[12-19-2022] Los Angeles County, CA – One Man Killed After Tractor Rollover Crash in Santa Clarita Joyride

Authorities said a man was killed in a tractor rollover crash during a joyride in Santa Clarita on Monday morning, December 19, 2022.

According to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, the fatal crash occurred around 3:00 a.m. near the Avenida Rancho Tesoro and Tesoro Del Valle Drive intersection.

The investigation revealed that five men, all young adults, had stolen the tractor from a construction site for a joyride when it overturned, killing one person.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the site, and the victim, 19-year-old Preston B. from Valencia, was pronounced dead on arrival, said the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

20-year-old Stephen W. from Valencia was detained for felony car theft without the owner’s permission but was later freed on bond after being booked into the SCV Sheriff’s Station.

It is unclear if Wilkes or any other parties involved will be charged with anything else, as the inquiry is still being conducted by the SCV Sheriff’s Station traffic investigators.

Car Accident Statistics

As much as 80% of highway fatalities in 2020 were attributed to risky habits, including speeding, drinking and driving, and not wearing a seatbelt, according to the National Safety Council. After three consecutive years of decline, 2017 saw an 8.3 percent increase in mortality.

From a high of 33 tolls per 100,000 vehicles in 1913, this number was projected to drop to 1.53 in 2020. There were 4,200 fatalities and 1,300,000 injuries attributed to automobile accidents in 1913. On the other hand, by 2020, there were around 276,000,000 vehicles on the road, resulting in approximately 42,338 fatalities.

By 2020, both annual car sales and total kilometers traveled had dropped by 11%. The rate of fatalities rose by 21.7% for each vehicle on the road, 8.53% for each person, and 7.91% for each mile traveled.

There were 40,000 fatalities and 1.3 million injuries due to automobile accidents in 2020. More than $473.2 billion a year is projected to be spent on healthcare for people injured in automobile accidents

Car Accident Lawyers in Santa Clarita

In case of a tragic or nonfatal car accident in California, victims are guaranteed compensation under state law. The victim or their family has the right to file a claim for damages in the form of a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

If you or a loved one have been hurt or killed in a car accident in California, you should contact a lawyer at our reputed law firm straight at once. All communication with the insurance provider will be handled by us.

Our trusted car accident attorneys in Santa Clarita have the awards and extensive experience advocating for accident victims. Our clients have been awarded compensation totaling $750 million.

Contact (888) 488-1391 or click the “Do I Have a Case?” on our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.