Auto Accident in San Juan Capistrano Leaves One Dead

One person was killed after a Jeep reportedly ran a red light at a high rate of speed and later crashed, landing on top of a building at Marco Forster Middle School in San Juan Capistrano. According to a report in the Orange County Register, the accident happened at about 3:40 p.m. Tuesday.  By the time emergency personnel arrived, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. The driver was able to get out of the car in time, but the passenger, despite the efforts of bystanders and emergency personnel, could not be freed immediately and was pronounced dead at the scene.


According to witnesses, after running the red light, the Jeep sideswiped another vehicle, went up a curb and then through a chain-linked fence before landing on top of the equipment shed at the school.  The names of the driver and passenger, both reportedly 21 years old, have not been released.  The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.


See the Orange County Register article HERE.


The cause of this accident is still undetermined, and it remains to be seen why the Jeep was traveling at a high rate of speed and then through a red light.  Witnesses, including the driver, will have to be interviewed and a reconstruction of the accident will allow a final determination of the cause.  As with any serious or fatal accident, the investigating law enforcement agency is expected to do a thorough analysis, including an inquiry into whether or not drugs or alcohol played a role.


Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a driver’s negligence, should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver negligently or recklessly causes a traffic accident and death results, the driver should be held accountable.  An Orange County auto accident attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including those for wrongful death.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.


Have you or a loved one been seriously injured or killed in an automobile accident involving an impaired or reckless driver?

• Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.