Elisa Martinez Died In National City Collision With Transport Van By The Intersection of National City Boulevard and East 1st Street
NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA (February 22, 2023) – A 93-year-old woman identified as Elisa Martinez was killed in a National City car accident by National City Boulevard and East 1st Street.
San Diego County officials are saying that the collision took place around 11:36 a.m. on February 9. Elisa Martinez was a passenger in a transport van that collided with a Nissan sedan.
The force of the impact caused the transport van to strike a street light. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Elisa Martinez was extricated from the van but died due to the severe nature of her injuries. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For National City Car Accidents
Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to one report by Forbes, “In 2020, a total of 35,766 fatal car accidents occurred on roadways across the United States. Another 1,593,390 crashes resulted in injuries and 3,621,681 caused property damage.” The vast majority of car accidents involve some amount of human error. There are a number of factors that could contribute to a car accident.
- Speeding: Drivers are much more likely to lose control of their vehicle at higher speeds.
- Driver Fatigue: Driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.
- Inclement Weather: Rain, snow and ice dramatically increase the distance that it takes a driver to stop.
- Dangerous Turns: Nearly 22% of fatal collisions at intersections involve a driver making a left turn.
Transport vans that carry passengers for a fee are considered “common carriers” and their drivers are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Many collisions are due to drivers that are not paying adequate attention to the road. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21802, the driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign within an intersection shall yield the right of way to any vehicle approaching from another highway that is close enough so as to pose a hazard.
If the driver of a transport van was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault for the collision. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many companies will try to evade liability for collisions by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.” There are a number of steps that should be taken after any car accident.
- Surveillance footage of the collision should be sought.
- Copies of all necessary documents including police reports should be examined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
Losing a family member in a fatal car accident is one of the most difficult things that most people will ever go through. To make matters worse, police departments are often slow to release their findings. The family of any person that is killed due to the negligence of another driver may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim. Negligence is the failure to use the care of a reasonable, prudent person in a similar set of circumstances.
Investigating A National City Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Elisa Martinez. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. It is our sincere hope that San Diego County officials will consider measures to help make this intersection safer.
Do you need more information about a National City car accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision we are here for you. You can contact us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
