Motorcyclist Miguel Rivara, of Granada Hills, Died In Santa Clarita Semi-Truck Accident On the Golden State (5) Freeway By The Antelope Valley (14) Freeway
SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA (May 24, 2022) – A Granada Hills motorcyclist identified as Miguel Rivara has died in a semi-truck accident on the Golden State 5 Freeway.
Los Angeles County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:13 a.m. on Friday. Miguel Rivara was riding a motorcycle in the southbound lanes of the freeway when he was involved in a collision with a semi-truck.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite the best efforts of first responders, Miguel Rivara died as a result of his injuries.
A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Santa Clarita Semi-Truck Accidents
Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked due to their small size. According to the IIHS, 5,579 motorcyclists were killed in traffic collisions in 2020. Semi-trucks can be particularly dangerous to motorcyclists. Semi-trucks have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of motorcyclists and those in smaller vehicles. There are a number of steps that truck drivers should take in order to avoid collisions.
- All truck drivers should be well rested before the start of their shift.
- All truck drivers should abstain from taking intoxicating substances.
- All truck drivers should plan their routes ahead of time.
Commercial truck drivers must get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Many truck accidents are due to truck drivers that make dangerous lane changes in the roadway. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22107, no person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety. The driver intending to change lanes must also alert others of their intentions with the use of their traffic signals.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could also be held at fault. Employers are typically liable for the negligent actions of their employees when those employees are acting within their job duties. However, many truck companies will try to evade liability for collisions by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.” It is important to determine the employment status of any truck driver at the time of a collision.
Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous additional liable parties for a semi-truck accident. For example, the company responsible for loading a semi-truck could be at fault. Data from the FMCSA shows that cargo shift is one of the leading contributing factors in truck accidents. When a truck is not loaded properly it can become unstable as the cargo begins to move around inside of the truck. It is important that all evidence is properly preserved after any Santa Clarita truck accident.
- The event data recorder (EDR) of the truck involved should be examined.
- Surveillance footage of the accident should be sought.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be examined.
When a truck driver is negligent and kills a motorcyclist they can be held at fault through a civil claim. The family of any victim that died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim may include the victim’s spouse, children, parents or siblings. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are. There are, however, statute of limitations associated with civil claims. Failing to act within the statute of limitations may result in a permanent forfeiture of your rights.
Investigating A Santa Clarita Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Miguel Rivara. Any person that may have more information about the collision should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Santa Clarita motorcycle accident? Our team of motorcycle 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 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.
