Seluster Lane, of Redwood City, Died In Merced Truck Accident Along Highway 99 North of Merced Avenue
KERN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (March 28, 2022) – A 77-year-old man from Redwood City identified as Seluster Lane has tragically died in a Merced semi-truck accident on Highway 99 by Merced Avenue.
Bakersfield police officials are saying that the collision took place around 4:45 a.m. on Tuesday. Seluster Lane was in a van on Highway 99 that was stopped on the freeway.
His vehicle was rear-ended by a semi-truck causing it to sustain major damage. Seluster Lane was ejected from his Chrysler Town and Country van and came to rest in the roadway.
Paramedics were called in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, the victim died due to the severity of his injuries.
Kern County officials are asking anyone that may have witnessed the crash to reach out to them. A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Merced Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks pose a number of unique hazards to pedestrians as well as those in passenger vehicles. Given their sheer weight and size, even a low impact collision can be catastrophic. Semi-trucks also have a high ground clearance thereby making underride collisions more likely. Trucks also have a very wide turning radius. Many collisions take place when truck drivers make unprotected turns into traffic. There are many steps that truck drivers and truck companies can take in order to reduce the likelihood of truck accidents.
- Truck drivers should be well trained with how to handle their vehicles. They should also understand what they must do in the event of an emergency.
- Truck drivers must make sure that they are well rested. The CDC estimates that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
- Truck drivers should undergo periodic medical exams to ensure that they are fit to drive.
- Truck companies can use technology such as forward collision avoidance systems to help prevent accidents.
Truck drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. In particular, they must regulate their speed to avoid rear-ending other drivers. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.” Even driving the speed limit can be dangerous at night or during times of low visibility.
Even if a vehicle is stalled in the middle of the road or brakes suddenly, there is no reason that a driver should hit them. Rear-end collisions are nearly always due to drivers that are speeding, distracted or following the lead vehicle too closely. Indeed, there is a rebuttable presumption of negligence for any driver that hits another vehicle from behind. Many truck drivers will blame their brakes after these types of collisions, but brake problems are rarely the issue. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any truck collision.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A truck’s event data recorder should be examined.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
The family of any victim that died in a semi-truck accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will typically include a victim’s next of kin such as their spouse or dependent children. Damages can help cover many of the unexpected expenses that often come with the sudden and tragic loss of a loved one. 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 Merced Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Seluster Lane. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. This was an absolute tragedy. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar accidents on this Highway.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in Merced? 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 an accident we are here for you. You can always reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
