Crash Fatally Injures Grandson of Ripon Police Lieutenant
I’m Ed Smith, a Ripon car accident lawyer. A young boy and his family were traveling together near Los Gatos on the afternoon of Saturday, September 30, 2017. A family outing in the Bay Area was changed drastically when a box truck collided with their vehicle, claiming the life of their beloved 3-year-old boy.
Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with the family of the young boy that passed away in this devastating accident.
What Happened?
A 3-year-old boy and his family were traveling in their SUV southbound along Highway 17 in the vicinity of Lark Avenue just before 1:00 pm. The SUV was slowing for beach traffic when it was rear-ended by a box style delivery truck. The impact of the collision propelled the box truck into a small gray car.
Was Anybody Injured?
Seven parties, including three children, suffered injuries due to the accident. They were transported to a hospital in separate ambulances. The 3-year-old boy in the SUV, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Merchant family and all those affected by this tragedy.
Loved One Forever Remembered
The young boy was the grandson of a Weston Elementary School teacher, Christy Merchant and her husband, a Lieutenant for the Ripon Police Department, Steven Merchant. The boy was described as a happy, funny kid with a huge spirit. The loved ones of the young boy have set up a GoFundMe account to cover the expenses of his funeral.
Box Truck Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) generally defines a large truck as any medium or heavy truck with a weight in excess of 10,000 pounds. In a 2014 NHTSA report, 85 percent of large trucks involved in fatal traffic accidents were trucks with a weight greater than 26,000 pounds. Box trucks are classified by different types and sizes, ranging from Class 3 to Class 7. In simpler terms, these trucks can weigh anywhere from 12,500 to 33,000 pounds.
Box trucks are often used for delivery services. Employers tend to put their delivery truck drivers under immense pressure to make deliveries within a specified time period. Such stress can increase the risk of a truck accident, usually resulting from speeding and/or truck driver fatigue. Many of these box trucks deliver locally, often traveling along congested roadways and highways. This also increases the risk of an accident involving a passenger vehicle.
Ripon Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Ripon car accident lawyer. Commercial trucks, such as box trucks, tend to cause significant damage when they collide with lightweight vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a box truck, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You may also contact me online via my website, AutoAccident.com.
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