Investigators Revisit June Car Accident Scene in Hopes of Insight
Investigators closed off a three-mile section of Interstate 8 near Alpine Monday night with the agenda to uncover further details of a lethal car crash that happened in June. The crash claimed the lives of two victims, one of which was attempting to help rescue the other.
English: A car crash test (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
California Highway Patrol shut the roadway between Dunbar Lane/Harbison Canyon Road to Tavern Road. It remained closed from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. while a “sight-distance analysis” was being procured. This test will give investigators insight as to how far a driver could be expected to see on the dark stretch of roadway that has no artificial light.
U-T San Diego reported that Monday nights’ weather conditions were similar to those of the accident that happened on June 11 at 3 a.m. and should give results resembling those of the night when two victims were allegedly killed by a drunken driver.
Angela August a 25-year-old, of Alpine and Jimmy Arevalo, a 59-year-old of El Centro were killed in that collision. Authorities identified the suspect drunken driver as Sonny Hall, a 30-year-old of El Cajon.
According to CHP, August was heading east and was about to near west of Tavern Road when for unknown reasons she lost control of her 2009 Toyota Yaris. It caused the vehicle to roll until it landed on the fast lane.
Arevalo, who was in a Chevy Silverado on the same stretch of road, witnessed what had happened and contacted emergency services. He then pulled over and attempted to help.
While Arevalo was on the roadway, Hall was heading towards their direction and crashed her Audi A6 into the Yaris. August, who was sitting inside the Yaris at the time of the crash died at the scene with Arevalo.
When authorities arrived to the scene they handcuffed Hall. She was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. She was then released three days later and the charges were dropped. Charges could be filed against her by the District Attorney once the investigation is complete, however.
Investigators are hoping that results from the crash might give them an understanding as to why August crashed. Toxicology reports from the county Medical Examiner’s Office stated that she had a blood-alcohol level of 0.12 percent, which is a few points above the California legal limit.
Even after five months into the investigation Pennings told the news publication that the situation is extremely complex. And before they make any definitive statements, they will have to have gathered all the pieces of the puzzle first.
Accident investigations vary in length of time. Some may be shorter than others, while some may be longer, the ladder may cause financial stress and inconvenience. The Consumers’ Law Group is in the business of Justice and compensation and may be able to help you, give them a call today.
Reviewed by Chris H. in 2012.