SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – A teenager was killed in a roll-over crash early Sunday morning. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. The 17-year-old passenger became the third North County boy killed in a traffic accident in just over a month. The boy, identified as Gerardo Chacon from Vista, was a passenger in a 1990 Ford Mustang that was heading north on East Vista Way just past Mason Road around 2 a.m.
According to California Highway Patrol Office Eric Newbury, the car drifted to the right and struck a guardrail. It then crossed into the southbound lanes and hit a bus stop bench and a shelter. The shelter was ripped from its footings. The car then rolled several times and came to rest in an open field. Chacon was partially ejected from the car. He sustained multiple blunt force trauma injuries to the upper body. He later died from those injuries.
The driver of the Mustang was 20-year-old Reyes Miranda of Oceanside. He did not have a license. Miranda suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Palomar Medical Center. He was placed under arrest on suspicion of drunken driving while at the Medical Center. When he was released, he was booked into Vista jail on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and felony driving under the influence. Miranda told CHP Officers that he does not remember being in an accident.
Last year, Vista High School conducted an “Every 15 Minutes” program that demonstrated the dangers of driving while under the influence. The school principal said that he cannot believe the program does not seem to have reached everyone. He could not believe there was a third fatal accident. Officer Newbury of the CHP teaches a class to educate teen drivers through the Carlsbad Police Department. His next class will be taught on Friday. Newbury hopes parents take the opportunity to educate their teens.
Our hearts go out to all the families who have lost loved ones in these tragic accidents. The unexpected loss of any family member causes unimaginable grief among the surviving family members. It is especially difficult for people to cope with the loss of a child or teenager.
A wrongful death claim is sometimes available to the survivors of those killed in tragic accidents. If you think you may have a claim for wrongful death, you need an empathetic and experienced attorney to help evaluate your case and options for legal recovery. The attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP have a long history of success with the most serious wrongful death cases. Contact the firm to ensure your legal rights are protected.
