Christian Soriano,19, Killed In San Diego Truck Accident On The 15 Freeway
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (April 19, 2022) – A 19-year-old pedestrian identified as Christian Soriano was killed in a San Diego semi-truck accident on Interstate 15 south of Carroll Canyon Road.
San Diego County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:35 a.m. on Sunday. Christian Soriano was walking on the shoulder of the freeway when they were hit by a tractor-trailer truck.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Sadly, Christian Soriano was beyond medical help and died due to his injuries.
The driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police. A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In San Diego Truck Accidents
Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable in truck accidents. They are more likely to be overlooked due to their small profile and they lack the protection of enclosed vehicles. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in 2017. Almost 140,000 were treated in emergency departments. Truck drivers should be particularly cautious around pedestrians.
- Truck drivers should always slow down around small children. They can act in ways that are chaotic and unpredictable.
- Truck drivers should slow down around pedestrians that look obviously confused or intoxicated.
- Truck drivers should get adequate rest before the start of their shift.
Truck drivers must get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Many collisions are due to truck drivers that are not following traffic regulations. According to California Vehicle Code 22350, no driver shall operate a vehicle at a speed greater than what would be safe or reasonable given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a truck accident could extent beyond any driver. If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be vicariously liable.
In general, companies are liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees are working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many truck companies attempt to evade liability for crashes by hiring drivers as independent contractors. Companies will typically not be liable for the actions of independent contractors – unless those contractors were performing some type of non-delegable duty. There are many steps that should be taken after any truck accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined.
- Pictures of the accident site should be taken.
The family of any victim that died in a truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. If a victim survived for some period after a collision, their family may also be able to pursue a survival action. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A California Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Christian Soriano who died in this San Diego collision. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. It is our sincere hope that there is a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a San Diego semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have questions about the law or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
