Deadly Collision on East Betteravia and Philbric Road

California Highway Patrol reported a fatal accident involving a semi-truck in Santa Maria Monday morning. 

The incident occurred at 6:35 a.m. on May 2nd under unclear circumstances. 

A Honda Civic and semi collided, causing the semi-truck to overturn on its side near East Betteravia and Philbric Roads. 

The passenger in the Honda sadly died as a result. He has been identified as Alberto Gonzalez-Lopez, 44, of Santa Maria. 

In addition, the semi-truck driver, ID’d as Fidel Gomez Reyes, 64, suffered minor injuries. 

The crash also resulted in a power outage due to power lines being destroyed from the wreck. 

Authorities also shut down a portion of the road following the accident. 

The crash remains under investigation.

JT Legal Group sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Alberto Gonzalez-Lopez.

It is most often those in passenger cars that are killed in large truck collisions. Semi trucks typically weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger cars which leaves occupants of smaller cars more vulnerable. 

It is also much more difficult for larger trucks to stop so their braking capability can also be a factor in these collisions. 

According to the D.O.T., in 2019 67% of fatal collisions involving large trucks were occupants of a passenger car.

If your injuries are caused by the negligence of a third party you may be entitled to compensation. In the event of a death, families may also be entitled to wrongful death benefits.

Contact JT Legal Group at (888) 529-3111 if you need legal assistance following an accident.