A motorist was killed and another person injured in a tragic crash on southbound Interstate 15 in Temecula on Thursday afternoon. The freeway crash occurred around 12.03 p.m. in the #4 lane between Rancho California Road and the Overland Drive overcrossing. The fatal crash involved a big rig, Toyota Prius and a box truck.
According to CHP Officer Mike Lassig, Kevin May, a 47-year-old Fontana resident was driving the Hino bobtail box truck at an unknown speed. He failed to notice the stopped traffic ahead and slammed into a Toyota Prius ahead of it. With the impact of the collision both the vehicles burst into flames. The Prius got badly pinned between the box truck and a big rig that had also stopped due to the traffic ahead.
Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department and the Murrieta Fire & Rescue crews reached the location immediately and extinguished the flames.
Unfortunately, the driver of Prius was found dead in the crash wreckage. That identity of the driver has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Kevin May, who was hauling furniture in the box truck sustained moderate injuries and was admitted to Inland Valley Medical Center.
He has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs. Luckily the big rig driver got out of the accident wreckage unscathed and uninjured. The crash is still under investigation.
By Thursday evening the crews began to open the freeways however, the freeway remained partially blocked causing a lot of traffic jam.
The CHP officer reminded the people about the dangers of driving under the influence, asking everyone to drive responsibly. He said “Whether its alcohol, marijuana, hard drugs or prescription medication, any of these substances can have fatal results when operating a motor vehicle. Please drive responsibly.”
Driving under influence is considered negligent driving under the law. Drivers under influence of alcohol or drugs may lose control over their senses and end up speeding or violating traffic laws.
DUI crash claims are required to be built on a strong foundation. To prove the negligent behaviour of the driver one needs to produce substantial, reliable, and well-presented evidence.
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If you or a family member has been recently injured in a DUI accident, you need to take corrective actions soon. Delaying medical care or consulting the wrong people and failing to hire a reputed, experienced personal injury lawyer could hurt your chances of securing compensation for your losses and damages.
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