(Hemet, CA) A pickup truck lost control and caused a three-vehicle Warren Road collision, resulting in the death of Esther Elizalde, 54, in Hemet.
On Monday, August 25, shortly before 6:02 a.m., the Warren Road collision occurred. According to the Hemet Police Department, the incident happened on the 28000 block of Warren Road, near Poplar Street.
When officers investigated, they learned a silver Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck drove northbound on Warren Road. Then, at around Poplar Street, the driver drifted into a lane, sideswiping a blue Chevrolet Cruze. The Cruze, which traveled southbound on Warren Road, lost control and slid sideways into the opposing northbound lane. Meanwhile, A silver Toyota Tundra pickup truck northbound. Suddenly, the Cruze collided with the passenger side of the Toyota.
After the Communication Center of the HPD received several calls regarding the Warren Road collision, officers dispatched to the location. When authorities arrived, they found Esther Elizalde of San Jacinto unresponsive. Despite life-saving measures, they pronounced Elizalde dead at the scene. A second victim sustained minor to moderate injuries, with paramedics transporting them to University Health System Medical Center for treatment. Upon investigating, police determined drugs or alcohol not to have been factors leading to the Warren Road collision.
Legal Opinion on the Warren Road Collision
The Warren Road collision shows how even a moment of inattention can bring devastating consequences. California Vehicle Code 21658 requires drivers to remain within a single lane unless they can safely leave it. The Chevy driver’s lane drift triggered the chain reaction. Additionally, VEH 22107 also requires that any turn or lane change be made safely and with proper signaling. A sideswipe at this location suggests the driver failed to observe conditions or lost proper control of the vehicle. The fact that police determined alcohol or drugs to not be involved does not remove responsibility. The law holds drivers accountable when carelessness results in death. Civil liability applies even when the crash is unintended.
What the Family Can Do
The family of Esther Elizalde may pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This allows close relatives to recover damages for funeral expenses, emotional suffering, and the loss of companionship and financial support. A wrongful death attorney can gather the Hemet Police report on the Warren Road collision. They can also collect roadway evidence, and potential surveillance or dash cam footage. Accident reconstruction experts may also be used to show how the Colorado’s lane drift caused the crash.
The injured victim has the right to file a personal injury claim as well. That claim may cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Even though prosecutors may not file criminal charges, the civil system gives families a path to accountability and financial support. Acting quickly gives the victims and their loved ones the strongest chance to move forward with justice.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
