Corona, CA (July 27, 2024) – On Saturday, just before 11 p.m., a tragic accident unfolded on the westbound side of the 91 Freeway in Corona, California, between McKinley Street and Promenade Avenue. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident resulted in the death of Eulalia Cazares Barragan, 48, of Corona, and left four others with major injuries.
Accident Details: The CHP’s preliminary investigation reveals that a BMW sedan and a Hyundai were disabled and stopped on the freeway’s right shoulder. All occupants of these vehicles were standing on the right shoulder dirt embankment when the incident occurred. The exact cause of the vehicles’ disablement remains unclear.
A 35-year-old Long Beach resident, driving a Nissan Altima, was heading west on the freeway when the vehicle veered onto the shoulder. The Nissan collided with the stalled BMW, causing the BMW to be pushed onto the dirt embankment and into the five stranded motorists. Tragically, Barragan, who had been riding in the Hyundai, was pronounced dead at the scene. The four other victims were transported to the hospital with severe injuries.
Investigation: The driver of the Nissan Altima has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact them.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, several critical aspects of this case require thorough investigation to determine liability and secure justice for the victims and their families:
- Establishing Fault: Drunk driving is a serious offense, and proving the Nissan driver’s intoxication at the time of the accident will be crucial. This investigation will likely involve reviewing police reports, breathalyzer or blood test results, and witness statements.
- Circumstances of Disablement: Understanding how BMW and Hyundai vehicles became disabled is essential. If mechanical failure or another driver’s negligence caused these vehicles to stop on the freeway, additional parties might share liability. Investigating the maintenance records of the vehicles and the circumstances leading to their disablement can provide important insights.
- Highway Safety: Evaluating the safety measures on that stretch of the freeway, including signage, lighting, and the shoulder’s condition, can help determine if any external factors contributed to the accident’s severity. Local government entities responsible for highway maintenance could be held accountable if deficiencies are found.
Eulalia Cazares Barragan’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim against parties whose negligence caused the accident. Similarly, the injured victims may be able to file a personal injury claim.
We understand this accident’s profound impact on the lives of those involved and their families. My sincerest condolences are with the family and friends of Eulalia Cazares Barragan during this difficult time. I wish the injured individuals a speedy recovery.
Source: Patch