Recently in Highway Accidents Category

August 31, 2010

Ontario Man Struck and Killed While Changing Tire on 57 Freeway

accident.jpgA 24-year-old Ontario man died early Sunday morning after he was struck by a car while changing a tire, the OC Register reported. The victim, Frank Nguyen, was standing outside his 2001 Acura Integra on the shoulder of the freeway at about 2:50 a.m. on the 57 Freeway near the 91 Freeway in Anaheim when his vehicle was struck by a 2010 Ford Expedition driven by Pedro Resendiz, 28, of Fullerton. According to the CHP, the Ford Expedition struck the Integra, which then struck Nguyen, who died at the scene of the accident. A 26-year-old woman with Nguyen was not hurt. Resendiz and three passengers in the Expedition were not injured.

Cause of the 57 Freeway Accident

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the fatal accident. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear why the driver of the Expedition was unable to avoid colliding with Nguyen's vehicle. The CHP will undoubtedly investigate whether the driver was impaired, distracted, or if something else caused him to lose control of the vehicle. At this point, there are more questions than answers as to what happened.

Potential Wrongful Death Liability

Recently there have been a number of tragic accidents involving a broken down vehicle on a freeway and an out-of-control vehicle striking it. Three people died in a crash on Highway 78 in San Diego County earlier this month in a similar accident where a vehicle had stopped because one of the occupants felt ill. These "freeway bystander" pedestrian accidents have unique legal issues. In situations such as this one, the family members of the victim may benefit from talking to an experienced and knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer about the family's potential rights to compensation in a wrongful death claim. An attorney who has represented victims of fatal accidents on freeway shoulders can help the victim's family protect their legal rights and advise them of their best course of action handling communications with the insurance companies following this tragic accident.

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August 31, 2010

Motorcyclist Struck and Killed in Crash on Moreno Valley Freeway

moreno-valley-freeway.jpgA 59-year-old Moreno Valley man tragically died Saturday after a woman driving a sedan allegedly cut off his Harley-Davidson, throwing him off his bike. The fatal Riverside County motorcycle accident happened Saturday, August 28, 2010, at about 12:45 p.m. on westbound State Route 60, about 500 feet east of Day Street in Moreno Valley. The Desert Sun reported the driver of a 1999 Daewoo Leganza, Stephanie Clation, 38, was travelling in the fast lane and the motorcyclist, Albert Jackson Welch, 59, was travelling in the carpool lane. When traffic started to slow, Clation allegedly swerved into the carpool lane and into Welch's path. Welch reportedly braked, but was unable to avoid striking the bumper of Clation's vehicle, and was ejected from his bike. Welch was rushed to Riverside County Regional Medical Center where he died about an hour after the crash.

Cause of the Fatal 60 Freeway Motorcycle Crash

The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the fatal crash. However, if news reports are correct, it appears that the driver of the sedan is likely responsible for causing this fatal accident. A charge of misdemeanor manslaughter will be sought against Clation, the Valley News reported.

Motorcycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that Clation is responsible for this fatal motorcycle accident, as it appears to be the case, she may face criminal charges for her actions that resulted in the death of Albert Welch. Additionally, she may be held financially responsible for her actions in a civil claim for wrongful death. In situations such as this one, where negligent or reckless driving is suspected to be the cause of a fatal accident, the family members of the victim may benefit from seeking counsel of an experienced and knowledgeable California motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney who specializes in motorcycle accidents can help the victim's family understand and protect their legal rights, and advise them of their best course of action going forward. Damages the family may be entitled to for their loss include money for funeral and burial expenses, future income and benefits, and loss of love, care, and companionship.

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August 31, 2010

Hemet Woman Killed in Head-on Crash on Highway 79

highway-79.jpgA 39-year-old Hemet tragically died last week when the vehicle she was driving was struck head-on by an oncoming vehicle, the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner reported in a press release. The fatal accident occurred on Monday, August 23, 2010, at about 7:00 a.m. on the Ramona Expressway, about ¾ of a mile west of Warren Avenue in San Jacinto.

