Inyo County, CA (November 3, 2023) 2 people lost their lives in a 2-vehicle collision in Inyo County on Sunday, October 29th, according to the California Highway Patrol, Bishop Office. The accident occurred right around 2:00 p.m. on Highway 395.
Two Simi Valley residents were heading south on Highway 395 in a 2022 Toyota Camry and made a left turn onto Gill Station Coso Road to cross the northbound Highway 395. At the same time, a Palmdale resident was driving north in a 2008 Volvo on the same highway, approaching the Gill Station Coso Road at approximately 58 MPH. The Toyota didn’t stop in the intersection with the northoubound lanes of Highway 395 and drove the vehicle right into the path of the Volvo, according to the California Highway Patrol.
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The Volvo driver said they saw the Toyota pull out right in front of him, and he tried to hit the brakes to avoid the collision, but there wasn’t enough time. The Volvo crashed into the Toyota on the right side and pushed it onto the east shoulder of the highway. Both cars came to a stop east of the northbound lanes on the highway, just north of Gill Station Coso Road.
The driver of the Toyota, a 69-year-old man, had to be extricated from the vehicle by a passing motorist who saw the collision. It was determined that he had fatal injuries from the crash. He was later pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger in the Toyota, a 67-year-old woman, ended up pinned inside the car. She suffered fatal injuries and was also pronounced dead at the scene.
The 45-year-old Volvo driver was uninjured in the collision.
Liability In Inyo County 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 Inyo County Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the families of the two people 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 an Inyo County 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.