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Wrongful death in California: 5 killed in tractor-trailer crash

SERVING TEMECULA AND THE SAN DIEGO METRO

Tractor-trailers perform a necessary function in the economy of the United States, including transporting goods from place to place in a relatively efficient manner. While many would argue that they are essential, an unsafe driver could cause an accident with severe consequences. Unfortunately, a wrongful death allegation could follow a recent accident involving a tractor-trailer in California that resulted in five fatalities.

The incident happened on a day in mid-February. According to reports, a tractor-trailer was headed west on a California freeway when the driver lost control of the vehicle. As result, the tractor-trailer allegedly crossed over into the eastbound lanes.

Unfortunately, the tractor-trailer is said to have struck several oncoming vehicles. There were ultimately three other vehicles that were involved, which included a motorcyclist. While five people were killed in the accident, it is unclear what caused the driver to lose control. Witnesses claim that the tractor-trailer was on its side in flames afterward. The accident closed the freeway on both sides for several hours.

Despite the importance of such vehicles, tractor-trailer accidents in California and across the country can have catastrophic consequences, often leaving families grieving the unexpected loss of their loved ones. In an attempt to hold the parties believed to be responsible accountable for their actions, many people who lose family members in such an accident choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit. An attorney with experience with such cases can help families fully understand all of their options in addition to helping them identify all responsible parties, potentially including a driver’s employer when an accident involves a commercial vehicle.

Source: ABC News, “5 killed as semitrailer plows into cars in fiery crash on California freeway“, Mark Osborne, Feb. 17, 2018