A 34 year old woman was killed after the speeding pickup she was riding in swerved off the road and rolled down an embankment Monday evening in Escondido.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the woman was a rear-seat passenger in a 2007 Nissan Frontier pickup truck traveling northbound on rain-soaked Interstate 15 near Gopher Canyon Road just before 5 p.m. that lost control and rolled several times down an embankment before coming to rest on its wheels.

Reports indicated that the woman was thrown from the vehicle during the accident, and was pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics. Her identity has yet to be released.

The driver of the truck, a 62 year old man from Temecula, and another front seat passenger, a 61 year old woman also from Temecula, suffered moderate injuries and were taken to nearby Palomar Medical Center.

It was not immediately clear if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash, but an initial investigation has revealed that the vehicle was traveling at 70 miles per hour through heavy rain when control of the vehicle was lost and it began tumbling down the 200 to 300 foot embankment.

“70 miles per hour is too fast in a downpour but for whatever reason, the driver felt it was a safe speed,” said a resident in the area. “They clearly made a bad decision and I’m sure they would take it back if they could.”

Another commented that “That area is particularly dangerous. I have seen the tow trucks just sit there on the side of the road in rainy weather… [They] know they are going to be needed in the area and just sit by so they can be the first on the scene.”

Driving at high speeds in heavy rain is dangerous, and accidents like this are an all too often result. When the rain starts to fall, ease your foot off the gas pedal. It is much more difficult to maneuver and respond to obstacles in slippery situations, and losing control of a vehicle is extremely easy.

If you carry the unfortunate distinction of having been involved in an accident like this, you should seek out the legal assistance of a highly experienced San Diego car accident lawyer who can help you recover compensation for any damages you may have sustained.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we can help you get the justice you deserve from the liable parties involved in your accident. As always, we do not charge our clients a thing for our services until their case has been won. Call us today for a free evaluation and learn how we can help you onto the road to recovery.