California Injury Blog
Eduardo Gutierrez, 55, was killed in an auto accident the afternoon of July 8, 2017 after a passing tow truck struck him as he was changing a tire on his vehicle. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Gutierrez was stopped off the westbound 10 at the exit to the 210 in Redlands when he and his vehicle were hit by the tow truck. Gutierrez was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly afterward. No citations or arrests were reported pending an official investigation.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of Eduardo Gutierrez for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
What Caused This Fatal Crash?
Based on this news report, it appears that this fatal collision occurred when the driver had pulled off to the side of the freeway at the exit to the 210 Freeway. There are a number of unanswered questions here. Why did the tow truck driver failed to see Gutierrez and his vehicle since this incident did occur in broad daylight? Was the driver of the tow truck under the influence or distracted at the time? Was the driver of the tow truck speeding or driving recklessly?
We trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why. If the driver of the tow truck is believed to have been at fault, both the driver and his or her employer can be held liable for the victim’s wrongful death. Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
If You Need to Change a Tire
There is of course no way you can control when and where you have a tire blowout. However, you can prepare for how to handle it when it does happen. Here are a few safety tips if your tire blows out on the freeway
- Get as far away from the roadway as you possibly can. This will keep you out of the way of traffic.
- Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers know you’re having a problem with your vehicle. It is always a good idea to carry road flares in your car’s trunk along with orange cones that can help you alert other motorists when your vehicle is stalled.
- Before you change your tire, make sure you jack your car up in such a way that it doesn’t slip or roll backward or down in an incline.
- Be aware of your surroundings. It is always a good idea to have a person as a lookout so you are warned about any dangers on the roadway.