Miriam Marroquin, 60, Died in Multi-Vehicle Collision Involving Big Rig Truck on the Golden State (5) Freeway near Fourth Street
BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (January 5, 2026) – A 60-year-old woman identified as Miriam Marroquin has died in a Boyle Heights, Los Angeles semi-truck accident on the 5 Freeway.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:10 AM on Sunday. A semi-truck was heading down the freeway when it collided with multiple vehicles.
Miriam Marroquin was in one of the vehicles that was hit. Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help all of the victims. At least one vehicle caught fire as a result of the crash.
A total of 15 people were assessed by first responders. Ten of those patients were taken to local hospitals.
Despite life-saving measures, Miriam Marroquin died due to the severe nature of her injuries. A full investigation into the Boyle Heights semi-truck accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Boyle Heights Semi-Truck Accidents
Truck drivers are required to obtain a commercial license and are held to a very high standard in terms of safety. Many truck accidents involve drivers that are speeding. According to California Vehicle Code 22350, “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.” There are many ways that a truck driver may have acted negligently prior to a collision.
- Follow Distance: Truck drivers must maintain a safe follow distance with all vehicles ahead of them.
- Hours-of-Service: A truck driver may have worked beyond their hours-of-service limits. This is dangerous and can dramatically increase the odds a truck driver will become dangerously fatigued.
- Driver Distraction: A truck driver may have been distracted by their phone or other objects within the cab of their vehicle.
- Unsafe Movements: It is also possible that a truck driver failed to check their blind spots before changing lanes on the road.
If a truck driver makes an unsafe turning movement or fails to slow down to avoid colliding with another vehicle, this could be construed as negligence. Depending on the facts of any case, liability for such a collision could extend beyond the truck driver deemed to be at fault. For example, the entity that owned the truck or employed the driver could also be responsible for the crash. However, truck companies will often hire their drivers is independent contractors to limit their legal exposure in the event of a collision.
Steps to Take After Boyle Heights Semi-Truck Accidents
Far too many people are killed or seriously injured every year in accidents involving commercial trucks. According to the UCI Institute of Transportation Studies, “Large trucks are indispensable for freight transportation and economic growth, but create notable safety challenges on roadways. In California, despite representing only 2.5% of the vehicle population and 5.6% of vehicle miles traveled, large trucks accounted for 9.1% of fatal crashes in 2020, causing 372 deaths and 8,350 injuries.” After any truck accident, certain actions should be taken.
- Medical Records: All medical records related to injuries should be collected and preserved.
- Work Records: The work records of the truck driver involved should be reviewed for hours-of-service violations.
- Evidence Preservation: The pictures and physical evidence collected after the crash should be carefully reviewed.
- Legal Review: Family members of any person who died in a truck accident should carefully consider their legal options with a team experienced in tort claims.
Truck accidents are often highly complex events. The factors that contribute to any collision can take place hours, days, or even weeks beforehand. These collisions may also involve liability on several different parties. Unfortunately, truck companies will virtually never accept responsibility if one of their drivers causes a fatal crash. This is why it is so important that these incidents are thoroughly investigated by an outside party. The family of any person who died due to the negligence of a truck driver may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil action.
Investigating Boyle Heights Semi-Truck Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Miriam Marroquin. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies. Many questions remain unanswered. When was the last time that this truck was properly serviced? What was the speed of the truck prior to the collision?
Do you need more information about a Boyle Heights semi-truck accident? Our team of truck accident investigators is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that truck companies are held fully accountable for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se habla español.
