SAN DIEGO - A Caltrans employee was fatally struck by a white 1990 Cadillac de Ville shortly before 9 a.m. Monday morning on Interstate 15, 10 News reported. The accident was reported near the ramp to eastbound 94. According to news accounts, the driver of the Cadillac, a 27-year-old San Diego man, saw the worker, Richard Gonzalez, 52, of San Ysidro, crossing his path and tried to avoid striking him. The front passenger side of the Cadillac struck Gonzalez, killing him at the scene of the crash.
Following the accident, the driver of the Cadillac was initially handcuffed, to be evaluated for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. After tests determined that he was sober, the driver was released. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
According to 10 News, Gonzalez was the 3rd Caltrans worker to be killed on the job in the past two months. Landscape worker Stephen Palmer, 64, of Jamul died when he was hit a trolley in National City on May 4. Jaime Obeso , 53, of Imperial was fatally hit by a vehicle June 7 on a job site alongside Interstate 8 in the El Centro / Imperial County area.
You may have heard public service announcements reminding you to "slow for the cone zone." In January 2007, it became mandatory for drivers to either move over or slow down when they approach a marked Caltrans vehicle with its warning lights on. In 2010, the state law was expanded to require drivers make a lane change away from emergency vehicles along the shoulder. If a lane change isn't possible, law requires that drivers slow down to a "prudent speed."
When accidents are caused by negligence of another party (such as the driver of a vehicle)the family of the victim may pursue a wrongful death claim against the negligent parties. In cases where a worker is killed on-the-job, the family of the victim will be entitled to workers compensation benefits. Following a fatal accident such as this June 20th fatality accident, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego wrongful death lawyer. A skilled attorney can review the investigative report and help the victim's family understand their legal rights and options to pursue a wrongful death claim against the driver or any other negligent parties.
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