[01-31-2024] Kern County, CA – Motorcyclist Killed Following Vehicle Crash Involving Big Rig in Bakersfield

A rider was killed following a motorcycle vs. big rig crash in Bakersfield on Wednesday afternoon, January 31, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist was driving eastbound on Bena Road when he was struck by a big rig. The collision occurred at around 1:00 p.m. just east of Nemarkle Road.

Authorities stated that the motorcyclist was riding a Suzuki at about 30 mph when he slowed down and made a left turn while traveling east on Bena Road.

The big rig driver turned left to avoid the victim but struck the rider with the right front side of his semi, CHP said. The victim was pronounced dead on the scene.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the authorities.

Award-winning Truck Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield, CA

If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a truck accident, you and your loved ones may be entitled to compensation. In these circumstances, the settlement sum is chosen with lawyers’ aid in the corresponding state’s civil courts.

Our experienced truck accident lawyers will assess you or your loved one’s situation during your free initial consultation with us. We will help you with the necessary procedures and consider any additional details affecting the settlement offer.

Obtain advice from our award-winning Bakersfield truck accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $500 Million for California clients.

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

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, inform your insurance provider and contact our award-winning law firm.

1. Move vehicles to the shoulder of the road if possible. If possible and safe, 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. If moving the vehicles is not possible or safe, follow the instructions of emergency responders.
2. Do not leave the scene and call the police right away. The California Vehicle Code requires drivers to report accidents involving death or injury within 24 hours. Don’t admit fault or guilt, but cooperate fully with law enforcement. Lastly, stay at the scene until instructed otherwise to avoid legal repercussions.
3. Contact emergency responders and immediately seek medical attention. Even if you think you were uninjured, let the emergency personnel examine you, as some injuries may appear days later. Records of medical visits, diagnosis, treatment, medications, and related expenses are valuable for building a strong case.
4. Gather information from other drivers involved. Whenever possible, exchange all necessary information with the other drivers involved in the crash. This includes each party’s name, contact number, license number, plate number, insurance provider, and policy number.
5. Take photos and videos of the scene if you are able. Take as many pictures and videos as possible, documenting the state of your car, the other vehicles involved, any nearby objects like skid marks and guardrails, and even conversations or interactions with other people.
6. Take photos of your injuries. Take pictures of the injuries you or others have sustained. This is one essential way to document the damages you have incurred.
7. Obtain witness testimonies. When an accident occurs, many individuals are usually around to help out. Exchange as much information as you can with them to strengthen your case.
8. Notify your insurance provider about the accident. Don’t feel obligated to provide any official or recorded statements right away. Your financial recovery could be negatively impacted if you confess fault for the accident or allow yourself to be misled into doing so.
9. Make sure you keep a journal. A journal will help you remember every thought and emotion you have. Keeping track of how long it took you to improve after an accident is crucial evidence for any personal injury claim.
10. Contact the skilled California Truck Accident Lawyers at Arash Law. Our personal injury lawyers in Bakersfield go beyond finding simple and quick settlements. They identify all liable parties to get you the most money back.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Truck Accident Statistics

Accidents involving large vehicles, particularly those with semi-trucks, can be more fatal than typical car accidents. The occupants of smaller vehicles are more likely to sustain severe injuries and have a lower chance of surviving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 4,965 people died in truck-related accidents in the US in 2020, a 1% decrease from the 5,032 fatalities in 2019. 71% of those killed in large-truck crashes were passengers in other cars and not in the trucks themselves.

In 2020, large trucks made up 8.9% of all fatal collisions in the US. Truck collisions killed at least 90 nonoccupants in California, the largest number nationwide. Texas and Florida were the only states that recorded at least 50 truck-related fatalities that year.