Driver killed when in California collision

An Arizona resident was killed when his truck was rear-ended by a semi near Brawley on March 23. The crash happened just before 4:30 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities said the victim was stopped in his Chevrolet Silverado behind another pickup truck at a traffic light at the intersection of State Highway 111 and State Highway 78 when he was struck from behind by a 2008 International semi. The driver of the Silverado, a Yuma man, was transported to Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Brawley where he later succumbed to his injuries. His 46-year-old female passenger was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs with undisclosed injuries. The two occupants of the other pickup truck were also injured. The 57-year-old man and 56-year-old woman, both of Calexico, were taken to Pioneer Memorial Hospital for treatment of unknown injuries.

Commercial truck drivers are expected to follow all road safety rules and remain aware of their surroundings at all times. When a truck rear-ends another vehicle, it is often because the driver was somehow distracted, perhaps by texting and driving or talking on a cellphone. Driver fatigue has also been known to cause similar truck accidents.

Once police determine the cause of the motor vehicle accident, the deceased victim’s family may wish to meet with an attorney to discuss filing a wrongful death lawsuit. By using police reports and other evidence, it may be possible to prove that negligence on the part of the truck driver caused the death of the decedent. A successful claim could lead to financial damages being awarded to the surviving family members.

Source: Yuma Sun , “Yuma man killed in truck accident,” Arturo Bojorquez Mendoza and Adelante Valle, March 23, 2015