Irvine, CA (November 25, 2023) 2 people, 1 of whom was identified as Camilla Megan Mendoza of Long Beach, were killed when the vehicle they were in crashed into a lake in Irvine. It happened just before 10:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, according to the Orange County Fire Authority fire fighters, in the area of Yale, just south of Irvine Center Drive.
It happened near where the West Yale Loop and East Yale Loop meet. Witnesses in the area told authorities that the vehicle was heading south on Yale from Irvine Center Drive and just continued over the curb and crashed into North Lake.
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The car ended up sinking into the water until it was completely submerged. The Orange County Fire Authority arrived with rafts and the Sheriff’s Department Dive Team arrived and proceeded to search the water for the vehicle. They were able to locate the submerged vehicle, a silver Mercedes 4-door sedan, about 30 yards from the water’s edge.
A crane was called to the scene to bring the vehicle to the water’s surface. The female driver and passenger were both still in the vehicle and both were pronounced dead at the scene by authorities. A medical examiner was called to the scene and once the victim’s bodies were removed, the car was towed away.
Authorities are still not sure what caused the vehicle to drive into North Lake. Irvine Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is investigating this crash to try and determine what exactly happened.
Liability In Irvine 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 An Irvine Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the families of Camilla Mega Mendoza and her passenger who were killed in this accident. 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 Irvine 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.