Deborah Died In Modesto Collision With Tractor Trailer Truck Along Yosemite Avenue Near Vacant Lot By The Modesto Rescue Center
MODESTO, CALIFORNIA (November 17, 2022) – A homeless woman identified as Deborah has tragically died in a Modesto semi-truck accident on Yosemite Avenue.
Stanislaus County officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Officials believe that Deborah was run over by a tractor trailer or semi-truck.
The accident took place near the Modesto Rescue Center, which serves the homeless population in the area. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.
Sadly, Deborah died as a result of her injuries. Modesto police are looking for surveillance footage to help gain an insight into what happened.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Modesto Semi-Truck Accidents
Pedestrians have a naturally small profile and are much more likely to be overlooked by semi-truck drivers. According to the IIHS, “The number of people who died in large truck crashes was 28 percent higher in 2020 than in 2009, when it was the lowest it has been since the collection of fatal crash data began in 1975. The number of truck occupants who died was 35 percent higher than in 2009.” There are a number of steps that truck drivers should take to prevent collisions.
- Truck drivers should be well rested before the start of their shift.
- Truck drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for hazards.
- Truck drivers should obey all traffic laws and industry regulations.
Semi-truck drivers must get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must be particularly cautious in parking lots or other areas where people may congregate. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of any vehicle must reduce their speed and take other actions necessary to safeguard the safety of any pedestrian near them. When a driver hits a pedestrian and only realizes this after the fact, this is typically a sign they were not paying sufficient attention to the road.
When a semi-truck driver hits a pedestrian, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a truck driver may have been delivering goods when they were involved in a crash. Victims of pedestrian accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
The family of any person that is killed in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages can help cover many of the expenses that come with the sudden loss of a loved one. However, it is common for truck companies to deny all liability for a truck accident involving a driver. 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 Modesto Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Deborah. 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. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Modesto semi-truck 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.
