(Cabazon, CA) Seven people suffered injuries in an Eastbound Interstate 10 crash involving three separate collisions Thursday afternoon.
On Thursday, September 18, shortly before 2:00 p.m., the Eastbound Interstate 10 crash occurred. According to the Riverside County Fire Department, it happened east of the Main Street on-ramp in Cabazon.
California Highway Patrol officers arrived and found an overturned vehicle near the train tracks, which resulted in a major injury. They also encountered a two-vehicle crash in the same area with no injuries and another two-vehicle collision with minor injuries. Paramedics transported two people with serious injuries and three others with minor injuries to local hospitals. Two additional people declined medical treatment at the scene.
CHP confirmed that the Nos. 1 and 3 lanes remained open during the response. The cause of the Eastbound Interstate 10 crash remains under investigation.
Legal Opinion on the Eastbound Interstate 10 Crash
The Eastbound Interstate 10 crash raises complex legal issues since multiple collisions occurred in close proximity. Investigators must determine whether a single event triggered the chain of crashes or whether separate acts of negligence occurred. One important law is California Vehicle Code 22350, the Basic Speed Law. It requires drivers to travel at speeds safe for conditions. In a busy freeway setting, excessive speed often contributes to chain-reaction collisions.
If unsafe lane changes played a role, California Vehicle Code 22107 may apply. This statute prohibits turning or changing lanes unless it can be done safely. A sudden or improper maneuver may have caused one or more of the crashes. Rear-end collisions are also common in freeway pileups. California Vehicle Code 21703 requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance. Failure to do so can leave drivers unable to stop in time when traffic suddenly slows or stops.
Victims of the Eastbound Interstate 10 crash have the right to pursue personal injury claims. These claims can provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs.
What the Injured Victims Can Do
The injured victims should contact a personal injury attorney immediately. An attorney can obtain the CHP collision reports, review traffic camera footage, and consult accident reconstruction experts to determine liability. Even though several vehicles were involved, California law allows damages to be divided based on comparative negligence. This means more than one driver may share fault, but each victim can still recover compensation. By acting quickly after the Eastbound Interstate 10 crash, victims can preserve evidence, protect their rights, and pursue financial recovery while CHP continues its investigation.
We at Accident News Now offer our encouragement and support. We know this is a confusing time as you deal with the uncertainties resulting from this terrible incident. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.