Cesar Villegas (Full Name: Cesar Rivera Villegas) Died In Industrial Accident Involving Commercial Truck At Paso Robles Truck Center on Monterey Road
PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA (July 4, 2022) – A worker identified as Cesar Villegas has tragically died in an industrial accident at the Paso Robles Truck Center on Monterey Road.
San Luis Obispo police officials are saying that the truck accident took place around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Cesar Villegas was preparing a truck to be moved when the truck rolled forward and struck him.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Sadly, Cesar Villegas was beyond medical aid and died due to the severity of his injuries.
Cal/OSHA is investigating what may have caused the accident.
Liability In Paso Robles Truck Accidents
Thousands of workers are killed or seriously injured every year in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “There were 4,764 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2020, a 10.7-percent decrease from 5,333 in 2019. The fatal work injury rate was 3.4 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, down from 3.5 per 100,000 FTE in 2019.” OSHA says that four types of accidents in particular make up a disproportionate number of workplace fatalities.
- Falls
- Struck by objects
- Electrocutions
- Caught-in or Caught-between accidents
When a worker is injured or killed on the job, they or their family will typically have recourse through a worker’s compensation claim. Worker’s compensation is based on a no-fault insurance plan. There is no need for a worker to demonstrate negligence in order to receive benefits. Depending on the facts of any case, the family of a deceased worker may also be able to seek aid through a third party liability claim. A third party liability claim may be possible when an entity separate from a worker’s employer was responsible for an accident.
For example, the company that manufactured a vehicle could potentially be liable if that vehicle inadvertently rolled forward and injured someone. Family members of Anton Yelchin eventually settled with Fiat Chrysler after the actor was killed by his Jeep SUV that rolled forward and pinned him. As it turns out, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles both had a propensity to unexpectedly roll away. Both were recalled. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any rollaway accident.
- The vehicle involved in the accident should be inspected.
- Surveillance footage should be examined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any worker that died on the job 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. Sadly, though, vehicle manufacturers and truck companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. 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 Paso Robles Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Cesar Villegas. 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.
Do you need more information about an accident at the Paso Robles Truck Center? Our team of worker’s rights 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.
