September 1, 2012—Santa Ysbael, CA—According to CNS News, authorities have identified the victims of a head-on car collision that occurred Tuesday on State Route 78 near Santa Ysabel. Two children and two adults were killed, and a number of others were injured.

The crash occurred around 3:15 p.m. and involved two vehicles. Mary Aguilar, 33, was driving eastbound with seven passengers, six of whom were children. A Pontiac Vibe driven by Francisco Perez, 33, crossed the center line and hit Aguliar’s vehicle head-on. Both drivers were killed instantly. Also killed were Camryn Aguilar, 7, and Jennifer Aguilar, 9, passengers in their mother’s car. Two other children and a passenger in the Vibe were also taken to the hospital with injuries.

My sincere condolences go out to the Aguilar family on their terrible loss.

Head-On Collisions Rare But Often Deadly

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, head-on collisions represent only two percent of all traffic accidents, but account for ten percent of all fatalities. The high level of fatality in these accidents is usually attributed to the fact that high-speed head-on impacts can push engine blocks forward into the driver and passenger seating areas, resulting in severe trauma. Passengers in the back are usually safer during a head-on collision than during other types of crashes.

The Cause of This Accident

The California Highway Patrol has not released a final report on the cause of the accident, but it is clear that the driver of the Vibe crossed into the path of the Aguilar’s vehicle. Whether the driver suffered a seizure or heart attack prior to the accident, whether he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or whether a mechanical failure on his car led to the accident is unknown at this time.

Who Is Liable?

Liability in this case seems relatively clear-cut, but a professional car accident attorney should examine the evidence of the case carefully. It is very possible that there are mitigating circumstances that may change the liability picture. For example, if it is found that the driver crossed the center line because of a tire blowout, the manufacturer of the defective tire could be liable rather than the driver himself. Similarly, if the driver suffered a seizure due to incorrect dosage of medication, the healthcare provider who prescribed the drug could have liability.