[03-21-2025] Riverside County, CA – Author Dennis McDougal Dies After Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-10 Near Chiriaco Summit

Dennis McDougal, a 77-year-old author and former Los Angeles Times journalist, died from injuries sustained in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 east of the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, on Friday afternoon, March 21, 2025.

According to Cal Fire spokesperson Maggie Cline De La Rosa, the crash occurred at approximately 4:00 p.m. on westbound I-10 about two-and-a-half miles east of the Red Cloud Mine Road exit, between Chiriaco Summit and Desert Center. The incident involved four vehicles.

Two patients were airlifted from the scene—one with severe injuries and the other with moderate injuries. McDougal, a resident of Cordova, Tennessee, was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where he died early Saturday morning from his injuries.

The Riverside County Coroner’s Office confirmed McDougal’s identity. He was known for chronicling both the allure and darker aspects of Hollywood, having written biographies of figures such as Bob Dylan and serial killer Randy Kraft.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash. No additional details have been released at this time.

Contact Experienced Car Accident Lawyers in Riverside County Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. At Arash Law, our team—led by top California injury attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq.—is here to provide the trusted legal support you need.

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What To Do After A Car Accident In Riverside County

After a crash, it’s normal to feel shaken or unsure of what to do next. Our Riverside County car accident lawyers recommend staying calm and focused to protect both your safety and your legal rights. If you’re able, taking the following steps can make a big difference in your recovery and your case:

1. Prioritize Your Health — One of the most important steps after a collision is to check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone has injuries, call 911 to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, consult a medical professional, as some injuries may not be apparent right away.
2. Move To A Safe Location — If you can, park your vehicle on the side of the road to avoid further accidents or traffic disruptions. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to the situation. Do not leave the scene, or you might be held liable for hit-and-run.
3. Collect Strong Evidence — Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, injuries sustained, and relevant road conditions. You may also request witnesses to provide testimony to the police at the scene.
4. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company — Provide the facts, like the time, date, and location. However, avoid admitting fault or providing more information than necessary. Details you disclose could be used against you later.
5. Reach Out To Arash Law — Our car accident lawyers in Riverside can guide you through the next steps of filing a personal injury claim. Let’s discuss your case in a free initial consultation by calling us at (888) 488-1391 today.

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Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents continue to take a heavy toll on California roads each year. According to the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 3,847 traffic-related deaths in 2020—a 3.4% increase from the 3,719 fatalities reported in 2019.

Alcohol-related crashes played a significant role, with 1,159 deaths involving drunk driving—up 20% from 966 the year before. These incidents accounted for 30% of all traffic fatalities in the state. Additionally, the number of crash victims who tested positive for legal or illegal drugs rose from 51% in 2019 to 55% in 2020, marking a 7.8% increase and highlighting the growing impact of impaired driving.