[12-15-2024] San Bernardino County, CA – Four Killed, Child Critically Injured After Solo Vehicle Crash on 10 Freeway Near Colton

Four people were killed, and a 4-year-old child was critically injured in a solo vehicle crash on the eastbound 10 Freeway near Colton on Sunday afternoon, December 15, 2024.

According to California Highway Patrol Sgt. John Sauceda, the crash occurred around 4:45 p.m., just east of Riverside Avenue.

For reasons still under investigation, the driver of a Toyota Camry veered off the freeway, struck a tree stump, and caused the vehicle to catch fire.

Four of the five occupants were pronounced dead at the scene, while the sole survivor — a 4-year-old child — was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

The identities of the victims and the child’s current condition have not yet been released.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

Call The Skilled Car Accident Lawyers In Colton, CA

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Consult with one of our personal injury attorneys, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., for guidance on your car accident case. We are ready to assist you!

Our skilled Colton car accident lawyers will evaluate your case, discuss the next steps, and consider all factors that could impact your settlement amount. Moreover, they can help you obtain additional information or a police report if needed.

Our legal team has a well-established reputation for advocating for accident victims, with clients receiving over $750 Million in compensation.

To speak with one of our personal injury lawyers, call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After A Car Accident In Colton, CA

Following a traffic incident, victims often feel anxious about what may happen next. Our car accident lawyers recommend staying calm to ensure your safety. You can also protect your rights by following these steps if you’re still able:

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 Colton 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.

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, which increased by 3.4% 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.