Caltrans Worker Jose Hernandez (Full Name: Jose Perez Hernandez) Injured In Santa Maria Car Accident With Pickup Truck On Highway 101
SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA (September 10, 2022) – A Caltrans worker identified as Jose Hernandez was injured in a Santa Maria car accident on Highway 101.
San Luis Obispo County officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:30 p.m. on Friday. A 29-year-old driver allowed his GMC pickup truck to drift before sideswiping a Caltrans truck.
The pickup truck then collided with Jose Hernandez who was standing on the right shoulder. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Jose Hernandez was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. It remains unclear if the pickup truck driver that hit the Caltrans employee will face any citations for the crash.
Liability In Santa Maria Car Accidents
Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death for workers in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “From 2003-2018, more than 29,000 workers in the U.S. died in a work-related motor vehicle crash. In 2019 alone, work-related crashes cost employers $39 billion.” There are many factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident in the United States.
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement Weather
- Poor road conditions
When a worker is injured on the job, they will typically have recourse through a worker’s compensation claim. Worker’s compensation in California is based on a no-fault insurance scheme. There is no need for an injured worker to demonstrate negligence. An injured worker may also be able to seek aid through a third party negligence claim. A third party negligence claim may be possible when an entity separate from a worker contributed to an accident.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. Many pedestrian accidents are due to drivers that make unsafe lane changes. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22107, no person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course of action unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety. If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are many steps that should be taken after any car accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Workers should let their doctors know that they were injured on the job.
Any person that is injured in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Many accident victims may not realize the full extent of their injuries for several weeks or months after any collision. A car accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Santa Maria Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to Jose Hernandez as he continues to recover. It is our sincere hope that he will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured due to the negligence of another driver? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of worker’s rights advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
