Imperial County, CA (December 21, 2024) – On the evening of December 21, 2024, at approximately 9:00 p.m., a tragic multi-vehicle collision occurred on State Route 111 north of McCabe Road near Brawley.
Accident Details: A 51-year-old male driving a 1996 Toyota Camry veered into oncoming traffic in the southbound lanes for unknown reasons, leading to a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles. The Camry collided with a 2003 Ford F-150 driven by Juan Gomez, 39, of El Centro, California. A third vehicle, a 2022 Volkswagen Taos driven by Marco Ballesteros, 49, of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, also collided with the Ford. Attempting to avoid the crash, Brenda Castro, 28, of Fontana, California, drove her 2023 Toyota Camry into the dirt median, ultimately striking a barbed wire fence.
The driver of the 1996 Toyota Camry succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Juan Gomez sustained moderate injuries and was airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. Ballesteros and his passengers suffered minor injuries and were transported to El Centro Regional Medical Center.
Investigation: Investigators have reported that all parties were wearing seatbelts except for the 1996 Toyota Camry driver. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash, including whether impairment was a factor.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that the complexity of this case raises numerous legal considerations surrounding potential negligence and liability. Investigators will examine several factors to determine the cause of the initial crash and the subsequent chain of events. They will look at all drivers’ behavior, including evidence of impairment, distraction, fatigue, and traffic violations. Other factors are mechanical failure, defective road conditions, and improper signage.
The family of the deceased driver may be able to file a wrongful death claim if it is determined that other factors besides their negligence led to the crash, such as the negligence of the municipality maintaining the roads or vehicle manufacturer for a defect in his vehicle. Survivors, including Juan Gomez, Marco Ballesteros, and Brenda Castro, may have personal injury claims against the estate of the deceased driver or other responsible parties. These claims could address medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased driver during this time of loss. I wish the injured individuals a fast recovery.
Source: The Desert Review