PALM SPRINGS, CA (October 5, 2022) – Authorities today identified, Nathan Salazar, a 29-year-old man who died at Desert Regional Medical Center after being ejected from his vehicle in Landers.
At about 5 p.m. Tuesday, a Landers resident was driving northbound in a 2006 Nissan Frontier on State Route 247, according to Officer Michael Radford of the California Highway Patrol.
The victim was behind another vehicle before illegally passing it within the southbound lane of SR-247, Radford said. Once he passed the vehicle he steered right, went across the northbound lane and into the open desert near Valli Hi Drive.
The Nissan overturned and struck a fire hydrant, Radford said. The driver, identified as Nathan Salazar, was not wearing a seatbelt during the crash and was ejected from the Nissan.
Salazar was taken by ambulance to the Hi Desert Medical Center and then by helicopter to the Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs where he was pronounced dead, according to Radford.
“Alcohol and/or drugs did appear to have been a factor,” Radford said. The crash was under investigation.
[via City News Service]
Liability In Palm Springs 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 Nathan Salazar’s Palm Springs Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Nathan Salazar. 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 Palm Springs 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.