Lori Rasmussen Died In Redding Semi-Truck Accident Near The Intersection of State Street and Favretto Avenue
REDDING, CALIFORNIA (November 25, 2022) – A homeless woman identified as Lori Rasmussen has tragically died in a Redding semi-truck accident by State Street and Favretto Avenue.
Shasta County officials are saying that the accident took place on Saturday. Lori Rasmussen was inside of a tent when she was run over by a semi-truck backing up west on State Street.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite the best efforts of first responders, Lori Rasmussen died as a result of her injuries.
The driver of the semi-truck involved in the crash remained at the scene and cooperated with police. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Redding Semi-Truck Accidents
Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable in semi-truck accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked. According to the IIHS, “A total of 4,014 people died in large truck crashes in 2020. Fifteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 68 percent were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 16 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists.” There are a number of steps that semi-truck drivers should take to prevent back up collisions.
- Truck drivers should check their blind spots before backing up.
- Truck drivers should slow down in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
- Truck drivers should use a spotter when necessary if they are backing up.
- Truck drivers may need to walk around their vehicle before backing up.
- Truck drivers should park defensively and avoid situations when they will need to back up.
Truck drivers will typically need to get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must do everything in their power to avoid collisions. Back-up collisions are nearly always preventable when truck drivers are taking the right safety precautions. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, all drivers must slow down when approaching a pedestrian and take any other action necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian in the roadway.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, 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 are working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a truck driver may have been working when they were involved in a crash. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed in a semi-truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any truck accident. A truck accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Redding Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lori Rasmussen. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a Redding 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 an that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need someone to talk with about your situation we are here. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
