Oscar Manuel Lopez-Flores, 27, was killed in a San Diego car accident and his son injured after the Ford Explorer SUV they were in was rear-ended by a speeding driver. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the SUV was headed south on the 5 Freeway, near Basilone Road, early morning April 5, 2010, when a Chevy Camaro hit it from behind. The SUV rolled over several times. Lopez-Flores and his son were ejected from the vehicle. Lopez-Flores was pronounced dead at the scene while his son was transported to a local hospital. It is not yet known if the two other occupants of the Ford were injured. The Camaro's driver fled the scene of the crash, but was apprehended shortly afterward.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Oscar Manuel Lopez-Flores for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My heart also goes out to his son who was apparently seriously injured in this crash. I hope his injuries were not catastrophic and wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Speeding and Hit-and-Run

Based on this news report, this fatal SUV rollover accident was caused by a speeding driver who basically lost control of his vehicle and rear-ended the victims' vehicle. The suspect was not only speeding, but after the crash, he reportedly ran away from the scene of the collision.

California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property." Leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is also a serious violation of California law under California Vehicle Code section 20001 (a).

Potential Auto Products Liability Issues

If I were a member of the victims' family, I would also look into whether any vehicle defects or design defects in the Ford SUV caused or contributed to the fatality and serious injuries. Both Lopez-Flores and his son were ejected from the vehicle. Were they buckled up at the time of the accident? If that was the case, were they thrown from the vehicle because of seatbelt defects?

The victims' family in this case would be well-advised to contact a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer, who has successfully represented clients in auto products liability cases and against large auto makers such as Ford, GM, Toyota and Nissan. The family would also be well-advised to preserve the SUV in its crashed condition, unaltered, so it can be examined for auto product defects such as seat restraint system failure and other evidence. Should the driver of the Camaro lack insurance coverage, then, a knowledgeable car accident lawyer will help determine if a claim for compensation can be filed through the family's auto insurance policy under the uninsured/underinsured motorist clause.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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