Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

A 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.

Continue reading "Ontario Man Struck and Killed While Changing Tire on 57 Freeway" »

A 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.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Struck and Killed in Crash on Moreno Valley Freeway " »

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 " »

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.

Continue reading "Monterey Man Killed in Truck Rollover Crash on Highway 46 " »

A 20-year-old San Bernardino man died early Sunday morning after he was struck by a truck while walking to his parked car, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The August 15th pedestrian accident occurred at around 3:13 a.m., in the 2100 block of N Sierra Way in San Bernardino. Police said Mario Antonio Flores Topete was struck by a a 2000 Chevy Pickup truck driven by Augustine Ramirez, of San Bernardino. Topete was taken to St. Bernardine Medical Center where he died. Ramirez reportedly fled the scene but was arrested a short time later on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter. He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact Detective Carlson at 909-384-5664 or Sgt. R. Lawhead at 909-384-5738.

Cause of the Fatal Accident

The San Bernardino Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident. The Press-Enterprise stated that Ramirez was reportedly under the influence of alcohol when the accident occurred.

Wrongful Death Liability

If this fatal accident was indeed caused by the suspected drunk driver, he may face criminal charges for the death of Mario Topete. Additionally, Ramirez may be held financially responsible for Topete's death in a California wrongful death claim. Damages awarded to the family of a victim of wrongful death may be substantial, and include compensation for final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings of the victim, and loss of love, care and companionship. In situations such as this one, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to contact a knowledgeable San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible who can help them understand and protect their legal rights.

Continue reading "San Bernardino Man Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident " »

The Associated Press reported that at least eight people died and twelve people were seriously injured Saturday night when a truck plowed into a crowd at the California 200, a race for off-highway vehicles north of Highway 247 in San Bernardino County. The crash happened at 7:51 p.m., about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles near the Lucerne Valley.

One of the off-road racers participating in the crash, Brett M. Sloppy, 28, of San Marcos, lost control of his white truck at a spot called the "rock pile", shortly after the race started. The driver was reportedly not hurt. Witnesses described the scene as "complete chaos" and said "bodies were everywhere."

Because of the remote location of the crash, it took rescue units a half hour to reach the location. Ten emergency aircraft responded and 12 people were flown to Southern California hospitals. Victims included four men from the San Diego area, Brian Wolfin, 27, of Escondido, Anthony Sanchez, 23, of Escondido, and Aaron Farkas, 25, also of Escondido, and Michael James Dickinson, 34 of Spring Valley, and a woman from Las Vegas, Danica Frantzich, 20. Other victims were identified as Andrew Therrin, 22, of Riverside, Zachary Freeman, 24, of Fillmore and Dustin Malson, 24, of Ventura. The name of the eighth victim was not immediately released.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the 200 mile race where the accident occurred was held at Soggy Dry Lake on federal desert land just east of the San Bernardino Mountains. The only way to reach the location of the accident is via a six-mile dirt road off of California State Route 247. Some off-duty police and firefighters who were spectators at the event helped the injured and placed blankets over the deceased.

Cause of the August 14th Accident

Based on the limited information provided in news reports, the cause of this horrific crash is not clear. The California Highway Patrol has begun their investigation to see if this crash was caused by driver error or a defect in one of the vehicles. It was not evident who was the owner of the truck. The San Jose Mercury News reported that the Bureau of Land Management issued a statement saying safety was the responsibility of the race organizer, Mojave Desert Racing, based in South El Monte.

Liability for Injuries and Deaths

Spectators attending the race were not protected by barriers. The promoters of races such as the California 200 may not employ the proper amount of manpower to keep spectators a safe distance away from racing vehicles. Instead, promoters rely on federal and state land managers who are responsible for patrolling the desert. Due to high temperatures in the desert areas where races are permitted, races are often held at night. Bystanders have been killed or injured at other off-road races, including the Baja 1000 and the Dakar Rally, according to a report in the New York Times.

