[06-05-2023] Fresno County, CA – Elderly Man Fatally Struck by Semi-Truck on I-5 near Coalinga

A 74-year-old man tending to his wrecked car was killed after being struck by a big rig on Interstate 5 near Coalinga on Monday evening, June 5, 2023.

California Highway Patrol Coalinga reported that the fatal collision occurred on the second lane of southbound I-5 near Coalinga City.

In the preliminary investigation, the 74-year-old victim was attending to his broken-down vehicle, which had stopped on the right asphalt shoulder of the highway. Simultaneously, a Bakersfield man operating a 2015 Peterbilt truck was traveling in the same lane at approximately 55 mph.

According to the CHP, the 31-year-old semi-driver, Fernando R., failed to notice the man and struck him, resulting in major injuries. Unfortunately, the victim was declared dead at the scene.

The investigators reported that the semi-truck driver emerged from the crash without sustaining any injuries.

The collision remains under investigation, and there is no suspicion of alcohol or drug involvement as contributing factors in the crash. Authorities are examining other potential causes to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Dedicated Truck Accident Lawyers in Fresno County

Those injured in truck accidents in California may be able to file a personal injury claim for compensation. Be aware of your rights and safety.

Get a free case evaluation from one of our experienced semi-truck accident lawyers. As part of a free evaluation, our lawyers will review the following steps and assess the factors affecting the settlement value.

Our team of brilliant Fresno County semi-truck accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has the skills and credentials to represent accident victims. In California, our firm has recovered $750 million in compensation.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our trustworthy attorneys, call (888) 488-1391. Also, you can get started by filling out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Truck accidents can have severe and even fatal consequences. It is crucial to prioritize your health, safety, and rights in such situations. To ensure safety and handle a truck collision appropriately, follow these steps:

1. Immediately call 911 to report the accident.
2. Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road, if possible, and wait for the authorities in a safe location.
3. Refrain from admitting fault when communicating with legal or insurance authorities. Provide only factual information.
4. Seek medical attention promptly. Even if there are no visible symptoms, running tests and scans can help identify internal injuries.
5. Remember that some victims may experience remorse, leading their insurance company to deny their claim.
6. Request a copy of the completed accident report by making a formal inquiry to the local government.
7. If you need further assistance, please contact us at (888) 488-1391. We will respond promptly to your message.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Truck Accident Statistics

Truck drivers and passengers are more likely to be protected in an accident than occupants of small vehicles. Smaller cars are more likely to cause serious injuries or even death in collisions. Trucks and big rigs can be dangerous when involved in accidents.

In 2020, 4,965 people died in truck accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There were 5,032 fatalities in 2019. The total number decreased by 5% in 2020. Trucks are responsible for 71% of fatal car accidents in the United States.

Among fatal collisions that occurred in the United States in 2020, large trucks accounted for 8.9% of the accidents. Truck-car collisions killed at least 90 people in California in 2015.