(Pomona, CA) A Pomona 60 Freeway truck accident on the highway resulted in the death of Ingrid Zapata, 57, which a tire fell off the truck and struck the vehicle in Pomona.
On Monday, August 11, at 2:26 a.m., the California Highway Patrol received reports of the Pomona 60 Freeway truck accident. It happened at the Garey Avenue off-ramp of the freeway.
When CHP officers investigated, they learned a truck drove on westbound 60 Freeway. All of a sudden, a tire fell off the truck, smashing into a white Lexus sedan driven by Ingrid Zapata. Reportedly, a video captured the smashed window and partial roof collapse of the vehicle. By the time officers arrived, they pronounced the driver dead at the Pomona 60 Freeway truck crash site.
Legal Opinion on the Pomona 60 Freeway Truck Accident
The Pomona 60 Freeway truck accident that killed Ingrid Zapata raises serious safety and liability issues under California law. Commercial truck operators have a strict duty to ensure their vehicles are in safe operating condition before entering the roadway. Under California Vehicle Code 24002, it is unlawful to operate any vehicle in an unsafe condition that could endanger someone. In addition, VEH 27600 requires trucks to be properly equipped and maintained to avoid creating a hazard.
The fact that a tire came off the truck while traveling on the Pomona 60 Freeway, points to potential mechanical failure or improper maintenance. This could mean negligence on the part of the truck driver, the trucking company, or a maintenance contractor. In some cases, defective parts may also lead to liability for the manufacturer. The CHP will investigate whether the truck was overloaded, improperly serviced, or operated in violation of CHP commercial vehicle inspection requirements.
Ingrid Zapata’s family can pursue a wrongful death action under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. They may recover damages for funeral and burial costs and the financial support she would have provided. If evidence shows gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available. Because trucking companies are subject to both California and federal safety regulations, violations of those rules can help establish liability.
What the Family can Do
Zapata’s family should immediately contact a wrongful death attorney with experience in trucking accidents. The attorney can request the CHP collision report, obtain the truck’s maintenance and inspection records, and secure the video evidence showing the impact. They should also send preservation letters to the trucking company to prevent the destruction of key documents and data, such as the truck’s electronic logging device records and pre-trip inspection reports. Prompt action is critical in commercial vehicle cases, as trucking companies often move quickly to limit their exposure. By securing legal representation now, the family can ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable for this preventable tragedy.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
