(Blythe, California) On October 1st, a big-rig crash occurred in Blythe, killing three construction workers at I-10.
According to CHP, the crash was reported at approximately 5:15 a.m. on eastbound I-10, just east of Intake Boulevard. Based on preliminary investigation, the big-rig was driving at an unknown speed when it hit a parked attenuator construction vehicle and an occupied Chevrolet Silverado before also colliding with a water truck.
When authorities arrived, they found three construction workers with fatal injuries. The three construction workers were identified as, Alfonso Vega Torres, 50, from Coachella, Francisco Morales Mendoza, 39, from Tenopah, Arizona and Christopher Benavidez Guatemala, 27.
The driver was also injured and was identified as 44-year-old man from Redlands. He was taken to the Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs due to his critical injuries to his head and legs.
The CHP believes that alcohol and drugs did not play a factor in the collision.
Legal Analysis on the Blyth Big-Rig Crash
Based on the given information, investigators will review code laws if alcohol or drugs were proven to play a factor in the collision.
California Vehicle Code 24002 may be the first code law that investigators may review. This law requires that all vehicles should not be operated in unsafe conditions. It is possible that the driver was operating a vehicle that was not equipped to be driven in the first place. Their brakes may not have been in good condition.
Investigators may review California Vehicle Code 23152 if the driver is proven to be driving under the influence. In this case, if the driver was driving with a 0.08% of BAC or more, by weight while driving a non-commercial vehicle, they have violated this code. If the big-rig driver was driving a commercial vehicle with 0.05% of alcohol or more, by weight, they have violated this code law as well. if one violates California Vehicle Code 23152, they may face serious charges under California Vehicle Code 23536 such as imprisonment in a county jail for 6 months or even a fine of $1,000.
To the Victim’s Family
If you lost your loved one in this collision, it is important to receive emotional and mental support from family and friends during this difficult time. If you need help with the legal process of this accident, speaking with an experienced attorney can help you in receiving justice for your loved one.
Have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident? call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
