Mary Centeno Died In Ventura Car Accident With Pickup Truck Along The Pacific Coast Highway Near Solimar Beach and Emma Wood Beach
VENTURA, CALIFORNIA (August 15, 2022) – A 68-year-old woman identified as Mary Centeno died in a Ventura pedestrian accident along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Ventura County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 9:23 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Mary Centeno was walking southbound on the shoulder of the road when she was hit by a GMC dually pickup truck that drove onto the shoulder.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Sadly, Mary Centeno died due to the severity of her injuries.
An officer at the scene reportedly spotted signs that the driver of the pickup truck was impaired. That driver has since been arrested and charged with DUI.
Liability In Ventura DUI Pedestrian Accidents
Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. According to the NHTSA, “Every day, about 32 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 45 minutes. In 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14% increase from 2019.” Nearly one out of every seven pedestrian deaths involve an intoxicated driver. There are a number of substances besides alcohol that could potentially impair drivers.
- Over-the-counter medications
- Prescription medications
- Benzodiazepines
- Marijuana
- Sleep aids
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, it is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In particular, no person can drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers are not allowed to drive with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
If the driver of a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Pickup trucks are often used for commercial purposes in landscaping and construction. 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 pedestrian accident.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The police report for the accident should be examined.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any pedestrian killed in a pedestrian 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. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will typically include a victim’s spouse and children. A pedestrian accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Ventura DUI Pedestrian Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mary Centeno. Any person that may have more information about what took place should reach out to the police. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place.
Do you need more information about a Ventura pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and information that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
