San Jacinto, CA (August 28, 2023) A 30-year-old Corona man was killed and 8 other people were injured in a head-on collision on Sunday night in San Jacinto, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash happened around 9:15 on Sunday on Gilman Springs Road, between Kennedy Hill Road and Bridge Street.
Officer Jason Montez said that the 30-year-old driver was in a 2011 Kia Forte, driving north on Gilman Springs. Suddenly, for reasons still unknown, he drifted over the divided highway into opposing traffic.
At the same time, a 2016 Nissan Quest minivan was driving south. It was driven by a 48-year-old woman who couldn’t swerve in time when she saw the Kia coming right at her.
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The 2 vehicles collided, head-on, around 9:15 p.m.
The Riverside County Fire Department sent paramedics to the scene within minutes of the accident. After they arrived, they pronounced the Kia driver dead at the scene. The passenger in the Kia, a 36-year-old woman from Corona, sustained serious injuries and was taken to Empire Trauma Center.
The 7 occupants of the Nissan minivan all had minor injuries with the exception of a 13-year-old girl, according to Montez. She was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.
Liability In San Jacinto 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 a 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 A San Jacinto Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person killed in this collision. 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 San Jacinto car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers 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.