In situations such as this one, victims and their families would be encouraged to contact a California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Because of unique liability issues of these type of event bystander accidents, victims and their families have only a limited amount of time to pursue compensation for their injuries or a loved one's wrongful death. If you would like to know more about your legal rights as an injured bystander or the family of someone who was killed in this crash, contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your potential case and rights to compensation from whoever is responsible for the accident.

Continue reading "Eight Spectators Killed, Dozens Injured in Off-Road Accident at California 200 OHV Race " »

A 60-year-old Rancho Cucamonga man died Monday night when he was struck by a car while crossing the street, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reported. The fatal accident occurred at 8:24 p.m. Monday, August 9th, on Grove Avenue, south of Bowen Street in Upland. According to news reports, the victim, Louis Chambers, was not in a crosswalk when he attempted crossing Grove Avenue. He was subsequently struck by a southbound Toyota Corolla. Chambers was rushed to San Antonio Community Hospital, where he died less than 30 minutes after the accident. The driver of the Corolla, David Martinez, 22, of Upland, reportedly saw Chambers prior to the collision and attempted to stop, but was unable to. The front of his Toyota Corolla struck Chambers and ejected him from his wheelchair.

Cause of the Upland Pedestrian Accident

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Based on the information provided in news reports, it is not clear whether the driver of the Corolla was at fault. Even though he was not cited or arrested at the scene, he still may be determined responsible pending the investigation. If the driver of the Corolla was speeding, or otherwise driving negligently so that he should have seen Chambers, he may be found responsible.

Pedestrian Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

Wheelchair-bound pedestrians are unfortunately somewhat common victims of fatal accidents. 75% of pedestrian-vehicle accidents occur at non-intersections. While crossing the street outside of a crosswalk increases a pedestrian's risk of being struck, an accident still may be the fault of the driver. In situations such as this one, while an accident is still under investigation, the family members of the victims are well-advised to contact a San Bernardino pedestrian accident lawyer about the family's rights in a wrongful death claim. If the driver is determined to be responsible, he may be liable for the victim's final medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, future anticipated income, and loss of love, care, and companionship. A lawyer who has successfully represented victims of wheelchair pedestrian accidents can advise the victim's family of their legal rights and best course of action going forward.

Continue reading "Man Crossing Street in Wheelchair Struck and Killed in Upland " »

The 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.

Continue reading "Multiple Fatalities and Major Injuries Reported in Highway 395 Crash Near Bishop " »

The 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.

Continue reading "Twentynine Palms Woman Struck and Killed on Highway 62 " »

A 21-year-old Rialto man was tragically killed early Tuesday morning in a solo-vehcle crash on Lone Pine Canyon Road, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The August 3rd San Bernardino County crash happened around 1 a.m. near Swarthout Canyon Road. According to news reports, the victim, Luke Eller, was a seat-belted passenger in a silver 2010 Mazda. While travelling at least 50 mph eastbound on Lone Pine Canyon Road, the driver of the Mazda, Daniel Sigala, 20, of Phelan, lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons. The Mazda overturned and Eller was partially ejected. He was taken to Desert Valley Hospital in Victorville, where he died at 2:27 a.m.

Sigala left the scene of the accident without reporting the collision to authorities, and was later taken to the hospital by a friend. The accident remains under investigation. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Victorville CHP office at (760) 241-1186.

Passenger Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

As a restrained passenger in the vehicle, Eller likely could have done nothing to prevent this horrific accident that ultimately took his life. While the cause of this accident remains under investigation by the CHP, the surviving family members of Luke Eller may benefit from speaking to a knowledgeable San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer experienced in the unique liability issues of solo vehicle accidents and passenger fatalities.

An experienced lawyer can review the accident report, and if necessary, hire an independent investigator to help the family understand who was responsible for this accident. If the crash was caused by the negligence of the driver, a defect in the vehicle, a hazard in the roadway or other dangerous road condition, an attorney can help the victim's family hold the party or parties responsible for this crash accountable. Damages awarded for a passenger's wrongful death may include compensation for final medical expenses, anticipated lifetime earnings of the victim, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care and companionship.

