San Joaquin County Box Truck Accident Causes Fatalities 

Two People Suffer Fatal Injuries in Box Truck Accident on I-5

A box truck accident on Interstate 5 in San Joaquin County near Thornton left two people dead and two others injured on December 19, according to officials. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported being dispatched at approximately 12:42 p.m. to the southbound lanes near the Peltier Road off-ramp.

Box Truck Accident Results in People Being Ejected

The crash occurred when the driver attempted to switch lanes and overcorrected, veering too far onto the shoulder and colliding with a large tree. Although all passengers were wearing seat belts, the impact caused the right rear and front passengers to be ejected from the vehicle. Tragically, the right front passenger, Michael Trenner, 33, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the right rear passenger, Nikko Hill, 30, succumbed to his injuries later at San Joaquin General Hospital.

Investigation Continues Into Box Truck Accident

The driver of the box truck suffered minor trauma, and a rear passenger sustained injuries that were not life-threatening. Authorities have ruled out alcohol and drugs as contributing factors, and the CHP traffic collision investigation team is continuing to determine the cause of the accident.

Liability in an Accident Caused by a Negligent Box Truck Driver

Determining liability involves examining several factors when a box truck driver acts negligently and causes fatalities in an accident. Negligence can arise from various actions, such as distracted driving, speeding, failure to maintain the vehicle properly, or disregarding traffic laws. Those who lose loved ones in this type of accident may file a claim for wrongful death.

Liability often extends beyond the box truck driver to include the trucking company. If the company failed to enforce proper hiring practices, neglected driver training, or ignored vehicle maintenance responsibilities, they could share responsibility for the incident. Additionally, manufacturing defects in the truck may implicate the vehicle manufacturer in rare cases. 

To build a strong case after a box truck accident, wrongful death lawyers gather evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and vehicle maintenance records. Consulting an experienced attorney can ensure that all liable parties are held accountable for their negligent actions.

Watch this video from attorney Ed Smith for insights on wrongful death claims:

Stockton Truck Accident Wrongful Death Attorney

I’m Ed Smith, a wrongful death lawyer in Stockton. Accidents involving large trucks and smaller vehicles often lead to devastating injuries and tragic fatalities. If you have lost a loved one due to a truck driver’s negligence, please contact us for free and friendly advice. Call us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400, or reach out through our online contact form.

Seeking Advice From a Personal Injury Attorney?

At our firm, we are dedicated to helping clients secure the compensation they deserve after experiencing life-altering injuries. Our experienced team has a proven track record of success, as demonstrated on our Settlements and Verdicts page, where you can explore the significant outcomes we have achieved for our clients. These results speak to the meticulous attention and unwavering commitment we bring to every case.

Don’t just take our word for it. See what our clients and peers have to say about us. Visit Yelp, Google, and Avvo to read reviews highlighting our professionalism, compassion, and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes.

Our firm is also proud of its associations with prestigious organizations that recognize excellence in legal representation. We are members of the distinguished Top 1 Percent and the Million Dollar Advocates—a testament to the high-caliber advocacy we provide. When you choose our personal injury attorneys, you select a team known for its integrity, skill, and commitment to justice. 

Photo attribution: Image by Ri Butov from Pixabay

cd: [643]