At approximately 1:40 pm Saturday, March 30, a Kia car traveling southbound on I-15 hydroplaned and lost control, causing a head-on collision. The Kia skidded across all southbound lanes, the center dirt median, and into northbound traffic, colliding head-on with a Mercedes SUV traveling north. The collision occurred near mile marker 145, near the Halloran Springs Road exit. Three passengers died in the crash, one adult and two children.

The Kia car was driven by a 52-year-old man, transporting five other passengers, a 43-year-old woman, a 19-year-old male, a 13-year-old male, a 7-year-old male, and a 3-year-old male. The 43-year-old woman, identified as Alicia M Ramos, and her 13-year-old son, Isaac Ramos, died as a result of the crash. Alicia succumbed to her injuries while in transport to Barstow Community Hospital, and her son Isaac died on the scene of the crash. The surviving passengers remain in critical condition at this time.

The Mercedes SUV was driven by a 38-year-old male, transporting three other passengers, a 34-year-old woman, a 15-year-old girl, and an 11-year-old boy. The 11-year-old boy, whose identity is undisclosed at this time, died on the scene.

After the collision occurred, the northbound lanes of I-15 were shut down for hours. California Highway Patrol does not believe that either alcohol or drugs contributed to the incident.

Driving In Inclement Weather Increases Chances Of Accidents

According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), nearly 1.2 million weather-related car crashes occur in the US every year, meaning they occur due to adverse weather conditions. Of these 1.2 million crashes, 46 percent occur during rainfall.

Rainfall can cause dangerous driving conditions as it reduces the driver’s visibility and vehicle performance (like tire friction), and increases traffic due to the need for reduced driving speed. When rainfall creates puddles on the roadways, cars are more likely to hydroplane, like in the accident over Easter weekend. Hydroplaning occurs when your car’s tires lose all contact with the road’s surface and begin to glide across the water.

Safety Tips For Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning can be a terrifying and dangerous experience. If you begin to hydroplane, some steps you can take include:

• Removing your foot from the gas: keeping your foot on the gas will cause your wheels to spin faster and worsen the loss of traction you are experiencing.
• Avoid braking: braking can cause your wheels to lock up and make it more difficult to regain control of the vehicle.
• Do not attempt to steer or turn the wheel: attempting to turn or steer your car may cause you to spin out and lose control, instead try to keep a firm grip on the wheel and keep it straight. Once you regain traction you can slowly steer in your desired direction.

Driving in any sort of inclement weather presents unique challenges that require drivers to change their regular driving habits for the safety of themselves and others on the road. It is important to reduce driving speed, increase following distance, and stay vigilant of changing conditions and others on the road. “In my years of practice, I’ve witnessed the profound and devastating impact that car accidents can have on families,” says attorney Brett Schreiber of Singleton Schreiber. “When extreme weather conditions are present, making small changes to how you drive can significantly affect your safety and the safety of others on the road.  However, in the event that you are involved in a collision, an experienced attorney may be able to help.”

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, contact the San Diego car accident lawyers at Singleton Schreiber by calling (619) 648-2537 or by email at info@singletonschreiber.com.

Around 3 pm on Sunday, March 17, 2024, a two-car crash was reported on the westbound lanes, near the Hoover Street exit of I-10 in Los Angeles. When the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) arrived they extricated one man trapped in the wreckage. Video news coverage shows the two cars involved as a silver pickup truck and what appears to be a white Tesla.  

The crash caused at least five injuries and one death. The man pronounced dead at the scene has been identified as  26-year-old Jordy Martin Recinos. 

A 29-year-old woman and four boys, aged 3-months-old, 6-years-old, 7-years-old, and 10-years-old were injured in the crash. All five were transported to local medical centers in serious-to-critical condition. LAFD officials reported that one man was treated on scene and released with no injuries.

All westbound lanes on I-10 were closed for over three hours due to the crash. According to officials, the circumstances leading up to the crash are still unknown, though an investigation is underway. 

Navigating the Aftermath of a Fatal Car Crash

Losing a loved one in a fatal car crash is a devastating experience that can have lasting impacts on the surviving loved one’s emotional, mental, and financial well-being. While insurance policies provide some coverage, they often try to take advantage of victims seeking compensation and will offer settlements that don’t fully cover their losses. 

If your loved one wrongfully died in a car accident, it is best to seek the help of an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal system. A good wrongful death attorney will understand the laws, and know how to fight for the maximum possible compensation for your situation.

Common Causes of Fatal Crashes In Los Angeles 

In California, wrongful death is defined as death caused due to negligent actions or inactions of an individual, business, or other entity. Common causes of fatal crashes that may result in wrongful death claims include:

• A drunk driver
• A reckless driver (ex: speeding, ignoring traffic signals)
• Poorly maintained roads
• Malfunction of a critical car component
• And more

Damages Available In A Los Angeles Wrongful Death Claim

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, you may be eligible to file for compensation for wrongful death. Claims for wrongful death caused in a car accident may seek compensation for things such as:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of the deceased’s companionship
• Loss of guidance from the deceased
• Loss of intimacy
• The financial loss of household services the deceased provided
• The financial loss of the deceased’s income (if they were the primary income)
• Loss of companionship
• And more

While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, seeking compensation with the help of an experienced attorney can help relieve you of the financial stresses you may be facing after your loss. “I see time and time again how the aftermath of fatal car crashes burdens families with both financial hardship and emotional trauma,” says lead attorney Brett Schreiber of Singleton Schreiber, “as an attorney, it is my job to fight to uphold the rights of the victim and their family to provide some relief in their time of grief.”  

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car crash, you are not alone. Contact a skilled San Diego wrongful death lawyer, like those at Singleton Schreiber, to learn more about your options.