2 Killed, 2 Injured After Car Accident in Valley Center
NORTH COUNTY (March 18, 2018) – Gabriel Gomez Gutierrez, 22, and Mario Alberto Lemus Garcia, 22, both of Escondido died following a police chase that ended when they crashed into another car early Sunday in the area of Valley Center Road and Rocky Top Lane, according to Fox News and the San Diego Medical Examiner.
The chase began just before 1 a.m. in Valley Center, just south of Highway 76.
As per the article, sheriff’s deputies spotted a Honda Accord in the area that had been reported stolen in Escondido. A pursuit then ensued when the Accord driver failed to yield to the deputies.
Fatal Head-On Crash at Valley Center Road and Rocky Top Lane
After some time, deputies eventually decided to call the chase off due to concerns about high speeds and wet roads.
When the stolen vehicle approached Rocky Top Lane, along Valley Center Road, it veered into oncoming traffic and slammed head-on into a smaller car.
The driver and one passenger of the Accord died as a result of the crash. Another occupant in the Accord reportedly suffered traumatic injuries and was transported to the hospital.
Furthermore, the motorist driving the smaller car was also injured. The victim was rushed to Palomar Medical Center in unknown condition.
As of today, the names of the involved parties remained undisclosed.
Valley Center Road, at State Route 76, was closed for hours as both San Diego Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol investigated the deadly crash.
We offer our warmest of thoughts, and our prayers to all the parties involved and their families in this difficult time.
San Diego County Car Accident Lawyer
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, California has historically had higher numbers for injuries in crashes involving motor vehicle pursuits by peace officers. Given that, several laws have been passed in protection and favor of innocent people who are usually the victims of these tragic accidents.
Lawyers from Johnson Attorneys Group are well-knowledged and familiar with the state’s traffic laws relating to vehicle pursuit that ends in traffic collision. Can the driver of the fleeing vehicle be sued by the victim? Is there potential police liability? In this specific case, the driver of the smaller car may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit seeking a compensation for all the hospital bills, future medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
If you, or your loved one, have been a victim of an auto accident caused by the wrongdoing of other parties, we urge you to contact Johnson Attorneys Group to help you. Give us a call at 800-235-6801 and speak with our experienced personal injury and car accident lawyers for a free case evaluation. – sks
- Thousand Oaks: Hit-and-Run Crash on U.S. Route 101 at Moorpark Road - April 16, 2021
- Rio Linda: Bicycle Accident at Rio Linda and Elkhorn Boulevard - April 16, 2021
- Ukiah: Car Accident on U.S. Route 101 at West Road - April 16, 2021
