Two people, identified as 31-year-old Tiffany Autrey and 43-year-old John Wilson, were killed in a Riverside car accident after their vehicles struck each other on the Ramona Expressway. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal head-on collision occurred the morning of May 4, 2010, when Autrey, who was driving a 2000 Chevy S-10 pickup truck and was traveling east on the expressway, allowed the vehicle to drift over the center line. The pickup truck then collided with an oncoming 2001 Toyota Corolla driven by Wilson. Both were pronounced dead shortly after the crash.

My deepest condolences go out to the grieving families of Autrey and Wilson. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 121 deaths and 2,615 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Also, countywide, 220 fatalities and 8,561 injuries occurred due to car accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly what caused this tragic car accident. There are more questions here than answers. Why did Autrey cross the double yellow line? Was she falling asleep at the wheel? Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in Autrey's pickup truck that caused her to lose control? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which caused or contributed to this crash? Was there another vehicle involved? For example, did Autrey get cut off by another driver? At this point, we don't know exactly what occurred here.

Protecting their Rights

If Autrey is determined to have been at fault for this accident, then Wilson's family will be able to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral expenses and other damages against Autrey's estate and liability insurance. If a vehicle defect was involved, then the victims' families will be able to claim compensation from the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product.

In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the accident and help determine whether there was any negligence or wrongdoing involved. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also be able to advise families about how their own car insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What are some of the biggest hazards on the roadway that you have experienced while driving in California? Please share your views with us.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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