Jose Cisneros (Full Name: Jose Israel Cisneros), of Chula Vista, Died In Otay Mesa Semi-Truck Accident While Riding Motorized Scooter on La Media Road
OTAY MESA, CALIFORNIA (March 7, 2023) – Jose Cisneros was killed in an Otay Mesa semi-truck accident while riding a motorized scooter along La Media Road.
San Diego County officials are saying that the collision took place on February 19th. Jose Cisneros was riding a motorized scooter when he became separated from the scooter for unknown reasons.
Not long after falling to the ground, the scooter rider was hit by a semi-truck that kept traveling northbound before eventually stopping. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Despite life-saving measures, Jose Cisneros was pronounced dead at the scene. A full investigation into the deadly collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Otay Mesa Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs and can take the length of two football fields to come to a stop. According to the FMCSA, “Elements that influence the occurrence of a crash may take place hours, days, or months before the crash. They include driver training and experience, vehicle design and manufacture, highway condition and traffic signaling, and weather conditions.” Scooter riders are particularly at risk because they are more likely to be overlooked compared to vehicles. There are many steps that truck companies can take in order to prevent collisions.
- Truck companies should ensure that their drivers are well trained.
- Truck companies should perform periodic inspections and maintenance on their vehicles.
- Truck companies can install safety features on their trucks such as forward collision avoidance systems.
Semi-truck drivers need to get a commercial driver’s license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Many truck accidents are due to truck drivers that are speeding. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, no person shall drive a vehicle on a highway or roadway faster than would be reasonable given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a semi-truck driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a scooter rider, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
When a semi-truck driver is negligent and causes an accident, their employer 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 semi-truck driver may have been delivering packages when they crashed. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a semi-truck accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
Semi-truck drivers are supposed to prioritize safety. But far too often, they are pushed to complete their routes as quickly as possible thereby putting the public at risk. 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. It is crucial that evidence is properly preserved after any collision.
Investigating An Otay Mesa Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jose Cisneros. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into the crash for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about an Otay Mesa semi-truck accident? Our team of scooter safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. 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 any type of support after a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
