Paul Larson (Full Name: Paul Douglas Larson), of Lompoc, Died In Goleta Semi-Truck Accident Along Highway 101
GOLETA, CALIFORNIA (September 3, 2022) – A 30-year-old pedestrian identified as Paul Larson died in a Goleta semi-truck accident on Highway 101.
Santa Barbara County officials are saying that the collision took place around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday. Paul Larson was in the center lane when he was hit by a big rig truck.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Paul Larson was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 66-year-old semi-truck driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police. Two lanes of the freeway were closed as police conducted an investigation.
A investigation into the crash that killed Paul Douglas Larson remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Goleta Semi-Truck Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in semi-truck accidents. Commercial trucks are substantially different from passenger vehicles. According to the IIHS, “Truck braking capability can be a factor in truck crashes. Loaded tractor-trailers require 20-40 percent more distance than cars to stop, and the discrepancy is greater on wet and slippery roads or with poorly maintained brakes. Truck driver fatigue also is a known crash risk.” 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.
- Truck drivers should abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
- Truck drivers should constantly scan the road ahead of them.
Truck drivers are typically required to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. A serious traffic infraction can jeopardize a truck driver’s ability to maintain their CDL. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, all drivers shall exercise all due care to avoid hitting a pedestrian even if they are outside of a marked crosswalk. If a truck driver fails to reduce their speed to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a truck accident could extend beyond a truck driver. In general, 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 at the time of a crash. However, many truck companies will try to evade liability for crashes by hiring truck drivers as “independent contractors.” There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- The employment status of the truck driver should be determined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person killed in a truck accident 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, truck companies will fight hard to deny liability for any crash. It is common for them to blame the victim or say that they were at least partially at fault. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and get to the bottom of what caused an accident.
Investigating A Goleta Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Paul Larson. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There are many questions that need to be answered. Was the truck driver involved in this crash distracted? Were they properly licensed? Were they traveling the speed limit prior to the crash.
Do you need more information about a Goleta semi-truck accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. 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.
