(Indio, CA) A vehicle pinned a pedestrian and seriously injured two people in a Clinton Street crash in Indio.
On Sunday, August 17, at about 12:10 p.m., the Clinton Street crash occurred. According to the Riverside County Fire Department, firefighters dispatched near the intersection of Clinton Street and Miles Avenue.
When authorities investigated, they learned a 55-year-old man drove a Honda van on Clinton Street. While trying to turn left into a gas station, he collided with a BMW sedan, said Sgt. Abe Plata. As a result of the impact, the 24-year-old BMW driver left the roadway and onto the sidewalk. After leaving the roadway, he pinned a 31-year-old pedestrian to a mailbox. A nearby mother and her two children moved away in time, avoiding sustaining any injuries.
As soon as firefighters arrived, they extricated the pedestrian. Paramedics soon came and transported the pedestrian with serious injuries and the BMW driver with minor injuries to a hospital. The Honda van driver left the scene with the help of a bystander to seek medical care at JFK Hospital in Indio. According to Sgt. Plata, officers did not suspect DUI as a factor in the Clinton Street crash.
Legal Opinion of the Clinton Street Crash
The Clinton Street crash raises multiple legal concerns under California traffic laws. According to Sgt. Abe Plata, the crash began when a 55-year-old man driving a Honda van tried to turn left into a gas station. That turn led to a collision with a BMW sedan traveling straight on Clinton Street. Under California Vehicle Code 21801, drivers making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic. If the van driver turned without yielding properly, he likely violated this code, triggering the chain of events.
The impact from the Clinton Street crash pushed the BMW onto the sidewalk, where it struck and pinned a 31-year-old pedestrian against a mailbox. While the BMW driver may not have caused the initial crash, California law still expects all drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. Under VEH 21950, drivers must take care to protect pedestrians, even in emergency situations.
The van driver’s decision to leave the scene creates additional complications. VEH 20001 requires drivers to remain at the scene when someone suffers injury or death. Even if they need medical care, drivers must notify authorities first. Leaving with a bystander, even to go to the hospital, can be seen as failing to meet those duties.
What the Injured Person Can Do
The pedestrian has a strong personal injury claim under California law. A lawyer can help them seek compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, rehab, and pain and suffering. If the injuries affect their ability to work, they can also claim lost wages and future income loss.
The first step is hiring a personal injury attorney who can obtain the official police report, eyewitness statements, and surveillance footage from the gas station or nearby stores. That evidence can clarify who was at fault and how the Clinton Street crash happened. The BMW driver, while not primarily at fault, may still share some liability depending on how the crash unfolded. The Honda driver’s early departure, even with an explanation, will be carefully reviewed.
Because of the seriousness of the pedestrian’s injuries, the attorney may also look into whether both drivers’ insurance policies have enough coverage. If not, the pedestrian’s own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy may help cover additional costs.
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.
