California Injury Blog
Maclovia Salinas, 36, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident that also injured a motorcyclist–19-year-old Joseph Ruben Bock–the morning of July 16, 2009. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the car accident occurred on the 10 Freeway near Indian Hill Boulevard in Claremont and involved at least three vehicles–two cars and a motorcycle. California Highway Patrol officials said Salinas died at the scene after a Honda Civic in which she was a passenger was hit by another vehicle moments after it had hit the center divider.
The chain of events began when the Civic, driven by 35-year-old Maurelia Chavez went out of control in the carpool lane, hit the center divider and ended up in the fast lane. The motorcycle driven by Bock collided with the Civic and threw the rider off and onto the roadway. Then, a Toyota 4Runner, driven by 39-year-old Adalberto Vasquez Baez, crashed into the Civic causing Salinas’ fatal injuries. Bock sustained hip and knee injuries. Chavez and another passenger in the Civic, 19-year-old Elizabeth Salinas–were also injured.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Maclovia Salinas as well as the other injured victims. I offer my deepest sympathies to the Salinas family. I wish all the injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery.
Based on this news report, it is not very clear why the driver of the Civic, Maurelia Chavez, lost control of the car. An official investigation, I trust, will reveal who or what was at fault. In car accidents, there are many factors that can come into play. It may have been caused by a mechanical malfunction or a product defect. In this case, I would also look into whether the driver of the Toyota 4Runner had sufficient time to slow down before striking the Civic. Officials say it was the impact from that crash that killed Maclovia Salinas.
The family of the deceased victim as well as the injured victims would be well advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim that usually compensates them for funeral expenses, loss of wages and other related damages. Injured victims may seek reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of wages and other damages. The best Los Angeles personal injury law firms will always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and/or their families.