Daniel Gomez, 29, Died, Three People Critically Injured In Vernon Big Rig Truck Accident Near The Intersection of Bandini Boulevard and Bonnie Beach Place
VERNON, CALIFORNIA (January 3, 2022) – A 29-year-old man identified as Daniel Gomez was killed in a Vernon semi-truck accident by Bandini Boulevard and Bonnie Beach Place.
Los Angeles County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday. A semi-truck was making a left turn when it collided with a Ford Mustang carrying Daniel Gomez and three other people.
The Ford Mustang became wedged underneath the trailer for the semi-truck. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help all of the victims.
Three people were critically injured and had to be taken to the hospital. Sadly, Daniel Gomez died as a result of his injuries.
Police interviewed the truck driver who remained at the scene.
Liability For Vernon Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks pose a number of unique risks for those in passenger vehicles. Among other things, semi-trucks have a high center of gravity which makes them more unstable than passenger vehicles. It also makes them much more prone to under-ride collisions. There are a number of steps that truck drivers should take to avoid collisions.
- Truck drivers should check their blind spots before turning.
- Truck drivers should abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
- Truck drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them.
Left turns are among the most dangerous maneuvers that drivers can make. They are so dangerous that many companies actively work to eliminate as many as possible in the routes their drivers take. One study of car accidents found that 22.2 percent of crashes involved drivers making left turns. This compares to just 1.2 percent for drivers making right turns.
Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must first yield the right-of-way to any driver traveling from the opposite direction that is close enough so as to pose a hazard. They must continue to yield the right-of-way and only make a left turn when that maneuver can be made with reasonable safety. If a truck driver collided with another vehicle while turning left, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
The company that a truck driver worked for could also potentially be liable for a collision. In general, companies are vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were performing their job duties. For example, a truck driver may have been on their way to deliver goods to a certain company. Victims of semi-truck accidents tend to suffer serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any semi-truck accident. But it is important that all evidence is properly preserved. For example, the logbook of the semi-truck driver involved in the crash should be examined. The family of any person that is killed due to the negligence of a truck driver may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that come with a serious injury or the sudden loss of a loved one.
Investigating A Vernon Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Daniel Gomez. It is our sincere hope that the three other victims of this crash will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be some accountability for what happened. Any person that may have more information about the collision should speak with the LAPD.
Do you need more information about a Vernon semi-truck accident? Our team of truck accident attorneys 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 more information about any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
