Shawn Chavez, 58, Died in Norwalk Motorcycle Accident With Semi-Truck on the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway
NORWALK, CALIFORNIA (December 16, 2025) – A 58-year-old motorcycle rider identified as Shawn Chavez has died in a Norwalk semi-truck accident on the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident took place around 9:00 AM on Wednesday. Shawn Chavez was traveling on the northbound side of the freeway by Firestone Boulevard when he was involved in a collision with a big rig truck.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Shawn Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene and cooperated with the police. A full investigation into the fatal Norwalk truck accident remains ongoing.
Liability for Norwalk Semi-Truck Accidents
Truck drivers must obtain a commercial license and are expected to exercise a great deal of care to avoid harming other drivers on the roadway. This necessitates that they maintain a safe speed at all times. 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.” Truck drivers should take many different measures to avoid collisions.
- Rest: Being a safe driver starts with getting a good night of sleep. Truck drivers must ensure that they are well rested before heading out onto the road.
- Breaks: Truck drivers are required by law to take periodic rest breaks and must limit the number of hours they work in a given day or week.
- Maintenance: Truck drivers must ensure that their vehicles are routinely inspected and well maintained.
- Follow Distance: All drivers are required to maintain a safe follow distance with a vehicle ahead of them.
If a truck driver makes an unsafe lane change and hits a motorcycle or other vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. When a truck is involved in a collision, liability for the crash may extend beyond any driver deemed to be at fault. For example, the company that owned a truck could be liable. As a general rule, vehicle owners in California can be liable for the wrongful actions of third-party drivers. A business could also be liable for a crash if a truck is being used for commercial purposes.
Gathering Evidence After Norwalk Truck Accidents
Truck accidents result in many serious injuries and fatal collisions every year. According to the IIHS, “A total of 4,354 people died in large truck crashes in 2023. Sixteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 65% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 17% were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists.” It is important that evidence is properly collected and preserved after any truck accident in California.
- Police Report: The police report for the accident should be carefully reviewed. These reports are typically very helpful, but they can also contain errors. They are an officer’s first impression of what may have happened and who could be at fault.
- Photos: Lots of photos of the accident site should be taken. These can help paint a picture of what went wrong.
- Medical Records: Medical records are another important piece of evidence that should be carefully considered. They can be enormously helpful in demonstrating the extent of a person’s injuries.
- Event Data Recorder: Most commercial trucks will come equipped with an event data recorder. This device functions in much the same way that the black box on an airplane does. It can reveal important details about how a truck was being operated prior to a crash.
Even in the complete absence of eyewitnesses or surveillance footage, accident reconstruction can help piece together how a crash may have unfolded. Accident reconstruction is the scientific process of analyzing how accidents unfold using physics and math. Any person injured in a Los Angeles County truck accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim. The surviving family members of any person who died may also be able to take action by pursuing a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Norwalk Semi-Truck Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Shawn Chavez. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the California Highway Patrol. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. Many questions remain unanswered. What was the speed of the truck prior to the crash? What is the safety record of the truck driver?
Do you need more information about a Norwalk semi-truck accident? Our team of truck accident investigators is here for you. We are committed to helping victims understand their rights and holding negligent drivers accountable for their wrongful conduct. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here to serve your needs. You’re always welcome to contact us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
