Sarah De La Riva Died In Tustin Car Accident With Pickup Truck On The Costa Mesa 55 Freeway By The 17th Street Exit
TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA (May 24, 2022) – A 33-year-old woman identified as Sarah De La Riva has died in a Tustin car accident on the Costa Mesa 55 Freeway.
Orange County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:10 a.m. on Saturday. Sarah De La Riva was walking when she was hit by a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Sarah De La Riva died due to her injuries.
The number 2, 3 and 4 lanes of the freeway were closed for two hours during an investigation.
Liability In Tustin Car Accidents
Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “More than 7,000 pedestrians were killed on our nation’s roads in crashes involving a motor vehicle in 2020. That’s about one death every 75 minutes. One in six people who died in crashes in 2020 were pedestrians.” Elderly pedestrians and young children tend to be at the greatest risk of being involved in accidents. There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a pedestrian accident.
- Pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur during the early morning and late evening hours when visibility is reduced.
- Nearly 33% of all pedestrian fatalities involve an intoxicated driver.
- Drivers that are speeding are more likely to hit pedestrians.
All drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. This is true even if they are in the middle of the road. Many pedestrian collisions are due to drivers that are speeding. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, no person shall operate a motor vehicle at a speed greater than what is reasonable and safe given the prevailing conditions. Drivers must continuously scan the road ahead of them and do everything in their power to avoid hitting pedestrians. If a driver strikes and kills a pedestrian in the roadway, they could be held at fault through a civil claim.
Depending on the specific facts of any case, liability for a pedestrian accident could extend beyond any driver. Pickup trucks are often used for commercial purposes. If the person driving a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Employers are typically liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, the driver of a pickup truck may have been delivering materials when a crash occured. There are a number of steps that should happen after any Tustin car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The purpose of a pickup truck driver’s trip should be determined.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian 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 and tragic loss of a loved one. Sadly, though, insurance companies will often do everything in their power to deny accountability after a collision. 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 Tustin Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Sarah De La Riva. 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.
Do you need more information about a Tustin pedestrian accident? 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 a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991. Se habla español.
