Hailey Smither Died In Castaic Truck Accident While Crossing The 5 Freeway
CASTAIC, CALIFORNIA (April 11, 2022) – A woman identified as Hailey Smither has tragically died in a Castaic pedestrian accident involving a semi-truck on the northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway.
Los Angeles County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 2:15 a.m. on Tuesday. A white International Navistar truck was traveling on the I-5 Golden State Freeway when they hit Hailey Smither as she was crossing the freeway.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. She was propelled several feet by the accident and sustained critical injuries.
Despite the best efforts of first responders, Hailey Smither died due to the severity of her injuries. The number 4 lane of I-5 was closed for several hours as an investigation continued.
Liability In Castaic Semi-Truck Accidents
Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable in collisions with commercial trucks. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked. Semi-trucks are also much more difficult to stop in the event of an emergency. A fully loaded semi-truck traveling at freeway speeds can take the length of two football fields to come to a stop. There are a number of steps that truck drivers should take in order to avoid collisions.
- Truck drivers should be well rested before the start of their shift.
- Truck drivers should be well trained and acquire a commercial license.
- Truck drivers should make sure that their vehicles are well maintained.
Truck drivers are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must scan the road ahead of them and exercise all due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. According to California Vehicle Code 22350, “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.” No matter how a pedestrian ended up in a roadway, all drivers should do everything in their power to avoid hitting them.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Companies in California can be held vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees. But the employees must have been working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many truck companies will attempt to evade liability for accidents by hiring their drivers as independent contractors. Companies are generally not liable for the negligent actions of independent contractors – unless those workers were performing some type of non-delegable duty. Evidence should be properly preserved after any truck accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Logbook records for the truck driver should be examined.
- The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be reviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that died in a truck 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. It is crucial that evidence is properly preserved after any accident. Evidence is what will be used to determine if a truck driver was liable for an accident. A wrongful death attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Los Angeles County Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Hailey Smither. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened for the sake of all who have lost so much. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a Castaic semi-truck accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
