Victorville, CA (December 21, 2024) – On the night of Saturday, December 21, 2024, a tragic two-car collision occurred along Highway 395 in Victorville, claiming the lives of two individuals and leaving another person severely injured.
Accident Details: The crash occurred a little after 11 p.m. at the intersection with Bear Valley Road. A gray Hyundai Sonata and a white Kia Forte collided in the northbound lanes. Upon arrival, responders confirmed the deaths of 53-year-old Josephine M. Perez/Vivanco from Hesperia and Rogelio Reyes Ramirez. A third victim, a female, was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, though her condition remains undisclosed. All were occupants of the Kia. The driver of the Hyundai remained on the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
- Driver Behavior: Authorities will conduct a detailed investigation to determine whether either driver acted recklessly, such as failing to yield, running a red light, or committing other potential traffic violations. Investigators will also determine if impairment due to drugs or alcohol played a role.
- Road Conditions: Road conditions, such as weather, lighting, or signage, could also be a factor. Poor road maintenance or inadequate road markings could contribute to crashes, in which case, a government entity responsible for road upkeep could also be held liable.
- Mechanical Failure: The mechanical failure of either vehicle could also be a contributing factor. If a defect or failure in the Hyundai Sonata or the Kia Forte caused the crash, the manufacturer or party responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle might bear some responsibility for the accident.
Wrongful Death Claim: The families of Josephine M. Perez/Vivanco and Rogelio Reyes Ramirez may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if another’s negligence contributed to the crash. In California, wrongful death claims allow family members to seek compensation for their loss, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
Personal Injury Claim: Additionally, the female survivor who was severely injured in the crash may have grounds for a personal injury claim. They may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and future care needs.
My condolences go out to the families of Josephine M. Perez/Vivanco and Rogelio Reyes Ramirez as they navigate this heartbreaking tragedy. I also wish the injured individual a fast recovery.
The families of Josephine M. Perez/Vivanco and Rogelio Reyes Ramirez have set up GoFundMe accounts to help with final expenses. Please contribute if you can.
Source: Victor Valley News Group