One Person Killed and Another Person Was Critically Injured In Borrego Springs Head-On Truck Accident On Borrego Salton Sea Way
BORREGO SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA (May 21, 2022) – A man has died and another man was critically injured in a Borrego Springs head-on semi-truck accident on Borrego Salton Sea Way.
San Diego County police officials are saying that the collision took place around 11:30 a.m. on Friday. A semi-truck was traveling down Borrego Salton Sea Way when it crossed into opposing lanes of traffic and collided head-on with a GMC pickup truck.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the Borrego Springs collision in order to help all of the victims. A passenger in the pickup truck was airlifted to the Palomar Medical Center in Escondido.
The driver of the pickup truck was pronounced dead at the scene. It remains unclear if the driver of the semi-truck will face any citations for crossing into opposing lanes of traffic.
Liability In San Diego County Semi-Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks can be very dangerous and are involved in an estimated 4,000 deaths annually in the United States. There are a number of factors that make semi-trucks particularly dangerous. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. Due to their weight, it can take a commercial truck the length of two football fields to come to a stop. There are a number of steps that truck companies can take in order to avoid collisions.
- Truck drivers should have the correct license for their vehicle classification.
- Truck drivers should be well trained in how to handle their vehicle.
- Truck companies can equip their vehicles with forward collision avoidance systems and lane departure warning systems.
Truck drivers must get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Serious traffic infractions can jeopardize a truck driver’s ability to maintain their license. Many collisions are due to truck drivers that commit traffic infractions. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21460, no person shall cross a double yellow line unless such a course of action is otherwise permitted by law. If a truck driver crossed into opposing lanes of traffic, they will typically be held at fault in the event of a collision.
Depending on the specific facts of any case, liability may extend to a truck driver’s employer. Generally speaking, 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, many truck companies will try to evade liability for crashes by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.” There are a number of steps that should be taken after any truck accident.
- The employment status of the truck driver should be determined.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be examined. Many collisions are due to truck drivers that exceed their allotted hours and are fatigued.
- The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
Even in the absence of video footage of an accident, the physical evidence left behind after a crash can paint a picture of what happened. The family of any victim that died in a crash may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that can come with the sudden loss of a loved one. 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 San Diego County Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man that died in this Borrego Springs truck accident. It is our sincere hope that the passenger in the pickup truck will be able to make a full recovery. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. There are a number of questions that need to be answered. What was this truck driver doing prior to the crash? Why did they drift into opposing lanes of traffic? Were they following all rules set forth in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations?
Do you need more information about a Borrego Springs 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 steps are taken to make our roads safer. 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.
