5-Month-Old Fatally Injured in Crash at Intersection of Road 124 and Avenue 256
TULARE COUNTY, CA (April 2, 2018) – Parents lost their 5-month-old infant in a three-vehicle collision that took place on Monday night.
Family members said the baby girl’s name was Vanessa Torres.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal incident happened around 6:20 PM at the Road 124 (North Oakmore Road) and Avenue 256 (East Oakdale Avenue) intersection near Visalia.
William Burnette, a local who witnessed the collision, stated that it started when a Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck, driven by 25-year-old Amanda Goldsberry, did not stop at a stop sign. A Honda Odyssey minivan, driven by 44-year-old Claudia De Torres, was heading west on Avenue 256 and tried to avoid the pickup truck by swerving into the eastbound lane. She then crashed into a Nissan Maxima, driven by 30-year-old Patricia Mendoza.
The impact caused the Honda to spin and strike the Nissan a second time, causing the baby inside the minivan to be ejected from her car seat.
Another concerned resident, Jack Jones, rushed to the scene to help the victims. He noticed that the infant’s parents were hysterical while looking underneath the other car. To help them calm down, he asked them to sit down to see if they sustained any injuries. That was when he proceeded to continue the search under the car, where he found the infant near the back tire.
De Torres broke her leg as a result of the collision and was transported to the Kaweah Delta Medical Center in Visalia for further treatment and evaluation. The other minivan passengers, an adult male and two children, were uninjured. The other drivers were reportedly also unharmed.
All drivers stopped at the location and cooperated with the investigators. Drugs, alcohol, and speed are not considered to be factors in the collision. According to the investigators, the infant’s car seat was not properly installed and secured. CHP is emphasizing car seat security to drivers everywhere. If drivers wish to have their car seat checked for safety, the CHP can inspect them and provide assistance for any necessary adjustments.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Vanessa Torres’ family and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
If you lost a child in an auto accident, contact the wrongful death lawyers at Sweet Law Group. Our attorneys and professional legal team have the resources and experience to get you the compensation and justice that you and your family deserve. We will fight for you and be by your side during the entire legal process to answer any questions or concerns that you may have along the way. Call our offices at (800) 203-3061 today, for a free consultation at a location near you. We are available to our clients 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week through email, phone, text message, and even online chat.
