[07-18-2023] San Bernardino County, CA – Man Killed, Woman Injured After Backhoe Fell From Semi-Truck and Into Their Vehicle in Oro Grande

A man was killed while a woman was injured after a backhoe fell from a semi-truck onto their vehicle in Oro Grande, near Victorville, on Tuesday morning, July 18, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol said that the incident occurred underneath a railroad bridge, near the entrance to Cal Portland, at around 7:15 a.m.

According to CHP incident logs, a large front loader with a backhoe fell off a semi and landed on the victim’s car. The vehicle continued before crashing into a tree near an apartment complex.

The male occupant was pronounced dead at the scene, while the female occupant sustained critical injuries to her arm and back.

The survivor was brought to Victor Valley Global Medical Center by ground ambulance and was later airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center by request of Victorville Fire.

No information was released regarding the identities of the people involved.

Respected Truck Accident Lawyers in San Bernardino County

An accident involving a semi-truck can be life-changing, resulting in severe physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. The best way to ensure your rights are protected, and you receive a fair settlement in such complex situations is to seek legal representation.

For many years, our firm has helped California victims of semi-truck accidents. Obtaining your rightful compensation is the mission of our firm.

You can rely on our most trusted San Bernardino County truck accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $750 Million for California clients.

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 Semi-Truck Accident

There are several steps you should take after you have been involved in a semi-truck accident to ensure your safety and ensure the best outcome. It is recommended that the following actions be taken:

• Prioritize safety: Immediately after the accident, prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. Move to a safe location away from traffic and turn on hazard lights.
• Seek medical attention: Check yourself and others for injuries, and if anyone requires immediate medical attention, call an ambulance. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seeking medical evaluation to document any potential damages is still advisable.
• Contact law enforcement: Report the accident to the police or highway patrol. They will document the incident and create an official report, which can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
• Gather information: Collect as much information as possible at the scene. This includes the truck driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, insurance details, and the name and contact information of any witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries.
• Preserve evidence: If you can, try to preserve any evidence related to the accident. This can include photographs, vehicle parts, skid marks, or anything else that might be relevant to determining liability.
• Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company immediately. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the incident.
• Consult a semi-truck accident lawyer in California: Consult an experienced attorney specializing in semi-truck accidents. They can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you pursue any compensation you may be entitled to.
• Document everything: Keep a detailed record of all medical treatments, expenses, repairs, and other relevant information related to the accident. This documentation will be valuable when making an insurance claim or seeking compensation.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Semi-Truck Accident Statistics

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report estimates that 4,965 people died in heavy truck accidents in the United States in 2020. The number of deaths decreased by 1% compared to the 5,032 deaths recorded in 2019.

Approximately 71% of people killed in crashes involving large trucks were occupants of other vehicles. A nationwide average of 8.9% of fatal accidents in 2020 involved large trucks.

With 90 fatalities, California had the highest number of non-occupants (people outside trucks) involved in large-truck accidents.