A 43-year-old man from Atascadero was killed following a big rig vs. vehicle crash in Bakersfield early Wednesday morning, January 3, 2023.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 3:30 a.m. on northbound Highway 99, south of Taft Highway.
The crash involved a 2008 Toyota Prius and a big rig. The truck rear-ended the vehicle and killed its driver. No one else was injured.
As of now, it is unclear whether alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash. Investigations are currently being conducted by the authorities.
Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield, Kern County
It is possible for a person to seek compensation if he or she has suffered damages as a result of the negligence of another driver. If you are hurt in a truck accident, it is best that you speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer if you would like legal advice regarding your case.
For a free case evaluation, contact one of our truck accident lawyers. We will give you an overview of the case, discuss the settlement, and advise you on how to file an insurance claim.
Our top Bakersfield truck accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are prepared to assist you with your insurance claim or effectively represent you in court if necessary. We have recovered more than $500 Million for California clients and have earned a reputation as one of the best law firms in the state.
If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.
What to Do After A Truck Accident in California
After a truck accident, it is essential to remain on the scene and wait for the authorities and medical personnel to arrive. Move the vehicle off the road if possible. Then, after gathering evidence to support filing a truck accident claim, make sure to inform your insurance provider and contact one of our award-winning California truck accident lawyers.
- Do not leave the scene and call the police right away.The police’s duties at the scene of an accident include directing traffic, clearing the scene of debris, and assisting any injured parties. As a neutral party, their investigation reports also add credibility to your case and will be crucial in proving negligence.
- Contact emergency responders and immediately seek medical attention.Even if you think you were uninjured after a truck accident, let the emergency personnel examine you. You may be unable to assess the full extent of your injuries due to adrenaline rush and shock. Some injuries may even appear days later. Only a medical examination can detect health issues before they become noticeable.Records of medical visits, diagnosis, treatment, medications, and related expenses are valuable for building a strong case. Insurance companies and courts could assume the victims weren’t really harmed if they didn’t seek medical attention. This leads to inadequate compensation. So make sure you keep all of them.
- Move vehicles to the shoulder of the road if possible.Truck accidents almost always cause obstruction on the road, leading to traffic congestion. If possible and safe to do so, preferably after documenting the scene by taking pictures and videos, move your vehicle to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists. Further accidents can be prevented with this.In some cases, including severe damages, or injuries, or when instructed otherwise by law enforcement, moving the vehicles may not be possible or safe. Follow the instructions of emergency responders in these situations.
- Talk to our truck accident lawyers in California.We can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.
Fatal Truck Accident Statistics
The National Safety Council Injury Facts said that 5,700 trucks were in fatal crashes in the United States in 2021, an 18% increase from 2020. 5,788 people died, a 17% increase. 72% of all deaths were occupants of other vehicles, 17% were truck occupants, and 11% were non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists.
A total of 117,300 trucks were involved in injury crashes, a 12% increase from 2020, with 155,000 injuries, a 5% increase. The majority were other vehicle occupants (71%), followed by truck occupants (27%) and non-occupants (2%).
California is second among the states with the most deaths from these truck crashes (437), behind Texas (806). The majority of deaths, 328 (75%), were other vehicle occupants, 61 (14%) were non-occupant, and 48 (11%) were truck occupants. 416 large trucks were involved in these fatal crashes, 7% of total vehicles involved in fatal crashes.