ORANGE, CA (May 10, 2022) – Didiana Lomeli, 38, died on Saturday when she chased her boyfriend’s vehicle with her own and rammed her car into his. The impact caused her vehicle to flip over, ejecting her from the car and suffering fatal injuries.
At around 5:50 a.m., Lomeli chased her boyfriend, Joe Trujillo, in her 1997 Acura when she hit the rear of his 1994 Acura on Orange Olive Road. The impact caused her to lose control of her car and hit the center median, which then flipped her car and ejected her from the vehicle.
Lomeli was the mother of six, and none of the children were in either vehicle during the chase and subsequent accident.
The victim’s family said that Lomeli and Trujillo were in a “toxic” relationship and were often fighting. At the time of the argument that led to the accident, Lomeli’s children were asleep and unaware that they were fighting.
Trujillo suffered minor injuries in the accident. Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be involved in this crash.
Liability In Orange 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 Orange Car Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our deepest condolences to the family of Didiana Lomeli, especially her six children. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an Orange 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.