HEMET, California —  Eight Hemet High School students were injured, three in critical condition Wednesday after a fellow student in a pickup truck allegedly failed to stop at a red light and struck the students in a crosswalk near the school in the 41700 block of Stetson Avenue, according to a press release by the CAL/FIRE Riverside Fire Department.

Daniel Carrillo, 18, drove his white 1994 Ford Ranger through the crosswalk, but he told police his brakes failed and he was unable to stop at the intersection, according to a report in the Press Enterprise newspaper.

At least three students, Melvin Smith, 15, Katie Fernandes, 17, and Shila Gracia,16, were released from the hospital the same day with minor injuries, according to the article.

Other injured students suffered undisclosed injuries including, Anthony Aranda, 16, Kimberly Barrera, 16, and Vivian Anguiano, 15. Two other students refused treatment at the scene of the crash, according to fire officials.

“People who are injured in a car accident sometimes do not realize how hurt they really are until a few days after the crash,” said Attorney West Seegmiller, a father of a teenager and four adult children. “It’s so important to seek medical attention immediately after a crash to help encourage a quick recovery.”

In California, fatal traffic accidents were down 12% to 2,715 deaths in 2010 compared to 3,090 killed in 2009, according to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, national statistics show that traffic fatalities have declined in recent years across the United States, down roughly 3% to 32,885 deaths in 2010 compared to 33,883 killed in 2009.

For roughly 30 years, the legal experts at Seegmiller Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients who were injured in serious traffic accidents or have lost a loved one.

Our legal team has also handled hundreds of wrongful death claims for families of victims killed in traffic accidents. Our staff is compassionate and understands the pain its clients are going through. We know that this is a difficult time for those who have been injured and for the families of those who have been killed. Our firm has a proven track record supported by settlements ranging from several thousand dollars to millions.

There is no cost to clients until our experienced team of lawyers and legal professionals have won your case. Finding the best car accident attorney can mean you will get the settlement you need to get your life back on track. Compensation for your injuries, loss of wages and pain and suffering can’t take away the trauma of the accident, but it can help you rebuild your life.

Call us today at 1-855-ASK WEST (1-855-275-9378) to speak with our car accident law firm. Seegmiller Law Firm has offices in California including its headquarters in Irvine. We also have offices outside of Orange County to serve you in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside and in Las Vegas, Nevada.