Road Worker Michael Taylor, of Concord, Killed In Walnut Creek Gravel Truck Accident At Construction Site On Del Hombre Lane Near The Pleasant Hill BART Station
WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA (March 5, 2022) – A construction worker identified as Michael Taylor has tragically died after being hit by a gravel truck in Walnut Creek along Del Hombre Lane.
Contra Costa County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 10:00 a.m. on Monday. Michael Taylor was acting as a flagger when they were run over by a gravel truck.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help the victim. Sadly, Michael Taylor died due to the severity of their injuries.
A full investigation into the Walnut Creek gravel truck accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Walnut Creek Truck Accidents
Car accidents are a major source of workplace injury and death in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, pedestrians being hit by vehicles at work resulted in 330 work related deaths and over 6,000 injuries in 2020 alone. This includes incidents where pedestrians were hit by vehicles in work zones or by the side of a roadway. There are many steps that construction companies should take in order to prevent car accidents at work.
- Construction workers should always communicate with one another. This is especially true when heavy machinery is being used.
- Construction workers should be properly trained to recognize hazards they may encounter.
- Truck drivers should be properly trained in safety procedures.
When a worker is injured or killed on the job, they or their family may have legal recourse through the worker’s compensation system. Worker’s compensation operates off of a no fault system in California. There is no need for an injured worker to demonstrate negligence if they were injured on the job. Benefits through the worker’s compensation system can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. Depending on the specific facts of any case, an injured worker or their family may have recourse through a third party liability claim.
A third party liability claim may be possible if any entity separate from a worker’s employer was responsible for an accident. Construction sites are typically made up of a blend of different companies and independent contractors that must work together. If a truck driver from one company hits an employee from a separate company, this could form the basis of a third party liability claim. A third party could be a truck company or the company responsible for the maintenance of a work truck.
All truck drivers are expected to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, all drivers must use caution to avoid hitting pedestrians. They must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian crossing the roadway in a marked crosswalk. Many pedestrian accidents are due to truck drivers that back up without checking what’s behind them. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any construction site accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- The employment status of all parties in an accident should be understood.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
The family of any victim that died in a truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damage in a civil claim can help cover many of the unexpected expenses that come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Potential beneficiaries in a wrongful death claim will typically include the victim’s next of kin such as their spouse or children. Sadly, though, companies will fight hard to deny liability for any accident. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Walnut Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Michael Taylor who died in this accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA as they continue their investigation. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to help make this worksite safer. Safety should always be the number one priority for every company.
Do you need more information about a Walnut Creek gravel 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 those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
