[06-15-2024] Kern County, CA – At Least One Person Injured Following Vehicle Vs. Semi-Truck Crash in Bakersfield

At least one person was injured following a vehicle vs. semi-truck crash in Bakersfield on Saturday night, June 15, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the traffic incident was reported around 9:40 p.m. on Highway 99, just south of California Avenue.

The accident involved a small sedan vehicle and an unspecified semi-truck. Details on how the collision occurred remain unclear, but the CHP said that the sedan’s front end got wedged underneath the back end of the semi-truck.

It is said that the crashed sedan burst into flames at one point. Officers confirmed that the driver, only described as a man, was removed from the vehicle by breaking a window. The driver was reportedly taken to Kern Medical after sustaining injuries, including a bleeding arm.

There is no word yet on whether or not the truck driver was also injured.

The southbound lanes of Highway 99 near the crash site were temporarily closed as a precaution. All lanes have since been reopened.

No further details were provided, and the authorities are still gathering all the necessary information to determine the factors leading up to the incident.

Talk To Our Award-Winning Truck Accident Lawyers In Bakersfield, 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. Our injury law firm in Bakersfield is here to be your guiding hand.

Seek legal advice from our truck accident lawyers through a free initial consultation. With decades of experience and a long list of success stories, our law firm, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will successfully represent you and your family in a truck accident claim.

You can rely on our award-winning Bakersfield truck accident attorneys to help you with your insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings if necessary. Arash Law has recovered over $500 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 personal injury lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After A Bakersfield 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. Here is a detailed guide on what you should do after a truck accident in Los Angeles:

1. Move vehicles to the shoulder of the road. 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. If you are able, take photos and videos of the scene. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Do not admit fault – This is one of the common mistakes people tend to make following any vehicular accident. Stick only to the facts of what happened when speaking with a police officer. Be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision.
9. Keep a journal. Doing so will help you remember every thought and emotion you have experienced throughout the whole recovery process. Tracking 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 go beyond finding simple and quick settlements. They identify all liable parties to get you the most money back. Furthermore, our team answers the questions and concerns of many victims.

If you’re having trouble securing the accident report from the authorities or an insurer keeps on calling you about the accident, our California truck accident lawyers can assist you in communicating with them.

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 15% 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.