(Winchester, CA) A Highway 79 accident resulted in the death of 41-year-old Corey Burnham of Hemet in Winchester.
On Thursday, August 29, shortly after 2 a.m., the Highway 79 accident occurred. According to Sgt. Jonathan Torres of the California Highway Patrol, it happened on northbound Highway 79, just south of Stetson Avenue.
Upon investigation, authorities learned a 21-year-old man drove a Honda Accord northbound on Highway 79. While traveling, he encountered Corey Burnham walking in the roadway. The driver attempted to react, but he could not avoid a collision. The impact threw Burnham onto the pavement.
When officers arrived, they found Burnham unresponsive in the roadway, Torres said. The Riverside County Fire Department responded minutes later and assessed Burnham’s condition. Paramedics determined Burnham sustained fatal injuries and pronounced him dead at the scene. Officials confirmed alcohol and drugs did not contribute to the Highway 79 accident. Investigators also reported speed did not play a role.
Legal Opinion on the Highway 79 Accident
The Highway 79 accident that killed Corey Burnham raises several important legal questions. California law sets strict duties for both pedestrians and drivers on state highways. California Vehicle Code 21956 addresses pedestrians on roadways. It states pedestrians must walk close to the left-hand edge of the roadway outside of business or residential areas when no sidewalks exist. If Burnham walked in the traffic lane instead of near the shoulder, this law may apply. If police confirm that speed was a factor, California Vehicle Code 22350 may apply. The Basic Speed Law requires drivers to travel at a safe speed for conditions. Even though police stated speed did not contribute, investigators will still consider visibility, lighting, and road conditions to ensure the driver acted reasonably.
Because no evidence points to impairment, recklessness, or speeding, liability may remain limited. However, investigators still need to determine Burnham’s position at the time of impact. If he crossed improperly or walked in lanes of travel, comparative negligence may apply. California follows comparative fault, which means both the driver and pedestrian could share responsibility depending on the facts.
What the Family Can Do
The family of Corey Burnham can still pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This law allows close relatives to seek compensation for funeral costs, emotional loss, and the support Corey provided during his life. A wrongful death attorney can help by obtaining the full California Highway Patrol report on the Highway 79 accident. They can also request scene photographs, roadway lighting evaluations, and witness statements. Accident reconstruction experts may determine whether visibility, roadway design, or driver reaction time contributed to the crash.
Even though investigators said alcohol, drugs, and speed did not contribute, civil liability can still apply. Burnham’s family deserves answers about whether the driver could have avoided the collision or whether roadway conditions played a role. Taking legal action quickly can preserve evidence and ensure the family secures the justice and financial support they need during this devastating 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.
