Multiple People Injured In East County Semi-Truck Accident Involving Disabled Vehicle on Interstate 8
ALPINE, CALIFORNIA (February 19, 2023) – A man was killed in an East County semi-truck accident involving a disabled vehicle on Interstate 8, west to Tavern Road.
San Diego County officials are saying that the collision took place around 12:45 a.m. on Friday. A 2016 International Truck hit a 26-year-old man as well as a disabled Cadillac Eldorado.
The 26-year-old man was taken to the Sharp Memorial Hospital in order to receive treatment. A 20-year-old man from Alpine outside the vehicle was not hurt.
A 19-year-old woman inside the Cadillac was also not injured in the crash. An investigation into the East County crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In East County Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks make up a relatively small number of the total number of vehicles on the roadway. However, they are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal collisions. There are many factors that could contribute to a semi-truck accident. According to the FMCSA, “Fatigue, drinking alcohol, and speeding are major factors in motor vehicle crashes overall. Although their presence does not always result in a crash, these three factors, as well as other driver, vehicle, and environmental factors, can increase the risk that a crash will occur.” There are many steps that truck drivers should take to prevent collisions.
- Truck drivers should be well rested before the start of their shift.
- Truck drivers should slow down at night and during other periods of reduced visibility.
- Truck drivers should abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
All truck drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid collisions. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, no person shall operate a motor vehicle at a speed greater than would be reasonable or prudent given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that rear-ends another vehicle in their own lane. The company that a truck driver worked for could also be held at fault for a crash. There are numerous elements that must be demonstrate in a negligence claim.
- The driver of the semi-truck had a duty of care.
- The driver of the semi-truck breached that duty.
- The breach was the proximate caused of the plaintiffs injuries.
- The plaintiff sustained damages.
The FMCSA requires trucks to typically carry between $750,000 – $5,000,000 worth of liability coverage. Trucks that carry hazardous materials will typically need higher insurance limits. Any person that is injured in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A truck accident attorney can examine the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A San Diego County Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to the man injured in this East County collision. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an East County semi-truck accident? You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our team of pedestrian accident attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
