Kevin Hinojosa Died In Kennewick Big Rig Truck Accident Along US 395 Near Milepost 18
KENNEWICK, WASHINGTON (September 27, 2022) – A man identified as Kevin Hinojosa has tragically died in a Kennewick semi-truck accident along US 395 by Milepost 18.
Benton County officials are saying that the collision took place on Monday night. Kevin Hinojosa was in a car that was stopped due to a previous collision.
A 27-year-old semi-truck driver failed to stop in time and rear-ended Kevin Hinojosa’s vehicle. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Sadly, Kevin Hinojosa died as a result of his injuries. Police interviewed the driver of the semi-truck involved in the collision. Charges against that driver are pending at this time.
Liability In Kennewick Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks are essential for the economy and transport the vast majority of goods that are bought every year in the United States. But they can also be extremely dangerous and are involved in thousands of fatal collisions. According to the IIHS, “The number of people who died in large truck crashes was 28 percent higher in 2020 than in 2009, when it was the lowest it has been since the collection of fatal crash data began in 1975.” There are a number of factors that make commercial trucks particularly dangerous.
- Semi-trucks have large blind spots and many collisions are due to truck drivers that make dangerous lane changes.
- Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 lbs and can be incredibly difficult to stop. A fully loaded semi-truck traveling at 65 mph can take the length of two football fields to come to a stop.
- Trucks have a high center of gravity and are more likely to be involved in underride collisions.
Semi-truck drivers need to get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. A serious traffic infraction could jeopardize a truck driver’s ability to maintain their commercial license. Many truck accidents are due to truck drivers that are speeding. Pursuant to Washington Vehicle Code 46.61.400, no person shall drive a motor vehicle at a speed greater than would be reasonable or safe given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that rear-ends a vehicle in their own lane of traffic.
Depending on the facts of any case, the company that a truck driver worked for could be held at fault for a crash. In general, employers are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees. This is based on the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. For an employer to be held at fault for a collision, the at fault employee must have been working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, it is common for truck companies to try to evade liability for accidents by hiring truck drivers as “independent contractors.”
The company that packed a commercial truck could also potentially be liable for a collision. Commercial trucks have strict load carrying limits. If these limits are exceeded, it could easily lead to a collision. For example, an overloaded truck is much more difficult to steer and stop. It has been estimated that nearly 10% of all truck accidents involve trucks that are improperly loaded or overloaded. Victims of semi-truck accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Organ damage
- PTSD
- Death
When a truck driver is negligent and causes a fatal collision, they can be held at fault through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the unexpected expenses that can come with a fatal collision. Sadly, though, truck companies will fight hard to deny liability for accidents involving their drivers. They may even try to blame the victim. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved after a crash.
Investigating A Kennewick Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Kevin Hinojosa. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to Washington State Patrol. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Kennewick semi-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 negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. 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.
