A car accident in Santa Barbara resulted in the deaths of a couple and their 7-year-old son the morning of August 24, 2010. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the fatal crash occurred when the brakes on a gravel truck failed and caused it go out of control. The truck driven by Joaquin Garcia Morales, 51, then rammed into a few parked cars and the family's home. Morales was uninjured, but Jaciel, 7, and his father and mother, identified as Leon and Leona, died at the scene.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this family. They will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

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 a truck accidents, in California, in 2008. In Santa Barbara County as a whole 35 fatalities and 1,952 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Causes and Liability Issues

It is not clear from this report how or why the truck's brakes failed. There are several questions here that have not been answered. Was this accident caused by a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction? Was the truck maintained properly? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the crash? Were large trucks allowed on that roadway? Did the driver or the trucking firm overload the big-rig? I trust officials are looking at these and other factors here in order to determine who or what caused this terrible crash.

If the truck driver or the trucking company is determined to have been at fault, they could be held liable for the accident and the wrongful death of these three individuals. Victims' families in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed California personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of this incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Are there any steep roadways in your city that pose the danger of runaway 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.