![[03-21-2025] Author Dennis McDougal Dies After Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-10 Near Chiriaco Summit](https://ak1.to//szkMj.webp)
Dennis McDougal, a 77-year-old author and former Los Angeles Times journalist, died from injuries sustained in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 east of the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, on Friday afternoon, March 21, 2025.
According to Cal Fire spokesperson Maggie Cline De La Rosa, the crash occurred at approximately 4:00 p.m. on westbound I-10 about two-and-a-half miles east of the Red Cloud Mine Road exit, between Chiriaco Summit and Desert Center. The incident involved four vehicles.
Two patients were airlifted from the scene—one with severe injuries and the other with moderate injuries. McDougal, a resident of Cordova, Tennessee, was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where he died early Saturday morning from his injuries.
The Riverside County Coroner’s Office confirmed McDougal’s identity. He was known for chronicling both the allure and darker aspects of Hollywood, having written biographies of figures such as Bob Dylan and serial killer Randy Kraft.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
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