Kearny Mesa, CA (July 22, 2024) – Authorities have identified four men in their 20s who were killed in a predawn suspected DUI collision on State Route 163 in Kearny Mesa.
Accident Details: The victims, Faruk Cetin, 27, Mahsun Dursun, 23, Abdurrezak Hizmali, 27, and Baris Savas, 25, were in a Toyota Prius sedan that was rear-ended by a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, causing the car to veer out of control and crash. All four men were ejected from the vehicle due to the impact. Cetin and Dursun died at the scene, while Hizmali and Savas were transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The collision led to a three-vehicle pileup when the driver of a second Prius crashed upon encountering the initial accident scene. The drivers of the Tacoma and the second Prius, identified as 24-year-old Aleim Garcia Alavez of San Marcos and 32-year-old Edward Frederick Poss of San Diego, were arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and gross vehicular manslaughter.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several crucial legal questions that must be addressed to determine liability and pursue justice for the victims’ families. A thorough examination of the blood alcohol content (BAC) and potential drug use by the drivers involved will be necessary to establish the extent of their impairment at the time of the collision. Driving while impaired is a serious offense with both criminal and civil legal consequences. Investigators will also assess road conditions and whether the vehicle possessed any defects. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the families of Faruk Cetin, Mahsun Dursun, Abdurrezak Hizmali, and Baris Savas may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Because all of the deceased were ejected from the vehicle, investigators should determine if they were wearing seatbelts, as this could impact potential contributory negligence considerations.
My sincerest condolences are with the family and friends of Faruk Cetin, Mahsun Dursun, Abdurrezak Hizmali, and Baris Savas during this difficult time.
Source: NBC San Diego