A woman who was killed in a car accident in Hemet after a head-on collision has been identified by authorities as 29-year-old Nichole Mena. The Riverside Press Enterprise reports that the fatal crash occurred the night of July 6, 2010 on Highway 74, near Four Seasons Boulevard and Calvert Avenue. A 2008 Nissan Quest driven by 43-year-old Mamdouh Salem crossed into opposing lanes of traffic striking Mena's 1996 Acura Integra head-on. Mena, the sole occupant of that vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene while Mamdouh Salem and two young children in the minivan sustained minor injuries. A 1-year-old in the minivan was uninjured.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Nichole Mena. This grieving family will be in my prayers.

Car Accidents

In Riverside County, there were 220 fatalities and 8,561 injuries involving car accidents in 2008, according to CHP's traffic accident statistics. In the city of Hemet, seven people died and 416 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Causes and Liability Issues

This news report does not state how or why Mamdouh Salem crossed over to opposing lanes of traffic and struck Mena's car head-on. Was he under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Was he distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent? Was there a mechanical malfunction in the minivan, which may have caused it to go out of control? The answers to these and other questions will hopefully shed some light on the circumstances of this fatal crash.

If Salem is determined to have been at fault for this fatal accident, he could face vehicular manslaughter charges. At the same time he could also be held civilly liable for Mena's wrongful death. In such cases, it would be in the best interest of families of deceased victims to seek the counsel of an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise families about how their car insurance policy might apply to an incident involving an at-fault motorist who is uninsured or underinsured.

What are some of the defensive driving measures you adopt? We would like to hear your suggestions.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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