[11-13-2023] Kern County, CA – One Person Killed, 62-Year-Old Man Injured Following Fiery Two-Vehicle Crash Involving Big Rig Near Arvin

One person was killed, and a 62-year-old man was injured following a fiery truck vs. two-vehicle collision near Arvin on Monday afternoon, November 13, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 3:16 p.m. at the intersection of Wheeler Ridge Road and Herring Road.

The crash involved a 2015 Freightliner, a Ford truck, and a Chevrolet. The Ford went northbound and crossed the double yellow lines to pass the Chevrolet.

The Ford driver crashed into the front of the big rig after it entered the southbound lane. The Ford spun out of control and collided with the Chevrolet, which went off the road and rested on the dirt shoulder. The Ford was completely engulfed in flames and stopped on the road.

The Ford driver was injured and died at the scene. While the 51-year-old big rig driver suffered no injuries, the 62-year-old driver of the Chevrolet sustained minor injuries but was not taken to a nearby hospital.

The drivers of the Chevrolet and big rig wore seatbelts, but it is unclear whether alcohol or drugs played a role for the Ford driver.

After the crash, the big rig blocked the southbound traffic on Wheeler Road. There are currently no further details available regarding the crash.

Reputable Kern County Truck Accident Lawyers Specializing in Burn Injury Cases

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.

Contact one of our truck accident lawyers or burn injury lawyers for an initial consultation. Our seasoned legal team has provided professional assistance to truck accident victims for decades with great success, and we are confident of your success as well. We can assist you in obtaining the compensation that you deserve.

Get the reliable legal help you need from our leading Kern County 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.

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What to Do After A Truck Accident

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 or burn injury 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.Moving the vehicles may not be possible or safe in some cases if there are severe damages and injuries or when instructed otherwise by law enforcement. 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 fatalities were attributed to large truck accidents in 2021, which represents an increase of 17% from 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.

As with any accident, truck accidents can have many causes, such as a loss of control, tire blowouts, speeding, drifting out of lanes, sloppy maneuvering, or a driver who is tired or exhausted.