Tomas Gonzalez, 30, was killed in an Oakland car accident after his vehicle collided with a big rig on Highway 880 the afternoon of May 7, 2010. According to a CBS News report, the fatal collision occurred in the southbound lanes of the highway near Seventh Street. No one else was injured. California Highway Patrol officials are investigating this crash.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Tomas Gonzalez for their tragic and devastating loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

There were 34 fatalities and 2,211 injuries involving car accidents in Oakland in 2008, according to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. In Alameda County as a whole, 82 people were killed and 6,935 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Who Was at Fault?

This news report does not offer much information about how or why this fatal truck accident occurred. There are more questions here than answers. Who was at fault in this particular case? Was the truck driver at fault? Was the driver of the big rig impaired, distracted or driving recklessly at the time of the car accident? Did Gonzalez make any unsafe maneuvers and cause the accident? Were there any other vehicles involved in this collision? For example, was Gonzalez or the truck driver cut off by another vehicle or were they affected by reckless driving on the part of another motorist? I trust CHP investigators are thoroughly examining these and other factors in order to pinpoint the cause of this tragic accident.

Claim for Compensation

If the big rig's driver is found to be at fault for this accident, then, he, as well as his employer, could be held responsible for the accident and the wrongful death of Tomas Gonzalez. If that is the case, the victim's family would be well-advised to contact a reputed Oakland personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled personal injury cases against trucking companies. In such cases, families of deceased victims could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What are some ways by which motorists can avoid getting into collisions with large commercial trucks?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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