Two women from Coachella died Wednesday in a solo vehicle rollover crash on Highway 86, near the Riverside/Imperial County Line, the Desert Sun reported. The accident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. June 2nd on northbound Highway 86, about a half-mile north of Treadwell Boulevard, the Riverside County Coroner's office said.
According to authorities, Maria Lopez de Mora, 64, was driving a 2007 Chevrolet minivan northbound on Highway 86. A 28-year-old Coachella man was in the right front seat, and Silvia Lopez Gastelum, 61, was in the back seat. The van was travelling around 70 mph when for unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the vehicle. The van overturned several times across the center median and came to rest in the southbound lanes of Highway 86. Gastelum was ejected from the vehicle.
Both of the women were flown to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where they died. The male passenger, who was not identified, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Highway Rollover Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability
Anytime a vehicle overturns in an accident, it is important to consider why the vehicle overturned. While rollover accidents are relative uncommon compared to rear-end collisions and other types of crashes, they result in a large proportion of fatalities and catastrophic injuries. Depending on how a rollover accident occurs, the manufacturer of the vehicle may possibly be liable for the injuries and wrongful deaths of the occupants.
While this fatal June 3rd Highway 86 accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to seek a consultation with an experienced Riverside wrongful death lawyer about the liability issues involved and whether or not the design of the vehicle contributed to accident. In a free consultation, an attorney can help the victims' families understand their legal rights and advise them of their best course of action to protect their rights going forward.
Sources: Desert Sun, KXO Radio
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