Authorities have identified two men who died in a truck accident in Agoura Hills as 23-year-old Joshua Dubon and Richard Vasques, 24. The Ventura County Star reports that the deadly crash occurred the morning of July 2, 2010 on Highway 101, when a silver compact car slammed into the back of a large truck parked on the side of the highway. A passenger in the sedan, identified as 21-year-old Soel Dubon, suffered serious injuries in the crash, while his older brother, Joshua Dubon, and Vasques were pronounced dead at the scene. California Highway Patrol officials say the truck driver had parked his tractor-trailer to check if he had a flat tire. Authorities are investigating the cause of this crash.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Joshua Dubon and Richard Vasques for their devastating loss. I also pray for Soel Dubon's full recovery.

Truck Accident Statistics

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA), truck accident statistics, there were 304 fatal truck accidents and 3,196 injury crashes involving truck accidents, in California, in 2008. Also, countywide in Los Angeles, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Fatal Accident?

In this particular case, there are several unanswered questions. Was the big-rig illegally parked on the freeway? Did the tractor-trailer have reflectors or lights on to indicate its presence on the roadway? For how long was the big-rig stopped there? If it is determined that this accident occurred as a result of the truck driver's negligence, then he and his employer, the trucking company, could be held liable for the wrongful deaths of Dubon and Vasques as well as for the serious injuries caused to the younger Dubon.

Victims and their families in such cases would benefit from a consultation with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the victims' and their families' legal rights and best interests are protected.

Trucking firms usually get their insurance adjusters and legal teams working on an accident case right away. Physical evidence, logs and maintenance records, which can be invaluable in a personal injury case, can get lost, misplaced or destroyed. Victims and their families need a skilled truck accident lawyer on their side, who has the knowledge and resources to gather valuable evidence that will help bolster their claims.

What safety tips would you offer motorists in terms of driving safely in the proximity of large 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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