One person was killed and at least 10 others were injured in a Riverside car accident after a van careened out of control and crashed into four vehicles in Menifee. According to a news report in the North County Times, the fatal crash occurred the afternoon of June 10, 2010, when the driver of a van crashed into four vehicles including a pickup truck near Newport Road, close to the 215 Freeway.

The van then overturned and knocked down a utility pole. The occupants of the van sustained life-threatening injuries. One person died and seven people were transported to nearby hospitals. Four people were treated at the scene and did not need to be hospitalized. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased victim for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to them. I also wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep the injured victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accidents

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 121 deaths and 2,615 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Also, countywide, 220 people died and 8,561 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not really clear what caused the van to veer off the roadway and strike these vehicles. There are many questions here that have not yet been answered. Did the driver of the van suffer a medical condition? Was the driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Was the driver distracted, speeding or driving recklessly? Was the driver of the van cut off by another vehicle at the time, causing him or her to veer off the roadway? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here.

Who is Liable?

If the driver of the van is determined to have been at fault for this accident, he or she could be held liable for the crash and the injuries caused. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer will be able advise victims in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Have you checked your car insurance policy to confirm you have uninsured motorist coverage?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.