TRUCKEE, CA (August 30, 2022) – A 37-year-old man from Olympic Valley was killed in a Truckee box truck accident when the box truck veered into oncoming traffic, sideswiping two vehicles and colliding head-on with him.
The truck driver, a 42-year-old Vallejo man driving a 2018 International box truck, crossed over the center line of California 89 headed northbound.
According to KOLO 8 News, the incident occurred at around 1:20 p.m. on Friday.
The box truck first sideswiped a 2023 Ford EcoSport driven by a 42-year-old woman from Tempe, Arizona, followed by a 2006 Subaru Outback driven by a 42-year-old Truckee woman.
The Ford driver didn’t report any injuries, while the woman in the Subaru Outback sustained minor injuries.
A passenger in the box truck, a 52-year-old man from San Pablo, CA, reported having minor injuries as a result of this Truckee box truck accident.
California Highway Patrol officers have ruled out drugs or alcohol as factors in this crash, and the condition of the box truck driver is currently unknown.
CHP officers are asking anyone with additional information on this accident to reach out to Officer D. Lack at 530-563-9200.
Liability In Truckee 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 Truckee Box Truck Crash
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man tragically killed in this accident. 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 Truckee car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys 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.