Jose Rodriguez, of Hawthorne, Died In West Athens Semi-Truck Accident On The 105 Freeway At Vermont Avenue
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (April 28, 2022) – A 51-year-old man identified as Jose Rodriguez has died in a West Athens semi-truck accident on the 105 Freeway by Vermont Avenue.
Los Angeles County police officers are saying that the collision took place around 2:14 a.m. on Thursday. Jose Rodriguez was in a pickup truck and involved in a collision with a semi-truck under unclear circumstances.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Jose Rodriguez was extricated from his vehicle so that life-saving measures could be taken.
Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries. Three lanes of the freeway were closed for several hours as an investigation was underway.
A full investigation into the West Athens truck accident is ongoing.
Liability In Los Angeles County Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in truck accidents. Semi-truck accidents are typically complex events. According to the FMCSA, “Fatigue, drinking alcohol, and speeding are major factors in motor vehicle crashes overall. Although their presence does not always result in a crash, these three factors, as well as other driver, vehicle, and environmental factors, can increase the risk that a crash will occur.” It is rare for there to be just one factor that causes an accident. There are a number of steps that truck drivers should take in order to prevent collisions.
- Truck drivers must get adequate rest before the start of their shift.
- Truck drivers must abstain from alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
- Truck drivers should ideally plan their trips out ahead of time.
Truck drivers must get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Many collisions are due to truck drivers that make dangerous lane changes. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21658, a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical in a single lane and shall not be moved from that lane unless such a movement can be madewith reasonable safety. If a driver moves a vehicle outside of their lane and collides with another vehicle, they could be held at fault through a civil claim.
Depending on the specific facts of any case, liability for a truck accident could extend beyond any driver. If a truck driver fails to exercise due care and causes a collision, their employer could potentially be held at fault. In general, employers are liable for the negligent actions of their employees working within their job duties. A truck company could also be liable for a crash when their driver did not have the proper credentials to carry out their assignment. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any truck accident.
- The employment status of the truck driver should be determined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined.
The family of any person that is killed in a collision with a commercial truck may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim may include the victim’s spouse, children or parents. Sadly, though, truck companies will often fight hard to deny any responsibility for a collision. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Liability In Los Angeles County Truck Accidents
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jose Rodriguez. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened for the sake of this man’s family. It is our sincere hope that measures are considered to help curb other tragedies in this area.
Do you need more information about a West Haven motorcycle accident? Our team of motorcycle 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.
