's crumpled Volkswagen down the highway embankment. The article does not say alcohol or drugs were involved or that O'Day may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

Car Accident Causes and Liability Issues

So what exactly caused this car accident? Usually, when there are no witnesses, it takes an accident reconstruction team to investigate what may have caused the victim to lose control. Was it a vehicle defect? Did a mechanical malfunction cause it or was it a dangerous condition on the highway? Was another vehicle involved -- for example -- was O'Day run off the road by another vehicle? The information gained from this line of questioning should determine what exactly caused this tragic crash.

In such cases, it would be in the best interest of the victim's family to consult an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure the negligent parties are identified and held accountable. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved – be it on the part of another driver or the manufacturer of a defective auto product manufacturer – families of deceased victims may file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of earnings, loss of love and companionship and other related damages.

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.