SAN DIEGO COUNTY (June 6, 2022) – John Deltoro, 29, was identified as the Naval Special Warfare Officer who died in a car accident on Friday according to Navy Times.
Electronics Technician 2nd Class John Deltoro was killed in an accident when he and his fellow sailors were returning from training at Camp Billy Machen near Niland, which is approximately two hours east of San Diego.
Four other sailors assigned to the same unit as Deltoro were also injured in the accident, where two are said to be in critical condition, and the other two in stable condition.
Navy Times reports:
“John was one of our best combat support technicians, enabling our force to conduct highly complex and high-risk missions in the nation’s defense,” said Rear Adm. H.W. Howard III, the commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Command, in a statement.
John Deltoro was a native of Augusta, Georgia and had been serving in the Navy since 2012.
While the accident is under investigation, additional details regarding the cause and nature of the crash are still unknown.
UPDATE June 7, 2022: According to the California Highway Patrol, John Deltoro was in a Chevrolet Express van when it drove off the north side of the road and crashed into a boulder. The accident occurred on Interstate 8 near Carrizo Gorge, an hour east of San Diego. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.
Liability In San Diego Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A San Diego Car Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our deepest condolences to the family of John Deltoro, and thank him for his service. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a San Diego car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 395-7234.