Enrique Ramirez Sanchez, 49, a tow truck driver, suffered serious injuries after he was struck by a speeding driver while responding to a car accident outside Beaumont, officials said. According to a KTLA news report, Sanchez was called to the scene of a solo crash on Highway 79 the morning of Feb. 23. The driver of the overturned car was not hurt. Sanchez parked his Statewide Towing truck on the shoulder south of California Avenue and got out to start hooking up the wrecked vehicle.
Major Injuries
A 29-year-old Riverside woman headed south on the highway lost control of her Toyota Corolla and veered into a concrete median wall. She then ricocheted across the lanes and into the opposite shoulder striking Sanchez and his truck, California Highway Patrol officials said. Sanchez was transported to an area hospital with major injuries. Officers determined the woman was traveling at an unsafe speed on the wet roadway. They don’t believe alcohol or drugs played a role.
The Banning Police Officers Association has set up a GoFundMe campaign for Sanchez’s treatment costs. Sanchez was said to be in stable condition after undergoing multiple surgeries to repair and save his legs. According to an update on the GoFundMe page on Thursday, Feb. 27, Sanchez underwent two additional surgeries on his legs and one on his arm that was also broken. His breathing tubes have been removed and he is also able to talk, the post said. His road to recovery is expected to be long.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sanchez and his family. We wish him the very best for a complete recovery.
Laws and Liability Issues
California law requires drivers to exercise caution and drive at or below the speed limit and at a speed that is safe given the traffic, weather and roadway conditions. California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
In such cases, at-fault drivers can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced Riverside car accident lawyer will be able to stay on top of the official investigation and help them recover fair and full compensation for their losses.
https://ktla.com/news/local-news/tow-truck-driver-seriously-injured-after-being-struck-by-speeding-driver-outside-beaumont/