MENIFEE, California (Riverside County) – Donovan Adams, 19, a former star Heritage High School football player, died Wednesday in a hospital emergency room shortly after the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport he was riding in struck a light standard at the intersection of McCall Boulevard and Junipero Road, according to a Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner Department report.

Adams died at 6:29 p.m. at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He had been transferred there from Inland Valley Medical Center in Riverside County.

According to news reports, three other teenagers traveling in the Ford Explorer were also injured in the 3:30 p.m. crash including Connor Fritz and Greg Gonzalez, seniors about to graduate from Heritage High School. Adams, and Michael Navarette, are both 2011 graduates of the same high school. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the traffic accident to determine its cause and whether there were any other vehicles involved.

Hundreds of people including friends, family and fellow students gathered at the Heritage High School football stadium to hold an impromptu memorial honoring the life of Donovan Adams.

California Car Accident Statistics

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.

“Families of victims killed in car accidents not only have to cope with the loss of a loved one now, but later their lives may be forever changed by this tragedy,” said Seegmiller. “While the driver of this vehicle never intended to injure his or her passengers, it’s important that his or her insurance company be held liable to the families of these young people whose medical needs and other financial losses will eventually need to be recovered.”

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident we know that this is a difficult time. We offer our condolences to the family and friends of the victim. If someone else was responsible for this accident it’s important that you act quickly to protect your rights and future. 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.