Lucila Lopes-Romero Died, Three Injured In Oasis Semi-Truck Accident Along Highway 86 Near Johnson Street
OASIS, CALIFORNIA (January 4, 2022) – A woman identified as Lucila Lopes-Romero was killed and three people were injured in an Oasis semi-truck accident on Highway 86.
Riverside County police officials are saying that the collision took place around 2:00 p.m. on Monday. A Freightliner tractor was traveling eastbound and proceeded into an intersection directly into the path of a Toyota.
The driver of the Toyota and a right front passenger identified as Lucila Lopes-Romero both suffered major injuries in the crash. Three people in the back of the Toyota sustained moderate injuries and were taken to the Desert Regional Medical Center.
Lucila Lopes-Romero was airlifted to the Desert Regional Medical Center, but died on her way to the hospital. The driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Oasis Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks are much more difficult to control than passenger vehicles. According to the National Safety Council, “A total of 4,965 people died in large-truck crashes in 2020. The number of deaths decreased 1% from 2019 but is still up 31% since 2011. The majority of deaths in large-truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles (71%), followed by truck occupants (17%), and non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists (12%).” There are many steps that truck drivers should take to avoid collisions.
- Truck drivers should take periodic breaks as required by law.
- Truck drivers should abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
- Truck drivers should check their blind spots before turning.
Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Truck drivers have very difficult jobs and must work at all times of the night and day. The Centers For Disease Control estimated that staying awake for only 18 hours reduces a person’s ability to drive safely equal to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%. Truck drivers are required to be well rested before they start their shift, but this does not always happen.
All truck drivers must exercise due care to avoid collisions. Many truck accidents occur when truck drivers proceed through intersections without checking cross traffic. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21800, “The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway.” If a truck driver failed to yield the right-of-way to a passenger vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are many steps that should be taken after any truck accident.
- The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
Victims of truck accidents are protected by a number of laws. The family of any person that is killed in a truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. However, many truck companies will often try to evade liability for crashes by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.” 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 Oasis Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lucila Lopes-Romero. It is our sincere hope that the three other victims will be able to make a full recovery. 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 all of the victims.
Do you need more information about an Oasis semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the information and support that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance after a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
