A 6-year-old San Antonio girl has died after she was struck by an ice cream truck on the southwest side of the city. Authorities report that the child, who had been purchasing candy and ice cream with a friend, was struck by the vehicle in the truck accident on Dec. 26 during the mid-afternoon hours. Initial investigation indicates that the child jumped onto the truck’s rear bumper without the driver’ s knowledge. When the girl was thrown from the vehicle, the truck rolled over her, crushing her and killing her.
Authorities report the 50-year-old man was attempting to turn around on a dead-end street when the incident occurred. Neighbors in the area say that older children often jump on the ice cream trucks as they pass through the neighborhood. Further, children in the area are often left to play in the streets unsupervised. Still, teenagers say that the man behind the wheel of the ice cream truck is an excellent driver who is known for his friendliness and delicious treats.
Officials say that the man is not facing any charges at this time, though an investigation is still pending in the matter. Neighborhood residents say that ice cream trucks in the region are known to travel quickly so they can speed past the children who threaten to jump on their bumpers. That speed could be interpreted as negligence, depending on the circumstances of the drivers’ behavior.
Even though the man is not facing criminal charges in the death of the child, he and his company could be held liable for financial damages related to the incident. Ice cream truck drivers should be aware of the responsibility to maintain the safety and welfare of the children in the neighborhoods in which they sell their goods. Family members of victims who die in such truck accidents may benefit from financial compensation for personal injury, wrongful death, pain and suffering and a variety of other serious civil claims.
Source: MySanAntonio.com, “Girl killed in accident with ice cream truck” Mark D. Wilson, Dec. 26, 2013