At least six people tragically died Monday night in a fiery crash on Highway 395, the LA Times reported. The August 9th crash occurred about five miles south of Bishop shortly after 8 p.m. According to CHP reports, the driver of a soutbhound SUV lost control, drifted off the shoulder and then travelled into the center median. The SUV then collided with a large van carrying athletes from California Baptist University in Riverside.
The SUV was believed to be carrying athletes from a San Diego area cross country team. The injured victims included Drew Constantine Delis, 22, of Encinitas, who was taken to San Joaquin Community Hospital in Bakersfield with major injuries. Derek Randal Thomas, 19, also of Encinitas, was flown to West Hills Hospital with major injuries.
Wendry Rice, 35, of Corona, the driver of the van died at the scene. She was apparently transporting students from California Baptist University in Riverside to a high-altitude training camp in Mammoth.
According to the LA Times, eleven student athletes from Cal Baptist were taken to area hospitals with minor to serious injuries: Alyssa Neimeyer, 19, of Temecula; David Solis, 19, of Corona; Brenda Perez, 20, of Riverside; Alicia Catanese, 21, of Corona; Jennifer McGuire, 17, of Stevenson Ranch; Kayla M. Beaudoin, 19, of Corona; Miguel Angel Gonzalez, 18, of Hacienda Heights; Marissa Benson, 18, of Gresham, Ore.; Jonathan Monteon, 18, of Chino; Jonathan Hernandez, 18, of Moreno Valley; and Hanna Ingulsrud, 19, of Ontario.
Our sincerest condolences go out to everyone who has lost a friend or family member in this horrific collision that will surely never be forgotten. We hope all of the injured victims make a full recovery.
Cause of the Highway 395 Crash
The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident. It appears that the driver of the southbound SUV lost control, but it is unclear why. Based on the limited information available in news reports, there are more questions than answers at this point. According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident took place on a part of Highway 395 that had four lanes and a center divider. Investigators are looking at skid marks and other evidence to determine the speeds of each of the vehicles involved.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability
Highway accidents such as this one have very unique and often very complex legal issues. Determining liability and fault will be challenging to say the least. Investigators will look at not just the actions of the driver of the SUV, but the condition and maintenance of all vehicles and even the condition of the roadway where the crash occurred. If this crash was caused by a defect in the sport utility vehicle, the manufacturer of the SUV could be liable for all victims' deaths and injuries. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims of this crash would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable California personal injury attorney who has represented victims of Highway 395 accidents. A skilled lawyer can help the victims' families understand and protect their legal rights, and advise them of their best course of action handling communications with the insurance companies.
Sources: Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, LA Now, Press-Enterprise.
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