Grace Imai, 74, of Placentia, was killed in a San Bernardino County car accident involving a rear-end collision. According to a news report in The San Bernardino County Sun, the fatal car crash occurred on the northbound 15 Freeway east of Barstow in Yermo, the afternoon of August 17, 2012. Officials say Imai was a passenger in a 2004 Toyota Sienna with her husband when it was rear-ended by another vehicle. Imai was pronounced dead the morning of August 19, 2012. Officials are still investigating this fatal crash.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Grace Imai following this tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
San Bernardino Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 85 fatalities and 1,668 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. During that same year, 203 people were killed and 7,915 were injured in car crashes countywide.
What Caused This Fatal Accident?
Based on this news article, this fatal accident was caused by a driver rear-end collision. It is not clear, however, what led to the crash or if the at-fault driver will be cited for the accident. The report states that the accident involved six vehicles. There are several questions here. Was the driver of the striking vehicle speeding or driving distracted? Was the motorist under the influence or driving recklessly? Was the driver following the other vehicles too closely?
Rear-end accidents are often caused by drivers tailgating the other vehicle or by distracted drivers. California Vehicle Code Section 21703 states: “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway.” California Vehicle Code Section 21704 states that the driver “shall keep the vehicle he is driving at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear of any other motor vehicle subject to such speed restriction which is preceding it.”
Liability Issues
In such cases, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of love and companionship. Victims’ families would be well advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.