Natalie Schaffer Died After Being Run Over By Tractor-Trailer Truck At Vons Parking Lot By Montana Street and North Alvarado Street In Echo Park, Los Angeles
ECHO PARK, CALIFORNIA (October 7, 2022) – A woman identified as Natalie Schaffer has tragically died in an Echo Park semi-truck accident in a Vons parking lot on Montana Street.
Los Angeles County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 12:45 a.m. Tuesday morning. A tractor-trailer truck was making a U-turn in the Vons parking lot when they ran over a woman who was lying under carboard. The woman was later identified as Natalie Schaffer.
The truck driver claimed that he did not realize what happened and was flagged down by onlookers. Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help the woman whom police believe was homeless.
Despite the best efforts of first responders, Natalie Schaffer died as a result of her injuries. It remains unclear if the truck driver will face any citations for the crash.
Liability For Echo Park Semi-Truck Accidents
Los Angeles County has one of the highest rates of pedestrian accidents in the United States. According to the LAist, “In 2019, 134 people were killed by drivers while walking in Los Angeles. That’s about one death every two-and-a-half days. In fact, pedestrian deaths increased from 87 in 2014 — or nearly 55% over 5 years.” There are a number of steps that truck drivers should take in order to avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Truck drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for hazards.
- Truck drivers should use their horn when necessary to alert others of their presence.
- Truck drivers should slow down in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
All truck drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of any pedestrian within a marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and reduce the speed of their vehicle to safeguard the safety of any pedestrians. If a truck driver fails to reduce their speed and hits a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
A property owner could also be liable for a pedestrian accident. Pursuant to California Civil Code 1714, everyone is responsible not only for their willful acts but also for the lack of ordinary care or skill in the management of their property. Parking lots can be a very dangerous place and there are many ways that they could contribute to an accident. For example, a parking lot may have insufficient lighting. There are a number of steps that should be taken after pedestrian accidents involving a truck.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be examined.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be examined.
The family of any person that is killed in a truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that can come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Sadly, though, truck companies will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for any accident. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating An Los Angeles Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Natalie Schaffer who died in this Echo Park semi-truck accident. 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’s family.
Have you or someone that you care about been harmed due to the negligence of a truck driver? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. 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 any type of support after any accident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
