It happened along Interstate 8 near the Grossmont Center mall
LA MESA, CA, (February 10, 2025) - A La Mesa couple was killed after their vehicle — which apparently broke down on Interstate 8 near the Grossmont Center mall Monday evening — was rear-ended by an SUV, according to authorities.
James Allina, 79, and his wife, 77-year-old Rosalyn, were both killed after their vehicle was rear-ended by an SUV on Interstate 8 near the Grossmont Center mall in La Mesa Monday evening, authorities said.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner's office identified the pair as James Allina, 79, and his wife, 77-year-old Rosalyn.
Based on preliminary reports, the Allinas were inside their 2004 Toyota sedan that was stalled in the No. 3 lane of the four-lane freeway. Around 7:30 p.m., the couple's Toyota was struck from behind by a 2016 Dodge SUV on the eastbound side of the freeway west of Fletcher Parkway in La Mesa. Following the initial crash, a 2017 Kia sedan collided with the SUV, per the California Highway Patrol.
Tragically, James and Rosalyn died as a result of injuries. A woman driving the Kia received minor injuries.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was the primary cause of fatal crashes in 2018, followed by the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication; failure to stay in the proper lane; failure to yield the right of way; and distracted driving.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, protecting their rights, while ensuring that a driver who does not obey traffic laws is held accountable for their actions,” Bond added.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of the Allinas may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation
(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).