[10-25-2023] Kern County, CA – One Person Killed, Another Injured Following Semi-Truck Collision on Highway 43 Near Bakersfield

One person was killed, and another was injured after a two-vehicle truck collision near Bakersfield on Wednesday afternoon, October 25, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on Highway 43, north of Panama Lane, around 12:15 p.m.

Authorities said a semi-truck was traveling north on the highway at 57 mph when a 42-year-old Bakersfield man veered into the truck’s path for unknown reasons, resulting in the head-on collision.

The Kia overturned and landed on its side, while the truck ended up on the west shoulder of the highway. The Kia driver was declared dead at the scene, and the truck driver sustained minor injuries.

It is unclear if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the incident. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending an investigation to determine what caused the crash.

Dedicated Truck Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield, CA

There can be serious physical, emotional, and financial repercussions following a truck accident. You must obtain legal representation in such situations to protect your rights and receive the maximum compensation possible.

Our seasoned legal team has provided professional assistance to truck accident victims for decades with great success. Let us help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

You can rely on the advice of our most trusted Bakersfield truck accident lawyers at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq.’s direction, to help you with your insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings.

Our firm has recovered over $750 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 lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After A Truck Accident in Bakersfield

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, make sure to inform your insurance provider and contact one of our award-winning California truck accident lawyers.

1. Do not leave the scene and call the police right away. The police’s duties at the scene of an accident include directing traffic, clearing the scene of debris, and assisting any injured parties. As a neutral party, their investigation reports add credibility to your case and will prove negligence.The California Vehicle Code also requires drivers to report accidents involving death or injury within 24 hours. Don’t admit fault or guilt, but cooperate fully with law enforcement. Lastly, stay at the scene until instructed otherwise to avoid legal repercussions.
2. Contact emergency responders and immediately seek medical attention. Even if you think you were uninjured after a truck accident, let the emergency personnel examine you. You may be unable to assess the full extent of your injuries due to adrenaline rush and shock. Some injuries may even appear days later. Only a medical examination can detect health issues before they become noticeable.Records of medical visits, diagnosis, treatment, medications, and related expenses are valuable for building a strong case. Insurance companies and courts could assume the victims weren’t really harmed if they didn’t seek medical attention. This leads to inadequate compensation. So make sure you keep all of them.
3. Move vehicles to the shoulder of the road if possible. Truck accidents almost always cause obstructions on the road, leading to traffic congestion. 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. Further accidents can be prevented with this.In some cases, including severe damages and injuries, or when instructed otherwise by law enforcement, moving the vehicles may not be possible or safe. Follow the instructions of emergency responders in these situations.

At this point, you may not be considering filing a truck accident claim, as ensuring your safety and that of others is paramount. Still, it is vital to know the steps involved in filing a claim and to go through with it as soon as possible.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Truck Accident Statistics

A total of 4,714 people were killed in large truck accidents in 2021, an increase of 17% over the previous year. Truck occupants accounted for 16% of these deaths, cars and other passenger vehicles accounted for 68%, and pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists made up 15%.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the number of people who died in large truck crashes was 50% higher in 2021 than in 2009. The number of truck occupants who died was 68% higher than in 2009.

The causes of truck accidents include loss of control, tire blowouts, excessive speed, lane drifting, improper maneuvering, and driver fatigue.