Elizabeth Vigil (Full Name: Elizabeth Jane Vigil) Died In Downtown, Bakersfield Truck Accident Along Truxtun Avenue
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (July 24, 2022) – Elizabeth Vigil has tragically died in a Bakersfield car accident with a Hall Ambulance facilities maintenance truck along Turxtun Avenue.
Kern County officials are saying that the collision took place around 4:29 a.m. on Tuesday. Elizabeth Jane Vigil was walking when she was hit by a Hall Ambulance facilities maintenance truck.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Elizabeth Vigil was taken to the hospital, but later died due to the severity of her injuries.
It remains unclear if the truck driver will face any citations following the crash. A full investigation into the Bakersfield pedestrian accident that killed Elizabeth Vigil remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Bakersfield Truck Accidents
Ambulances can be particularly hazardous to pedestrians for a number of reasons. They often travel at high rates of speed and regularly break all sorts of traffic laws. The NHTSA estimates that around 33 people are killed in ambulance accidents annually. There are a number of steps that emergency drivers should take in order to avoid collisions.
- Emergency drivers should use their sirens and lights to alert others of their presence.
- Emergency drivers must constantly scan the road for hazards.
- Emergency drivers should be well rested before the start of their shift.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians in the roadway. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.” When a driver fails to exercise due care and hits a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, the ambulance company that owned a truck involved in a crash could be liable for a pedestrian 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. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any truck accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that died in an ambulance accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, ambulance companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. This is why it is so important that evidence is properly protected and preserved.
Investigating A Bakersfield Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Elizabeth Vigil who died in this Bakersfield truck accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability following this tragedy.
Do you need more information about a Bakersfield accident? Our team of pedestrian 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 an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
