JOSHUA TREE, CA (October 13, 2022) – An investigation was continuing today into a fatal solo rollover crash in Joshua Tree that injured 34-year-old Sierra Scott, and left Loren Bull, a 44-year-old man, dead.
The crash occurred around 4:20 p.m. Wednesday when a man was driving northbound on Border Avenue by Sonora Road at a high rate of speed and lost control of the vehicle, according to Officer Michael Radford with the California Highway Patrol.
Radford said the man steered his vehicle, a 2011 Lexus IS 350, to the right and it rolled over multiple times. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle, Radford said. The man was taken to Hi Desert Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The San Bernardino County coroner’s office identified him as Loren M. Bull of Joshua Tree.
A passenger in his vehicle, 34-year-old Sierra Scott, was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs with major injuries, Radford said.
It was unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.
The fatal crash was the fourth to occur in the Morongo Basin in the past two months that resulted in the death of an occupant not wearing a seatbelt, according to Radford.
“We would like to remind everyone to wear their seatbelt and ensure everyone inside of their vehicle wears a seatbelt or is in a child safety seat every trip,” Radford said in a statement. “It is the law, and it saves lives.”
[via City News Service]
Liability In Loren Bull’s Joshua Tree Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to Loren Bull’s car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Sierra Scott’s Joshua Tree Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Loren Bull, who was tragically killed in this crash, and we hope Sierra Scott has a full and speedy recovery. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Joshua Tree car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.