A car accident in Escondido the morning of August 9, 2010 proved fatal for 52-year-old Caroline McElhaney, 10news reports. California Highway Patrol officials said the deadly crash occurred on the 15 Freeway near Ninth Street, when 28-year-old Jackson Redmond, who was driving a 1999 Dodge Ram, attempted to change lanes. However, he ended up rear-ending McElhaney's 2001 Mercedes-Benz as he switched lanes. The Mercedes was then pushed ahead and involved in a collision with two other vehicles whose drivers sustained minor injuries. McElhaney suffered fatal injuries while Redmond was uninjured.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved McElhaney for their horrific loss. They will certainly be in my prayers.
Car Accidents
There were 246 deaths and 13,527 injuries involving car accidents in San Diego County in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Escondido, during the same year, 10 people died and 732 were injured as a result of car accidents.
Car Accident Causes
Based on this news report, it is not clear what caused Redmond to make what appears to be an unsafe lane change. California Vehicle Code section 21658 (a) states that whenever a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction the vehicle "shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety."
Compensation Issues
I trust officials are looking into whether Redmond was intoxicated, distracted or driving recklessly at the time of the collision. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. A knowledgeable San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to advise families in such cases about their legal rights and options.
What precautions do you take while making a lane change?
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.
