Vehicle crossed center line striking westbound Jetta near Coyote Ridge
February 11, 2026 | Crest, CA
Josefina Sanchez, a 72-year-old resident of Ramona and grandmother of three, tragically passed away following a recent personal loss—her husband died of a heart attack in Michoacan, Mexico.
The collision unfolded in the Crest area of San Diego County, as reported by the California Highway Patrol.
Josefina Sanchez, 72, died in a head-on crash after a Chevrolet Silverado crossed the centerline and struck her Volkswagen Jetta on La Cresta Road near Coyote Ridge in the Crest area of San Diego County.
What Happened in the Crash?
A Chevrolet Silverado driver heading east on La Cresta Road veered across the center line shortly before 3 p.m. on Feb. 11, striking Sanchez's oncoming 2012 Volkswagen Jetta near Coyote Ridge. Emergency responders declared Sanchez deceased on-site, while the other motorist received treatment for serious injuries at a nearby facility.
- Date and Time: Feb. 11, around 3 p.m.
- Location: La Cresta Road near Coyote Ridge, Crest, CA
- Vehicles Involved: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, westbound, and Chevrolet Silverado, eastbound
- Outcome: One fatality, Josefina Sanchez, and one person hospitalized with major injuries
- Suspected Factor: Alcohol impairment
The CHP's El Cajon office is actively investigating the crash, focusing on potential impairment.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Such head-on incidents frequently arise from impaired judgment, where substances compromise a driver's ability to maintain lane discipline. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) underscores that these risks extend beyond perceived intoxication, affecting reaction times and decision-making.
Year Range |
Annual Drunk Driving Fatalities (NHTSA Data) |
Key Contributing Factors |
|---|
2012-2021 |
Approximately 10,850 |
Alcohol impairment, speeding, distraction |
Recent Trends |
Over 13,000 in 2021 alone |
Failure to stay in lane, reckless driving |
This summary draws from NHTSA statistics to illustrate the ongoing threat of impaired operation on roads like La Cresta.
Legal Insights
Analysts offer broad guidance on impairment-related collisions, stressing the importance of thorough inquiries and legal recourse.
“In cases such as this, drivers impaired by alcohol face criminal charges if their actions result in harm or death,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Families may also pursue civil compensation to address losses from the incident.”
- Investigations typically include tests for blood-alcohol content to identify additional causes.
- Civil suits can seek reimbursement for burial costs, medical bills, and suffering endured.
- Legal support helps families assert rights and ensure accountability for negligent conduct.
“Wrongful death occurs when negligence, like driving under the influence, leads to a fatality,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Families have options for civil claims against at-fault drivers in such vehicle accidents.”
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(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).