Wern Saetern, Alejandra Simental Died After Semi-Truck Crashed Into Stopped Vehicle in the Sunland Region of San Fernando Valley on the 210 Freeway
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (April 6, 2026) – Two people identified as Wern Saetern and Alejandra Simental have tragically died in a San Fernando Valley semi-truck accident on the 210 freeway.
Los Angeles County officials are saying the accident took place around 9:55 PM on the eastbound lanes of the freeway. A semi-truck was reportedly involved in a collision with a Honda Accord that was stopped along the side of the 210 Freeway.
Wern Saetern and Alejandra Simental were both critically injured in the crash. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help both of the victims.
Sadly, Wern Saetern and Alejandra Simental were both pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. California Highway Patrol is urging anyone that may have more information about the collision to reach out to them.
Liability for Los Angeles Semi-Truck Accidents
Truck drivers are required to obtain a commercial license and must operate their vehicle with an abundance of caution to avoid collisions. This requires that they operate at 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 companies should take several measures to prevent collisions.
- Maintenance: All of the trucks in their fleet should be periodically inspected and well maintained.
- Vetting: Truck drivers should be properly vetted to ensure that they have a clean driving record and a commercial license.
- Training: Truck drivers should receive ample training on the specific rig that they will be driving.
- Technology: Truck companies should consider using technological features such as Ford collision avoidance systems to prevent accidents.
If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a vehicle ahead of them, this could be construed as negligence. Even if a vehicle is stopped in the middle of the freeway, this does not relieve a truck driver of their duty of care to slow down to avoid a collision. When a truck driver is negligent and causes an accident, their employer may also be liable for the collision. In California, employers can be vicariously liable for the negligent conduct of their workers who are operating in some official capacity.
Steps to Take After Los Angeles Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in accidents involving commercial trucks. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “Of the approximately 503,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2022, there were 5,279 (1 percent) fatal crashes and 114,000 (23 percent) injury crashes.” It is important that certain actions are taken after any truck accident.
- The event data recorder of the truck involved in the crash should be preserved as evidence.
- Medical records related to injuries should also be sought.
- The safety record of the truck driver involved should be investigated.
- All physical evidence related to the crash should be sought.
- The family members of any person who died in a collision should seek an independent review by a team with ample experience in accident reconstruction and California Vehicle Codes.
The vast majority of truck accidents are preventable. They tend to involve drivers that overlook safety standards. Part of the problem is that many truck companies will push their drivers to complete routes on unrealistic time schedules. Sadly, these same companies will virtually never accept responsibility when one of their drivers is involved in a crash. The surviving family members of any person who dies in a truck accident are able to seek some measure of transparency and accountability through California Code of Civil Procedure – CCP § 377.60.
Investigating Los Angeles County Truck Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the families of Wern Saetern and Alejandra Simental. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. Any person with more information should reach out to the California Highway Patrol. A number of questions still have to be answered. What was the speed of the truck prior to the crash? What is the safety record of the company that owned this truck?
Do you need more information about a Los Angeles County 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 those rights are being protected. You can rest assure that we will do everything in our power to help uncover what may have contributed to any particular crash. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
