Over the last weekend of April 2025, three separate traffic accidents claimed the lives of San Diego residents.
The first incident occurred around midday Saturday, May 10, in eastern Chula Vista. Jeremy Valencia, a 34-year-old San Diego resident, was riding with a group of motorcyclists when he crashed at the intersection of Otay Lakes Road and Wueste Road. Valencia was transported to Scripps Mercy Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead at approximately 12:45 pm, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Later that same afternoon, around 6:00 pm, another fatal crash occurred. Zechariah Lanier, a 23-year-old man from Lemon Grove, died when his vehicle veered off an elevated freeway connector and landed on the westbound lanes of State Route 94, just east of I-15. Authorities confirmed that Lanier died at the scene.
The third deadly crash happened Sunday evening, May 11, around 8:00 pm in La Mesa. A 2017 Ducati motorcycle carrying two riders collided head-on with a 2019 Ford Explorer at the intersection of Avocado Boulevard and Explorer Road. The motorcyclist, 22-year-old Roby Roel of El Cajon, was pronounced dead at the scene. His 20-year-old female passenger was seriously injured and transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital. The SUV driver, a 40-year-old La Mesa man, sustained minor injuries.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a serious accident in San Diego, don’t wait to seek support. Contact Singleton Schreiber today to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.
The Ongoing Dangers of Traffic Accidents in San Diego
These tragic incidents highlight the ongoing dangers drivers and motorcyclists face on San Diego roads. While traffic accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, certain risk factors increase the chances of severe or fatal crashes.
Common causes of traffic accidents in the San Diego area include:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving (including texting or using a phone)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor road conditions or a lack of signage
- Unsafe lane changes or failing to yield
- Mechanical failures or defective vehicle parts
Motorcyclists, in particular, face added vulnerability due to the lack of protection a bike offers in comparison to a passenger vehicle.
“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of Jeremy Valencia, Zechariah Lanier, Roby Roel, and the others involved in these fatal collisions,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “These devastating crashes serve as a painful reminder of just how quickly lives can be changed forever. We’ve helped many families navigate the aftermath of tragedies such as these, and we are here to support anyone who needs guidance in the wake of a fatal accident.”
Understanding Legal Options for Victims and Their Families
Each of the recent fatal accidents in San Diego presents different circumstances, and with them, different legal pathways for justice and recovery.
For the fatal motorcycle crash in Chula Vista, Jeremy Valencia’s family may have the following options:
- Wrongful death claim if evidence shows road hazards, defective motorcycle parts, or third-party negligence contributed to the crash
- Product liability claim if a mechanical failure or manufacturing defect is suspected
- A claim against a governmental entity responsible for road maintenance, if poor road design, lack of signage, or dangerous conditions played a role in the fatal crash
For the fatal freeway fall crash on SR-95, Zechariah Lanier’s family may have the following options:
- Wrongful death claim if a roadway defect, lack of protective barriers, or dangerous roadway design is determined to be a contributing factor
- Claims against vehicle manufacturers if mechanical failure, such as brake malfunction or steering failure, is suspected
- Government liability claim if inadequate signage, lighting, or guardrails contributed to the crash
For the fatal head-on collision in La Mesa, Roby Roel’s family may have the following options:
- Wrongful death claim if the SUV driver was at fault or partially at fault
- Product liability claim if the motorcycle had mechanical issues contributing to the crash
The injured passenger involved in the crash with Roel may be able to obtain compensation through a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. She may obtain compensation for damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- And more
The SUV driver involved in that same collision may be eligible to seek compensation for property damage, medical bills, and more if Roel is found to be at fault for causing the accident.
In all of these cases, an experienced personal injury attorney can help the victims and their families understand their options and choose the best path forward. If you or a loved one were affected by one of these tragic accidents in San Diego, call Singleton Schreiber today to schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate attorneys. Call us at (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today.
