Costa Mesa, CA – Aldagracia Cruz-Penalozav Fatally Struck on I-405 Near Harbor Blvd

Costa Mesa, CA (April 28, 2019) – Aldagracia Cruz-Penaloza, 42, was involved in a minor crash early Wednesday on the northbound 405. She then was struck by another vehicle as she got out of her car.

California Highway Patrol responded to the scene of this fatal accident. According to CHP officers Cruz-Penaloza stopped in the fast lane about 4:45 a.m. after getting into a collision with her 2017 Toyota Corolla near Harbor Boulevard. The other driver involved in the minor collision pulled over to the right shoulder.

Cruz-Penaloza and her daughter, 18-year-old Flor Solano, exited the Toyota after airbags deployed. They were by the rear of the car in the number two lane when a 2015 Audi struck the victim and her vehicle just before 5 a.m.

The second crash moved the Toyota into the number three lane, where it was then hit by a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu that was being driven by Sherrele McCollom, 33, of San Juan Capistrano. The force pushed the Malibu onto an off-ramp, where it was struck by an oncoming Prius.

Emergency responders were called to the scene to render aid the injured drivers. Aldagracia Cruz-Penaloza succumbed to her injuries. McCollom and Solano were taken to an area hospital for treatment. David Akira Tam Jr., 43, of Carlsbad, the driver of the Audi, was unharmed.

We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Aldagracia Cruz-Penaloza who passed away as a result of this fatal accident.  Our thoughts are with them at this time.

We send healing thoughts to Sherrele McCollom and Flor Solano and their families at this time.  Our thoughts are with them all during this difficult time as we hope for a full recovery.

Things You Should Not Do After a Car Accident in California

You’re involved in a wreck, but it’s not a terrible one. You’ve hit another car but the damage isn’t too bad. No one seems to be injured. So you can leave the scene, right?

Actually, no you can’t. Regardless of whether a crash is serious, you are required by law to stop, check out the other person involved, exchange insurance information and report the accident to the California Highway Patrol. If you leave the area, you’ve committed a crime.

Always call 911 and report your accident. If you don’t get a police report, what proof do you have that the accident actually happened? Always get an accident report.

When dealing with the other driver ask, “Are you alright?” Don’t start laying blame. Stay calm. You need to assess the situation and work to document the accident. Make sure you get insurance information from the other motorist.

While an accident is traumatic and difficult, the hardest part actually comes after. Were you injured? Are you in pain? See a doctor as soon as possible. You should also get in touch with a lawyer. You will need legal advice to wade through the aftermath of dealing with insurance companies and the other driver.

If you or your loved one has been seriously injured or passed away due to an accident involving a negligent driver, seek the help of an attorney with solid experience. Brady Law Group can help you deal with the legal pitfalls of this situation and help you handle claims with insurance companies. We offer experienced accident attorneys who can help you in your time of need. Please contact us today at 866-478-6483.

Note: Outside sources were used in the creation of this post including news bulletins and first-hand accounts of the accident and injuries involved. As a result, the details of the accident presented have not been independently verified by our own writing staff. If you have identified any false information in the story, please inform us immediately, and we will adjust the posting to reflect the most accurate content available.

Disclaimer: As a member of the local community, we at Brady Law Group strive to improve the overall safety and quality of life for everyone who lives in our beloved state. We are extremely saddened by these accidents but hope that, through an awareness of these dangers, those in our community will take precautions to avoid these accidents. This is not a solicitation for business, and this information should not be misconstrued as medical or legal advice. We wish only the best and quickest recovery to all those involved in the accident.