(Lake Forest, California) On Friday, September 11th at approximately 10:35 p.m., a Honda SUV traveling the wrong-way, crashed head-on into a BMW, Joseph Kyle Massey and injuring his daughter Lily Massey,7, on the 241 Toll Road of Lake Forest.
According to the CHP officer, Joseph Rodriquez confirmed that both drivers had died. While the 7-year-old is in critical but stable conditions, the local coroner identified the deceased drivers as Norma Herrara, 57, from Irvine and Joseph Kyle Massey, 39, from Rancho Santa Margarita. The 7-year-old girl has already lost her mother to kidney cancer who was a beloved teacher in Walker Junior High-School in La Palma, California.
Rodriguez states that the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol during the crash but the investigation is currently ongoing.
A verified Givebutter fundraiser for Lily Massey by AUHSD Foundation- Arts Education Fundraiser raised over $78,000 for her medical expenses, family travel and living costs, and her future security.
Legal Analysis on the 241 Toll Road of Lake Forest Accident
Because Herrera may have driven under the influence, she may have violated California Vehicle Code 23152 which prohibits driving under the influence of any alcoholic beverages. If the driver had an alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more by weight then she may have also violated this code law as it prohibits that as well. If Herrera was driving a commercial vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.04% or more by weight, then she may have violated this law.
Sometimes while someone is drunk driving, they may increase their speed which can cause a fatal impact to the victim or put them in critical conditions, if that was the case, investigators may review California Vehicle Code 22350 which prohibits driving over the reasonable speed limit. This may be an important law investigators may review, especially if they are reviewing the average speed drivers were driving in that same highway before Herrera struck the BMW vehicle through CCTV cameras.
Advice to the Massey Family
To the family of Lilly and Joseph, it is important to reach out to loved ones during these difficult times or receive counseling while navigating the difficult loss of Joseph Kyle Massey. If you want any additional information about the investigation, it is best to contact the California Highway Patrol office. If you are planning to file a lawsuit against the driver, getting in contact with an experienced attorney in car accidents can help you with your legal process.
Have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident? call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
