Multiple People Dead Due to Faulty Bridge Construction, Protestors Say
On July 31, dozens of people stationed themselves outside of the Caltrans headquarters in Sacramento, chanting and holding up signs, protesting conditions at the Carquinez Bridge. They are demanding that changes be made to this bridge, where multiple people have died. The bridge forms a section of I-80 that goes between Vallejo and Crockett. Within the past six months, three separate crashes on Carquinez Bridge have cost the lives of six people.
A Lawyer Who Fights for Justice
Losing a loved one due to shoddy construction causes family members pain and grief. When this happens, the deceased can no longer fight for themselves. It falls to the family and their personal injury lawyer to take up the gauntlet and try to protect others who may meet the same fate.
Ed understands the pain the family feels since he, too, has a son and grandson. He believes government agencies have the obligation of getting it right the first time around. If they don’t, he is ready to challenge them to do what needs to be done to correct their mistakes.
In addition, Ed is there to help families continue on after the loss of a family member. While nothing will bring that person back, the family has the right to ensure that another’s mistake does not impact them financially, something that the decedent would not want.
Call Ed in Sacramento at (916) 921-6400, in Vallejo at (707) 564-1900 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. You can meet virtually or in-person to receive Ed’s advice free of charge. Whether you talk once or if you retain Ed, there is never a fee unless you win your case.
Protesters Say The Carquinez Bridge Wall Is Too Short
The protestors say that a major reason for the deadly crashes is because the wall is only three feet high. One woman at the protest said, “No car, no motorcycle should go over that bridge” and added that none of the people who died should have been lost.
Carquinez Bridge Common Site of Deadly Accidents
In June, a terrible crash occurred when an SUV carrying four people plunged off the bridge. It struck a stationary freight train after falling about 15 stories from the bridge, killing everyone inside. Those who died in the crash were identified as 21-year-old Rodeo resident, Christopher Mata, 19-year-old Kyle Erickson, a resident of Pittsburg, Cecilia Ayala, age 22 from Hayward and 19-year-old Perla Navarro from Richmond who was several months pregnant. Erickson’s mother, Sylvia, was one of the protestors in front of Caltrans and said losing her only son was a tremendous loss and shock.
Another woman at the protest, Sandra Hernandez Perez, lost her son, Jesus Berrios II, last September when he was thrown over the bridge after his motorcycle was involved in a crash with another vehicle. Berrios’ wife was at the protest. They had only been married for 10 months when the tragedy occurred.
Group Determined to Make a Difference
The group is determined to convince Caltrans to make necessary changes, hoping they will raise the wall and add guardrails. They hope this will prevent any more tragedies. They say they will be pushing for change no matter how long it might take.
Responsibility for Safety
Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, is responsible for the safe design and construction of roads and bridges. If they fail in that duty, and deaths or injuries occur, they can be held financially liable for damages. Because Caltrans is a government agency, the timeline for filing a claim is much different than in other personal injury lawsuits. Obtaining help from an attorney experienced with handling government claims is important.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. You are welcome to give me a call for my free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400. The long-distance line is (800) 404-5400, and an online contact form is available if that is easier.
I’m a member of the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Forum.
Learn more at:
I’ve helped Northern Californians with their traffic accident cases as well as wrongful deaths and traumatic injuries since 1982.
Photo Attribution: Stan Shebs
:cd llo [cs 718]