Jason Cavanagh, of Newbury Park, Died In Cabazon Big Rig Truck Accident On The Eastbound Interstate 10 Freeway
CABAZON, CALIFORNIA (April 19, 2022) – Jason Cavanagh has tragically died in a Cabazon car accident between a big rig truck and pickup truck on the eastbound Interstate 10 Freeway.
Riverside County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday. A Toyota Tundra driven by Jason Cavanagh hit a series of sand filled barricades on the shoulder of the freeway.
The force of the impact caused the pickup truck to flip onto the 10 Freeway. A big rig truck failed to stop in time to avoid the pickup before striking it.
Both vehicles burst into flames after the collision. Sadly, the driver of the Toyota Tundra was unable to escape the burning vehicle Jason Cavanagh died at the scene.
Multiple lanes of the freeway were closed while police conducted an investigation.
Liability In Cabazon Semi-Truck Accidents
The United States Department of Transportation has estimated that there are over 1,000 factors that could contribute to a commercial truck accident. Driver experience is a major cause of truck accidents. Commercial trucks are much more difficult to control than passenger vehicles. For example, a fully loaded semi-truck traveling at 55 mph can take the length of two football fields to come to a stop. There are a number of measures that truck companies should take in order to reduce the likelihood of collisions.
- Truck companies should not pressure their drivers to complete routes more quickly than would be reasonable or safe.
- Truck companies should ensure their drivers receive adequate training.
- Truck companies can equip their vehicles with safety features such as lane departure warning systems and automatic forward collision avoidance systems.
If a truck driver hits a vehicle in their own lane, they will typically be held at fault. Truck drivers are supposed to maintain a safe follow distance with the vehicles ahead of them. According to California Vehicle Code 21703, the driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than what would be reasonable or prudent given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. By necessity, a safe follow distance for a truck will be much longer than what is needed for a passenger vehicle.
Depending on the specific facts of any case, there could be numerous liable parties for a truck accident. For example, the company that manufactured a vehicle could potentially be liable if a vehicle catches fire and injures occupants. Vehicle fires during accidents are actually quite common. In many instances, they are due to defects in the design or manufacturing process. In 2013, General Motors recalled 480,000 SUVs due to a fire risk with the vehicle. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any truck accident.
- The source of any vehicle fire should be determined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be examined.
- A forensic examination of the accident site should be conducted.
If a truck driver is negligent and hits another vehicle, they can be held at fault 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. It is crucial that evidence is properly preserved after an accident. Evidence is what will ultimately be used to determine liability for any collision. A truck accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Riverside County Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jason Cavanagh. 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. Far too often, truck companies favor speedy deliveries in a way that puts the public needlessly at risk.
Do you need more information about a Cabazon big rig truck accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. 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 steps are taken to make our roadways safer. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
