Richmond, CA (December 3, 2023) 49-year-old Gerardo Rodriguez-Sanchez, from San Francisco, was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 80 in Richmond. According to the California Highway Patrol, the deadly crash happened just before 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28th, just west of Carlson Boulevard. Initial reports indicate that a Toyota RAV4 SUV, a Lexus GS 350 and a Nissan Frontier pickup truck were all involved in this fatal collision.
Officers and paramedics arrived at the scene quickly and found the driver of the Toyota injured and also found Rodriguez-Sanchez unresponsive. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The injured driver of the Toyota was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Meanwhile, the driver and passenger in the Lexus were both uninjured in this collision.
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The eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 had to be closed for over three hours following the crash. Crews had to clean glass and debris from the interstate and a tow truck was called to remove at least one of the damaged vehicles from the roadway.
Investigators began searching the scene for evidence, speaking to witnesses and also to those involved in this crash on Interstate 80 in Richmond. The accident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine what caused this fatal collision and who was at fault.
Who Is At Fault In A Richmond Car Accident
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Richmond Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Gerardo Rodriguez-Sanchez. Any person who may have information about this accident should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Richmond car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (866) 945-4286.