An elderly woman who was killed in a Riverside car accident has been identified by local officials as 87-year-old Francisca Reyes, 87. The fatal car collision occurred the morning of February 1, 2010 at the intersection of Avenue 48 and Indio Boulevard. Reyes was a passenger in a sedan that was broadsided by a pickup truck at the intersection. She was taken to a local hospital where she died from her injuries. The other person in the car was also hospitalized with injuries, which were not life-threatening.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Francisca Reyes for their devastating loss. I also wish the injured victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Car Accidents

Nine fatalities and 222 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Indio, according to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. Countywide, 279 fatalities and 9,925 injuries occurred during the same year, involving car accidents.

Car Accident Causes and Liability Issues

Broadside or side-impact crashes can cause catastrophic injuries or death because the sides of vehicles offer less protection from the impact of the collision than the front or back of the vehicle. In this particular case, it is not very clear how the collision occurred. There are several questions here. Did one of the drivers fail to yield right-of-way at the intersection? Did one of the drivers run a red light at the intersection? Whose fault was this accident? If the driver of the pickup is determined to have caused this crash, he or she could be held liable for the accident, fatality and injuries caused.

If a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to this accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable as well. Any such claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within six months of the accident or injury. An experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer will be able to help victims and their families through what can be a complex legal process and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.