Nissan Versa was struck near Lincoln Avenue before entering westbound lanes
June 09, 2026 | Riverside, CA
What happened in the crash?
Nicholas McWhirter, 41, and Dominic McWhirter, 9, lost their lives in a three-vehicle crash at Ramona Expressway and Lincoln Avenue near Hemet.
- Date: June 9
- Location: Intersection of Ramona Expressway and Lincoln Avenue near Hemet, Riverside County
- Vehicles involved: Nissan Versa, Nissan Rogue, Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Fatalities: Nicholas McWhirter, 41, and Dominic McWhirter, 9
- Injuries: Minor to moderate for three other people transported to Riverside University Health System
Nicholas McWhirter was driving a Nissan Versa with his son when the vehicle was struck by a Nissan Rogue operated by an 18-year-old woman. The crash sent the Versa into oncoming traffic, where it collided with a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Both McWhirters were pronounced dead at the scene.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
Why do these accidents happen?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding remains the leading factor in fatal crashes, followed by impairment, lane departures, failure to yield, and distraction.
Crash Statistics
| Source | Annual U.S. Figures | Key Detail |
|---|
| CDC | 36,000 deaths | Motor vehicle fatalities |
| NHTSA | 1.9 million injuries | Reported crash injuries |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, families may explore options for accountability and support.
“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. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family who has lost a loved one during this difficult time, as well as protect their legal rights and best interests.”
— Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
— Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
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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).
Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, California, Ramona Expressway, Lincoln Avenue, Hemet, Riverside County