Motorcyclist, 24, Died In Saint Patrick’s Day Truck Accident on Habor (110) Freeway by Sepulveda Boulevard in Torrance
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA (March 25, 2025) – A 24-year-old man was riding a motorcycle down the Harbor 110 freeway in Torrance when he was killed in a truck accident.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident happened at 11:18 AM on Tuesday. A semi-truck collided with the motorcyclist under uncertain conditions.
The crash triggered a SigAlert and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Sadly, he later died due to the severe nature of his injuries.
A full investigation into the cause of the Torrance truck accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Los Angeles County Truck Accidents
Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable in collisions. It is easy for them to be overlooked given their small profile. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Per vehicle miles traveled in 2022, motorcyclists were about 22 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were 4 times more likely to be injured.” Truck drivers should be particularly cautious, since commercial trucks have large blind spots that can obscure these drivers. Several other factors could contribute to a truck accident involving a motorcycle.
- Left Turns: Trucks making left turns can be particularly dangerous for motorcycles and smaller vehicles. In fact, drivers are nearly 10 times more likely to be involved in left turn collisions as opposed to right turn collisions.
- Lane Changes: Trucks take up a large amount of space on the freeway. As a truck driver is changing lanes, they could easily overlook a motorcyclist.
- Speeding: Commercial trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. They can take much longer to stop them passenger vehicles.
- Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may naturally become fatigued. According to the CDC, staying awake for only 17 hours can reduce a person’s ability to drive safely equal to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%.
Truck drivers have a legal obligation to exercise a great deal of care in order to avoid harming motorcyclists and other drivers on the freeway. They must maintain a safe follow distance with all vehicles ahead of them. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, no person shall operate a vehicle on a roadway at a speed greater than would be reasonable, given the prevailing conditions and traffic. If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a motorcyclist, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
It is possible that liability for any truck accident could extend beyond the at-fault driver. For example, the company responsible for inspecting and maintaining a commercial truck could also be held liable. Many truck accidents involve conditions where a truck underwent a catastrophic failure on one or more of its component parts. This could include failures with the brakes, steering, or suspension. It is important that certain steps are taken after any truck accident.
- The inspection and maintenance records for the truck involved should be reviewed.
- The logbook records of the truck driver should be scrutinized.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage that may have captured the crash should be collected.
- An experienced truck accident attorney should be contacted.
Truck accidents can often be highly complex events. The factors that contribute to any truck accident could take place hours, days, or even weeks beforehand. Part of the problem is that many truck companies will push their drivers to complete deliveries on unrealistic time schedules. In fact, it is estimated that one in 10 truck drivers involved in a fatal collision reported feeling under pressure from their carrier. The family of any person killed in a truck accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Los Angeles County Truck Accidents
We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man killed in this Torrance truck accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the California Highway Patrol. The number of fatal truck accidents in Los Angeles County in recent years remains deeply concerning. State officials should consider what measures can be taken to help stem this tide of tragedies.Do you need more information about a Torrance semi-truck accident? Our team of truck accident attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that truck companies are held accountable for their wrongful actions. Profits should never be valued over the life and safety of everyone on the roadway. Whether you just have legal questions or would like a risk-free consultation about your particular situation, we are here to help. You can contact us anytime at 949-727-9300.
