Anthony Medina, 30, of Santa Paula, Died In Valencia Semi-Truck Accident Along Highway 126
VALENCIA, CALIFORNIA (February 13, 2023) – A man identified as Anthony Medina was killed in a Valencia semi-truck accident on Highway 1126 by Walcott Way.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the collision took place around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday. Anthony Medina was in a Volkswagen when a semi-truck made a U-turn directly into his path.
The Volkswagen collided with the side of the trailer. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Anthony Medina was pronounced dead on arrival about 40 minutes after the collision. The driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
Lil Wayne posted a tribute to the victim on his Instagram. The two were friends who bonded over their mutual love of skateboarding.
Liability For Valencia Semi-Truck Accidents
Driving a commercial truck can be extremely challenging in the best of circumstances. Fatigue, in particular, is one of the leading causes of semi-truck accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported that 13 percent of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers were considered to have been fatigued at the time of their crash.” When truck drivers are fatigued, they are more likely to make dangerous mistakes. There are a number of steps that truck companies should take to help reduce collisions.
- Truck drivers should be well-trained.
- Trucks can be equipped with driver assistance systems.
- Trucks should be regularly inspected and properly maintained.
Semi-truck drivers need to get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must do everything in their power to avoid collisions. Many truck accidents are due to truck drivers that make dangerous U-turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left or make a U-turn must first yield the right-of-way to traffic traveling from the opposite direction that is close enough to pose a hazard. When a truck driver makes a U-turn into the path of another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any particular case, the company that operated a semi-truck could face liability for a collision. 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. However, truck companies will try their best to evade liability by hiring truck drivers as “independent contractors.” There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- The truck drivers logbook should be reviewed. Truck drivers are only allowed to work a certain number of hours per week.
- The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined. The EDR can shed light on what a truck driver was doing prior to a crash.
- Surveillance footage of the crash should be sought. Many businesses or even homes have cameras that might capture a crash on video.
The family of any person that is killed due to the negligent actions of a truck driver is protected by a number of laws. They may be able to seek some measure of justice through California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, truck companies will do everything that they can to evade liability for a crash. They may even claim that the victim was partially at fault. This is why it is so important that all evidence is preserved after any crash.
Investigating a Valencia Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Anthony Medina. This was a preventable crash that should have never taken place. Any person that might have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There are so many questions that need to be answered. Was this truck driver distracted prior to the crash? Were they properly licensed? Did this truck driver have a clean driving record?
Do you need more information about a Valencia semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here for you. 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 any collision we are here for you. You can contact us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
