[05-02-2022] Santa Barbara County, CA – One Killed, Two Others Injured After a Major Semi-Truck Accident in Santa Maria

The unidentified man killed in a deadly traffic collision in Santa Maria on Monday morning, May 2, 2022, has been identified.

The deceased victim was identified as 44-year-old Alberto Gonzales L. He was one of the passengers inside the Honda Civic.

Meanwhile, the semi-truck driver and the Honda driver were also identified. The semi-truck driver was 64-year-old Fidel Gomes R. The Honda driver was identified as 32-year-old Domingo Peres L.

Both the semi-truck driver and the Honda driver were injured in the mishap and were taken to Marian Regional Center for treatment.

The California Highway Patrol is still investigating the case.

One unidentified person was killed, while two others were injured following a semi-truck collision in Santa Maria on Monday morning, May 2, 2022.

The major traffic collision occurred near East Betteravia and Philbrick Roads in Santa Maria at approximately 6:35 a.m.

A Honda sedan was traveling southbound; as it approached Philbrick road, it was broadsided by a westbound semi-truck on Betteravia Road.

Authorities determined that the big rig had the right of way as the Honda had a stop sign at the intersection when it made a left-hand turn directly in front of the semi.

The semi-truck then broadsided the sedan. Due to the severity of the impact, the truck crashed into a pole and knocked it over onto the Betteravia Road before rolling over to its side.

Unfortunately, a male passenger inside the Honda was killed in the collision. Meanwhile, another person was hospitalized with unspecified injuries.

The semi-truck driver was treated for minor injuries. The identities of the involved parties have not been disclosed.

Local authorities are further investigating the cause of the accident.

Semi-Truck Accident Statistics

The trucking industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that turns over massive profits. However, it must adhere to strict rules and regulations to help keep everyone on our road system safe.

Our nation’s consumer-driven economy is fueled by the massive commercial trucks that conquer our roads. The goods that we continue to clamor for, after all, have to come from somewhere, and we have the trucking industry to thank. As the demand for consumer goods increases, the trucking industry is under more and more pressure to perform.
When the industry chooses to cut safety corners to keep up with demand and improve its bottom line, they endanger motorists everywhere.

The number of people killed in large rig vehicles has increased by 30% since 2009. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), approximately 4,102 persons died on the road due to big rigs in 2017.

Truck accidents are caused by various factors, including the driver’s inability to control the truck, tire blowouts, and vehicle failure, to name a few. The driver could be tired or intoxicated.

Santa Barbara County Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers

Semi-truck accidents are extremely dangerous, and semi-truck claims are extremely difficult to resolve. However, your rights and the financial compensation to which you are entitled are far too important to risk. Contact a semi-accident lawyer right away if you’ve been wounded by a huge truck.

You are entitled to compensation for the substantial losses caused by your loved one’s death, even if you cannot be paid for their agony and suffering. This reimbursement covers any medical expenses incurred before their death.

It also covers any salaries received between the time of the wrongful death and the planned retirement age of the victim.

“Loss of consortium” can also be claimed by spouses and registered domestic partners. This compensation is meant to compensate for the intangible pain that comes with losing a spouse. A loss of consortium claim covers the loss of love, comfort, affection, and sexual connections.

You’ll need an experienced attorney to investigate your big rig accident to determine what caused it and make the at-fault party responsible for your losses and damages. Our Santa Barbara County semi-truck accident lawyers at Arash Law will look into all of the specifics of your accident to see if it was caused by the negligence of another person or company. By calling our office at (888) 488-1391, you can speak with a competent wrongful death attorney at no cost.