A woman in her 70s was killed on Friday, May 26, when a bag of cement crashed through the windshield of an SUV she was a passenger in.

The fatal wreck occurred at the intersection of Route 52 and the 805 Freeway. The driver of a Chevrolet stake-bed truck lost control as he was exiting from the southbound 805 onto SR-52, and the pickup truck toppled and dumped its load, part of which fell off the connector. This is according to California Highway Patrol Affairs Officer Samuel Mendoza.

Broken windshield of crash vehicle

At least one bag of cement crashed through the windshield of the Mercedes-Benz SUV which was traveling eastbound, killing the woman at the scene. The woman’s name was not immediately available.

The drivers of both vehicles were uninjured, and the driver of the pickup truck told CHP officers that his vehicle overturned after the load in the flatbed shifted in its cargo bed on the curving roadway. Officers do not believe alcohol was involved in the crash.

The pickup truck was on an overpass, and the cement bags fell down several dozen feet when they hit the SUV. The overturned pickup truck was quite large, and the force at which the cement bags were thrown was likely incredible.

According to the Times of San Diego, both the 805 Freeway and Route 52 were closed for several hours after the crash took place.

“Tonight, this woman’s family are planning her funeral instead of enjoying time with her,” said San Diego truck accident attorney Brett Schreiber. “This kind of tragedy took a woman’s life who, although in her 70’s, may have had many more great years ahead of her. It’s incredibly sad, and our hearts go out to her.”

Anyone who has been injured in a truck accident in San Diego should call Singleton Schreiber at 619-771-3473 or email at info@singletonschreiber.com

805 Freeway Truck Accidents

San Diego, known for its bustling freeway system, experiences its fair share of pickup truck accidents. These incidents not only cause significant traffic disruptions but also pose serious safety concerns for both truck drivers and other motorists. 

Truck accidents on San Diego freeways can occur due to various reasons. Factors such as driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, improper lane changes, and mechanical failures can contribute to these incidents. Additionally, for work trucks, if they have supplies or equipment loaded the wrong way, this can cause a truck to tip over if it is traveling too fast. Poorly maintained vehicles, inadequate driver training, and overloaded cargo all play a role. It is crucial to address these underlying causes to mitigate the occurrence of truck accidents on San Diego freeways.

Pickup truck accidents on freeways in San Diego can have severe consequences. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks often result in devastating collisions, leading to significant property damage, injuries, and, in the worst cases, fatalities. The aftermath of such accidents includes traffic congestion, delays, and increased travel times, negatively affecting commerce and daily life in the region. Furthermore, truck accidents can result in legal disputes and hefty insurance claims, imposing substantial financial burdens on both individuals and businesses.

Efforts to reduce truck accidents on San Diego freeways involve a combination of driver education, regulatory enforcement, and infrastructure improvements. Implementing stricter regulations on trucking companies, such as enforcing mandatory rest periods and regular vehicle inspections, can enhance safety. Promoting driver training programs that emphasize defensive driving techniques and situational awareness is crucial. Additionally, improving freeway signage, maintaining clear visibility, and enhancing roadway design can contribute to accident prevention. Technological advancements, such as intelligent transportation systems and collision avoidance systems, can also play a significant role in reducing truck accidents.

“The driver and passengers in the Mercedes SUV weren’t even on the same freeway when this occurred,” said attorney Brett Schreiber. “When a work truck is poorly loaded, or when the safety precautions are not obeyed, this is the type of accident that can occur. Only an attorney who understands truck accident law, and who can help figure out lability in collisions like this can help. I hope the surviving family members contact a skilled pickup truck accident attorney who can fight for them and get them the compensation they deserve.”

Anyone who has been injured in a truck accident in San Diego should call Singleton Schreiber at 619-771-3473 or email at info@singletonschreiber.com