Steven Tadeo, of Westwood, Died In Sutter County Semi-Truck Accident Along Highway 99 Near Oswald Road
YUBA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (March 22, 2023) – A teacher identified as Steven Tadeo was killed in a Sutter County semi-truck accident on Highway 99 near Oswald Road.
Sutter County officials are saying that the collision took place on Saturday afternoon. Steven Tadeo was driving down Highway 99 in a Toyota Tacoma when a semi-truck made a left turn directly in front of him.
Both vehicles collided causing the Tacoma to become wedged underneath the pickup truck. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Sadly, Steven Tadeo was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are asking any eye witnesses to reach out to the Yuba-Sutter CHP office.
Steven Tadeo was a teacher at the Inspire School of Arts and Sciences. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Sutter County Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks account for a relatively small amount of the number of vehicles on the road. But they are involved in a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2020, 4,842 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, a 4% decrease from 2019 but still a 33% increase since 2011. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is down 5% from 2019, but up 18% since 2011.” Semi-trucks can be uniquely dangerous for a number of reasons.
- A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs.
- Semi-trucks have a high center of gravity thereby making side-impact collisions much more dangerous.
- Semi-trucks have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of smaller vehicles.
Left turns are among the most dangerous maneuvers that drivers can make. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must first yield the right-of-way to any driver traveling from the opposite direction that is close enough so as to pose a hazard. They must continue to yield the right-of-way and only make a left turn when that maneuver can be made with reasonable safety. If a truck driver makes an unprotected left turn in front of another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
When a semi-truck driver is negligent, the company that they worked for could be held at fault. In general, companies are vicariously 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 evade liability for accidents by hiring their 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 should be examined.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that died in a semi-truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that often come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, truck companies will do everything that they can to evade liability for a collision. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved after a crash.
Investigating A Sutter County Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Steven Tadeo. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the Yuba-Sutter CHP. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place.
Do you need more information about a Sutter County semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here for you. 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 more information about an accident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
