Emeliano Perez, 53, and two Moreno Valley men, aged 23 and 26, were killed in a Riverside car accident involving a wrong-way driver, the night of September 17, 2011. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the fatal car accident occurred on an Interstate 215 off-ramp, coming from the 60 Freeway. A California Highway Patrol officer attempted to stop the 2003 Jaguar from entering the off-ramp the wrong way, but was unsuccessful. Officials say the 26-year-old driver of the Jaguar was fleeing the CHP officer, who was trying to stop him for a traffic violation. Soon after, the Jaguar crashed head-on into a 2010 Nissan Frontier pickup. Two occupants in the Jaguar, including its driver, and Perez, who was a passenger in the Nissan, were killed. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Emeliano Perez in this tragic car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Riverside Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 28 people were killed and 1,408 were injured in Riverside car accidents. During that same year, 203 fatalities and 7,974 injuries occurred due to Riverside County car accidents.

What Caused This Tragic Accident?

Based on the news account, the Jaguar was travelling the wrong way on the freeway in an attempt to flee the authorities. It is unclear at this point as to what type of violation the driver of the Jaguar committed. Was the driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Was the driver disoriented or suffering from a medical condition? I trust officials are still investigating and looking into what caused the driver to make such a dangerous and deadly move.

Liability Issues

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, and loss of companionship. In this case, if the driver of the Jaguar is determined to have been at fault, then, the victims or their families can seek compensation from the at-fault motorist's estate and liability insurance. An experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer will better advise injured victims or their families about their legal rights and options.