[03-05-2024] Humboldt County, CA – One Person Killed, Another Injured After Fiery Vehicle Vs. Semi-Truck Collision in Loleta

One person was killed while another was injured after a fiery vehicle vs. semi-truck collision in Loleta, Humboldt County, on Tuesday evening, March 5, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal incident happened around 7:51 p.m. at the Singley Road and Singley Hill Road intersection.

CHP said that the crash involved a 2001 Nissan Frontier occupied by two people and a 2017 Freightliner semi-truck with flatbed trailers in tow. Following the initial impact, the Nissan burst into flames with its occupants still trapped inside.

The driver of the truck, 20-year-old Logan M., was uninjured. He reportedly helped the people inside the Nissan get out of the burning vehicle alongside a bystander. The pair managed to rescue 65-year-old Guadalupe R. from the fiery wreckage, who responders transported to a nearby hospital for major injuries.

However, the other person inside remained trapped and died on the scene. He was later identified as 16-year-old Daniel R.

Authorities confirmed that the truck driver was not impaired when the accident occurred. They are still investigating if the same is true for the Nissan driver.

Potential witnesses are encouraged to contact the CHP and aid with the ongoing investigations.

Renowned Truck Accident Lawyers in Humboldt County, CA

There can be serious physical, emotional, and financial repercussions following a truck collision. You must seek legal representation after a truck accident to protect your rights and receive the maximum compensation possible.

Seek legal advice from our truck accident lawyers through a free initial consultation. Our legal team, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has assisted truck accident victims for decades with great success, and we are confident of your success as well.

You can rely on our renowned Humboldt County truck accident attorneys to help you with your insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings if necessary. Our firm has recovered over $750 Million for clients and is widely acknowledged for its success and credibility as one of California’s most recognized personal injury law firms.

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 California truck accident lawyers at Arash Law go beyond finding simple and quick settlements. They identify all liable parties to get you the most money back.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Truck Accidents Statistics

Large truck accidents were responsible for 4,714 fatalities in total in 2021, a 17% rise from the year before. 66% of these deaths were related to cars and other passenger vehicles, 16% were related to trucks, and fifteen percent involved pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that there were 50% more fatalities in big truck crashes in 2021 than there were in 2009. There were 68% more truck occupant deaths in 2010 than there were in 2009.

Truck crashes can occur for a variety of reasons, as with any other accident, including driver fatigue or exhaustion, speeding, drifting out of lanes, losing control, and tire blowouts.