Diamond Bar, CA (January 1, 2025) – On Wednesday morning, January 1, 2025, a tragic crash on the eastbound Pomona (60) Freeway in Diamond Bar resulted in the death of 20-year-old Jose Santos Nolasco.
Accident Details: The incident occurred east of Golden Springs Drive around 8:40 a.m. Nolasco was driving a 2000 Toyota 4Runner when it collided with a horse trailer being pulled by a 2006 Ford F-150. Nolasco’s speed is unknown. The collision caused the SUV to overturn, landing on its right side in the HOV lane. Emergency responders pronounced Nolasco dead at the scene. The driver and passenger of the pickup were unharmed. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been factors in the crash.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that key factors that investigators may examine include:
- Trailer and Vehicle Conditions: Investigators should determine whether the horse trailer and the Ford F-150 were adequately maintained and secured. If a defect or malfunction contributed to the crash, the trailer’s manufacturer or owner may share liability. Nolasco’s vehicle should also be examined to see if it suffered from a mechanical failure that led to the fatal collision.
- Driver Actions: Although the cause of the collision remains under investigation, authorities will likely assess whether Nolasco’s driving was affected by factors such as speed, visibility, or distraction. Similarly, they will examine the actions of the pickup driver to rule out improper lane changes, failure to signal, or other violations.
- Road Conditions: If the freeway conditions, such as signage, lighting, or road debris, played a role, this could implicate additional parties, such as state or municipal authorities.
If another party is found to have been negligent—whether due to unsafe trailer operation, improper maintenance, or defective road conditions—Nolasco’s family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. This type of claim seeks to recover damages for the emotional and financial losses suffered due to his passing.
Even if evidence suggests Nolasco may have been partially at fault for the crash, California’s comparative negligence laws allow his family to pursue compensation. Under these laws, any recovery would be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to Nolasco.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jose Santos Nolasco’s family and friends as they cope with this devastating loss.
Source: My News LA