Saturday, September 27th, at approximately 7:00 PM, police officers were dispatched to the area of Associated Rd. and Yorba Linda Blvd. regarding a collision involving a vehicle and two electric scooter riders, according to the Fullerton Police Department.
Upon arrival, officers located two females in the roadway with significant, life-threatening injuries. A white box truck was located in close proximity.
Fullerton Fire Department personnel responded and transported both victims to a local trauma center where they remain in critical condition.
Preliminary investigation revealed the two females were riding electric scooters southbound on Associated Rd. in the #2 lane, when the box truck, also traveling southbound in the #2, collided with both riders who were in the roadway.
At this time, alcohol and/or drugs do not appear to be a factor in this collision.
Any witnesses with information about this traffic collision are encouraged to contact Fullerton Police Traffic Accident Investigator J. Munoz at (714) 738-6812 or jmunoz@fullertonpd.org.
Those wishing to remain anonymous may call Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or visit occrimestoppers.org.
Here’s a breakdown of how liability and penalties might be assessed in the wake of this collision:
1. Is the box truck driver facing any penalties?
At this stage, based on the preliminary investigation, the Fullerton Police Department has not indicated that the driver is facing criminal charges. However:
- Penalties depend on fault: If the investigation finds the driver was negligent (e.g., distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield), they could face:
- Traffic citations
- Civil liability
- Criminal charges (e.g., vehicular manslaughter, if injuries result in death and negligence is proven)
- No drugs/alcohol involved: Since impairment is not suspected, any penalties would likely stem from traffic violations or negligence.
2. If this was a commercial box truck, what liability could the company face?
If the truck was operated by a commercial entity, the employer or company could face vicarious liability under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the actions of employees performed within the scope of their employment.
Possible liabilities include:
- Civil lawsuits from the victims or their families for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Long-term care or disability
- Negligent hiring or supervision: If the driver had a poor driving record or was improperly trained, the company could face direct liability.
- Regulatory penalties: If the company violated transportation regulations (e.g., hours-of-service, vehicle maintenance), they could face fines or sanctions from agencies like the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
3. How might this impact their insurance?
If the company owns the truck and it was being used for business purposes, their commercial auto insurance would likely be involved.
Insurance implications:
- Claim payout: The insurer may cover damages up to the policy limits, including medical costs and legal defense.
- Premium increases: A serious accident involving critical injuries can lead to significant premium hikes or even policy non-renewal.
- Policy review: The insurer may reassess the company’s risk profile, possibly requiring:
- Additional safety training
- Stricter hiring practices
- More frequent vehicle inspections
The post A box truck seriously injured two electric scooter riders in a north O.C. collision first appeared on New Santa Ana.