Carlsbad, CA (January 9, 2025) – A tragic accident on Interstate 5 in Carlsbad claimed the life of 63-year-old Luz Maria Sandoval.
Accident Details: The incident occurred on January 9, 2025, at approximately 10:50 PM, just north of Poinsettia Lane. According to the Medical Examiner’s Office, Sandoval was driving a Dodge van southbound on I-5 when it became disabled. Her son exited the vehicle and began pushing the van on the freeway. Moments later, a Ford SUV rear-ended the van. Tragically, Sandoval was pronounced dead at the scene. Her son managed to jump out of the way and avoid injury.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that this heartbreaking accident raises several critical questions about liability and the duty of care owed to disabled vehicles on the freeway. Here are some key legal considerations:
- Negligence of the Ford SUV Driver: The investigation will likely focus on determining if the Ford SUV driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent.
- Visibility and Roadway Conditions: Driving at night presents increased challenges for visibility. The investigation should examine whether factors such as lighting, road conditions, and the visibility of the disabled van played a role in the accident. If so, the local municipality may be liable.
- Disabled Vehicle Protocol: It is crucial to determine whether Sandoval and her son followed proper protocol for a disabled vehicle. Did they pull over as far as possible? Were hazard lights activated? Did they take steps to warn approaching traffic? However, while any failure to follow protocol could be a factor in the investigation, it does not absolve the following driver of their responsibility to drive safely and avoid collisions.
Potential Wrongful Death Claim: If negligence is established, Sandoval’s family may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This claim seeks to compensate the family for their losses, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. If Sandoval did not follow proper protocol for disabled vehicles, California’s comparative negligence laws may be implicated, reducing any recoverable compensation by her determined portion of fault.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Luz Maria Sandoval during this difficult time.
Source: MSN