Eric Sandor Valenzuela, 38, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident the morning of March 8, 2010 after his car was hit by a semi-truck. According to a news report in The San Bernardino Sun, the fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Air Expressway Boulevard and Gas Line Road in Victorville. Valenzuela was northbound on Gas Line in a 1999 Hyundai Accent and attempted to make a left turn at Air Expressway. The big rig then struck the Hyundai. Valenzuela was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Valenzuela for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. They will be in my prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 16 fatalities and 266 injuries involving car accidents in Victorville. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 263 fatalities and 8,504 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Rules of the Road

Based on this news report, it is not clear how exactly this car versus truck accident occurred and who was at fault. There are still several unanswered questions here. Did Valenzuela turn left illegally in front of the semi-truck? Who had the right-of-way at that intersection? California Vehicle Code section 21801 (a) states the following requirements for drivers making a left turn or a U-turn: "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Liability Issues

If the driver of the commercial truck is determined to have been at fault for this accident, both, he and his employer could be held liable for the accident. In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled truck accident cases. If negligence or wrongdoing was involved, families of deceased accident victims can file a wrongful death claim. Such claims seek compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.