Rene Jaime, of Las Vegas, Died In Escondido Car Wash Accident After Becoming Trapped
ESCONDIDO, CALIFORNIA (April 20, 2022) – A man from Las Vegas identified as Rene Jaime, 56, has tragically died after becoming trapped in a self-service car wash in Escondido.
San Diego County police officials are saying that the accident took place on April 15. Rene Tactay Jaime was going through the self-service car wash when he exited his vehicle.
At some point, the victim became wedged between his car and the machinery for the car wash. An alarm inside the car wash was going off for nearly 30 minutes, but Rene Jaime was not discovered until a customer found him unresponsive.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help the victim. Rene Jaime was transported to a local hospital, but later died due to his injuries.
A full investigation into the Escondido industrial accident at the car wash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Escondido Car Wash Accidents
Accidents involving entrapment at a car wash may seem like a freak occurrence, but these types of accidents have happened before. In 2005, a 23-year-old man died after he was pulled into a side rotating arm at a California car wash. That same year, a 46-year-old man died after an air compressor exploded at a Chevron Car wash in Orange County. There are a number of ways that a car wash could potentially be dangerous.
- Pedestrians can sustain chemical burns from the cleaning agents.
- Pedestrians can become trapped in between moving vehicles.
- Pedestrians can become entrapped by the moving gears of the car wash.
- Pedestrians can become electrocuted from loose wires.
The owner of a car wash could potentially be liable if someone is injured or killed on their property. All property owners in California have a legal responsibility to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. Pursuant to California Civil Code 1714, “Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person.” When a property owner is aware of a dangerous condition with their property, they must take action to correct it.
There is no reason that a pedestrian should ever be killed inside of a car wash. Car washes will typically have emergency shut off measures and other safety features to protect pedestrians. Going through a car wash should not be a death sentence. Employees may need to step in to shut off a car wash in the event of an emergency. If employees of a car wash didn’t even realize someone was in danger, this could potentially be construed as negligence. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any car wash accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Employee work records should be sought.
- Car wash maintenance records should be examined.
The family of any victim that died in an Escondido car wash may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim. Damages can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, car wash owners will often fight hard to deny any responsibility if someone is killed on their property. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating An Escondido Car Wash Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Rene Tactay Jaime. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened for the sake of the victim’s family. It is our sincere hope that measures will be put in place to prevent any other accidents at this Escondido car wash.
Do you need more information about a car wash accident in Escondido? 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 property owners are doing everything in their power to prevent accidents. Whether you just have legal questions 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.
