Victor Martinez, 19, was killed in a Sacramento car accident after he lost control of his car on Highway 99 and crashed. The Sacramento Bee reports that the fatal car crash occurred the afternoon of July 16, 2010. Martinez was driving a white Toyota Corolla north on Highway 99 near the central Galt exit when the car went off the road and up a steep embankment. The vehicle then hit a bridge abutment and rolled over on to its roof. Martinez was transported to an area hospital where he died shortly afterward. His three passengers were also hospitalized with injuries. However, the extent of their injuries is not known at this point.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Victor Martinez for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 28 fatalities and 3,566 injuries involving car accidents in Sacramento. Countywide, 84 people died and 7,874 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Fatal Crash?

This news report does not clearly state how or why Martinez lost control of the Toyota Corolla he was driving. Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the Corolla, which caused him to lose control? Was this accident the result of driver error or negligence? Officials have not said whether alcohol or drugs were factors in this fatal crash. I trust the results of an in-depth investigation will shed some light on what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

If this accident was the result of an auto product defect, then the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective auto product could be held liable for the wrongful death and injuries. If the driver, Martinez, is determined to have been at fault, the injured victims could seek compensation from Martinez's estate or insurance. In such cases, it is a good idea to preserve the vehicle in its current, crashed condition -- unaltered -- so it can be examined carefully by an expert for vehicle defects, malfunctions and other evidence.

Victims or their families would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What are some of the auto product recalls that most concern you as a driver and consumer?

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.