Nicholas James Reynolds Hart, 22, a 2009 graduate of Poway High School, died when a Toyota Land Rover sped out of control into the wrong lane and slammed into his car, authorities said.

Hart was driving a Scion west on state Route 56 near Black Mountain Road about 9:45 a.m. Timothy Barnette, 18, of San Diego, was eastbound when he apparently lost control of his Land Rover, veered across a grassy highway divider and struck the Scion.

Hart lived in San Diego with his father and brother, the Medical Examiner’s Office said.

Barnette remained hospitalized Friday with major injuries, California Highway Patrol spokesman Jake Sanchez said. He said accident investigators believe Barnette was driving impaired by some substance other than alcohol, and that he may face criminal charges.

Cause of the San Diego County Crash

While this devastating San Diego County accident remains under investigation, the family members of the accident victim who was fatally  injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable  San Diego County wrongful death lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handled serious injury accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a personal injury claim.

 Impaired driving accidents and wrongful death liability