Two Women Killed in Santa Margarita Collision 

CHP reported a fatal traffic collision in Santa Margarita on Saturday evening, April 16th.

The accident took place around 8 p.m. on Highway 101.

According to reports, a 47-year-old woman ID’d as Berenice Pineda, pulled into the shoulder of the highway near Santa Barbara Road. 

A Suburban driven by Felipe Gonzalez, 21, lost control and crashed into Pineda’s vehicle.

Upon impact, Pineda’s vehicle launched about 120 feet and spun counter-clockwise. 

Sadly, Celene Reducindo, 47, and Maria Hernandez, 54, were passengers who were killed. 

Pineda along with two other passengers also sustained major injuries and were hospitalized for treatment. 

In addition, Felipe Gonzalez was taken to Twin Cities Community Hospital for treatment and also arrested on multiple charges.

JT Legal Group sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Celene Reducindo and Maria Hernandez. 

In 2020, studies showed that the state of California reported 3,723 motor-vehicle deaths which was an increase from 2019. 

In the U.S. one’s odds of dying in a car accident is around 1 in 107. 

If your injuries are caused by the negligence of a third party you may be entitled to compensation. In the event of a death, families may also be entitled to wrongful death benefits.

Contact JT Legal Group at (888) 529-3111 if you need legal assistance following an accident.