COVINA, CA (May 10, 2022) – San Bernardino woman Mariah Beltran, 25, died in a car accident on the 10 freeway in the Covina area on Saturday.
Beltran was a passenger in a 2006 Saturn Vue during the time of the accident, which occurred around 1:23 a.m. east of Holt Avenue. The driver, 22-year-old Carlos Rivas, lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons and struck a 2018 Honda Accord driven by a 47-year-old woman from Los Angeles.
The collision caused the Saturn Vue to overturn, injuring both Rivas and Beltran. They were both taken to Pomona Valley Hospital, where Beltran unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.
The woman driving the Honda only had minor injuries and was not hospitalized.
California Highway Patrol officers said that alcohol did not seem to be a factor in this accident.
Liability In Covina 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.
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 Covina Car Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mariah Beltran. 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 Covina 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.