Update | Fatal Tesla Crash Involving Fire Truck on I-680 in Walnut Creek

Home » Update | Fatal Tesla Crash Involving Fire Truck on I-680 in Walnut Creek
February 22, 2023
Edward Smith

Fatal Tesla Crash Involving Fire Truck

According to the California Highway Patrol, one party suffered fatal injuries and five others were injured after a crash involving a Tesla and a parked fire truck in Contra Costa County. The incident occurred on Saturday, February 18, 2023, on northbound Interstate 680 just south of Treat Boulevard in Walnut Creek, officials said.

Details on the Fatal Tesla Crash Involving a Fire Truck in Walnut Creek, California

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD) and CHP Contra Costa area office responded to a motor vehicle collision on northbound Interstate 680 in Walnut Creek shortly after 3:30 a.m. A CCCFPD fire engine was stopped at the end of the crash site to divert oncoming traffic and protect crews.

According to CHP traffic officers, a Tesla Model S approached the scene of the initial accident and rear-ended the fire engine. Four crew members in the fire engine were transported to the hospital for evaluation as a precautionary measure. The passenger in the Tesla was also taken to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Sadly, the Tesla driver, 31-year-old Pittsburg resident Genesis Mendoza Martinez, was declared deceased at the scene.

The cause and contributing factors to the Tesla Model S accident involving a fire truck have not yet been determined by the California Highway Patrol. Investigators said it was unclear if the Tesla was operated with automation or driver assistance activated at the time of the incident. Eyewitnesses or those with information on the crash are encouraged to reach out to the CHP Contra Costa area office.

Things to Know About Car Accidents and Claims for Damages

Motor vehicle collisions may result in severe harm to those involved. Injuries may range in severity from minor to serious, like contusions and lacerations to broken bones and spinal cord injuries. The type and extent of injuries will depend on various factors, such as how fast the car was traveling at the time of the incident, the involvement of other vehicles, and more. It is not uncommon for injured parties and families of decedents to feel overwhelmed in the aftermath of a crash. Fortunately, it is helpful to know that a claim for damages may be in place after an accident that caused injuries or the loss of a loved one.

In the case of a car accident with injuries, a personal injury claim may be brought against the driver responsible for the crash. This may seek reimbursement for accident-related damages, like medical bills, wage loss, and more. When a family has lost a loved one, they may file a wrongful death action to seek compensation for financial losses and the intangible harm they have experienced. Most cases must be filed within two years. However, a six-month deadline applies to public agencies, like county-operated fire departments.

There are several claims that may be made when filing a claim for damages for an accident involving a Tesla. This may include a products liability claim against Tesla and its other manufacturers for flaws in design and defective equipment that were found to have contributed to a crash while used as intended. To determine your eligibility for a claim for damages, contact an experienced injury lawyer from AutoAccident.com. Since 1982, our legal team has helped people like you obtain full financial recovery. Learn more about our law office and how we can help by watching this video.

Personal Injury Lawyer in California

I’m Ed Smith, a California personal injury lawyer. A motor vehicle collision may result in traumatic, life-changing consequences for all involved parties. If you or a loved one was injured or killed in an accident involving a Tesla, contact our legal team from AutoAccident.com for assistance at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. Our California personal injury attorneys are available anytime to provide free, friendly case advice.

Our law office operates on a contingent fee basis for our clients. This means if we do not obtain a successful result in your case, you owe us nothing. There are no upfront costs due for legal representation so you can focus on recovering from your accident and rebuilding your life while our injury attorneys work to secure a favorable case resolution on your behalf.

Get an idea of how we have helped past clients with their cases by visiting our Settlements and Verdicts page. Our former clients have written detailed reviews about working with our law office on Yelp, Avvo, and Google. We are honored to be featured in legal groups for our work, two of which include the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Forum.

Photo Credit: “IvanCuesta” Pexels

:ds llo [cs 782]