San Bernardino Fatal Rollover Accident
Timothy Berkich, 29, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident, after he lost control of his pickup truck and crashed the morning of December 19, 2009. According to a news report in the San Bernardino Sun, Berkich lost control of his 1991 Ford Ranger while driving near the intersection of Braceo and Nielsen roads. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after the crash.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Timothy Berkich for their tragic and untimely loss. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Berkich. Please keep them in your prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 308 deaths and 9,920 injuries involving car accidents in San Bernardino County. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that about 10,000 people are killed in rollover accidents each year. That number accounts for about 25 percent of all traffic accident fatalities in the country.
Car Accident Causes and Liability Issues
In this particular fatal car accident, the exact cause or causes for it are not known yet. The news article does not say this driver was speeding or driving under the influence. There are many questions here that are still unanswered. Was there a vehicle defect or a mechanical malfunction in Berkich's Ford Ranger, which caused him to lose control of the pickup? Was this accident caused by a dangerous or defective roadway? Was this crash the result of another driver's negligence? For example, was Berkich run off the road by another vehicle? I trust investigators are looking into these and other factors in this tragic accident.
If the accident was the result of an auto product defect, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product could be held liable. If another negligent driver caused the accident, he or she could be held liable. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused the accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident.
An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help
Victims in such cases (or their families) would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of an incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. If an auto product defect is suspected, the vehicle should be preserved in it current condition, unaltered so it can be examined by an expert for product defects, malfunctions and other evidence.
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.
