Two People Died In Sun Valley, Los Angeles Semi-Truck Accident Along Interstate 5 By The 170 Freeway Interchange
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (February 18, 2023) – Two people were killed in a Sun Valley semi-truck accident with a disabled van on Interstate 5 by the 170 Freeway interchange.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:00 a.m. on Friday morning. A semi-truck collided with a white van that was stalled in lanes of traffic.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision. Workers were able to put out the fire that erupted following the crash.
Sadly, two people died as a result of the collision. It remains unclear if the victims were in the van or the semi-truck.
All lanes of traffic were opened by 11:00 a.m. that morning. A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Sun Valley Semi-Truck Accidents
There are many different factors that could contribute to a semi-truck accident. 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.” There are many steps that truck companies can take to prevent collisions.
- Truck companies should ensure that their vehicles are regularly inspected and properly maintained.
- Truck companies can install safety features on their vehicle such as forward collision avoidance systems.
- Truck companies should ensure that their drivers are adhering to all safety regulations.
Semi-truck drivers need to get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21703, the driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely 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 another vehicle in the roadway. One of the dangers with semi-trucks is that they have incredibly long stopping distances.
Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a semi-truck accident could extend beyond any driver. If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could face vicarious liability for the crash. In general, employers are responsible for the negligent actions of their employees. However, truck companies will often try to evade liability for crashes by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.” There are many steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- The event data recorder (EDR) of the truck involved in the crash should be examined.
- The truck driver’s work logbook should be reviewed for possible violations.
- Surveillance footage of the crash should be sought.
Semi-truck accidents are typically very complex events. It is very important that all evidence is collected and preserved in a timely manner. The family of any person that is killed in a Sun Valley car accident may have legal recourse through California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will typically include the victim’s next of kin such as their spouse or children.
Investigating A Los Angeles County Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the families of the two victims of this accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Los Angeles County 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 those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, investigation into any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