The victim, Veronica Ochoa, was driving westbound on Highway 79, when, according to the CHP, an eastbound vehicle drifted into the path of her vehicle, causing a head-on collision. The 22-year-old driver of the eastbound vehicle, a resident of Yucca Valley, was taken to Riverside County Regional Medical Center for a possible broken foot. Ochoa was also taken to Riverside County Regional Center in Moreno Valley, where she died at 8:18 a.m.

Cause of the Highway 79 Head-on Collision

The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the Riverside County crash. If news reports in the Valley Chronicle are accurate, it appears that the driver of the eastbound vehicle may have caused the crash. It is unclear whether he was distracted or impaired, or if something malfunctioned mechanically in his vehicle that caused it to drift into oncoming traffic. The CHP will undoubtedly look at these and other factors in determining exactly what happened and why.

Potential Wrongful Death Liability

In situations such as this one, where a motorist is a victim of a fatal head-on collision that was likely not her fault, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking to a knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer. An attorney can help the family understand and protect their legal rights to compensation for their loss. Although no amount of money could ever undo the pain of losing a loved one unexpectedly, a wrongful death claim can hold an at-fault party financially responsible for their actions, and provide the family with money for funeral and burial expenses, the anticipated future financial income and earnings of the victim, and compensation for loss of love, care, solace and companionship. An experienced lawyer can explain the unique legal issues of a potential claim, and advise the family of their best course of action to protect their rights going forward.

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August 23, 2010

Diamond Bar Woman Killed in Suspected DUI Crash in Anaheim

ca-57.pngA 22-year-old Diamond Bar woman tragically was killed Sunday night in a likely alcohol-related crash in Anaheim, the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner reported. The accident occurred on the southbound 57 Freeway (Orange Freeway), near the 91 Freeway (Riverside Freeway), at about 11:15 p.m. on Sunday, August 22, 2010. The victim, Mai Hayakawa, 22, was a passenger in a 2003 Toyota Celica driven by Michael Keating, 24, of Fullerton.

Keating, who was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, was attempting to merge onto westbound 91. He reportedly sped up to pass a big-rig on the shoulder, and lost control of his vehicle. The Celica veered down an embankment and struck a palm tree. Hawakawa died at the scene of the crash. Keating and a 22-year-old woman in the backseat of the vehicle suffered minor injuries and were taken to UCI Medical Center.

Cause of the Crash

The cause of the fatal 57 Freeway crash remains under investigation by the CHP. However, if news reports are accurate, this fatal solo-vehicle Orange County crash was caused by the suspected drunk driver of the vehicle. Under the California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."

DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If Michael Keating is determined to have caused the accident, he may face criminal charges for driving under the influence of alcohol and the death he is suspected to have caused. In addition to criminal charges, he may also be held liable and financially responsible for Hayakawa's death in a California wrongful death claim. While this fatal 57 Freeway accident remains under investigation, the family members of Mai Hayakawa may benefit from talking to a Southern California drunk driving injury lawyer about this accident and the family's legal rights and options. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include compensation for final medical expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings of the decedent, and loss of love, care and companionship.

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August 19, 2010

Monterey Man Killed in Truck Rollover Crash on Highway 46

A 39-year-old Monterey man sadly died Wednesday night, a few hours after he was severely injured in a rollover accident on Highway 46 in Kern County, the CHP reported. The accident occurred on Hwy 46, just west of Highway 33, around 7:30 p.m. Officials said Elliot Mora, 39, was driving a Ford F-150 pickup truck eastbound on the Highway, when for unknown reasons, he lost control of his vehicle. The truck overturned numerous times, and Mora was ejected. He suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Kern Medical Center. He died at 11:10 p.m., ABC News said.

Cause of the Fatal Highway 46 Crash

The CHP is investigating the cause of the crash. Based on the information provided in news reports, it was unclear why Elliot Mora lost control of the vehicle. At this point there are only questions as to what occurred. What happened, who was responsible, and could anything have been done to prevent this tragic fatal accident? The CHP reported that alcohol or drug use was not suspected to be a factor in the August 18th accident.

