[09-19-2023] Riverside County, CA – 72-Year-Old Woman Killed, Another Person Injured Following Two-Vehicle Collision in Palm Desert

A 72-year-old woman, Connie R., was killed while another person was injured after a two-vehicle collision in Palm Desert on Tuesday afternoon, September 19, 2023.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the incident occurred near the intersection of Hovley Lane, Washington Street, and Avenue 42 at around 2:50 p.m.

Authorities stated that their preliminary investigation revealed Palm Desert resident Connie R. attempted to turn south into a parking lot when another motorist struck her vehicle. It was not indicated in the report what the make or model of the vehicles involved were.

Good Samaritans attempted to save the woman, but her injuries proved too severe. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver was brought to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Drugs or alcohol were not suspected to be a factor in the collision. An investigation is underway to determine what caused the crash.

Dedicated Car Accident Attorneys in Palm Desert, Riverside County

Our personal injury law firm can help you if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or if you have lost a loved one.

We provide free consultations where our legal team examines the facts of your case, advises you on how to proceed, and considers all factors that may influence your compensation.

You can rely on our most qualified Riverside County car accident attorneys at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with the insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings.

Our firm has recovered more than $500 Million for California clients, and we’re known as one of California’s most reputable personal injury law firms.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After a Car Accident in California

No one can predict a car accident, but you can prepare for one. Having a car accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a car crash. It can tell you what to do, what not to do, and how best to protect your rights. When in doubt, give us a call. Keep our phone number, (888) 488-1391, in your phone or written down in case the worst occurs. You aren’t alone after a serious collision. Here’s what to do:

1. Stay Calm. Stay on the scene and make sure everyone is okay. Check yourself for injuries first, and then check others. Remain calm and do not admit fault.
2. Get to a Safe Location. Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road if you can. Put your emergency flashers on to help prevent further collisions. Get somewhere safe to wait for the police.
3. Call 911. Call the police to report your accident. Unless your crash was very minor, with no injuries or property damage, you should call the cops. Police can document the incident, gather information, and make it part of an official record.
4. Exchange Information. Swap names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other vital details if possible.
5. Do Not Admit Fault. Again, do not admit fault, even to the police. Stick only to the facts of what happened when speaking with a police officer. Be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision.
6. Seek Medical Attention. Go to the hospital or your primary doctor as soon as possible. Immediate medical care can help reduce the damage you suffer from injuries. Tests and scans can identify internal injuries that may not show symptoms yet.
7. Report to Your Insurance Company. Most insurers have time limits for how soon you must report an accident in California. Call quickly and follow the agent’s directions for reporting your crash.
8. Speak to Insurance Adjusters. As soon as the day of your accident, you may receive a phone call from the other party’s insurance company. You may speak to the claims adjuster but do not give away any more information than is absolutely necessary. Do not record a statement or accept an insurance settlement offer until you speak to an attorney.
9. Create a File. Keep accident-related documents together and organized. Your file should include a copy of the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s information, injury treatment plans, and any other documents you’ve collected regarding the incident.
10. Call Our Car Accident Law Firm at (888) 488-1391. We offer free consultations so you can discuss your car crash without risk or obligation. We can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.

Follow this checklist, and you can come away from a disastrous car accident with hope for the future. You would have protected your rights, said nothing to place blame on yourself, and sought immediate medical attention for injuries. These are actions that can help should you need to file a claim with the California civil courts to pursue damage compensation.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Car Accident Statistics

The United States has the highest rate of auto accidents and fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there is still a high number of accidents despite a decrease of 0.3% in 2021. There is an estimated total of 42,795 fatalities in 2022 alone.

In 2020, 3,847 people reportedly died in car accidents in California. There were 1,587 fatalities from collisions involving multiple vehicles, or 41% of all crashes. On the other hand, single-vehicle accidents caused the most fatalities (59%) in traffic accidents.

In Palm Desert, 223 victims were injured or killed in a crash in 2020, based on the data released by the California Office of Traffic Safety. With an average population of 50,976 people, driving in the city requires the utmost caution.