Jennifer Foster, 38, and a 7-year-old boy were killed in a San Diego car accident the evening of April 16, 2010 after the 2004 Land Rover they were in overturned and crashed on the Interstate 8, close to Alpine. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the fatal rollover accident occurred in the westbound lanes of the freeway near Tavern Road. The SUV, which was traveling at an unknown speed, swerved left and rolled over numerous times, before coming to rest in the center divide. California Highway Patrol officials said both, Foster, who was driving the Land Rover, and the boy, were ejected and were pronounced dead at the scene.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jennifer Foster and the little boy for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Foster’s relationship to the boy has not been confirmed yet. This family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

According CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 246 fatalities and 13,527 injuries involving car accidents in San Diego County in 2008. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that each year about 10,000 people die in rollover accidents in the United States. That number accounts for nearly 25 percent of all traffic collisions in the country.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not entirely clear how or why this tragic car accident occurred. There are several questions here. Why did Foster lose control of the SUV? Was there a vehicle defect or a mechanical malfunction in the vehicle that led to the rollover crash? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway that caused this accident? Was any other vehicle involved in this rollover accident? For example, was Foster run off the road by another driver? I trust CHP officials are looking for witnesses and trying to determine exactly what caused this horrific crash.

The news account states that both the victims here, had been ejected from the vehicle. It is important then to determine whether the Land Rover’s seat restraint systems failed during the incident and contributed to the victims’ fatal injuries. If this accident was caused by a vehicle defect, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product could be held liable. It would be in the family’s best interest to preserve the vehicle in its current, crashed condition so it can be examined carefully by an expert for any evidence of auto product defects or malfunctions. Families of victims in such cases would also be well-advised to consult with a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer who has an excellent track record of handling SUV rollover cases.

What safety improvements would you like to see the federal government impose on SUV manufacturers?

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.