[11-19-2024] Monterey County, CA – Three Injured After Semitrailer Collides with Car on Highway 101 Near Salinas

Three people were injured after a semitrailer collided with a car on Highway 101 just south of Salinas on Tuesday evening, November 19, 2024.

The California Highway Patrol reported that the semitrailer was southbound on Highway 101 at around 5:32 p.m. when it made a left turn onto Somavia Road and was hit by a northbound car.

The impact caused the car, a Ford, to get stuck under the trailer. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to extricate the driver, while Good Samaritans freed the toddler in the backseat. The front passenger was able to exit on his own.

The driver and passenger, both juveniles from Chualar, along with the toddler, were taken to a local hospital. One juvenile was airlifted to a trauma center, and all three are reported to be stable.

The semitrailer driver was uninjured. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors.

Call Our Dedicated Truck Accident Attorneys In Salinas, CA

If you’re injured in a truck accident in Salinas, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. Our personal injury lawyers can help you pursue legal action against the negligent parties. We can guide you through the process of recovering damages and ensure that you obtain the best possible outcome for your case.

You can rely on our dedicated Salinas truck accident attorneys under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with your insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings if necessary. Arash Law 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 personal injury lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After A Truck Accident In Salinas, CA

After a terrifying truck accident, staying calm and taking the right steps can make a huge difference in your recovery, both physically and financially. Our Salinas truck accident attorneys recommend doing the following to protect your rights and interests:

1. Move to a safe location and assess your injuries. Call 911 to receive immediate medical attention. Even if you feel fine, don’t wait too long to see a medical professional. Remember that adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries can take time to become apparent.
2. Report the incident to the police. The authorities can document the scene and gather witness statements while the details are still fresh. A police report will also be a key document if you decide to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action later on.
3. Document the accident scene. Gather as much proof as you can. Take photos and videos of the location of the crash, your injuries, damaged properties, and the truck involved. You can also ask any eyewitnesses to give testimonies.
4. Note all the vital information. Jot down the names and contact details of all concerned parties.
5. Notify the insurance companies. However, you must remember not to overshare and admit fault. Be cautious of your words, as they could adversely impact your claim later on.
6. Seek legal assistance from Arash Law. Our attorneys in Salinas, who specialize in truck accident cases, can take care of all the legal procedures, from investigating the accident to representing you in court.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Truck Accidents Statistics

According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, in 2022, a total of 4,764 people lost their lives in crashes involving large trucks. Of these fatalities, 17% were truck occupants, 66% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 16% were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.

The number of deaths in large truck crashes increased by 51% compared to 2009, which had the lowest fatality count since data collection began in 1975. Additionally, the number of truck occupants who died in 2022 was 83% higher than in 2009.