Bobby Perez, Cynthia Olvera Injured, Baby Killed In Valley Village Semi-Truck Accident on Westbound 101 Freeway By Tujunga Avenue
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (January 21, 2022) – Bobby Perez and Cynthia Olvera were injured and a baby girl was killed in a Valley Village semi-truck accident on the 101 Freeway.
Los Angeles County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:30 p.m. on Monday. Bobby Perez was driving a 2018 Land Rover and transporting Cynthia Olvera and a baby girl.
A semi-truck driver merged in the lane of the Land Rover prior to the collision. The force of the impact caused the Land Rover to roll multiple times which caused the infant to be ejected.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help all of the victims. Bobby Perez, Cynthia Olvera and the baby were all taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment.
Sadly, the baby girl died at the hospital due to the severe nature of her injuries. You can help support the family of the infant through GoFundMe.
It remains unclear if the truck driver will receive any citations for the fatal collision. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Los Angeles Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks are some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. They account for a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities given their representation on the road. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2020, 4,842 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, a 4% decrease from 2019 but still a 33% increase since 2011. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is down 5% from 2019, but up 18% since 2011.” There are a number of factors that make semi-trucks dangerous.
- Semi-trucks have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of smaller vehicles.
- Semi-trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs.
- Semi-trucks take much longer to stop than nearly all passenger vehicles.
Semi-truck drivers will need to get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Many truck accidents happen when truck drivers make dangerous lane merges. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22107, no person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course of action or move right or left upon a roadway unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety. If a truck driver makes an unsafe lane merge, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, the company that a truck driver worked for could be held at fault for a collision. 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. However, many truck companies often try to evade liability for crashes by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.” There are a number of steps that should be taken after a semi-truck accident.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.
- The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined.
- Surveillance footage of the crash should be sought.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
Evidence is what will ultimately be used to determine liability for any collision. It is important that it is properly preserved. Any person that is injured due to the negligent actions of a truck driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. The family of any person that died in a truck accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating A Los Angeles Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the infant that died in this crash. It is our sincere hope that Bobby Perez and Cynthia Olvera make a full recovery. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Do you need more information about a Los Angeles semi-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 a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
