Temecula, CA (November 19, 2023) At least 4 people were injured, two of those being children, following a collision with a school bus on Friday afternoon in Temecula. The crash was reported just before 3:30 p.m. on Butterfield Stage Road, north of Pauba Road, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Lassig.
The school bus, driven by a 48-year-old driver, was heading north on Pauba Road at about 40 miles per hour, according to the California Highway Patrol. A 2017 Toyota Corolla, driven by 28-year-old Mariah Reese, was heading north on the same road at around 70 miles per hour, according to reports. Lassig said Reese came up behind the school bus and tried to pass it on the right shoulder of Butterfield Stage Road. While doing so, the tires on her Toyota hit the curb and caused her to lose control of the vehicle. She veered to the left and crashed into the right side of the school bus.
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The force of the collision caused the school bus driver to lose control and the bus crossed into oncoming traffic. A woman, 39, from Temecula, was traveling south on Butterfield Stage Road in a 2017 Toyota Highlander when she noticed the bus heading straight towards her. She couldn’t avoid it and the school bus slammed into the left side of her Toyota, causing major damage to both vehicles.
Witnesses called 911 immediately after the crash and the California Highway Patrol responded along with Cal Fire, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the Americal Medical Response paramedics. Two of the students, between the ages of 7 and 10, were injured and taken to Temecula Valley Hospital for treatment. The bus driver was also injured in the collision and transported to Inland Valley Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Toyota Highway was also injured in this crash. She was taken to the Temecula Valley Hospital for treatment.
Officers at the scene determined that Mariah Reese had been driving while under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Liability In Temecula DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Loss of muscle control
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered alertness
The family of any victim that has been injured or killed in a collision with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury or wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Temecula DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend well wishes to the children and adults injured in this Temecula accident. 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 an accident that took place in Temecula? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.