[04-10-2025] Riverside County, CA – Two People Critically Injured in Head-On Collision on Highway 371 in Aguanga

Two motorists sustained critical injuries in a head-on collision on Highway 371 near Puckit Drive in Aguanga, Riverside County, on Thursday afternoon, April 10, 2025.

According to the Riverside County Fire Department, at around 12:27 p.m., multiple engine crews were dispatched to the two-lane corridor just east of Puckit Drive near the Cahuilla Indian Reservation.

Emergency personnel arrived to find two vehicles heavily damaged in the center of the roadway. Firefighters performed a cut-and-rescue operation, freeing one driver within 20 minutes and the second shortly after 1:10 p.m.

Both drivers were the sole occupants of their respective vehicles. Each sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to Lake Riverside Airport, where they awaited separate medical airlifts to a regional trauma center.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers In Riverside County, CA

Head-on collisions can result in life-threatening injuries, leaving victims and their families facing serious physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Understanding your legal rights after such an accident can help guide you through the process of seeking compensation for medical expenses and other damages.

Our car accident lawyers in Riverside County can help you explore the available legal options after a head-on collision. Legal support may include reviewing accident reports, assisting with insurance claims, and explaining how compensation may be pursued for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Early legal guidance may help clarify the next steps and ensure your rights are protected.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Head-On Collision In Riverside County, CA

Head-on collisions can be particularly dangerous, often resulting in serious injuries. Taking the right steps afterward may help protect your rights and preserve important evidence for future claims.

1. Call 911 And Seek Medical Attention
   Report the accident to emergency services immediately and ensure that anyone injured receives prompt medical evaluation. Even minor injuries should be assessed, as some may not be immediately visible.
2. Document The Scene And Damage
   If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be valuable for insurance claims or legal purposes.
3. Gather Information From Witnesses
   Collect names and contact details from any witnesses to the collision. Their statements may provide important insight into how the accident occurred.
4. Consult With Car Accident Lawyers
   Car accident lawyers can help explain your legal options, assist with insurance matters, and ensure that time-sensitive evidence is preserved. Early legal involvement from personal injury lawyers in Riverside County may also help protect your rights and ensure the case is handled properly.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Car Accident Statistics

Thousands of lives are lost in car accidents on California’s roads every year. The Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported that in 2020, the state logged 3,847 traffic fatalities, representing a 3.4% increase from 3,719 in the previous year.

Out of this figure, 1,159 cases were related to drunk driving, which also rose by 20% compared to 966 in 2019. The fatality rate from alcohol-impaired driving also climbed by 4%, accounting for 30% of California’s overall fatality count. Meanwhile, the percentage of fatalities who tested positive for legal or illicit drugs spiked from 51% in 2019 to 55% in 2020, indicating a 7.8% increase.