Passenger Fatally Injured in Riverside Crash

A passenger was killed when two cars collided head-on in Riverside the night of September 30, 2017. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. Both drivers suffered moderate injuries and were transported to an area hospital. Riverside police said a gold Toyota Corolla was heading west on University Avenue near Sedgewick Avenue in the Eastside neighborhood when it crossed the centerline and hit another vehicle that was eastbound. The Riverside Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team is looking into the cause of this collision. Police are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact detectives at 951-826-8724.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of the person who was killed in this horrific crash. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Riverside Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2014 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 25 deaths and 1,812 injuries reported as a result of traffic accidents in the city of Riverside. Countywide, 225 people died and 7,659 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Deadly Accident?

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Toyota crossed the centerline and entered opposing lanes of traffic where they crashed head-on into the other vehicle. It is unclear as to what caused the driver of the Toyota to cross into opposing lanes of traffic. There are still several unanswered questions here.

Was the driver of the Corolla under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Was he or she distracted at the time? Did driver fatigue cause or contribute to this fatal accident? Was the driver speeding or operating the vehicle at an unsafe rate of speed at the time? These are just some of the questions investigators must ask in order to arrive at what caused this deadly accident. We also hope more witnesses will step forward to provide officials with information that will help them make that determination.

Compensation for Victims and Families

In such cases, the at-fault driver may face criminal charges and may also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Families of deceased victims can file what is known as a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship. An experienced Riverside car accident lawyer will be able to advise victims and families regarding their legal rights and options.