[07-15-2025] Merced County, CA – One Killed, Another Injured in Fiery Crash with Big Rig on SR-140 Near Arboleda Drive

A 31-year-old woman was killed, and another person sustained injuries in a fiery collision involving a big rig on State Route 140 in Merced County on Tuesday afternoon, July 15, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. between Arboleda Drive and Plainsburg Road. The collision involved a Honda sedan and a westbound big rig.

Witnesses reported that the woman driving the Honda attempted to pass slower-moving traffic by entering the westbound lane, placing her directly in the path of the oncoming big rig. She swerved to the right in an attempt to avoid a head-on crash, but lost control and veered across lanes, where the big rig struck the driver’s side of the vehicle.

The impact caused the Honda to become engulfed in flames. Despite efforts from passing motorists, the fire could not be extinguished in time, and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the big rig sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Merced.

The crash led to the temporary closure of SR-140 as authorities responded and investigated.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Merced County, CA

Crashes involving large commercial trucks can result in devastating consequences, especially when high speeds or lane changes are involved. When a collision leads to a fatality and serious injuries, the aftermath can be overwhelming for those affected.

Our truck accident lawyers in Merced County can help surviving family members and injured individuals understand their rights after a crash. We can assist with reviewing official reports, preserving key evidence, and determining whether compensation may be available for medical costs, funeral expenses, or other related losses.

To speak with an attorney, call (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Steps To Take After A Fatal Truck Accident

When a fatal crash involves a commercial truck, families may be left facing overwhelming grief and difficult responsibilities. While every case is different, the steps below may help provide guidance during a challenging time.

1. Request The Official Collision Report
   The California Highway Patrol or another responding agency will usually prepare a detailed report that includes initial findings, vehicle information, and any witness statements. This document may be important for insurance, estate matters, or legal review. You can contact the agency to request a copy.
2. Contact The Medical Examiner’s Office
   The county coroner or medical examiner can provide a report confirming the cause of death. This record may be required for various legal and financial steps that follow.
3. Save Any Documentation or Evidence
   If you have access to photos, videos, or witness information from the crash scene, preserve those materials. These details may be useful later for insurance claims or legal evaluation.
4. Keep Track of All Expenses
   Unexpected costs such as funeral services, travel, or out-of-pocket medical expenses can add up quickly. Organizing receipts and keeping a list of these costs may help clarify the financial impact.
5. Be Cautious When Speaking With Insurance Companies
   Insurers may contact family members soon after a fatal crash. You are not required to make immediate decisions or accept early settlement offers. It may be helpful to speak with a lawyer before responding.
6. Speak With A Truck Accident Lawyer
   A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, explain whether compensation may be available, and assist with gathering the documentation needed to support a claim. Legal guidance may provide peace of mind as you take the next steps.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Truck Accident Statistics

Truck accidents remain a serious issue on roads across the country. In 2021, there were nearly 524,000 crashes involving large trucks. These crashes led to 5,788 deaths and around 154,993 injuries.

Compared to the year before, the number of deaths increased by 17 percent. Most of the people who died were in other vehicles, making up 72 percent of all fatalities. That means 4,149 of the people killed were not in the truck itself. Truck occupants made up 17 percent of the deaths (1,008 people), while 11 percent were people outside of vehicles, such as pedestrians or bicyclists (631 deaths).

Injuries also went up from the previous year. In 2020, there were about 141,613 injuries, but in 2021, that number rose by 9 percent to 154,993. Most of the people hurt were in passenger vehicles, accounting for 71 percent of all injuries (109,981 people). Truck drivers and passengers made up 27 percent (42,164 injuries), and people who were not in a vehicle at all made up 2 percent (2,848 injuries).

When looking closer at those who were injured, nonoccupants, like pedestrians, saw a 16 percent increase in injuries. Passengers in other vehicles experienced a 13 percent increase, while injuries to those in trucks went up only 1 percent.

These numbers show that while trucks are an important part of transportation, they can also be involved in serious and deadly crashes. Safety for everyone on the road remains an important issue.