(Long Beach, CA) A Seventh Street truck accident killed Jose Cesena Sr. and critically injured two others which involved a sedan and cargo truck Thursday morning.
On Thursday, September 18, at about 11:45 a.m., the Seventh Street truck accident occurred. According to the Long Beach Fire Department, it happened on Seventh Street west of Silvera Avenue.
Emergency crews arrived to find a cargo truck overturned and a sedan heavily damaged. Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to free victims trapped inside the wreckage. Authorities pronounced Jose Cesena Sr. dead at the scene. Two truck occupants were extricated and transported to a hospital in critical condition.
The sedan’s driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also taken to a hospital for treatment. Authorities closed Seventh Street between Pepper Tree Lane and Campus Drive for several hours while police investigated the cause of the Seventh Street truck accident.
Juan Cesena’s family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses.
Legal Perspective on the Seventh Street Truck Accident
The Seventh Street truck accident that killed Jose Cesena Sr. raises serious legal questions under California law. Since the crash caused one death and multiple critical injuries, liability must be carefully determined. One key statute is California Vehicle Code 22350, the Basic Speed Law. It requires drivers to travel at speeds safe for conditions. If either the truck or sedan driver exceeded safe speeds, this law could apply.
If improper lane use or unsafe turning contributed, California Vehicle Code 22107 may be relevant. It prohibits turning or changing lanes unless it can be done safely. Collisions between large trucks and smaller vehicles often involve unsafe maneuvers. In addition, California Vehicle Code 21703 addresses following too closely. If one vehicle rear-ended another, this violation could apply.
Because Cesena, their family has the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This allows relatives to seek damages for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. The two critically injured survivors may also pursue personal injury claims. These can cover medical expenses, lost income, long-term rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
What the Families Can Do
The family of Jose Cesena Sr. should consult a wrongful death attorney immediately. An attorney can obtain the Long Beach Police report, review scene photos, and work with accident reconstruction experts to establish fault. The injured victims should also contact personal injury attorneys. Given the severity of their injuries, legal claims can provide financial relief for ongoing medical care and recovery needs.
Although the cause of the Seventh Street truck accident remains under investigation, swift legal action ensures victims’ rights are protected, evidence is preserved, and accountability is pursued for this devastating crash.
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.
