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[Palm Desert, CA] – Brandon Gurel Killed, 2 Others Injured in Solo-Vehicle Crash on Highway 74
Brandon Gurel Killed in Highway 74 Rollover Crash 2 Additional Passengers Injured
November 16, 2020 – Brandon Gurel, age 18 passed away on Monday night around 12:50 A.M. Moreover, the other occupants, David Valk, age 21, who was driving and a minor passenger, were both injured in a vehicle accident that occurred on Highway 74.
According to reports, Mr. Valk was driving his gray 2002 Jaguar XKR eastbound on Highway 74. Not only that, but he was going 50 mph.
Sadly, due to wet road conditions, and the high rate of speed, he was not able to negotiate a right-hand curve. As a result, he lost control of his vehicle and it started to rotate clockwise.
Then, the vehicle struck the side of the mountain and flipped upside down. Finally, it came to a stop, resting on its roof partially in both lanes.
The driver, Mr. Valk and his minor passenger were both complaining of pain. So, rescue workers transported them to Desert Regional Medical Center.
Unfortunately, the other passenger Mr. Gurel, was pronounced dead on arrival.
The California Highway Patrol charged Mr. Valk with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence. As a result, he was placed under arrest.
There are several situations in which you can lose control of your car. Always drive safely, your life is important!
Here are 4 common driving tips for losing control behind the wheel:
· Brake Failure
Imagine that you are trying to slow down or stop your car. However, a car in front of you is stopped.
Next, imagine the moment you brake, and nothing happens. More than likely, it is because the car has lost its brake fluid. Another possibility is, too much wear and tear on the brakes.
If your vehicle has a manual transmission, a fantastic way to slow yourself is by downshifting. Use caution, you can damage your transmission if you end up skipping gears.
For example, downshifting from 4th gear directly to 1st gear.
Unfortunately, it is a little more difficult to stop without brakes using an automatic gear system.
Although, it does not work as well as it does with an automatic transmission.
First, you will need to shift to a lower the gear. Then, you will need to apply the emergency brake. Finally, the car will slowly come to halt.
· Accidental Acceleration
Sometimes, a car can take off like a rocket. It is not common; however, it does happen. When it does happen, it is often due to manufacture’s defect.
For an out-of-control car, switch to neutral and keep applying brakes unless it stops.
Afterward, make sure that the car’s accelerator works properly. Finally, check to make sure the area around the pedals is free from debris.
Double check there is nothing that will get stuck underneath the breaks that may prevent you from stopping.
· Snowy Weather
In snowy weather, it is easy to lose control of your vehicle. In fact, moving your car in the first place is one of the worst problems you can encounter.
Icy conditions are hazardous. If you find yourself sliding on the ice, keep your calm. Also, do y0ur best to keep your vehicle pointed forward. The rules of sliding on ice are like those of hydroplaning.
For vehicles without anti-lock brakes, gently pump on the breaks until you can come to a complete stop. Furthermore, do not try to slam on the brakes.
Luckily, this happens automatically with automatic transmissions.
· Rainy Weather
When it is raining, the most dangerous thing to encounter is the oil on the pavement after it stops raining. Luckily, it washes away as soon as the rain starts again.
However, but it is still quite risky to drive on wet roads. For example, hydroplaning can be triggered in a few separate ways.
Hydroplaning is when your tires lose contact with the ground due to water. Resulting in, losing control of your vehicle.
Also, speeding on a wet road doubles your chances of hydroplaning.
Finally, it is important to remember these driving tips. What is more, they may save you or others if you ever lose control of your vehicle.
To the family and friends of Brandon Gurel, we cannot begin to imagine what you are going through, and our sincerest condolences go out to you.
Salkow Law are true advocates that will work with you directly to achieve justice. Insurance companies want to pay as little compensation as they can. They will even try to make your case go away completely. We will fight for you so that does not happen.
Unlike, the law firms you see plastered on billboards and buses, at Salkow Law you will receive a level of personal service long forgotten at the ‘big’ firms. With us you will not be a faceless, nameless case file. We’ll answer any questions you have and make sure you have a full understanding of how the process works.
This is especially true for families that have lost a loved one in an accident. We won’t stop until we’ve gotten you fair compensation to alleviate the financial toll that unexpected devastation brings.
Call us for a free consultation at (310) 914 – 8484
