Survey Worker Dylan Motte, of Nuevo, Died, Spencer Wood Injured In Morongo Valley Pickup Truck Accident On State Route 62
MORONGO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA (May 13, 2022) – A surveyor identified as Dylan Motte has tragically died in a Morongo Valley car accident with a pickup truck on State Route 62.
San Bernardino police officials are saying that the collision took place around 2:10 p.m. on Monday. The driver of a Ford F-150 pickup truck was heading westbound on SR 62 when they crossed the center median and hit Dylan Motte who was performing survey work.
The pickup truck then hit a work truck which was pushed into a Toyota Rav4 driven by Spencer Wood. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the victims.
Dylan Motte was taken to the Desert Regional Medical Center where he later died. Spencer Wood was evaluated at the scene.
California Highway Patrol do not believe alcohol or drugs were contributing factors in the crash.
Liability in Morongo Valley Car Accidents
Far too many workers are killed or seriously injured every year in car accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the U.S. From 2003-2018, more than 29,000 workers in the U.S. died in a work-related motor vehicle crash. In 2019 alone, work-related crashes cost employers $39 billion.” Road workers tend to be at the greatest risk of being seriously injured or killed in a collision. There are a number of factors that can contribute to a car accident.
- Drivers are more likely to crash if they are distracted.
- Drivers are more likely to crash if they are speeding.
- Drivers are more likely to crash if they are intoxicated.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians. Around 1/3 of fatal collisions are due to speeding drivers. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, no person shall drive a motor vehicle at a speed greater than what would be reasonable or safe for the prevailing conditions of the roadway. When a driver violates a statute and kills a pedestrian, they could be held at fault through the doctrine of negligence per se.
If the at fault driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Employers are typically liable for the negligent actions of their employees. Many pickup trucks are used for commercial purposes such as construction or landscaping. It is important to determine the purpose of a pickup truck driver’s trip at the time of a collision. There are many other things that should be investigated.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- The at-fault driver may need to undergo a drug test. The outcome of those tests should be examined.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
When a worker is killed on the job, their family will typically have recourse through a worker’s compensation claim. Worker’s compensation is a no fault insurance program in California. The family of a deceased worker may also be able to seek aid through a wrongful death claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Morongo Valley Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Dylan Motte. It is our sincere hope that Spencer Wood will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all affected. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police.
Do you need more information about a Morongo Valley car accident? Our team of worker’s rights 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 accountable for their actions. 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.
