[09-25-2020] Ventura County, CA – One Man Killed After a Fatal Big Rig Accident in Santa Paula

A 53-year-old Oxnard resident was killed due to a traffic collision involving a big rig and a pickup truck in Santa Paula on Friday morning, September 25.

[09-25-2020] Ventura County, CA - One Man Killed After a Fatal Big Rig Accident in Santa Paula
Photo by Ventura Fire Department

According to the California Highway Patrol’s initial reports, the deadly collision happened just before 10:20 a.m. in the westbound lane of Highway 126, just west of Peck Road. The Oxnard man was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado pickup on the right shoulder of the westbound 126 before the accident.

Meanwhile, a 52-year-old Bakersfield man drove a 1997 Freightliner semi-truck heading westbound in the slow lane on Highway 126. Then the two vehicles suddenly collided on the roadway for unexplained reasons. The reason why the collision occurred is currently unknown.

Due to the severity of the impact, the Chevrolet veered off the roadway while the big rig went down a dirty embankment and overturned in a field. Both of the drivers wore seatbelts at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The operator of the big rig was uninjured. Witnesses that can provide helpful information about the accident are encouraged to give CHP’s Ventura Office a call at 805-662-2640.

Fatal Big Rig Accident Investigation is Underway

Local authorities are now attempting to determine the cause and the circumstances that led to the accident through the official investigation. Tractor-trailer accidents are more deadly compared to other types of road accidents. It’s mainly because of the considerable size difference of big rig trucks compared to other vehicles. A fully loaded big rig needs as much as 20 to 40 percent more stopping distance.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), big rig trucks have increased by 30 percent since 2009. There were 4,102 traffic fatalities involving a big rig in 2017 alone. Tractor-trailer accidents are caused by various factors like loss of control of the truck, a tire blowout, a disabling or non-disabling vehicle failure, excessive speed, lane drifting, improper truck maneuvering, and driver fatigue.

When facing tractor-trailer crash cases like this, it’s essential to have an experienced Ventura County wrongful death attorney conduct an independent investigation. During the independent investigation, the lawyer will exhaust all possible contributing factors such as road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting will be considered and thoroughly examined by the wrongful death attorney.

I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT

Ventura County Wrongful Death Attorney for Victims of Fatal Big Rig Accidents

Suddenly losing a loved one due to a fatal big rig accident can cause immense stress and sorrow to the victim’s family. Dealing with a sudden loss can be overwhelming and can leave the victim’s family vulnerable to manipulation; having their rights protected during this difficult time is vital.

While the official investigation is on-going, the victim’s family is entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim with their wrongful death attorney’s help. Through the wrongful death claim, the victim’s family can seek compensation for the damages (such as loss of companionship and income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress) that the accident has caused them.

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If you have a nagging suspicion that someone is to blame for your spouse or family member’s death, contact Arash Law. We have the resources you need to pursue justice for wrongful death and the experience to ensure fair compensation. We’re conveniently located throughout California, with offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, Riverside, Orange County, and San Diego, and are happy to visit you. Call (888) 488-1391 for a FREE Consultation with a wrongful death attorney in California.

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