Craig Mitchell, 73, Died In Phelan Pedestrian Accident With Semi-Truck Along Phelan Road East of Caughling Road
PHELAN, CALIFORNIA (November 6, 2022) – A pedestrian identified as Craig Mitchell has died in a Phelan semi-truck accident on Phelan Road by Caughling Road.
San Bernardino County officials are saying that the accident took place on 8:17 p.m. on Wednesday. Two semi-trucks were traveling down the road when one of them hit Craig Mitchell as he was walking.
Paramedics and police officers were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Sadly, Craig Mitchell was beyond medical aid and pronounced dead at the scene.
The semi-truck driver involved in the crash remained at the scene and cooperated with police. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Phelan Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks often weigh 20-30 times more than passenger vehicles and are substantially more dangerous. According to the IIHS, “Truck braking capability can be a factor in truck crashes. Loaded tractor-trailers require 20-40 percent more distance than cars to stop, and the discrepancy is greater on wet and slippery roads or with poorly maintained brakes. Truck driver fatigue also is a known crash risk.” There are a number of steps that truck companies should take in order to prevent collisions.
- Truck drivers should be well trained and familiar with their particular rig.
- Trucks should be equipped with safety features such as forward collision avoidance systems.
- All parts of a truck should be periodically inspected and well maintained.
Truck drivers will typically need to get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Many truck accidents are due to truck drivers that are fatigued and not adequately paying attention to the road ahead of them. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and reduce their speed necessary to safeguard the well-being of the pedestrian. If a truck driver fails to slow down and hits a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, the company that loaded a semi-truck could potentially be liable for a pedestrian accident. Trucks have carrying limits that must be strictly adhered to. If a truck is overloaded, this could easily contribute to a collision. If fact, it has been estimated that nearly 10% of all truck accidents are due in part to loading issues. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be examined.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person killed in a truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expanses that can come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Sadly, though, truck companies will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for any collision. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved after any collision.
Investigating A Phelan Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Craig Mitchell. 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.
Do you need more information about a Phelan truck accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys 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 any accident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
