A 38-year-old man identified as Martin Mendoza, and four children sustained injuries in a San Diego car accident the afternoon of September 22, 2010 after the Chrysler minivan they were traveling in went out of control and hit a fire hydrant. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the minivan then overturned and landed on its roof near the intersection of Campo and Maxfield Roads in Jamul.

Two of the young victims were Mendoza’s children and two others were his niece and nephew, California Highway Patrol officials said. Mendoza and the four children were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials do not believe alcohol or drugs played a role. Mendoza was cited for driving with a suspended license.

It is indeed fortunate that no one sustained catastrophic or fatal injuries in this rollover accident. I wish all the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 90 deaths and 2,252 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Diego. Also, countywide, 246 people died and 13,527 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Crash?

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this car crash occurred. There are several questions here. Was Mendoza distracted at the time? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway? Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the minivan, which may have caused Mendoza to lose control? Were any other vehicles involved? For example, was Mendoza run off the road by another vehicle? I trust officials are looking at these and other issues in order to determine exactly what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

In such cases, if an auto product defect caused the accident, then the auto maker could be held liable for the injuries caused. Injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages.

A skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges faced by families when young children are injured in a car crash?

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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.