Solo Vehicle Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

Solo-occupant, solo-vehicle fatality accidents raise a number of questions as to why a crash occurred and who was responsible. Did the accident occur because of the driver, a defect in the vehicle, or the condition of the road? In cases such as this one, where the cause of a crash is unclear, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to talk to a knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer about the fatal accident and the unique liability issues involved. An attorney can look at the accident report, and if necessary, arrange to have the vehicle, as well as the location of the crash, inspected. If negligence was a factor in the accident, the family may be entitled to compensation for their loss, including damages for funeral and burial expenses, the decedent's future lost earnings, and loss of love, care and companionship.

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August 10, 2010

Multiple Fatalities and Major Injuries Reported in Highway 395 Crash Near Bishop

395-bishop.jpgThe Los Angeles Times reported today that six people were killed in a horrific crash on Highway 395 Monday night, about five miles south of Bishop in Inyo County. The August 9th accident, which involved a southbound SUV and a northbound Ford Econoline van, happened just after 8 p.m. The driver of the SUV lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons, and drifted off the shoulder, across the center median, and into the van carrying athletes from California Baptist University in Riverside. The SUV burst into flames following the collision.

The SUV was believed to be carrying athletes on a cross-country running team from the San Diego area. The injured victims included Derek Randal Thomas, 19, of Encinitas, who was flown to West Hills Hospital in Reno, Nevada with major injuries. Drew Constantine Delis, 22, of Encinitas, who also suffered major injuries, was transported to San Joaquin Community Hospital in Bakersfield.

The LA Times reported that eleven student athletes from Cal Baptist were taken to area hospitals with minor to serious injuries: David Solis, 19, of Corona; Alyssa Neimeyer, 19, of Temecula; Brenda Perez, 20, of Riverside; Alicia Catanese, 21, of Corona; Kayla M. Beaudoin, 19, of Corona; Jennifer McGuire, 17, of Stevenson Ranch; Miguel Angel Gonzalez, 18, of Hacienda Heights; Marissa Benson, 18, of Gresham, Ore; Jonathan Hernandez, 18, of Moreno Valley; Jonathan Monteon, 18, of Chino; and Hanna Ingulsrud, 19, of Ontario.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

The cause of the August 9th crash remains under investigation. Based on the information provided in initial news reports, it is not clear who was responsible for this accident.

Highway accidents have unique and complex legal issues. In situations such as this one, while the accident is still being investigated by the California Highway Patrol, the injured victims and their families would be well-advised to contact a California personal injury lawyer. An attorney who has represented passenger victims of Highway 395 crashes can help the victims protect their legal rights following a mass casualty accident such as this one. Whether this accident was caused by a negligent driver, or a defect in one of the vehicles, an experienced highway accident lawyer will be able to help the victims protect their rights and ultimately recover the compensation they are entitled to for their injuries, or the wrongful death of a loved one.

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August 9, 2010

Twentynine Palms Woman Struck and Killed on Highway 62

hwy-62-encelia-eb.jpgThe San Bernardino Sun reported a 48-year-old Twentynine Palms woman died Sunday evening when she was struck by a car on Highway 62. According to news reports, the victim, Sandra Dawn Cox, was struck by a 2005 Chrysler 300 driven by Lacey Barker, 19, also of Twentynine Palms. The fatal pedestrian accident was reported on Highway 62, at Encelia Avenue, at 7:14 p.m.

Cause of the Fatal Pedestrian Accident

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner, the cause of the accident remains under investigation. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear exactly what happened, and if the driver of the Chrysler was in fact responsible for the accident Law enforcement will surely look at speed, possible driver or pedestrian impairment, and other factors in determining the cause of the August 8th car vs. pedestrian accident and who was responsible.

Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the Chrysler is responsible for this accident, she may be held liable for Cox's death in a wrongful death claim. Without more information, it is impossible to tell if this is the case. While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, the family members of Sandra Cox may benefit from speaking to a San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyer about this crash and the family's possible rights in a wrongful death claim. A knowledgeable lawyer who has successfully represented victims of fatal highway pedestrian accidents can explain the family's legal rights and options, and best course of action going forward.

