Fedelina Gonzalez Injured, Maria Zaragoza, of Planada, Died In Merced Car Accident With PG&E Truck By The Intersection of East Childs Avenue and Kibby Road
MERCED, CALIFORNIA (September 13, 2022) – Fedelina Gonzalez was injured and Maria Zaragoza died in a Merced PG&E truck accident by East Childs Avenue and Kibby Road.
Merced County officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:02 a.m. on Thursday. Maria Zaragoza was a passenger in a Scion xB driven by Fedelina Gonzalez when it was hit by a Dodge Ram PG&E truck making a left turn.
The force of the impact caused severe damage to the front of the Scion. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help all of the victims.
Fedelina Gonzalez was flown to a local area hospital with serious injuries. Life-saving measures were taken to save Maria Zaragoza. Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police interviewed the driver of the PG&E truck who remained at the scene. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Merced PG&E Truck Accidents
Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to Finder, “An average of 3,322 Californians die in car accidents each year, based on 10 years’ worth of data from the NHTSA Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool.” Nearly a third of all the fatal collisions that occur in California every year are a result of speeding. But there are many other factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident.
- Distracted driving
- Dangerous left turns
- Inclement weather
- Poor road conditions.
Left turns are so dangerous that many companies like UPS eliminate as many of them as possible with their GPS software. Around 22.2% of all crashes involve a driver making a left turn. For comparison, only around 1.2% of all crashes involve a driver making a right turn. Left turns are nearly three times more likely to kill pedestrians. Many drivers simply are not able to properly estimate how close other vehicles are prior to making a left turn. This can easily lead to accidents.
Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must first yield the right of way to any driver that is traveling from the opposite direction that is close enough so as to pose a hazard. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that turns in front of another vehicle prior to a crash. The fact that a crash occured with a driver making a left turn is evidence that the left turning driver made the turn when it was unsafe to do so.
Companies like PG&E could potentially be liable for car accidents involving their vehicles. In general, 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 driver may have been traveling to some service call. Victims of car accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries.
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord trauma
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Organ damage
- Death
The family of any person killed in a car accident with a work truck may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Any person that is injured may also have recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that often coincide with a serious injury or sudden death. Unfortunately, utility companies will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for any collision involving their driver. This is why it is so important that evidence is preserved after any crash.
Investigating A Merced PG&E Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Maria Zaragoza. It is our sincere hope that Fedelina Gonzalez will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable crash that should not have taken place. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of all of the victims.
Do you need more information about a Merced PG&E truck accident? 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 negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991. Se habla español.
