VISTA, California — Leoniza Corpus, 91, of Bonsall died nine days after she was a passenger in a car crash with another vehicle at Gopher Canyon Road and Fairview Drive, according to a San Diego Medical Examiner report.

Corpus was a rear seat passenger in the car and one of three people in the vehicle when the driver allegedly made a turn front of another vehicle at the Vista intersection just before 6 p.m. on Aug. 5.

Corpus suffered a major head injury in the crash and was transported to Palomar Medical Center where she continued to decline until she died about 1:47 a.m. on Aug. 14, the report said.

California Car Accident Statistics

In California, fatal traffic accidents were down 12% to 2,715 deaths in 2010 compared to 3,090 killed in 2009, according to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, national statistics show that traffic fatalities have declined in recent years across the United States, down roughly 3% to 32,885 deaths in 2010 compared to 33,883 killed in 2009.

San Diego Car Accident Investigation

Police investigate every car accident involving a death to determine the cause of a crash in order to find out who is liable to the other party for damages, said West Seegmiller, a San Diego wrongful death attorney.  A driver can be found negligent and liable for injuries they cause if they do not exercise ordinary care while driving on our roadways.  In other words, their behavior was not intentional, but it fell below the standard of care required for motorists and someone was injured or killed as a result of their actions.

“A driver who makes poor decisions such as turning in front of another vehicle is a good example of someone who was negligent,” Attorney West Seegmiller explains. “While they did not intend to cause a crash or harm anyone, the action fell below the standard of ordinary care required under California law.”

The investigation will also seek to determine if a driver was under the influence of alcohol, drugs, distracted or whether they violated the law by failing to yield a pedestrian. Also, police are seeking to find out if there are circumstances that may have led to the crash that were illegal or reckless.

“Families of victims killed in car accidents not only have to cope with the loss of a loved one, but later their lives are hindered due to the loss of income, funeral and medical costs,” said Seegmiller. “Every driver is required to have insurance in case they are in a car accident so they can assist and support financially anyone who is injured or killed.”

San Diego Wrongful Death Attorney

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident we know that this is a difficult time. We offer our condolences to the family and friends of the victim. If someone else was responsible for this accident it’s important that you act quickly to protect your rights and future. For roughly 30 years, the legal experts at Seegmiller Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients who were injured in serious traffic accidents or have lost a loved one.

Our legal team has also handled hundreds of wrongful death claims for families of victims killed in traffic accidents. Our staff is compassionate and understands the pain its clients are going through. We know that this is a difficult time for those who have been injured and for the families of those who have been killed. Our firm has a proven track record supported by settlements ranging from several thousand dollars to millions.

There is no cost to clients until our experienced team of lawyers and legal professionals have won your case. Finding the best car accident attorney can mean you will get the settlement you need to get your life back on track. Compensation for your injuries, loss of wages and pain and suffering can’t take away the trauma of the accident, but it can help you rebuild your life.

Call us today at 1-855-ASK WEST (1-855-275-9378) to speak with our car accident law firm. Seegmiller Law Firm has offices in California including its headquarters in Irvine. We also have offices outside of Orange County to serve you in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and in Las Vegas, Nevada.