MORENO VALLEY, CA (May 20, 2022) – A Moreno Valley accident involving two vehicles killed Daniel Reyes and injured one other driver.
The accident occurred on May 17 around 1:30 p.m. on San Timoteo Canyon Road between Moreno Valley and Redlands according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP officers said a Toyota Camry collided with a Honda Accord driven by Reyes in that area when Reyes attempted to pass a GMC Sierra ahead of him. Reyes crossed a double yellow line in order to pass the GMC and saw the Camry coming, so he swerved back into his lane and hit the GMC. The impact caused his Honda to veer back into the Toyota.
The Riverside County Fire Department arrived on the scene and pronounced Daniel Reyes dead on the scene.
The other driver, a 50-year-old man from Calimesa, was taken to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley for the treatment of minor injuries. The 23-year-old man driving the GMC was uninjured.
Both directions of San Timoteo Canyon Road were shut down between Live Oak Canyon Road and Redlands Boulevard for a few hours until around 4:00 p.m. while CHP conducted its investigation.
Liability In Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley Car Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our deepest condolences to the family of the decedent in this case. 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 Moreno Valley 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 (888) 395-7234.