On Tuesday, February 11th, Katherine Ledford, 80, crashed her Toyota car into the semi-truck of Ruben Martinez. She died on the scene, while the driver of the other vehicle suffered moderate injuries.

The crash happened at about 1:30 p.m. on Hills Ferry Road, near West Ferry Road, in Modesto, California. Ledford’s Toyota veered of her lane, into that of Martinez, and slammed into his semi.

The deceased was traveling westbound with the semi driver going east when the collision occurred. The front left sides of their vehicles collided, and the force of the crash sent Martinez’s truck straight into an electrical pole.

Ledford’s body got taken to the morgue at the local hospital, where Martinez is undergoing treatment. The California Highway Patrol is investigating what could have led to the crash.

The CHP would determine what caused Ledford to veer off her lane. The local police will also get involved and would investigate the factors that could have contributed.

The police would look into whether Ledford was distracted while she was driving or speeding. Illegal lane change will also get considered, and if necessary, the truck driver would carry out an independent investigation.

Based on the result of the investigation, Martinez might choose to bring a personal injury claim. Under California law, he can sue the estate of Ledford for damages done to his semi and person.

Martinez would have to bring his suit on time; the statute of limitation for personal injury cases is six years in most jurisdiction. But in California, the limitation for personal injury is two years from the date it happened.

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