Pickup Truck Sideswipe at Warren Road and Poplar Street Kills Esther Elizalde
HEMET, CA, (August 25, 2025) - A Hemet woman, Esther Elizalde, 54, died Monday morning in a three-vehicle collision at Warren Road and Poplar Street.
Esther Elizalde, 54, of Hemet, was fatally injured Monday morning in a three-vehicle collision.
According to police, the crash happened around 6 a.m. when a northbound Chevrolet Colorado pickup sideswiped a southbound Chevrolet Cruze, forcing it into opposing lanes. There, the Cruze was struck on the passenger side by a northbound Toyota Tundra.
Elizalde was found unresponsive at the scene and later pronounced dead. A second driver was transported to Riverside University Health System Medical Center with minor to moderate injuries.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Sideswipe accidents typically result from driver negligence such as distraction, unsafe lane changes, or blind spot mistakes.
Other factors include aggressive driving, impairment, fatigue, inclement weather, and poor road design. These crashes occur when vehicles brush sides while traveling in either direction. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), 2,500 people die annually in sideswipe accidents.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond, a national analyst for The Legal Advocate. “Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the family of a victim must be ensured that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
The family of Esther Elizalde may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Such claims often seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.
“We understand the immense grief families face after losing a loved one, and protecting their rights is crucial,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “A wrongful death attorney will monitor the official investigation and work to ensure that the family’s best interests are fully represented and safeguarded.”
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
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