La Mesa, CA (February 10, 2025) – James Allina, 79, and his wife, Rosalyn Allina, 77, were tragically killed in a chain-reaction crash on Interstate 8 near Grossmont Center Mall.
Accident Details: The tragic collision occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Monday, February 10. According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Allinas were inside their stationary 2004 Toyota sedan with its lights off in the No. 3 lane of eastbound I-8. A 2016 Dodge SUV rear-ended them, pushing their vehicle across multiple lanes of traffic. This impact triggered another collision involving a 2017 Kia sedan driven by a 63-year-old El Cajon woman getting hit by the SUV.
James Allina died at the scene despite attempts by witnesses and paramedics to revive him. His wife Rosalyn was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The driver and child inside the Dodge were taken to a hospital as a precaution, and the Kia driver suffered minor injuries.
Investigation: The reason their vehicle was stopped on the freeway remains unclear.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that in chain-reaction crashes, determining liability is complex and requires a detailed investigation into driver behavior, road conditions, and mechanical issues. Key legal considerations include:
- Stopped Vehicle Liability: If Allinas’ vehicle was disabled due to mechanical failure, investigators may assess whether the car manufacturer or service provider was negligent. Additionally, if road hazards or poor lighting contributed to the incident, the municipality in charge of maintaining the safety of the roads may be found liable.
- Driver Negligence: The Dodge SUV driver rear-ended the stopped vehicle, which may indicate failure to maintain a safe following distance or inattention.
Comparative Fault and Wrongful Death Claims: If evidence shows negligence by another party, James and Rosalyn Allina’s family may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for funeral expenses, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship. Investigators will also consider whether the Allinas’s car had hazard lights on and if the SUV driver had time to react. If not, the Allinas may be deemed negligent because they failed to turn on their hazard lights, impairing the SUV driver’s ability to see them. However, even if Allinas’s stopped vehicle played a role, California’s comparative negligence laws could still allow their family to recover partial compensation.
I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of James and Rosalyn Allina. I hope the ongoing investigation provides answers and closure for those affected.
Source: NBC San Diego