Horrific Hit and Run Accident in Rialto Leaves Vehicle Pinned Under Semi Truck
Horrific Hit and Run Accident in Rialto Leaves Vehicle Pinned Under Semi Truck
California Highway Patrol officials are looking for the driver of an Infiniti that was caught on video causing a violent crash, which left a BMW wedged under a semi truck on the 10 Freeway in Colton. According to a KTLA news report, the crash occurred at about 3 p.m. on August 9, 2017 on the westbound 10 between the Riverside and Pepper avenues exits. Madis Tolentino, the driver of the BMW, told KTLA she was lucky to come out of it alive.
Scary Incident Caught on Camera
Tolentino said she was driving home to Ontario when she came across two cars including an Infiniti. She said they appeared to be racing. A Dashcam video from another vehicle captured the horrific moment when the Infiniti cut off and sideswiped Tolentino’s BMW causing the vehicle to hit another car and become trapped under the semi’s trailer. The BMW was then dragged for a short distance.
The driver of the Infiniti left the scene. Tolentino suffered non-life-threatening injuries including cuts and bruises. She also told KTLA that she is experiencing anxiety since the crash. CHP officials found the Infiniti a couple of days later. However, they have not located the driver. No additional information was available. The investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Madis Tolentino who has not only suffered injuries in this crash, but has also been emotionally traumatized. We wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Laws and Compensation
Based on this news report, it appears that street racing may have been a factor in this incident. California Vehicle Code section 23109 (a) states: “A person shall not engage in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway. As used in this section, a motor vehicle speed contest includes a motor vehicle race against another vehicle, a clock, or other timing device.” In addition, the driver of the Infiniti also left the scene of the crash, which is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a).
In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation for the damages and losses they have sustained. When a hit-and-run driver has not been located or identified, victims may be able to seek compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of their auto insurance policy. A knowledgeable California car accident lawyer will be able to guide victims and their families through what could be a complex process and help them secure maximum compensation for their losses.
