(Anza, CA) A Highway 371 accident killed Monique Morton, 48, of Anza, and injured a 34-year-old Temecula woman on Sunday night.
On Sunday, August 31, at 9:00 p.m., the Highway 371 accident occurred. According to California Highway Patrol Officer Ricardo Palomera, it happened on eastbound Highway 371, near Bailiff Road.
Upon investigating, authorities learned Monique Morton rode horses along the two-lane highway. While she rode on the highway, a 70-year-old woman driving a 2016 Hyundai sedan approached. All of a sudden, she struck both horses and riders at an unconfirmed speed. Riverside County Fire Department crews reached the site within 20 minutes, confirmed Morton’s death. Authorities reported the other rider suffered major injuries. Emergency crews airlifted her to a regional trauma center in serious condition.
The driver did not sustain injuries. Officers detained her for questioning but did not place her under arrest. Palomera confirmed alcohol and drugs did not contribute to the Highway 371 accident. Investigators also noted uncertainty about whether the horses died on impact or were euthanized due to their severe injuries. The highway remained partially closed until early Monday morning while CHP conducted their preliminary investigation.
Legal Opinion on the Highway 371 Accident
The Highway 371 accident presents a tragic situation involving a fatality, a severe injury, and the loss of two animals. The law requires careful review of the circumstances, including driver conduct, roadway conditions, and visibility at the time of the crash.
California Vehicle Code 21759 specifically addresses vehicles approaching animals on the roadway. It requires drivers to reduce speed or stop when necessary to avoid frightening or endangering the animals or their riders. This law recognizes that horses may act unpredictably when startled. If the driver struck both horses at speed, investigators may consider whether she violated this duty. Another relevant statute is California Vehicle Code 22350, the Basic Speed Law. It requires motorists to drive at speeds that are safe for conditions, regardless of posted limits. Driving at night on a two-lane rural highway where horses may appear requires heightened caution. If investigators determine the driver traveled too fast for conditions, this law applies directly.
What the Family Can Do
The family of Monique Morton may pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This claim allows close relatives to seek damages for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing their loved one.
The surviving rider also has the right to pursue a personal injury claim. This can cover her medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. If her injuries cause permanent impairment, she may also claim future medical costs and loss of earning capacity. An attorney can help both the family and the survivor by obtaining the full CHP report, analyzing lighting and roadway conditions, and checking for witnesses. Accident reconstruction experts may also determine whether the driver failed to slow or steer away as required under California law.
Even though the driver remained on the scene and did not appear impaired, her speed and attention at the time of the Highway 371 accident will be central to determining liability. Taking prompt legal action will help preserve evidence and give the family and survivor the best chance of securing justice and financial support during this heartbreaking time.
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.
