Enrique Fernandez, of Indio, Killed In Cathedral City Hit-And-Run Truck Accident While Riding Motorcycle Near The Intersection of Crossley Road and Ramon Road
CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA (June 3, 2022) – A motorcyclist identified as Enrique Fernandez died in a Cathedral City hit-and-run accident by Crossley Road and Ramon Road.
Riverside County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:20 a.m. on May 15. Enrique Fernandez was driving a motorcycle with a female passenger when a pickup truck driver made a left turn in front of him.
Both victims were ejected into the roadway and sustained major injuries. First responders were called to the scene in order to help both victims.
Sadly, Enrique Fernandez died due to the severity of his injuries. But the female passenger on the motorcycle was transported to the hospital and is expected to survive.
The driver of the pickup truck fled the scene and police were able to locate the truck involved. However, the suspect has still not been captured at this time.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Cathedral City Hit-And-Run Car Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in hit-and-run collisions every year. According to Value Penguin, “There were 2,948 fatal hit-and-runs in California from 2010 to 2019, resulting in 3,056 deaths. Both numbers are higher than in any other state. Additionally, there were 8.8 fatal hit-and-runs for every 10 billion miles traveled in California during this period — higher than in all other states but the District of Columbia and Arizona.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a hit-and-run collision.
- Hit-and-run collisions are more likely to occur later in the evening. This is also the time when more drunk drivers tend to be on the road.
- Hit-and-run collisions are more likely to occur when drivers are intoxicated.
- Drivers may be scared of going to jail after any injury collision and decide to leave.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. They must exercise a great deal of care when making turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left or make a U-turn must yield the right-of-way to all traffic traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard. If a driver makes an abrupt left turn in front of a motorcyclist they could face civil liability. Drivers that flee the scene of an injury collision may also incur criminal liability for their actions.
Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a collision may go beyond any driver. Many pickup trucks are used for commercial purposes. If a pickup truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any hit-and-run collision.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Fragments of the fleeing vehicle should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
The family of any victim that died in a hit-and-run collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. It is extremely important that evidence is properly preserved after any hit-and-run collision. This will help increase the odds that the at-fault driver is caught. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Cathedral City Hit-And-Run Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Enrique Fernandez. Any person that may have more information about the driver that fled the scene should reach out to police. The driver responsible for this crash should turn themselves in. It’s never too late to do the right thing.
Do you need more information about a Cathedral City hit-and-run car accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that hit-and-run drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
