[04-08-2022] Fresno County, CA – Driver Killed After a Deadly Big Rig Crash in Firebaugh

One unidentified driver was killed after a big rig traffic collision near Firebaugh on Friday afternoon, April 8, 2022.

The deadly crash transpired at approximately 5:38 p.m. on W Nees Avenue, near N Russell Avenue in Firebaugh.

A westbound semi-truck was traveling on Nees while a while sedan was heading east. The sedan then veered into the westbound lanes for unclear reasons.

The semi-truck driver immediately attempted to avoid the collision by steering right but could not completely avoid the sedan. The left side of the sedan then collided with the big rig.

The semi-truck overturned following the collision while the sedan went into the south shoulder. The sedan driver was then ejected from his vehicle. Unfortunately, the sedan driver was killed in the crash; he was pronounced dead.

The semi-truck driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Drugs and alcohol were not considered factors in the crash.

An active investigation of the case is currently underway.

Fatal Big Rig Accident Statistics

Tractor-trailer trucks, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial vehicles play a huge role in the U.S. economy. These massive machines transport cargo and keep the wheels of our economy turning. Sadly, they can also injure many people in a car accident.

More people are killed in semi-truck collisions than in any other traffic accident. This is primarily because large rig trucks and most other vehicles on the road have such a large size disparity. Over twenty times the weight of a passenger car, commercial freight trucks (also known as “big rigs”) can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds.

Four percent of all cars in America are semi-trucks and large commercial trucks, but they account for 14 percent of all fatal crashes. Ninety-six percent of fatalities in collisions between trucks and passenger vehicles are caused by car occupants, not truck occupants.

Using data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the U.S. Department of Transportation has found a 30 percent increase in big rig truck fatalities since 2009. Big rigs killed four thousand one hundred two people in traffic in 2017.

California has the most truck-related fatalities and injuries of any state. In 2019, there were 3,316 fatal accidents, which resulted in 3,606 deaths. The occupants of large trucks were responsible for 44 deaths in 320 fatal crashes.

These include driver fatigue, vehicle malfunctioning that does or does not disable the vehicle, and excessive speed and lane drifting.

Fresno County Truck Accident Lawyers

The investigation, expert testimony, and creative use of discovery procedures are critical to successful tractor-trailer accident litigation. The importance of conducting a thorough investigation of the accident site cannot be overstated. An investigator on your side should be able to respond quickly to a trucking company investigation as soon as it is made aware of the accident.

Losing a loved one from a fatal truck accident can be devastating for the victim’s family. A Fresno County truck accident lawyer from Arash Law can help you with your wrongful death claim.

Arash Law is a California semi-truck accident law firm. We have been assisting victims just like you for decades. Our truck accident law firm is here to help you get the compensation that you rightfully deserve.

If you have any questions or concerns about our products or services, please contact one of our offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, Riverside, Orange County, or San Diego. You can speak with a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney at no cost by calling our office at (888) 488-1391.