(Indio, CA) A 51-year-old woman and her teenage daughter sustained injuries in a Clinton Street accident after being struck by a Hyundai SUV.
On Tuesday, September 9, at about 8:00 p.m., the Clinton Street accident occurred. According to the Indio Police Department, it happened at the intersection of Clinton Street and Granada Drive, just north of Highway 111.
when authorities investigated, they learned a mother and daughter were crossing the street. All of a sudden, a Hyundai SUV struck them. Emergency crews arrived and transported both victims by ambulance to Desert Regional Medical Center. Police confirmed the pair suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The adult male driver of the SUV remained at the scene and cooperated with officers. Authorities confirmed DUI did not appear to play a role in the Clinton Street accident. The roadway closed until about 8:30 p.m. while investigators examined the scene. One northbound lane reopened shortly after. The investigation remains ongoing.
Legal Opinion on the Clinton Street Accident
The Clinton Street accident highlights important issues under California law, even though the victims survived. Because two pedestrians sustained injuries, investigators must determine whether the driver acted with negligence or failed to yield properly. One key law is California Vehicle Code 21950, which requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing within marked or unmarked crosswalks. If the mother and daughter crossed legally, the driver had a duty to stop. Even if they crossed outside a marked crosswalk, the driver still had a duty to exercise due care to avoid hitting them.
Another potential factor is California Vehicle Code 22350, the Basic Speed Law. It requires drivers to travel only at speeds safe for conditions. At night, when visibility is reduced, drivers must slow down and use caution. If the driver traveled too fast to stop in time, liability may apply. Although police said DUI did not appear to play a role, the driver may still face civil liability if negligence occurred. Since both victims suffered injuries requiring hospitalization, they have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim. This claim can help cover hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering.
What the Victims Can Do
The mother and her daughter should contact a personal injury attorney quickly. An attorney can obtain the police report, review surveillance footage or dashcam evidence, and interview witnesses to determine fault. If the driver is found negligent, the victims can file a civil claim to recover damages. This can help pay for ongoing medical care, therapy, and any lost wages. It may also compensate them for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the crash.
Even though the injuries are not life-threatening, the impact on their lives can still be significant. Taking swift legal action will help preserve evidence and give the victims the best chance at fair recovery following the Clinton Street accident.
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.