Sarah Rachelle Phillips, 31, was fatally injured in a San Diego car accident after losing control of her SUV at a highway ramp and crashing. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, Phillips was going southbound on the Interstate 805 in a Nissan Xterra SUV the morning of February 27, 2010 when she lost control of the vehicle as it went over a puddle in the connector ramp to the 15 Freeway. Phillips was ejected from the SUV that rolled over several times. She died at the scene.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Sarah Rachelle Phillips for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. Please keep them in your prayers.

Rollover Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that rollover accidents are responsible for at least 10,000 fatalities each year in the United States. That number accounts for about 25 percent of all traffic accident fatalities in the United States. SUVs contribute to a number of rollover accidents. Studies have shown that this is because of defective design. SUVs have a high center of gravity and a narrower track width than other vehicles, which make them more prone to tipping over, especially at freeway speeds.

Auto Product Defect Issues

One of the issues in this particular case, is whether the Nissan Xterra SUV caused or contributed to her fatal injuries. If I were a member of her family, I would also look into whether seatbelt failure caused Phillips to get ejected from the vehicle. Seatbelt defects are unfortunately all too common. Seat restraint systems could fail in many ways. A number of side release belts are prone to false latching and many end-release belts are prone to unlatching during car accidents. The product liability attorneys at BISNAR | CHASE have seen numerous cases of seat belt failure involving seat belt mounts, buckles, webbing and grabbers.

A reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto product liability cases relating to SUV rollovers and seatbelt defects will be able to help such victims and their families pursue their legal rights. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

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.