Margarita Lopez, of Rialto, Died In Jurupa Valley Semi-Truck Accident Near The Intersection of Etiwanda Avenue and Inland Avenue
JURUPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA (April 12, 2022) – A woman identified as Margarita Lopez has tragically died in a Jurupa Valley truck accident near Etiwanda Avenue and Inland Avenue.
Riverside County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:10 a.m. on Thursday. Margarita Lopez was in an SUV when she was involved in a collision with a tractor trailer truck within a warehousing district.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Emergency workers used the jaws of life to free Margarita Lopez from the wreckage.
She was taken to the Riverside Community Hospital in order to receive treatment. Sadly, she die due to the severity of her injuries. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Jurupa Valley Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-truck accidents are complex events by their very nature. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), elements that could influence the likelihood of a truck accident may take place hours or even months before the crash. This could include weather conditions, driver training and vehicle design. There are a number of steps that truck drivers should take in order to help avoid collisions.
- Truck drivers should be very familiar with how their rig operates.
- Truck drivers should plan their routes out in advance.
- Truck drivers should be well rested before the start of their shift.
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. As a result, it can take a truck traveling at 65 mph the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop. Commercial trucks also have very large blind spots. It’s common for truck drivers to overlook smaller vehicles prior to turning onto a road. According to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of a vehicle intending to turn left shall yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that are close enough to constitute a hazard. Truck drivers that make left turns into the path of other vehicles will typically be found at fault in the event of a collision.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could potentially be held at fault. In general, companies are liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, truck drivers often work as “independent contractors.” Employers will typically not be liable for the negligent actions of their independent contractors – unless those independent contractors were performing some type of non-delegable duty. It is extremely important that evidence is preserved after any truck accident.
Most commercial trucks come equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). These devices are similar to the “black boxes” found on airplanes and offer a great deal of insight into a truck’s pre-crash dynamics. For example, they can show how fast a truck was traveling prior to a crash and whether or not the truck driver applied their brakes prior to being struck. It can also detect the angle that a truck’s steering wheel was at prior to a crash. Victims of semi-truck collisions tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- PTSD
- Organ damage
- Death
The family of any victim that died in a truck accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through California Civil Code 377.60. Damages in a civil claim can help cover some of the unexpected expenses that may come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will typically include a victim’s spouse, siblings or children. Unfortunately, truck companies will do everything in their power to deny responsibility for an accident involving their driver. A wrongful death attorney can investigate your case free of cost and get to the bottom of what caused a collision.
Investigating A Jurupa Valley Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Margarita Lopez as they are going through such a difficult time. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family. Far too often, truck companies favor expeditious trips in a way that puts the public needlessly at risk.
Do you need more information about a Jurupa Valley truck accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any legal questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
