A recent fatal car crash on Interstate 15 has prompted the Temecula community to remind drivers to practice safe habits behind the wheel. An April 22, 2021 collision caused the death of a Murrieta teen, and the driver responsible for the incident now faces murder charges. As the community responds to this unfortunate event, local agencies and authorities are urging people to drive responsibly to keep themselves and others safe on the road.
Circumstances Surrounding the Temecula Vehicle Crash
Around 12:30 p.m. on April 22, 2021, Kevin Wayne May was driving a Hino truck southbound on Interstate 15. When he approached the Overland Drive overcrossing, he failed to notice the stopped traffic ahead and collided with the back of a Toyota Prius. The crash caused both vehicles to catch fire, and the Prius was pinned between May’s truck and a big rig. Rescue crews arrived quickly, but the Prius driver, later identified as an 18-year-old from Murrieta, had already died in the fire. The driver of the big rig was unharmed.
Lasting Damage Leads to Criminal Charges
The fatal accident triggered a SigAlert that lasted for several hours and caused massive traffic jams throughout the area. On April 29, Riverside County prosecutors charged May with murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Although May was hospitalized with moderate injuries after the incident, he was soon arrested. California Highway Patrol (CHP) determined that May was under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident.
Keeping Riverside County Roadways Safe
The California Highway Patrol is urging the community to drive responsibly, as substances like alcohol, marijuana, controlled substances, or prescription medication can impair your alertness and responsiveness behind the wheel. If you do suffer an auto accident injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible and enlist the guidance of a trusted Temecula auto accident lawyer to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about what steps to take following an auto accident in Temecula or Murrieta, call Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation today at (951) 489-3320.