[02-02-2022] Kern County, CA – One Person Killed After a Fatal Semi-Truck Accident in Bakersfield

One unidentified person was killed following a deadly collision involving a semi-truck in Wasco on Wednesday morning, February 2, 2022.

The deadly accident happened on Highway 46 near Root Avenue in Wasco at approximately 6:15 a.m.

An eastbound Lexus was traveling on Highway 46 at high speeds and attempted to pass a Honda SUV. Unfortunately, it ended up colliding head-on with a Freightliner semi-truck carrying a load of hay.

Due to the severity of the impact, the Lexus was pushed back into the path of the Honda SUV, which caused a second collision. The Lexus then rested on the shoulder of the highway and caught fire.

Meanwhile, a Toyota pickup truck crashed into the hay spilled from the semi-truck. The Toyota driver was uninjured in the crash.

Unfortunately, the Lexus driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the involved parties have not been disclosed.

It is unclear whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the collision. Local authorities are further investigating the case.

Semi-Truck Accident Statistics

Trucks like semi-trucks are a vital part of the economy. The trucking industry in the United States transports billions of dollars worth of goods every year. Many semi-trucks on the road put other motorists in danger because of the potential for accidents.

More people die in semi-truck accidents than in any other kind of traffic accident. A big rig truck’s enormous size makes it difficult for other vehicles to avoid it.

Big rig truck fatality rates have increased by 30 percent since 2009, according to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. In 2017, a big rig was involved in the deaths of 4,102 people in traffic.

More than any other state, California has the highest number of truck-related accidents. A total of 3,316 fatal accidents occurred in 2019, with 3,606 people dying. Large trucks were involved in 320 fatal crashes, with their occupants responsible for 44 deaths.

Several things can lead to a semi-truck accident, including driver fatigue, lane drifting, tire blowouts, vehicle failures that disable or do not disable the vehicle, and excessive speed.

Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyers for Victims

Following a major traffic accident, it is normal to feel confused and overwhelmed. The ordeal you’ve been through has been harrowing. Insurance claims can be complicated, and you may be unsure of your next steps or who you should contact for help.

Arash Law’s Bakersfield truck accident attorneys can hold a semi-truck driver responsible for their actions if a truck accident can be linked to their negligence or carelessness. They consult with industry experts to figure out what went wrong in a truck accident and who is responsible for the resulting damage.

The semi-truck accident lawyers at Arash Law in California have been helping people just like you for more than three decades. When you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, you need an experienced legal team on your side to fight for the compensation you’re due!

We have offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, Riverside, Orange County, and San Diego if you have any questions or concerns about our products and the services we provide. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation with an experienced wrongful death lawyer.