[07-20-2023] Merced County, CA – Big Rig’s Loose Axle Struck Vehicle on Highway 99, Killing One Woman

A woman was killed after a loose axle of a big rig bounced and struck their vehicle in Merced County on Thursday morning, July 20, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol, Merced County Fire Department, and Riggs Ambulance Service responded to the accident on Highway 99 near Franklin Road around 10:40 a.m.

An Avenal woman, 58, and her five-year-old were driving south on Highway 99 in a 2017 Nissan Frontier pickup truck. Meanwhile, a big rig traveling north lost its axle, bouncing over the barrier and hitting the Nissan.

It was determined that the woman had died at the scene, and the child had been taken to hospital as a precaution but was not injured. The condition of the truck driver is unknown.

There were no additional details regarding the identities of the people involved. Authorities believed that drugs and alcohol did not contribute to the collision as their investigation into the deadly crash continues.

Big Rig Accident Attorneys in Merced County

You can file a personal injury lawsuit in California if you are injured in a truck accident to obtain compensation and hold the driver responsible. Don’t let your rights and safety be compromised.

Contact our office to discuss your case with one of our experienced truck accident attorneys. The lawyers at our firm will outline the next steps and evaluate factors that may influence the settlement amount during our free consultation.

Our team of reliable Merced County truck accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi Esq., have extensive knowledge and experience in representing accident victims. Our firm has recovered $750 Million in compensation for clients in California.

Set up a free consultation with one of our reputable attorneys by calling (888) 488-1391 or filling out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After a Big Rig Accident

There is a risk of injury or death in accidents involving trucks. Prioritizing your health, safety, and rights is essential. Following a truck collision, you should follow these steps to ensure your safety and handle the situation appropriately:

• Call 911 to report your accident.
• Check your body for injuries. Check on the condition of other people involved.
• Wait for the police in a safe area. Disabled vehicles should ideally be moved to the side of the road.
• Do not admit fault when speaking with a legal or insurance authority. Instead, stick to factual information.
• Get medical help right away. Even if you don’t experience any symptoms, conducting tests and scans can detect possible internal injuries.
• Remember that some victims might feel guilty, which might cause their insurance company to deny their claim.
• Get a copy of the completed report. Send the local authorities a formal request.
• Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to learn how our California big-rig truck accident lawyers can help you.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Big Rig Accident Statistics

Drivers and passengers of trucks are more protected in an accident than those of cars or other small vehicles. It has been shown that passengers in smaller vehicles have a higher risk of suffering serious injuries in a collision or even dying. Trucks and big rigs can cause catastrophic accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 4,965 fatalities involving heavy vehicles in the US in 2020. A record 5,032 fatalities were reported in 2019, but there was a 5% decrease in fatalities the following year. Nevertheless, 71% of fatal car accidents in the US involve trucks.

In 2020, 8.9% of all vehicles involved in fatal collisions in the US were large trucks. In California in 2015, truck-car collisions claimed at least 90 lives. Texas and Florida were the only other states with at least 50 truck-related fatalities that year.