Continue reading "Passenger Killed in Solo-Vehicle Crash Near Lyttle Creek " »

A 79-year-old Glendora man tragically died Tuesday afternoon, about 6 hours after he was struck by a Toyota Corolla while out on a morning walk, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported yesterday. According to news reports, the victim, Theodore McElligatt, was crossing the street at about 7:30 a.m. at the intersection of Bennett Avenue and Vista Bonita Avenue when he was hit by the Toyota. He suffered severe injuries and was flown to USC Medical Center where he reportedly died of his injuries at about 1:30 p.m.

Our condolences go out to Theodore McElligatt for their loss. Please keep his family in your prayers during this surely very difficult time.

Cause of the Glendora Pedestrian Accident

The cause of the fatal Glendora pedestrian accident remains under investigation. Based on the limited details provided in news reports, it is unclear why the woman driving the Toyota did not stop her vehicle before striking McElligatt. Was she distracted, speeding, or did something malfunction in her vehicle? At this point, there are more questions than answers as to why this accident occurred. Although the driver was not cited or arrested at the scene, she could still be found responsible pending the outcome of the investigation.

Possible Wrongful Death Liability

If the driver of the vehicle is determined to have caused this accident, she may be liable for the wrongful death of McElligatt. While this accident remains under investigation, the family of the victim may benefit from talking to a Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer about their possible rights to compensation in a wrongful death claim. A skilled lawyer who has successfully represented victims of fatal pedestrian accidents can help the family understand the unique legal issues of this accident and advise them of their best course of action to hold the at-fault party accountable for their devastating loss.

Continue reading "Glendora Man Struck and Killed While Crossing Street " »

A violent head-on crash Friday afternoon in eastern Los Angeles County tragically left one person dead and eight others injured, the Southwest Riverside News Network reported. The accident occurred on Valyermo Road east of 157th Street East at about 2:57 p.m. Friday. According to reports by the CHP, a 1987 Honda According was travelling west on Valyermo Road, while at the same time, a 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage was travelling eastbound.

The driver of the Honda, Jonathan Maze, 19, of Palmdale, apparently failed to make the curve, and drifted into eastbound lanes where the Honda collided head-on with the Mitsubishi Mirage. The impact caused the Honda Accord to overturn.

One of the passengers, a 25-year-old Palmdale man, died of his injuries at the scene of the crash. The driver of the Honda suffered major injuries and was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital. Two children in the vehicle, an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy, were taken to Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. The five occupants of the Mitsubishi, all from Littlerock, were taken to Antelope Valley area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Cause of the Valyermo Road Crash

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Based on the news reports, it appears that the driver of the westbound Honda Accord likely caused this crash, by failing to negotiate the turn. According to the CHP, speed was a factor in the collision.

Continue reading "One Person Killed, Eight Injured in Head-On Collision near Valyermo " »

The 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.

Continue reading "Lucerne Valley Man Killed in Highway 18 Motorcycle Crash " »

A 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.

Continue reading "23-Year-Old San Bernardino Man Killed in 215 Freeway Crash " »

A 26-year-old Rancho Cucamonga woman who was a passenger in a Porsche died early Saturday morning in a suspected DUI crash in Santa Clarita, the Santa Clarita Valley Signal reported. The solo accident occurred on northbound Bouquet Canyon Road, just north of Texas Canyon Road, shortly after 2 a.m.

The driver of the 2001 Porsche, 24-year-old Michael Hemperly Jr. of Palmdale, lost control of his vehicle at an unknown speed and for unknown reasons. The passenger side of the vehicle struck a tree, and the passenger, 26-year-old Marissa Hodges of Rancho Cucamonga, who was reportedly not restrained, died at the scene of the crash.

Hemperly, who was wearing a seatbelt, suffered only minor injuries and was taken to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence causing great bodily injury and booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at about 5 a.m., where he was held on $130,000 bail.

Cause of the Bouquet Canyon Road Accident

The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident and are investigating the speed of the vehicle and all possible contributing factors. However, if news reports are accurate, drunk driving caused this fatal accident. 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."

Continue reading "Rancho Cucamonga Woman Killed in Suspected DUI Crash" »