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August 4, 2010

Three People Injured in 405 Freeway Crash in Westwood

los-angeles-road-signs.jpgThree people were taken to Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center following a collision Tuesday night on the 405 Freeway in Westwood, the Beverly Hills Courier reported. The accident was reported south of Santa Monica Boulevard at 10:42 p.m. on August 3rd. One of the vehicles involved in the crash was a Caltrans work truck. The CHP is investigating the cause of this accident. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why this accident occurred, or who was responsible.

405 Freeway Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

People are seriously injured every day in accidents on southern California freeways. For every person that dies in an accident, about 70 people are injured. When another driver's negligent actions cause a crash, injured victims may be entitled to monetary damages. After a car accident such as this one on the 405 Freeway, injured victims (the not-at-fault parties) are well-advised to consult with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer about their legal rights to compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. A skilled lawyer can help the victims understand and protect their rights and recover the maximum compensation they are entitled to.

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August 3, 2010

Major Injuries in Jeep Grand Cherokee Rollover Near Barstow

i-15-and-ca-58-eb.jpgFour people were hurt in a SUV rollover accident Tuesday afternoon in Barstow, the Desert Dispatch reported. The solo-vehicle accident, which involved a Jeep Grand Cherokee, occurred near the intersection of CA State Route 58 and Interstate 15. According to the CHP, the tread separated on one of the rear tires on the Jeep, causing the driver of the vehicle to lose control and veer off the freeway. Two of the occupants in the vehicle suffered major injuries and were airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center; two others with less serious injuries were taken by ambulance to Barstow Hospital. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the San Bernardino SUV rollover accident.

Tire Blowouts and SUV Rollovers on I-15

On March 21st of this year, a San Bernardino woman who was a passenger in a 1995 Jeep died in a solo-vehicle rollover accident on Interstate 15 in San Bernardino caused by a tire blowout. This July 3rd Jeep rollover accident, and the one earlier this year in March, are both examples of the serious consequences of tire blowouts at highway speeds. There have been a number of other serious injury and fatal vehicle rollovers on I-15 this year involving pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Tire blowouts have a number of causes, including underinflation, overinflation, overloading, negligent maintenance, road debris, negligent installation and structural defects.

Potential Personal Injury Liability

In any accident where a defect in a vehicle is a potential contributing factor to a collision, the vehicle must be preserved for inspection and testing. The vehicle itself is valuable evidence that can establish what happened in an accident. In situations such as this one, the family members of the injured victims would be well-advised to contact a California SUV rollover accident lawyer about this accident and whether a defect in the tire caused this accident. If the accident was caused by a tire defect, the injured victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries from the manufacturer of the tire or the vehicle. A lawyer who has successfully represented victims of SUV rollovers can help the injured victims protect their rights and recover the maximum compensation they may be entitled to for their injuries.

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July 30, 2010

Three People Injured in Big Rig Crash on Interstate 5 in Valencia

interstate-5-newhall-eb.jpgThree people were injured, including one critically, Friday morning in a crash on Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles, Mercury News reported. The crash, which occurred in the northbound lanes of the freeway in the Valencia area at about 11:17 a.m., involved a small car being involved between two trucks. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear how this crash occurred or who was at fault. The California Highway Patrol is investigating.

This accident is just another example of the severe damage a tractor-trailer can cause. Semi-trucks can weigh up to 40 times more than a small passenger vehicle, and are responsible for several hundred fatal accidents and more than 3,000 injury accidents each year in California alone. We hope the three injured parties involved in this crash make a full and quick recovery from their serious injuries sustained in this July 30th truck accident.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident?

In accidents involving only passenger vehicles, most of the time fault and liability is attributed to one of the drivers. However, in trucking accidents, there are often multiple parties that may be liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer of the truck or truck parts, the company or individuals responsible for maintaining the truck, the shipping company, and others. It is always a good idea to contact an attorney soon after any accident; however, in truck accidents, it is especially important. The trucking company will fight liability and do everything to limit the amount of compensation a victim ultimately receives, including presenting evidence to suggest an injured party is responsible for a crash.

