Semi-truck struck the Pasadena woman near Orcas Drive in Discovery Bay
August 20, 2026 | Discovery Bay, CA
What happened in the crash?
DISCOVERY BAY, Calif. — A 59-year-old Pasadena woman died after being struck by a tractor-trailer on U.S. Highway 101 at Orcas Drive near milepost 280.
Karen Swanson, 59, of Pasadena, was killed after a tractor-trailer struck her on U.S. Highway 101 at Orcas Drive and milepost 280 in Discovery Bay.
- Date and time: Aug. 20 at approximately 9:09 a.m.
- Location: U.S. Highway 101, Discovery Bay
- Victim: Karen Swanson, 59, Pasadena
- Vehicle: Tractor-trailer driven by a 31-year-old Tacoma, Washington man
- Outcome: Swanson pronounced deceased at the scene; driver uninjured
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the fatal pedestrian collision.
Why do these accidents happen?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, semi-truck crashes often involve multiple contributing factors.
| Contributing Factor | Description | Source |
|---|
| Brake problems | Mechanical failure or maintenance issues | FMCSA |
| Speeding | Excessive speed relative to conditions | FMCSA |
| Driver fatigue | Long hours without adequate rest | FMCSA |
| Lane drifting | Unintentional departure from travel lane | FMCSA |
| Improper maneuvering | Unsafe turns or lane changes | FMCSA |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, families benefit from prompt independent review of crash circumstances.
Tractor-trailer crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents. A skilled attorney can protect a grieving family from trucking companies, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent truck driver.
Key takeaways
- Conduct driver background checks
- Locate witnesses promptly
- Review insurance coverage thoroughly
- Hire expert witnesses when appropriate
The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital.
Pending the investigation outcome, the family of Karen Swanson may have options to pursue a wrongful death claim covering loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
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