SOLVANG, CA (September 15, 2022) – Robert Garcia Jr. was one of four teens in a car that veered off the road in Solvang, resulting in his tragic death Monday night.
The accident occurred around 10:20 p.m. on the 1400 block of Ballard Canyon Road when Garcia drove the BMW sedan carrying three other passengers off the road.
The teenagers were between the ages of 18 and 19 and all four of them were in the vehicle that drove off Ballard Canyon Road. California Highway Patrol officials say that the car left the road, crashed into a tree, a fence, then rolled onto its roof where it finally came to a stop.
Three passengers were able to exit the vehicle, but Garcia had to be extricated later by emergency response.
Roberto Garcia Jr. was taken to Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital where he later died.
Three of the other passengers, all females from Santa Barbara County, suffered injuries ranging from moderate to major. Officers say that drugs or alcohol are not suspected factors in this crash.
Liability In Solvang 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 Roberto Garcia Jr.’s Solvang Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Roberto Garcia Jr. and we wish the injured women well and hope for speedy recoveries. 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 Solvang 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 (844) 966-0965.