California Injury Blog
The driver of a box truck was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in a crash that killed a man who rear-ended the truck that was stopped on the 101 Freeway in Sherman Oaks. According to an NBC Los Angeles news report, the fiery crash occurred on the eastbound 101 Freeway at Van Nuys Boulevard. The driver of the box truck was taken into custody for DUI, California Highway Patrol officials said.
Vehicle Fire and Fatal Injuries
The SUV crashed into the back of the box truck and the SUV’s sole occupant, a 30- to 40-year-old man, died at the scene. There were no other victims. CHP officials said an arriving officer found the Freightliner box truck stopped in the No. 4 lane of the freeway with the SUV partially underneath the larger vehicle. The SUV caught fire as the officer approached the wreckage. The officer put out the flames with the fire extinguisher, but the driver died, officials said. Details about why the truck was stopped on the freeway were not immediately available.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members of the deceased victim. We offer our deepest condolences to them.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it is unclear as to why the driver of the box truck was stopped on the freeway. It is also against the law to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. California Vehicle Code also states that it is against the law for drivers to operate with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is 0.04.
In such cases, in addition to facing criminal charges and penalties, at-fault drivers and their employers could also be held financially liable for the injuries, damages and losses they cause. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship. An experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyer will be able to help victims’ families better understand their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/man-killed-in-box-truck-crash-on-101-freeway-in-sherman-oaks/2521433/