[07-24-2023] Fresno County, CA – Highway 41 Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving Big Rig Killed One Woman, Injured Five Others Including Child

A woman was killed, while five others, including a child, were injured after a multi-vehicle collision in Fresno on Monday afternoon, July 24, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection responded to the accident on Highway 41 and Elkhorn by 12:45 p.m.

The driver of a Ford F-450 pickup truck was distracted and failed to react to a traffic stop on the road ahead and rear-ended a Toyota, which hit a Chevy, causing it to crash into a big rig trailer. The Ford F-450 landed atop the Toyota, killing its female passenger.

Two other occupants were inside the Toyota, an injured driver and a 3-year-old in the back seat. There were also reported injuries inside the Chevrolet.

The victims were transported to a local hospital, with one sustaining significant injuries and another four with less severe injuries.

No information was disclosed regarding their identities, as authorities are still investigating.

Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers in Fresno, CA

The families of individuals who have suffered fatal or severe injuries in a negligent accident have the right to initiate legal action against the responsible driver. If you or your loved one has been harmed in a car accident in California through no fault of your own, it is crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced attorney promptly.

During the initial consultation, our skilled distracted driving accident lawyers will assess the details of your case, guide the following steps, and clarify the various factors that can impact the ultimate settlement amount.

You can rely on our most trusted Fresno distracted driving accident attorneys at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to represent you in these court proceedings effectively. 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 Should You Do After a Distracted Driving Accident?

After a distracted driving accident, taking immediate action is vital to protect your well-being and legal rights. This guide outlines essential steps to follow, ensuring you confidently navigate the aftermath and seek support.

• Ensure Safety: First, 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 immediately call for medical assistance. Even if you feel fine, getting a medical evaluation is advisable as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the appropriate authorities, such as the police or highway patrol. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the incident.
• Document the Scene: Gather evidence from the accident scene if it is safe. Take photos of the vehicles involved, visible damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Also, collect contact information from witnesses present at the scene.
• Exchange Information: Exchange contact, insurance, and driver’s license details with the other party involved in the accident. Avoid discussing fault or liability at the scene.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance provider to report the accident and initiate the claims process. Provide them with accurate and factual information about the incident.
• Consult with an Attorney: Consider seeking legal advice from a reputable distracted accident victim attorney in California specializing in reckless accidents. They can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you pursue fair compensation.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Distracted Driving Statistics

A Bankrate report states that over 400 deaths in the United States resulted from texting and driving in 2017. Your cognitive skills are affected in specific ways when texting while driving. A study by Bankrate indicates that texting while driving puts you twenty times more at risk of crashing.

Taking four beers in one hour has the same effect on your reaction time as texting. The average text takes five seconds to read, so if you are driving 55 mph, you will travel longer than the length of a football in five seconds. Distracted driving isn’t limited to texting while driving.

In 2017, thousands more deaths were caused by distracted driving, and tens of thousands of people were injured. The United States continues to experience these trends year after year. Every year, hundreds of millions of dollars are lost to damage.

Driving laws continue prohibiting cell phone use while driving in many states. Nonetheless, all drivers must pay attention to the road at all times. This is a legal requirement. The negligent driver who causes an accident due to distraction is legally responsible for compensating the injured victim.