Commercial trucks are essential to businesses since they are used to carry goods. However, these vehicles can be terrifying to drive around, given how big they are compared to a standard car. In addition, commercial truck drivers often have to operate long hours and drive long distances. Working long hours, typically overnight, can be tiring and cause accidents to occur.
At the Law Offices of Howard Craig Kornberg, we are knowledgeable about the dangers that arise on the road with commercial trucks and know how to earn you the compensation you deserve.
It is not uncommon to hear that the truck driver is at fault for a truck versus vehicle accident. However, a recent truck crash in Encino was a bit different.
On the 101 freeway in Encino, Los Angeles, an accident occurred between a commercial truck and a white SUV with six people. The two vehicles collided, forcing police officers to close down the lanes for a few hours.
31-year-old Cesar Torres attempted to drive head-on with the oncoming commercial truck, but Aimee Garcia, a passenger in the SUV, wrestled with him to regain control over the steering wheel. Firefighters tried to pull Garcia, the 25-year-old mother, from the SUV but pronounced her dead at the scene.
The four young children, whose ages range from 18 months to 8 years old, rode in the SUV with their parents when they, unfortunately, witnessed the whole struggle between their parents.
The 56-year-old truck driver, Jose Garcia, only sustained minor injuries and was released after being treated on the scene.
Torres was taken into custody after resisting arrest and fighting against the police officers, who tased him and hog-tied him to control the situation.
In this case, Torres may be held liable due to allegedly intentionally driving head-on with the truck. The 25,000-pound commercial truck’s size may have saved the truck driver from life-threatening injuries. The truck driver likely walked away with minor injuries only because commercial trucks can sustain more damage than typical vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most recent report shows that 408 fatalities occurred in California due to commercial truck accidents.
If the event a commercial truck driver was at fault for the accident, then various parties could be held liable, such as the following:
Securing The Compensation You Deserve
The aftermath of a truck crash can become confusing, particularly when dealing with all the various parties that could potentially be held liable for the accident. With that many parties involved, evidence will play an essential role in ensuring the responsible parties are held accountable. At the Law Offices of Howard Craig Kornberg, our Los Angeles commercial truck accident attorneys are equipped with 35 years of experience and skills that allow us to maximize your compensation.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, be sure to get in touch with us immediately by calling us at 310-997-0904 or clicking here.