Banning, CA (November 20, 2023) Bernardo Fajardo, 22, was killed in a collision with a big rig on Saturday morning, November 18th, in Banning. The collision occurred on the 10 Freeway near the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility, around 2:30 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.
Authorities still don’t know what exactly happened on the 10 Freeway on Saturday morning, but they do know that a vehicle collided with a big rig on the westbound 10 Freeway. Shortly after hitting the back of the big rig, the vehicle caught on fire.
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Emergency crews arrived at the scene and found the vehicle in flames. Fire fighters quickly put it out and hurried to save the person in the car, but he was already dead. Officials pronounced Fajardo dead at the scene. The truck driver was not injured in this collision, but remained at the scene and cooperated with police officers.
A tow truck had to be called to remove the burned and damaged vehicle from the roadway. A medical examiner was called to the scene to transport Fajardo’s body to a morgue and crews had their hands full cleaning up debris and glass from the roadway.
Investigators spoke with the truck driver and witnesses and looked for evidence at the scene of the accident. The cause of this fatal collision is still a mystery but investigators are working to determine what exactly happened on the westbound 10 Freeway.
Liability In Banning Car Accidents
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 Banning Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person killed in this collision. Any person that may have information about what happened 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 Banning 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 (844) 966-0965.
