[10-14-2023] Riverside County, CA – Two Died, One Injured Following Head-On Collision in Desert Center

Two people were killed, and one suffered serious injuries after a two-vehicle collision in Desert Center, Riverside County, on Saturday afternoon, October 14, 2023. 

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred before 1 p.m. on State Route 177 near mile marker 13. 

Authorities reported that a man and a woman, both 54 years old, were traveling in a Honda Pilot when a 24-year-old woman driving southbound in a Subaru Forester allegedly drove over the broken yellow lines and struck them head-on, causing both cars to flip over. 

The 54-year-old male and 24-year-old female were pronounced dead at the scene, while the 54-year-old female was extricated and airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center with major injuries. 

Neither alcohol nor drugs were believed to have contributed to the collision. The CHP has temporarily closed both sides of Highway 177.

Experienced Car Accident Lawyers in Riverside County

You may be able to file a claim against another driver if you’ve suffered damages as a result of their negligence. It is recommended that you seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney following a car accident.

As part of our free consultation, we will explain the details of your case, discuss the settlement, and guide you through the insurance claim filing procedure so that you are prepared for the legal proceedings.

Obtain legal advice from our expert Riverside car accident attorneys at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who are prepared to help you submit your insurance claim or effectively represent you in court. We have recovered more than $750 Million for California clients and have earned a reputation as one of the best law firms in the state.

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 Car Accident

No one can predict a car accident, but you can prepare for one. 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 and what not to do, and how best to protect your rights.  When in doubt, give us a call. Keep our phone number, (888) 488-1391, in your phone or written down if the worst occurs. You are not 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:

1. Stay Calm – Stay on the scene and be sure everyone is okay. Check yourself for injuries first, then check others. Remain calm and don’t admit fault.
2. Get to a safe place – Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road if you can. Place your emergency flashers to help prevent further collisions. Get somewhere safe to await the police.
3. Call 911 – Call the police to report your accident. Unless your crash was minor, without any injuries or property damage, you should call the cops. Authorities can record the incident, gather information, and make it part of an official document.
4. Exchange information – Swap titles, telephone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. If possible, take photographs of the vehicles, license plates, and other vital details.
5. Don’t admit fault – Stick only to what occurred when talking with a police officer. Be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision.
6. Seek medical attention – Visit the hospital or your primary doctor immediately. Immediate medical care can decrease the damage you suffer from injuries. Tests can identify internal injuries that may not show symptoms.
7. Tell your insurance provider – Most insurance companies have time constraints for how soon you have to report an accident. Call quickly and adhere to the agent’s instructions for reporting your crash.
8. Speak to insurance adjusters – The moment the day of your accident, you might receive a telephone call from the other party’s insurer. You may speak to the claims adjuster but don’t give any more information than is needed. Don’t record a statement or take an insurance settlement deal until you discuss a car accident.
9. Create a file – Maintain accident-related files together and organized. Your file should have a copy of the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s information, injury treatment programs, and any other files you have collected about the incident.
10. Talk to our car accident lawyers in California – We offer free consultations so you can discuss your car crash without risk or obligation. We can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Two-Vehicle Accident Statistics

There is a high rate of auto accidents and fatalities in the United States, among the highest in the world. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accidents decreased by 0.3% in 2021, but the rate remained high. There were estimated to be 42,795 deaths in 2022.

The state of California saw 3,847 fatal vehicle collisions in 2020. About 59% or about 2,260 fatalities resulted from accidents involving only one vehicle. 1,587 deaths, or 41% of all fatalities, resulted from collisions involving two or more vehicles.

Two vehicles were involved in most collisions (72% of all collisions, 71% of collisions that caused injuries, and 77% of all injuries). Angle collisions caused the most fatalities and injuries, with roughly 8,000 in 2020.

According to California Office of Traffic Safety data, 12,257 people were injured or killed in crashes in Riverside County in 2020. The greatest level of caution is required when driving in a city with an average population of 2,424,587.