HEMET, CA (October 19, 2022) – A 39-year-old man identified as Angel Rodela Jr. was fatally injured in a two-car collision near downtown Hemet when the driver of the vehicle he was riding in lost control and veered into oncoming traffic, authorities said today.
Angel Rodela Jr. of San Jacinto was killed about 3:15 p.m. Tuesday on Warren Road just north of Stetson Avenue, according to the Hemet Police Department.
Lt. Eric Dickson said that Rodela was in the rear seat of a Nissan sedan headed southbound on Warren at roughly 50 mph when the driver, whose identity was not disclosed, allowed the car to drift onto the shoulder.
“The driver of the Nissan attempted to regain control of the vehicle but over-corrected, causing the Nissan to skid in a southeast direction, into the northbound lane of Warren,” Dickson said.
The sedan ended up in the path of a Toyota SUV, also traveling at 50 mph, the lieutenant said.
“The driver of the Toyota was unable to stop and collided with the passenger side of the Nissan,” he said.
The impact injured all three occupants of the car, as well as the SUV driver, who wasn’t identified.
Hemet Fire Department paramedics pronounced Rodela dead at the scene.
The injured parties were taken to a regional trauma center for treatment of major injuries, according to Dickson.
The victims are expected to recover.
Dickson said that neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be factors in the collision.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information was asked to contact the police department at 951-765-2400.
We at Accident News Now offer our deepest condolences to the family of Angel Rodela Jr. and hope they find peace during this very difficult time.
[via City News Service]
Liability In Hemet 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 Angel Rodela Jr.’s Hemet Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Angel Rodela Jr. 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 Hemet 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.