Three people were injured following a single-vehicle crash in Winchester, Riverside County, on Saturday evening, May 18, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision happened around 7:30 p.m. on southbound Elliot Road just south of Keller Road.
Authorities stated that a 2008 Ford Ranger was traveling southbound on Elliot Road at around 25 mph. The 17-year-old driver steered the Ford Ranger to the right on a dirt shoulder, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. As a result, the Ford spun out, fishtailed, and rolled over.
Three juveniles, who were traveling in the truck bed, were ejected onto the dirt shoulder area. A 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl sustained major injuries and were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center. A third boy suffered minor injuries due to the crash.
Two additional occupants were reportedly traveling with seatbelts in the truck’s cab, but it is unclear if they sustained any injuries.
Alcohol and drugs weren’t considered contributing factors in the incident. CHP reminded the public that it is illegal and exceedingly risky to ride in a pickup bed.
No further information was released. The investigation is ongoing.
Consult With Our Esteemed Car Accident Lawyers in Riverside County
If another driver’s negligence injured you or killed a loved one, you have the right to be paid in full for your medical expenses and loss. Obtain legal advice on your car accident case from one of our personal injury lawyers, supervised by Arash Khorsandi, Esq.
Avail a free consultation with our esteemed car accident lawyers in Riverside County, who will review your case, discuss the next steps, and examine all the variables that could affect the settlement amount.
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If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.
What To Do After a Riverside County Car Accident
No one can predict a car crash or collision, but you can prepare for one. Having a car accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a car crash. It can tell you what to do, what not to do, and how best to protect your rights. You aren’t alone after a serious collision. Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a killed loved one, here’s what to do after a car accident:
- Stay Calm – Stay on the scene and make sure everyone is okay. Check yourself for injuries first, and then check with others. Remain calm, and do not admit fault.
- Get to a Safe Location – Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road if you can. Put your emergency flashers on to help prevent further collisions. Get somewhere safe to wait for the police.
- Call 911 – Call the police to report your accident. Unless your crash was very minor, with no injuries or property damage, you should call the cops. The police can document the incident, gather information, and make it part of an official record.
- Exchange Information – Swap names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. If possible, take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other vital details.
- Do Not Admit Fault – Stick only to the facts of what happened when speaking with a police officer. Be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision.
- Seek Medical Attention – Go to the hospital or your primary doctor as soon as possible. Immediate medical care can help reduce the damage you suffer from injuries. Tests and scans can identify internal injuries that may not show symptoms yet.
- Report to Your Insurance Company – Most insurers have time limits for how soon you must report an accident in California. Call quickly and follow the agent’s directions for reporting your crash.
- Speak to Insurance Adjusters – As soon as the day of your accident, you may receive a phone call from the other party’s insurance company. You may speak to the claims adjuster, but do not give away any more information than is absolutely necessary. Do not record a statement or accept an insurance settlement offer until you speak with an attorney.
- Create a File – Keep accident-related documents together and organized. Your file should include a copy of the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s information, injury treatment plans, and any other documents you’ve collected regarding the incident.
- Call Our Car Accident Lawyers – When you’re having trouble receiving updates from the authorities regarding your accident, give us a call at (888) 488-1391. Our car accident lawyers offer free consultations so you can discuss your car crash without risk or obligation. We can determine whether your case has merit, secure accident reports and other important documents for you, assist in negotiating with insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.
Fatal Car Accident Statistics
In the US, car crashes cause the most accidental deaths and injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there is still a high number of accidents despite a decrease of 0.3% in 2021. There is an estimated total of 42,795 fatalities in 2022 alone.
In 2020, 3,847 people reportedly died in car accidents in California. Two vehicles were involved in most collisions (72% of all collisions and 71% of collisions that caused injuries). Angle collisions caused the most fatalities and injuries, with roughly 8,000 in 2020.
In Riverside County, 10,215 crashes either resulted in injuries or fatalities, according to data from the Transportation Injury Mapping System in 2023. With a population of 2,474,241, it is advisable to exercise caution when driving around the county.