Blog Post

Driver Error May have Caused Van Crash in San Bernardino Mountains


October 11, 2007
Topic: Truck Accidents

The California Highway Patrol has blamed driver error for the US Forest Service transport van crash in which the vehicle plunged into the San Bernardino Mountains on Monday.

The Orange County Register says Adelanto resident Stanley Taylor was driving the 8 ton van on Highway 18 when the accident occurred. Eight firefighters were in the van on their way to the scene of last month's Butler-2 fire to do clean up work on the site.

The van was traveling at a speed of 35 to 45mph in a 55mph zone. Making a right turn, Taylor sideswiped the guard rail, locked up his brakes, and veered through the guardrail, plunging 235 feet into the San Bernardino Mountains. The impact caused the van to split apart separating the crew cabin from the chassis. Both parts of the van stopped 235 feet below highway 19, the Orange County Register reported. All the passengers traveling in the van sustained multiple injuries and were treated at local hospitals.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident was caused by Taylor's "unsafe turning movement." Taylor himself was not available for any comments.

When an accident occurs as a result of negligence of the driver, injured parties can claim compensation for injuries sustained, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Medical bills both current and future expenses (if these future expenses are certain) can also be claimed from the at-fault parties. The personal injury lawyers at The Reeves Law Group bring decades of experience handling accident and personal injury cases to the table. Call for a free consultation on your case.


The California personal injury attorneys at The Reeves Law Group represent victims of accidents, injuries and wrongful death throughout California from our offices in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Ventura County, Fresno County, Kern County, Sacramento County, San Fernando Valley, Long Beach, Antelope Valley, Torrance, Glendale, Bakersfield, Santa Ana, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Ontario, and Victorville.