Tyler Kavanagh, of Olympic Valley, Died In Truckee Box Truck Accident Along California 89
TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA (August 26, 2022) – A man from Olympic Valley identified as Tyler Kavanagh died in a Truckee car accident with a box truck on California 89 by Goose Meadows Campground.
Nevada County officials are saying that the collision took place around 1:20 p.m. on Friday. A 43-year-old box truck driver was going north on California 89 when he crossed the center line.
The box truck driver sideswiped a 2023 Ford Eco and 2006 Subaru Outback before crashing head-on into a 2014 Subaru Impreza driven by Tyler Kavanagh. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help all of the victims.
The Ford driver and a woman in the Outback sustained moderate injuries. Despite life-saving measures, Tyler Kavanagh died due to the severity of his injuries.
It remains unclear if the driver of the box truck will face any citations for the crash. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Truckee Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in truck accidents. There are many factors that could potentially contribute to a truck accident. According to the FMCSA, “Elements that influence the occurrence of a crash may take place hours, days, or months before the crash. They include driver training and experience, vehicle design and manufacture, highway condition and traffic signaling, and weather conditions.” There are a number of steps that truck companies can take in order to prevent collisions.
- Truck drivers should all be properly licensed and well-trained.
- Trucks should be well-maintained and periodically inspected.
- Trucks can be equipped with safety features such as forward collision avoidance systems.
Every driver has a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21651, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle on the wrong side of the road. Indeed, there is a presumption of negligence on the part of any driver involved in an accident after crossing into opposing lanes of traffic. Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a truck accident could extend beyond the at fault driver.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they worked for could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a truck driver may have been delivering packages when they were involved in a crash.
Not every truck accident involves a professional truck driver. There are companies that rent out box trucks and other smaller trucks. Those companies could potentially be liable for an accident involving their vehicle. This could be possible through the doctrine of negligent entrustment. A person or business engages in negligent entrustment when they lend a vehicle to someone whom they knew (or should have known) was unfit to handle it safely. Victims of truck accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
When a driver is negligent and causes a fatal collision, they can be held to account through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. Unfortunately, truck drivers will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for any collision. This is why it is so important that evidence is properly preserved after any collision.
Investigating A California Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Tyler Kavanagh. This was a highly preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police.
Do you need more information about a Truckee car 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 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.
