SAN MARTIN, CA (May 19, 2022) – Lorenzo Castillo, 69, of San Martin was killed Sunday when a driver ran through a stop sign.
The accident occurred around 12:50 p.m. at the intersection of Center and Middle avenues.
A man headed south on Center Avenue in a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu crossed into the intersection and failed to stop at the stop sign. He was carrying two other passengers in his car.
Castillo was driving a Ford F150 down Middle Avenue, where his lane did not have a stop sign at the intersection.
Lorenzo Castillo was unfortunately killed as the man in the Chevrolet plowed through the intersection and collided with the F150 pickup truck. Two passengers in the pickup truck were ejected from the truck and injured, and the driver and a passenger in the Chevrolet also sustained injuries.
The surviving victims of the crash were taken to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Investigators say that the driver of the Chevrolet might have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but wasn’t arrested as he was still under medical care and supervision.
Liability In San Martin 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 San Martin Car Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lorenzo Castillo. 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 San Martin 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 (888) 395-7234.