MURRIETA, CA (September 22, 2022) – A motorist identified as Conner Campos suffered life-threatening injuries in a collision with a pickup truck on Interstate 215 in Murrieta, causing an hours-long shutdown of lanes, was allegedly going too fast and making abrupt turns, triggering the wreck, the California Highway Patrol said today.
Conner Campos, 18, of Menifee suffered major injuries in the crash at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday on northbound I-215 at Clinton Keith Road, the CHP said.
Officer Mike Lassig said that Campos was driving a 2003 Honda Accord through Murrieta and was in the fast lane of the 215 when he approached a 2005 Dodge Ram pickup with a trailer in the adjacent lane, traveling roughly 55 mph.
Lassig said that Campos was at or near 90 mph when he “made an unsafe” turn to the right, veering across all traffic lanes and impacting a guardrail on the shoulder.
The sedan then came back toward the pickup, prompting the driver to take “evasive action” and steer to the left to avoid the Honda, according to Lassig. However, the smaller vehicle collided into the passenger side of the pickup, causing both vehicles to “spin out of control across northbound traffic lanes,” the CHP spokesman said.
Campos was hurled out of the driver’s side window because he wasn’t wearing a safety restraint, Lassig said.
The Honda and Dodge came to rest in the middle of the freeway. No other vehicles were involved.
Murrieta Fire & Rescue crews arrived within minutes and found Campos seriously hurt. He was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar, where he remains in critical condition, Lassig said.
The driver and two passengers in the pickup, all from Aguanga, suffered minor injuries and received treatment at Loma Linda Hospital in Murrieta, according to Lassig.
The entire northbound side of I-215 was closed for more than two hours while the wreckage was cleared and a preliminary investigation was conducted.
[via City News Service]
Liability In Murrieta 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 Conner Campos’ Murrieta Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our well wishes to Conner Campos and hope for a 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 Murrieta 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.