A suspected impaired driver struck him at Menlo Avenue in Hemet
July 10, 2026 | Hemet, CA
What happened in the crash?
A suspected drunk driver struck and killed 57-year-old William Taylor, who was using a motorized wheelchair, on Friday night. The collision occurred just before 9 p.m. at the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Menlo Avenue.
William Taylor, 57, of Hemet, died after a suspected drunk driver struck him while he was using a motorized wheelchair at Garfield Avenue and Menlo Avenue.
- Date and time: July 10, just before 9 p.m.
- Location: Garfield Avenue and Menlo Avenue, Hemet
- Victim: William Taylor, 57, Hemet resident
- Injuries: Life-threatening injuries; Taylor later died at a hospital
- Driver status: Arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence
- Agency: Riverside County Sheriff's Department
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Hemet police.
Why do these accidents happen?
Pedestrian fatalities involving impaired drivers continue to occur across the country. The CDC reports thousands of such deaths annually on public roads.
| Statistic | Source | Figure |
|---|
| Pedestrian deaths in traffic crashes | CDC | 7,314 (2023) |
| Primary contributing factor in many cases | Federal Highway Administration | Impaired driving |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, Candice Bond noted that families may explore civil options separate from any criminal proceedings.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a grieving family during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a drunk driver is held accountable for their reckless actions.”
Stefano Formica added that families may pursue claims covering various losses when negligence is involved.
“When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, a hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
Key takeaways
- Civil claims can address medical costs, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship
- An attorney can explain available options during the review process
Newsline is a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc. The publication maintains an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence, with all content reviewed under a 24-hour guarantee. Visit the Corrections Policy for details.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
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, Pedestrian Accident, California, Garfield Avenue, Menlo Avenue, Hemet