Yazmin Rodriguez, 18, was killed and two others were injured in an Escondido car accident the night of July 23, 2010. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, Escondido police officials said the fatal car accident occurred when Rodriguez attempted to make a left turn at the intersection of Escondido Boulevard and Centre City Parkway.

Rodriguez, who was driving a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage, pulled out in front of a 1994 Nissan pickup truck. Rodriguez died at the scene of the collision and her 16-year-old passenger sustained major injuries. The driver of the Nissan pickup truck also sustained injuries, but they were not life-threatening. Police do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors in this crash.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Yazmin Rodriguez for their tragic, untimely and devastating loss. This grieving family will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 10 deaths and 732 injuries involving car accidents in Escondido. In San Diego County as a whole, 246 people died and 13,527 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on the San Diego Medical Examiner's report, it appears that Rodriguez was attempting to cross over to the southbound lanes of South Centre City Parkway from a connector on Escondido Boulevard, close to Brotherton Road. That's when she drove into the path of a black Nissan Frontier pickup truck traveling north on South Centre City Parkway. In this particular case, driver inexperience may have played a part. It is also important to find out, in these types of accidents, if a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the collision.

If this accident is determined to be Rodriguez's fault, then, the injured pickup truck driver can file a claim against Rodriguez's estate or her insurance. If a dangerous roadway was a factor, then, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a California governmental entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways or intersections for motorists in your city?

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.