Rafael Palacios and Two Others Injured in Crash with Semi-Truck

Godofredo Lainez, Rafael Palacios, Alfonso Guzman, and Hermelino Ayala Involved in Semi and Pickup Truck Accident on Jardine Road

PASO ROBLES, CA (March 13, 2018) – A two-vehicle collision on Highway 46 East that occurred on Tuesday morning injured three people, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash happened about at around 11:00 AM when 41-year-old Rafael Palacios of Atascadero was driving a 1990 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 pickup towing a utility trailer full of garbage.

The pickup made a left turn from Jardine Road to Highway 46 East but did not enter the acceleration lane next to the median to safely merge. Instead, the pickup went across all lanes of the highway into the No. 2 lane, cutting right in front of a semi-truck.

The semi’s driver, 44-year-old Godofredo Lainez of Salinas, was not able to stop in time to avoid the crash and collided with the back of the trailer. The impact caused the trailer to be pushed into the pickup, unhitching the trailer and causing the pickup to roll onto its left side, trapping three occupants inside. The collision blocked the eastbound lanes of the highway, according to the CHP.

Cal Fire responders had to pull out all the occupants from the wreck and all injured victims were transported to the Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center. Palacios was seriously injured, and the other two passengers in the pickup, 54-year-old Alfonso Guzman of Atascadero and 58-year-old Hermelino Ayala of Santa Margarita, sustained moderate injuries. Lainez was not injured in the collision.

Driving in large vehicles is always risky and requires drivers to have full attention on their driving and the road. A minor judgment lapse could lead to disastrous results and may end up hurting the driver, or worse, other motorists in the area. It is a must to always drive defensively and stay alert to prevent any tragic accidents that may put not just yourself, but others around you, in danger.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a road collision, contact the experienced lawyers at Sweet Law Group. Sweet Law Group has over 40 years of experience in the legal field, and will fight to achieve the justice and compensation that you deserve. Our attorneys and professional legal team have dealt with cases including car accidents, wrongful death, personal injury, and disability. Call us at (800) 203-3061 for a free case evaluation by a legal professional in your area. You can also reach us by online chat, text message, and email.