Bianca Ibarra, of Whittier, Died In Woodland Hills Big Rig Truck Accident Along the Ventura (101) Freeway By Shoup Avenue
WOODLAND HILLS, CALIFORNIA (October 21, 2022) – A woman from Whittier identified as Bianca Ibarra died in a Woodland Hills semi-truck accident on the 101 Freeway.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident took place around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Bianca Ibarra was in an SUV when she was involved in a collision with a big rig truck.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victims. Despite the best efforts of first responders, Bianca Ibarra died as a result of her injuries.
Two other people were seriously injured and taken to the hospital. The semi-truck driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the police.
Liability For Woodland Hills Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks are involved in thousands of fatal collisions every year. According to the IIHS, “A total of 4,014 people died in large truck crashes in 2020. Fifteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 68 percent were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 16 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.” There are a number of steps that truck drivers should take in order to prevent collisions.
- Truck drivers should ideally plan their routes ahead of time.
- Truck drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
- Truck drivers should slow down during periods of inclement weather and reduced visibility.
Driving a commercial truck is substantially more difficult than driving a passenger vehicle. Many truck accidents are due to truck drivers that fail to check their blind spots and make dangerous lane changes. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22107, no person shall move right or left upon a roadway until such a movement can be made with reasonable safety and only after they have given an appropriate signal.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. 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 transporting goods when they crashed. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- Eyewitnesses 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.
When a truck driver is negligent and causes a fatal collision, they can be held at fault through a civil claim. The family of any person that is killed in a truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will typically include a victim’s spouse and children. Sadly, though, truck companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision.
Investigating A Woodland Hills Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Bianca Ibarra. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. It is our sincere hope that the two people who were injured are able to make a full recovery.
Do you need more information about a Woodland Hills truck 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 any collision, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
