18-Year-Old Killed En Route to Coachella Festival

Apr 16,2018

A woman was killed while driving to the Coachella Festival early Thursday morning. Officials say speed was a factor in the fatal crash, which occurred around 4:15 a.m. on eastbound I-10 in Banning.

The driver, 21-year-old Cesar Hernadezozuna of San Diego, was heading east near the Hargrave Street exit in the far right lane. Police say he was driving at a high rate of speed when his vehicle drifted off the road onto the dirt shoulder. Hernadezozuna tried to correct the vehicle, but he lost control and went over an embankment, crashing into two trees. The impact caused the car to split into two pieces.

The backseat passenger, an 18-year-old San Diego woman, was ejected from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity has not yet been released.

The front-seat passenger, 16-year-old Manuela Cerciellorahbari, also from San Diego, suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center. The driver was also sent to the hospital for his injuries.

While there was alcohol in the vehicle, police say drugs and alcohol were not factors in the crash. Police continue to investigate the fatal crash.

Music Festival Travel Safety

Drivers are reminded to be mindful of increased traffic over the next two weekends for the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals. The California Department of Transportation particularly cautions drivers about I-10 between Beaumont and Indio, and Highway 60 between Moreno Valley and Beaumont. Thousands of people will travel these freeways over the next two weekends. If you are attending one of the festivals, anticipate the traffic and remain patient as you travel to your destination. Prepare with a full tank of gas, and of course refrain from driving under the influence or while distracted.

“Our thoughts go out to the victim’s loved ones. Please remember to drive cautiously and to follow all traffic laws as you travel to and from these music festivals,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.