9-Year-Old Girl Killed in Desert Hot Springs School Bus Crash at Corkill Drive and Aurora Road Identified
Desert Hot Springs, California (December 10, 2021) – Authorities identified the 9-year-old schoolgirl who was struck and killed by a vehicle Thursday afternoon near Desert Hot Springs as Monica Gonzalez Guzman, as per a local news source.
The girl was pronounced dead about 20 minutes after the accident that also left three others injured.
The incident occurred just before 4 p.m. on 17555 Corkill Drive at Aurora Road.
According to authorities, a white Cadillac struck the back of a school bus and then continued on around the bus, hitting a speed limit sign before striking four students walking home from a bus stop.
Monica Guzman was pronounced dead at 4:11 p.m. One other child was hospitalized with serious injuries and another with minor injuries. The Cadillac driver was also hospitalized with unspecified injuries.
A spokesperson for the Palm Springs Unified School District confirmed that the bus involved in the accident was from Rancho Mirage High School, but the children who were hit had been dropped off by a bus from Julius Corsini Elementary School.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Fatal Auto Accidents in California
Auto accidents happen every day in roadways in California, some of them resulting in significant injuries that ultimately cause death.
It is unfortunate that many fatal car accidents in California result from the negligence of one or more drivers.
The aftermath of a fatal collision is always unbearable for the deceased's family members.
Although there is no amount of compensation that can replace a loved one, the immediate family members of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim to help settle outstanding medical bills. In addition, there is a need to seek compensation for loss of consortium, loss of a loved one's future income, emotional suffering, among other damages.
Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim can be negotiated with an insurance company or through a court of law. For a family member to establish a wrongful death claim, there must be evidence that the negligent party directly caused the injuries and death of their loved one.
At this point, it is advisable to involve a qualified wrongful death lawyer to help bring expertise to your claim.