Truck Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

The injured victims of this accident would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles truck accident attorney as soon as possible who can review the accident report and advise of their legal rights and options to pursue compensation in a personal injury claim. Accidents involving big-rigs and semi-trucks have very unique legal issues due to the federal laws governing the trucking industry. A skilled truck accident lawyer can advise the victims of their best course of action following this crash to ensure they receive the maximum, full and fair compensation for their injuries.

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July 27, 2010

Four People Injured in Chain Reaction Crash on Interstate 10

i-10-palmsprings-eb.jpgFour people were injured in a chain-reaction accident on eastbound Interstate 10 Monday afternoon, the Desert Sun reported. The crash occurred at 2:40 p.m., west of Haugen-Lehmann Way in the Whitewater area. Accordinto to California Highway Patrol reports, five vehicles were involved in the crash. One of the vehicles, a truck, overturned, and at least one person had to be freed from a vehicle by firefighters. Four people were taken by ambulance to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. No one died in the accident.

Cause of the Interstate 10 Crash

The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident. According to news reports, the incident began when a driver cut off another driver, who honked his horn. The driver of the car that cut off the driver swerved back and collided with the other vehicle. Based on these reports, road rage, defined as violent behavior exhibited by drivers in traffic, may have played a role in the crash. Honking, flashing lights, rude gestures, or intentionally causing a collision are all manifestations of road rage, which is a serious public safety concern. Drivers who exhibit road rage may have their license suspected under California Vehicle Code Section 13210 and held liable for the injuries they cause.

Highway Pileups and Personal Injury Liability

Multi-vehicle accidents on freeways can be complex insurance matters. While this Interstate 10 Whitewater accident remains under investigation, the injured victims of this accident would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California auto accident attorney familiar with the unique legal issues of multi-vehicle crashes on interstate highways. A skilled lawyer can help the victims protect their rights and recover the maximum financial compensation they are entitled for their injuries, including their medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering. In any accident resulting in injury, it is always advisable to speak to a personal injury attorney before discussing an accident with an insurance adjustor.

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July 27, 2010

Lucerne Valley Man Killed in Highway 18 Motorcycle Crash

hwy-18-lucerne-eb.jpgThe San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner reported that Benjamin Anthony Romero, 35, of Lucerne Valley, tragically died Monday night in a motorcycle accident on Highway 18. The Lucerne Valley crash occurred in the eastbound lanes of the highway, near Cody Road, at 8:25 p.m. on July 26, 2010.

According to news reports, Romero collided with the side of a 2004 Dodge pickup truck that was in front of him, when it made a right turn. The impact forced him off the bike. He was then struck by a westbound 2005 Ford pickup truck.

Cause of the Highway 18 Motorcycle Crash

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the accident. Based on the limited information provided in news reports of this incident, it is impossible to tell who was responsible for the crash. The CHP will surely look at factors such as the speed of the motorcycle, and both pickup trucks, as well as possible impairment of any other drivers, and whether or not the Dodge made a safe turning maneuver.

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July 26, 2010

23-Year-Old San Bernardino Man Killed in 215 Freeway Crash

north-21503b.jpgA 23-year-old San Bernardino man died early Saturday morning in a SUV rollover crash on the 215 Freeway, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reported. The accident occurred in the northbound lanes of the Freeway, south of Ninth Street, at 3:11 a.m. According to news reports, Gustavo Osegueram was a passenger in a black 1997 Honda Passport that struck a concrete construction barrier and flipped over a wall. Osegueram died at the scene of the crash. It was not clear if the driver was injured, or if there were any other passengers in the vehicle.

Our condolences go out to the family of Gustavo Osegueram and everyone who knew and loved this young man. Please keep his family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Cause of the 215 Freeway Accident

Based on the limited information provided in news reports of this July 24th accident, the cause of the crash is unclear. At this point, there are more questions than answers as to what happened. The California Highway Patrol is investigating whether this crash was caused by the driver of the Honda Passport (such as falling asleep under the wheel, driving under the influence of alchol, or speeding), a mechanical malfunction in the sport utility vehicle (such as a tire blowout or steering failure), or a dangerous road condition on the highway.

