Lake Elsinore, CA (July 17, 2024) – On Wednesday night, Zackariah Clifford, 49, of Lake Elsinore, tragically lost his life in a two-vehicle collision.
Accident Details and Ongoing Investigation: The accident occurred around 6:23 p.m. at the intersection of Lewis Street and Sumner Avenue. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the incident to determine the factors that led to the fatal crash.
Legal Considerations: In cases like this, multiple aspects require thorough investigation to understand what happened and determine liability. As a personal injury attorney, I find that some critical questions and areas to explore include the following:
- Road Conditions and Signage: Was the intersection of Lewis Street and Sumner Avenue adequately marked with traffic signs and signals? Poor signage or road maintenance could contribute to accidents and may place liability on local government entities responsible for road safety.
- Driver Behavior: Was either driver impaired, distracted, or otherwise negligent? Investigating phone records, conducting toxicology reports, and interviewing witnesses can provide insights into whether any driver was at fault.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Malfunction: Did either vehicle experience mechanical failures that contributed to the crash? Examining maintenance records and conducting a detailed inspection of the vehicles involved could reveal issues such as brake failure or other critical malfunctions.
Depending on the findings, Clifford’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
My sincerest condolences are with the family and friends of Zackariah Clifford during this difficult time.
Source: Patch