An 18-year-old Vista resident tragically was killed Thursday night in a crash on Interstate 10 in Riverside County, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The victim, Eunice Torres, was a passenger in a 2007 Nissan Sentra that became disabled in the left hand lane of Interstate 10 in Cabazon, west of Apache Trail. Torres reportedly had gotten out of the Sentra to retrieve an umbrella from the trunk, when the vehicle was struck from behind by a BMW driven by a 43-year-old Palm Springs woman. The Sentra then fatally struck Torres, who died at the scene of the collision. Both the driver of the BMW and the driver of the Sentra were taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.
Cause of the Riverside County Crash
Based on the limited information provided in news accounts of this crash, it is unclear exactly what happened. The fact that this accident occurred during wet and rainy conditions could also be a factor. Even if the driver of the BMW was not driving above the speed limit, she could be determined to be speeding for driving an unsafe speed given the weather conditions at the time of the crash. Under California Vehicle Code Section 22350, "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property." The CHP will surely look at speed, weather, the location of the disabled vehicle, and other factors in determining exactly what happened and who was responsible.
Potential Wrongful Death Liability
Disabled vehicle accidents have unique legal issues. While this September 30th fatal Interstate 10 crash remains under investigation, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to consult with a knowledgeable San Diego personal injury attorney. A lawyer who has represented numerous victims of disabled vehicle freeway pedestrian accidents can help the victim's family understand exactly what happened and who was ultimately responsible for their devastating loss. If negligence played a role in the crash, a lawyer can help the victim's family hold that party financially accountable for their loss in a wrongful death claim. Damages available for a wrongful death may include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings of the decedent, and loss of love, care and companionship.
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