Richard Mendoza, of Costa Mesa, Died In Seal Beach Motorcycle Accident Involving Caltrans Truck On The 405 Freeway
SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA (November 14, 2022) – A 37-year-old motorcyclist identified as Richard Mendoza died in a Seal Beach Caltrans truck accident on the 405 Freeway.
Orange County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 4:45 a.m. on Thursday. Richard Mendoza was riding a motorcycle when that vehicle was involved in a collision with a 2017 Ford F650 Caltrans 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, Richard Mendoza was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Caltrans truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Seal Beach Caltrans Truck Accidents
Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked. According to the National Safety Council, “Although motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.6% of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, 18% of all occupant fatalities, and 4% of all occupant injuries in 2020.” There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to avoid hitting motorcyclists.
- Drivers should maintain a safe distance with motorcyclists and other vehicles.
- Drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
- Drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for hazards.
Every driver has a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid collisions. Many collisions are due to drivers that are traveling too fast for the prevailing conditions. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, the driver of a motor vehicle shall not travel faster than what is reasonable or safe given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a truck driver fails to slow down and hits a motorcyclist, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, Caltrans could be liable for a car accident. Companies are typically vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their employees. However, those employees must have been working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a Caltrans truck driver may have been working to section off a construction site. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any car accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
When a truck driver is negligent and hits a motorcyclist, they can be held at fault through a civil claim. The family of any person killed in a collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. Unfortunately, though, it is common for Caltrans to deny all liability for any accident involving their driver. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved after a collision.
Investigating A Seal Beach Caltrans Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Richard Mendoza. 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 all who have lost so much. It is our hope that Caltrans will take measures to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a Seal Beach Caltrans truck 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 a collision, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
