Colton, CA (June 21, 2024) – On June 21, Julio Reyes, a 19-year-old motorcyclist, died following a collision at the end of a police pursuit, according to the Colton Police Department.
Accident Details: The incident began when an officer attempted a traffic enforcement stop on Julio Reyes, who was riding a motorcycle in Colton. Reyes failed to stop and fled westbound on the Interstate 10 Freeway. The pursuit continued into Rialto, where Reyes collided with a vehicle at the intersection of Riverside Avenue and the westbound I-10 on-ramp. Reyes sustained critical injuries in the collision. The occupants of the other vehicle were not injured. The Rialto Fire Department transported Reyes to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day, June 22.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. First, the details of the traffic enforcement stop and subsequent pursuit need a thorough examination. Questions about the reason for the initial stop, the decision to pursue at high speeds, and adherence to police pursuit policies are critical in determining if any procedural missteps occurred. The investigation will likely focus on whether the officers’ actions during the pursuit were justified and if they maintained the requisite duty of care to avoid endangering the public. The investigation should also examine the behavior of the driver in the vehicle to see if they were driving recklessly, speeding, or violating a traffic law. Both the vehicle and the motorcycle should be examined for any mechanical defects. If the investigation results find negligence, then Reyes’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. While Reyes’s actions in fleeing and his role in the collision are evident, note that this would not prohibit his family from financial recovery. However, shared liability may implicate California‘s comparative negligence law.
My sincerest condolences are with the family and friends of Julio Reyes during this difficult time.
Source: Fontana Herald News