One Person Died In Santa Maria Box Truck Accident By The Intersection of West Main Street and Kathleen Court
SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA (February 15, 2023) – A 21-year-old man was killed in a Santa Maria box truck accident by the intersection of West Main Street and Kathleen Court.
Santa Barbara County officials are saying that the collision took place on 6:45 p.m. on Monday. The driver of a box truck pulled in front of a 2009 Cadillac CTS four-door traveling westbound.
Both vehicles collided in the roadway. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Despite life-saving measures, the driver of the Cadillac died due to the severity of their injuries. An investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Santa Maria Box Truck Accidents
Large trucks account for a relatively small number of the total vehicles on the roadway. 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.” There are three events in particular that accounted for many truck collisions.
- The truck driver ran out of room in their lane of travel.
- The truck driver lost control of their vehicle due to speeding, cargo shift, poor road conditions or other reasons.
- The truck driver collided with the rear of a vehicle in their own lane.
Truck drivers are supposed to exercise due care to avoid collisions. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21804, the driver of any vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from any public or private property shall yield the right of way to all traffic approaching the highway that is close enough so as to pose a hazard. If a driver abruptly enters a roadway into the path of another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are many steps that should be taken after a truck accident.
- The owner of the truck should be determined.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Medical records should be preserved.
The family of any person that is killed in a truck accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. Unfortunately, truck drivers will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. Or they may say that the victim was at least partially at fault. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A California Box Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the driver that died in this crash. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a Santa Maria box truck accident? Our team of consumer 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 to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
