Who’s Liable After a Fatal Truck Crash? What to Know After the Head-On Collision Near Castroville

On May 20, 2025, tragedy struck along State Route 183 near Castroville, California, when a 39-year-old woman from Pacific Grove was killed in a head-on collision with a semi-truck. While the investigation is ongoing, the community is left grieving — and the victim’s family is left with devastating questions. 

This legal and emotional crisis is one that families in California face far too often when commercial vehicles are involved. 

So, what rights do loved ones have after a fatal crash like this? And how is liability determined when a massive truck crosses the line – literally or figuratively? 

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim, and Who Can File One?

A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to seek compensation when someone’s death was caused by another party’s negligence, whether it was a distracted driver, an unsafe truck, or a reckless decision made in seconds. 

In California, those eligible to file include: 

• Spouses or domestic partners 

• Children 

• Parents (in some cases) 

• Financial dependents 

This type of case is about financial recovery as well as accountability. 

“These are the hardest cases we handle, not because of the law, but because of the weight they carry,” says Stephen Lockard, a wrongful death and trucking litigation attorney at J&Y Law. “Families deserve more than sympathy. They deserve answers, and they deserve justice.” 

How Is Liability Determined in Head-On Collisions?

In a head-on crash involving a semi-truck, the stakes are higher — and so is the scrutiny. 

Investigators will look at: 

• Dash cam or GPS data from the truck 

• Black box info (speed, braking, route) 

• Witness statements 

• Skid marks and road damage 

• Toxicology reports and driver logs 

• Company training and maintenance records 

If the truck veered across the centerline, the question becomes why: fatigue, distraction, mechanical failure, or driver error? 

“We ask what happened, but also what should have been done to prevent it,” Lockard explains. “With commercial vehicles, there are layers of responsibility – from the driver to the dispatcher to the company that put them on the road.” 

What Compensation Can Families Seek?

Wrongful death claims can help families recover: 

• Funeral and burial expenses 

• Loss of future income 

• Loss of companionship and support 

• Pain and suffering (in some cases) 

• Medical bills if there was initial treatment before passing 

• Punitive damages if gross negligence is proven 

While no amount of money can undo the loss, financial relief can provide stability during unimaginable grief. 

Can Trucking Companies Be Held Accountable?

Yes – and they often should be. 

Trucking companies can be liable for: 

• Negligent hiring (e.g., putting unsafe drivers on the road) 

• Lack of driver training 

• Poor maintenance of vehicles 

• Pushing unrealistic delivery schedules that cause fatigue 

• Failing to comply with federal safety regulations 

“When a family loses someone in a trucking crash, we don’t just go after the driver,” Lockard emphasizes. “We dig into the company’s records, policies, and culture. Because what we’ll find is that many of these tragedies start long before the collision.” 

This isn’t just theory – it’s how Lockard operates. In Hillo v. Studio Lending Group, he exposed financial inconsistencies behind a $300,000 mechanic’s lien through strategic motion practice, ultimately getting the lien struck down. In high-stakes trucking cases, big companies hide behind complex contracts, but Lockard cuts through the noise. He follows the money and finds their weak spots. That’s what makes him such an effective member of J&Y Law. 

What Should Families Do After a Fatal Trucking Crash?

1. Preserve Evidence
   Photos, police reports, and any communication from the company or insurer should be saved. 

1. Don’t Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance
   They are not on your side. Their job is to limit payouts. 

1. Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney ASAP
   These cases move fast – especially when big corporations are involved. 

We Help Families Find Justice After Unthinkable Loss

At J&Y Law, we’ve handled some of California’s most complex and emotionally charged wrongful death cases – including multiple involving commercial trucks. 

Call (877) 735-7035 for a free, compassionate case review. 

We’ll listen, investigate, and fight for your rights. Because your loved one deserves more than a passing headline.