Around 1:30 am on Wednesday, October 23, a crash occurred between a car and a big rig on southbound I-5 near Camp Pendleton in North County, San Diego, leaving one dead.
According to California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred about 5 miles south of Las Pulgas Road near Oceanside. The victim died at the scene, their name has not been released at this time.
Fatal Accidents are Common Along This Stretch of I-5
This stretch of I-5 near Camp Pendleton is a common stretch of road where serious and fatal accidents frequently occur, with this recent fatal crash being just one of several tragedies that have occurred along this busy roadway.
This area is known for its heavy mix of comerica trust and passenger vehicles, as it’s a crucial corridor of the interstate that links San Diego and Los Angeles. In 2024 so far, there have been at least two other fatal crashes along this stretch of freeway, including the death of three involved in a multi-vehicle pile up, and the death of two service members involved in a single car accident.
“These recurring tragedies highlight the need for heightened awareness among drivers, and the potential need for stronger safety measures,” says Singleton Schreiber attorney Gerald Singleton, “such as better lighting, clearer signage, and increased patrols during peak risk hours.
“Every life lost on this road serves as a reminder of how quickly a routine driver can turn into a devastating incident.”
Can The Victim’s Family Pursue Legal Action?
In tragic cases like the accident that occurred this week, the grieving family of the victim may have legal options to seek compensation. If the investigation finds that the crash was caused by negligence, like a distracted driving, speeding, or improper lane changes conducted by the truck driver, the family may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful death claims aim to provide financial support for the surviving relatives for losses including:
- Funeral expenses
- Lost future earning
- Loss of financial support and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional turmoil
- And more
While the truck driver or trucking company may be found liable, other parties who may be held accountable for the wrongful death can include:
- The company who provided truck maintenance– if a third-party company was responsible for maintaining the truck, they could be held liable if a mechanical failure caused by improper or negligent maintenance contributed to the accident. This may include issues like faulty brakes, worn tires, and other mechanical defects that can make the truck unsafe to operate.
- Truck manufacturer– if a defect in the truck or one of its components played a role in causing the collision, the manufacturer of the truck or specific faulty parts may be held accountable.
- Government entities– in some cases, the condition of the roadway itself can contribute to accidents. If factors like poor road design, lack of proper signage, inadequate lighting, or other unsafe circumstances lead to the accident, the city or relevant government authority responsible for maintaining that section of the road could be held liable.
If you have lost a loved one in an accident with a large truck contact the team at Singleton Schreiber by calling (619) 771-3473 or emailing info@singletonschreiber.com to learn more about your options.
