A 28-year-old Hesperia man tragically died in a head-on collision Thursday evening in San Bernardino County, the Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred on Highway 395 near Desert Flower Road at approximately 5:25 p.m. According to the Victorville Daily Press, the victim, Robert Linder, was driving a 2004 Kia Rio southbound on Highway 395, while at the same time, a 1992 Toyota pickup truck was travelling northbound. For reasons not yet known, the driver of the Toyota veered across double yellow lines and into the path of Linder's vehicle. The two vehicles collided head-on, and the truck came to rest on its side.
Linder died at the scene of the crash. A 13-year-old passenger in his vehicle was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center with unknown injuries. The driver of the pickup truck was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.
Highway 395 Accidents in San Bernardino County
Highway 395 from I-15 to Adelanto is one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the country. Just last week, on September 6th, a 36-year-old Victorville woman was killed in an accident on Highway 395, about two miles south of Bear Valley Road. On June 7th, a 30-year-old Bakersfield woman died in a head-on crash on Highway 395 at Eucalyptus Street. In February, three people were killed in a head-on collision on Highway 395 north of Rancho Road. Already this year, more than 10 people have died in accidents on Highway 395 in San Bernardino County.
Cause of the September 16th Highway 395 Crash
The CHP is investigating the cause of the fatal head-on collision. Based on the news reports, it is not clear what caused the driver of the Toyota to lose control of his vehicle. The CHP will likely investigate whether the driver was distracted, impaired, fatigued, or if something malfunctioned mechanically in his vehicle to cause the crash. However, it does appear that Linder likely could not have done anything to cause the collision.
Head-on Collisions and Wrongful Death Liability
If the CHP determines that the driver of the pickup truck was responsible for causing the head-on collision, he or she may possibly face criminal charges for vehicular manslaughter, depending on how the crash occurred. Additionally, the driver may be held financially responsible for Linder's death in a civil wrongful death claim. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include funeral and burial expenses, anticipated lifetime future earnings or benefits, and loss of love, care, support and companionship. Additionally, the driver may also be liable for the injuries sustained by Linder's young passenger. In situations such as this one, where another driver may be at fault for a fatal accident, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak to an knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer. An attorney who has represented a number of victims of Highway 395 crashes can help the victims' family protect their rights and hold the driver and any other liable parties fully accountable for this devastating accident.
Its because these idiots want to pass you and drive down the wrong way on the road. Where are the police when you need them? It happens all the time> i drive this road daily