Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

A 61-year-old Las Vegas woman tragically died in a vehicle rollover crash Wednesday morning on Interstate 15, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner reported. The woman, Christine Ann Newton, was a right rear passenger in a 2007 Ford F-150 travelling northbound on I-15. About one mile north of ZZyzx Road, at about 8:48 a.m. on November 3rd, the driver of the truck she was riding in lost control and struck the center divider. The driver apparently overcorrected, and then jerked the wheel back to the right. The vehicle overturned and Newton, who was wearing a seat belt, was partially ejected and died at the scene of the crash. It is unclear if anyone else in the vehicle was injured.

Cause of the I-15 Crash

The cause of the fatal Interstate 15 accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol - Barstow Station. Based on the news reports, it is unclear what caused the driver of the vehicle Newton was riding in to lose control and crash. As a restrained passenger in the backseat of the vehicle, Newton likely could have done nothing to prevent this horrible crash that ultimately ended her life. Accidents like this one can have numerous causes, including tire blowouts, dangerous road conditions, road debris, falling asleep at the wheel or driving distracted or impaired. Hopefully, the investigation by the CHP will reveal exactly what happened and why.

Passenger Deaths and Wrongful Death Liability

From a liability standpoint, unique legal issues are involved when a passenger is killed in a rollover accident. It is possible that, depending on how the accident occurred, the manufacturer of the vehicle may be liable for this accident, and the resulting wrongful death of the passenger. While this accident remains under investigation by the Highway Patrol, the surviving family members of Christine Newton may benefit from consulting and knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer. Whether the accident was caused by the negligence of the driver, a defect in the Ford F-150 truck, or even a dangerous condition on the freeway, an attorney can help the family understand their rights and options to hold whoever is responsible for this accident financially accountable. Damages awarded for a passenger's wrongful death may include compensation for anticipated lifetime earnings and income of the victim, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship.