A 91-year-old man who suffered fatal injuries in a car accident in Riverside County has been identified by authorities as Neil McConaghy. The Desert Sun reports that the fatal crash occurred the morning of February 16, 2012, at Date Palm Drive and Ramon Road in Cathedral City. Officials say that the chain-reaction collision was triggered by a Ford F550 truck whose driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into four vehicles including the victim’s Chrysler PT Cruiser. McConaghy died from his injuries at a nearby hospital. The truck’s driver was also hospitalized in critical condition. One other driver was injured as well. Officials are looking into whether the driver of the truck suffered a medical condition just before the collision.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Neil McConaghy for their tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are also with those who were injured in this collision.

Car Accident Statistics

There were 203 fatalities and 7,974 injuries involving car accidents in Riverside County, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). During the same year, there were five fatalities and 105 injuries involving car accidents in Cathedral City.

Causes and Compensation Issues

It is unclear from this report as to what caused the driver of the Ford truck to lose control of his vehicle and crash into the other cars. Some witnesses say that the truck’s driver seemed as if he suffered a seizure. I trust officials are looking into whether a medical condition, distracted driving, inattention or fatigue contributed to this fatal crash.
Police say alcohol or drugs were not factors.

If the truck’s driver is determined to have been at fault, then, he can be held liable for McConaghy’s wrongful death. It would be in the best interests of victims’ families in such cases to seek the counsel of an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.