Stockton, CA (December 14, 2023) 40-year-old Carlos Castaneda Valencia was killed after a trailer tire came off and hit his car. The fatal accident occurred on Wednesday, December 13th, in Stockton just before 6:00 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.
It all started on Interstate 5 near Highway 12, just north of Stockton. The California Highway Patrol responded to a report of a crash and found a 2019 Chevrolet pickup truck that was towing a concrete pumping trailer. It was headed south on Interstate 5 when, suddenly, one of the trailer’s tires popped off. At the same time, a Toyota Sienna was traveling north on I-5. The tire went over the guardrail and hit the front of the Toyota, according to the California Highway Patrol.
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Paramedics rushed to help those who were injured and found that the driver of the Toyota, identified by the Medical Examiner as Carlos Castaneda Valencia, was killed in the accident. He was, sadly, pronounced dead at the scene. There were four other occupants inside the Toyota. They were all taken to a locale hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.
The driver of the pickup stopped and cooperated with authorities following the accident. At this time, officers still aren’t sure what caused the tire to come off the trailer. Police officers do not suspect drugs or alcohol to be factors in this accident. This accident is currently under investigation.
Who Is At Fault In A Stockton Collision
Although safety measures for vehicles have improved over the years, car accidents remain one of the leading causes of severe injuries and even death in the United States. More than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million injured in car accidents each year, according to the CDC. Several things contribute to car accidents, such as distracted driving, drunk driving, inclement weather, dangerous turns, speeding and even roads that are poorly designed.
Every driver is legally obligated to avoid causing accidents. This holds even more true for commercial drivers who work for the city. A large number of collisions are due to drivers who make dangerous left turns.
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, such as finding any surveillance evidence of the accident, taking photos of the scene and damaged vehicles, speaking with witnesses, preserving medical records and last, but not least, a thorough investigation should be conducted.
Any victim’s family could have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages sought in a legal claim can help cover the cost of medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses and pain and suffering. It is important that all evidence is preserved properly following a car accident. An attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what legal options you have.
The Investigation Of A Stockton Accident
All of us at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Carlos Castaneda Valencia during this difficult time. If you have any information about this accident, you should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for those who have lost so much in this accident.
Do you or someone you know need more information about an accident in Stockton? Reach out to us any time at (866) 945-4286. Our team of personal injury lawyers is here to help you. We care that accident victims know their rights and that those rights are protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need help regarding a specific accident, we care and are ready to help. Call us or use our online contact form at Accident News Now.