[05-14-2023] Riverside County, CA – Three Killed, Six Injured After Two-Vehicle Collision in Whitewater

31-year-old Cecilia V. and her two daughters, aged 8 and 12, were killed, and six others were injured after a two-vehicle collision in Whitewater near Palm Springs Sunday morning, May 14, 2023.

According to the Riverside County Fire Department, they received reports of the crash at 7:27 a.m. on eastbound Interstate 10 near Haugen Lehmann Way.

The driver of the Tesla, a 31-year-old Indio man, and the driver of the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban, a 39-year-old male from Anaheim, reportedly traveled in the same direction when the collision occurred.

The SUV carrying nine occupants lost control and crashed into the center divider due to the crash. It overturned and ejected six passengers while also partially ejecting another.

Three female occupants of the Suburban were pronounced dead at the scene. According to the county coroner’s office, Villalobos died at 8:10 a.m., and the two young girls died at 8:25 a.m.

Additionally, three girls, ages 3, 7, and 11, and a 15-year-old boy were among the four other occupants of the SUV who were seriously injured. Also, the Chevrolet driver suffered moderate injuries, and a 41-year-old front passenger suffered minor injuries.

Two severely injured victims were transported by air ambulance to a trauma center. CHP claimed that some of the SUV occupants, who were all related, were not wearing seatbelts.

The Tesla’s sole occupant and the driver were unharmed.

According to the CHP, I-10 eastbound was closed at Main Street until 3:00 p.m., when the left two lanes reopened. By 3:30 p.m., all lanes had been reopened.

Dedicated Auto Accident Lawyers in Riverside County

Those harmed or sustained damages in a car accident in California have the right to file a lawsuit against the negligent party involved. Acting quickly and seeking legal advice is critical when dealing with insurance claims and related issues.

Please do not hesitate to contact our reputable law firm if you or someone you know requires assistance filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim following a car accident.

You can trust that our dependable Riverside County auto accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi Esq., will effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $750 million for California clients.

Call (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation or complete our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Being in a car accident can be distressing and difficult. In addition to physical injuries, there may be emotional and financial consequences to address. Knowing what to do after a car accident can improve your safety, protect your legal rights, and help you receive compensation for any damages sustained. After a car accident, take the following steps:

• Examine yourself and others for injuries, and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Move your vehicle to a safe location, like the road shoulder.
• Seek assistance from the authorities. Contact the police or the highway patrol to report the collision.
• Get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, and other pertinent information.
• Take a photo of the accident scene, injuries, and vehicle damage, including road and weather conditions.
• Obtain information from witnesses, such as their names and contact information.
• Notify your insurance company as soon as you can. Follow the agent’s instructions when making the report.
• Consult an attorney. If you have been injured or your property has been damaged, contact one of our reputable car accident attorneys for assistance with your claim.

Fatal Two-Vehicle Collision Statistics

In the United States, auto accidents occur every 60 seconds. Car accidents are the leading cause of death and serious injury in the United States, particularly among children aged 2 to 34. Every year, it causes approximately 2 million fatalities or severe injuries.

In California, where there are many unintentional traffic fatalities, vehicles are responsible for over 10,000 deaths yearly. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), fatal vehicle collisions killed 38,824 people and injured 35,766 in 2020.

Since 2013, the state has had 23.5% more fatal car accidents. There were 485,866 car accidents, with 3,898 deaths and 276,823 injuries, last 2017. In 2018, there were nine traffic fatalities for every 100,000 residents in the state.

Even when driving cautiously, drivers still have the risk of killing or seriously injuring someone. That said, it is critical to maintain safe driving habits and remain vigilant.