Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

A 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.

Continue reading "Hemet Woman Killed in Head-on Crash on Highway 79 " »

The Southwest Riverside News Network reported two compact cars collided Sunday on Gilman Springs Road, seriously injuring four people. According to California Highway Patrol dispatchers, the accident occurred on Gilman Springs Road (CA State Route 79) at Sublette Road in the San Gorgino Pass, at 2:12 p.m.

Witnesses told investigators that one of the vehicles drifted out of its lane onto oncoming traffic and struck the other vehicle head on. One person suffered severe injuries; the other three suffered moderate injuries. The CHP kept Gilman Springs Road closed until nearly 4 p.m., while the cause of the collision was investigated.

Head-On Crash Personal Injury Liability

Head-on collisions cause very serious injuries, and can be the result of unsafe passing, or lane departures, where one motorist drifts into oncoming traffic for one reason or another. Based on the limited information provided in news reports, it is not clear why this July 4th Riverside County crash occurred, or who was at fault. While the accident remains under investigation, the victims of this accident would be well-advised to talk to an experienced Riverside personal injury attorney about this head-on crash and the liability issues involved. A skilled attorney can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights, and advise them of their legal options and responsibilities to pursue maximum financial compensation in a personal injury claim.

Continue reading "Four People Injured July 4 in Head-On Collision North of San Jacinto " »