Aaron Begnaud, of Orange, Died In Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving Semi-Truck on Highway 79 By Gilman Springs Road
SAN JACINTO, CALIFORNIA (July 31, 2022) – A man identified as Aaron Begnaud was killed in a San Jacinto car accident with a tractor trailer truck on Highway 79.
Riverside County officials are saying that the collision took place around 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Multiple vehicles including a semi-truck were involved in a collision under unclear circumstances.
Aaron Begnaud was in one of the vehicles involved in the crash. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help all of the victims.
Two people were taken to the hospital with blunt force injuries. Despite the efforts of first responders, Aaron Begnaud was pronounced dead at the scene.
A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In San Jacinto Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks are involved in tens of thousands of accidents every year. These collisions lead to an estimated 4,000 fatalities per year. There are many different factors that could potentially 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 a number of measures that truck companies should take in order to avoid collisions.
- Truck drivers should be well rested before the start of their shift.
- Trucks should be regularly inspected and well maintained.
- Trucks should be properly loaded to prevent cargo shift.
Semi-truck drivers will need to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL). They are therefore held to a high standard in terms of safety. Trucks have large blind spots and many collisions are due to truck drivers that make unsafe lane changes in the roadway. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22107, no person shall turn from a direct course either right or left upon a roadway unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety. Any truck driver that makes an unsafe turn prior to a collision could be held liable for the crash.
Depending on the facts of any case liability for a collision could extend beyond the at-fault driver. For example, if the at fault driver was working at the time of a collision 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. However, truck companies will often try to avoid liability for crashes by hiring drivers as “independent contractors.” There are a number of steps that should be taken after any semi-truck accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
There could potentially be numerous liable parties for any collision. It will all depend on the specific facts of any case. The family of any victim that died in a semi-truck accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, truck companies will do everything that they can to deny liability for a collision. 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 San Jacinto Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Aaron Begnaud. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family and all of those who have been injured. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a San Jacinto 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, independent investigation into any accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
