The Press-Enterprise reported that one person died and at least five others people were injured in a multi-vehicle accident Thursday afternoon in Menifee. The June 10th crash occurred at about 1:34 p.m. on Newport Road, about 75 feet east of the on-ramp to northbound Interstate 215.
According to the Menifee Police Department, the initial investigation determined that a white Hyundai Santa Fe that had been traveling northbound on the I-215 freeway and had exited the Newport Rd. freeway offramp. The vehicle went through the intersection and struck the center divider of Newport Rd., causing the vehicle to become airborne where it collided with a Mazda minivan in the number one westbound lane of Newport Rd. Another vehicle rear-ended the minivan, and several other vehicles were involved in minor fender-benders trying to avoid the wreckage.
The driver of the minivan, Roland G. Seneff, 69, of Hemet, died as a result of his injuries at Menifee Valley Medical Center. The front passenger in the minvan suffered serious injuries. Three children in the minivan were taken to the hospital and later released. The driver of the Hyundai suffered a broken neck. It was not clear if anyone else was injured.
Cause of the Menifee Crash
According to the Press-Enterprise, the driver of the Hyundai told authorities that when she exited northbound Interstate 215 at Newport Road, she was unable to slow down at the end of the offramp. Regardless of whether the driver of the Hyundai was negligent, or if her vehicle somehow malfunctioned, the driver of the minivan and all of the occupants in his vehicle were victims of this crash.
Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability
The cause of the accident remains under investigation, and at this point, it is not clear who is responsible for this accident. If the driver caused this crash, she may be liable for the death and injuries of the occupants of the minivan. If a defect in manufacturing or caused the accident, the manufacturer of the Hyundai could be liable for the death and injuries of the occupants of the minivan, as well as the injuries sustained by the driver of the Hyundai.
While authorities are still looking at all possible contributing factors, including having the vehicle inspected, the family of Roland Seneff and the families of the other injured parties would be well-advised to contact a Riverside personal injury attorney as soon as possible about this accident. An experienced attorney can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights, and obtain maximum compensation for the wrongful death of the driver and the injuries of the passengers.
Sources: Riverside County Coroner, Desert Sun, Southwest Riverside News Network, NC Times Californian, Press Enterprise
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