Passenger Fatalities and Wrongful Death Liability

Accidents involving sport-utility-vehicle rollovers and passenger deaths have unique legal issues. Investigators must look at both the cause of the crash, and the way the passenger died. Was the passenger's death caused by the design of the vehicle, or the accident itself? In situations such as this one, where a passenger is the victim of an SUV rollover accident, the victim's family would be well-advised to contact a California wrongful death attorney to discuss the facts of the accident, who was responsible, and who may be liable for the victim's funeral and burial expenses, future lost earnings and benefits, and the family's loss of love, care, and companionship.

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July 23, 2010

Man Seriously Injured After Box Truck Crashes Into Disabled Audi on 60 Freeway

CA-60.pngThe driver of a Audi A4 sedan suffered major injuries to his head, pelvis, and chest after a bobtail box truck crashed into his vehicle on Thursday on the 60 (Pomona) Freeway. According to news reports in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the Audi was stopped on the shoulder on the eastbound 60 Freeway at Nogales Street in Rowland Heights when the box truck veered into it, pushing it forward between 200 and 300 feet. The injured driver of the Audi, who was not identified, was taken to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.

Cause of the July 22nd 60 Freeway Accident

The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident. Based on the news reports, it is not clear why the driver of the box truck veered into the Audi. In their investigation, the CHP will look at factors such as driver impairment, driver distraction, vehicle speed, and even possible mechanical malfunction. We hope the man driving the Audi is okay and makes a full recovery from his undoubtedly very serious injuries. Please keep him in your prayers.

Personal Injury Liability

If the driver of the box truck is determined to be responsible for striking the Audi and severely injuring its driver, he or she may be liable for the man's injuries. If the box-truck was rented or owned by the man's employer, the rental company or employer may also be liable for the victim's injuries. In situations such as this one, where another party is likely responsible for someone else's serious injuries, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a Los Angeles auto accident attorney as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer can help the victim and his family protect their legal rights and recover the maximum compensation for his medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

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July 20, 2010

Two Killed, Two Injured in Interstate 10 Head-On Collision

i-10-blythe-eb.jpgTwo women died Saturday in a violent head-on collision on Interstate 10 near Blythe, the Desert Sun reported. The July 17th accident occurred at about 9:40 a.m. on westbound I-10, approximately three miles east of Corn Springs Road. According to news reports, Kimiko Kamita, 79, of Scottsdale Arizona, was driving her 2005 Toyota Avalon eastbound on Interstate 10, when for unknown reasons, her vehicle crossed the median into westbound traffic, where it collided head-on with a pickup truck.

Kimiko Kamita was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center, where she died shortly before 11:30 a.m. The driver of the 2006 Ford pickup truck, Eduardo Del Toro, 61, of Queen Creek, Arizona, suffered only minor injuries. A passenger in the vehicle, Ofelia Tallon, 83, of Queen Creek, was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where she died around 1:30 p.m.. A 53-year-old woman in the Ford pickup truck suffered major injuries and was also taken to Desert Regional Medical Center. The CHP reported all of the parties involved in the Riverside County crash were wearing their seatbelts.

Cause of the Crash

If news reports are accurate, it appears that this accident was the result of the driver of the Avalon losing control of her vehicle and ending up going in the wrong direction on Interstate 10. The CHP is looking into why this occurred, and whether the accident was caused by the driver herself, or a defect or malfunction in her vehicle, or even possibly a dangerous condition on the highway that caused her to lose control of the car.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear who caused this accident, although it is evident that the driver of the pickup truck was not responsible. While the crash remains under investigation, the family of the victims in the Ford truck would be well-advised to talk to a California personal injury lawyer about the unique legal issues (including possible auto defect issues) of this Interstate 10 accident and protecting their rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. If the accident was the result of a malfunction in the Toyota, the manufacturer could be responsible and liable for the injuries and deaths of all involved parties.

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