[09-08-2022] Kern County, CA – Passenger Killed in Fatal Traffic Collision Involving Big Rig on Copus Road

According to a California Highway Patrol, a passenger was killed in a fatal big rig crash on Copus Road on Thursday, September 8.

The crash occurred at 6:48 a.m. on Copus Road, west of Interstate 5.

A passenger in a 2004 Ford died when the vehicle he was in crashed trying to pass a big rig.

According to the press release, the Ford attempted to pass a 2014 Peterbilt semi-trailer unsuccessfully.

The driver attempted to pass the truck by moving into the eastbound lane but ran out of room.

He collided with the large truck as he attempted to move back into the westbound lane.

The car then left the road and overturned as the driver lost control. The driver’s injuries from the collision were moderate. The passenger was declared dead at the scene; his identity has not yet been made public. According to the CHP, both of the Ford occupants are from Lamont.

The CHP is still investigating the crash.

Fatal Big Rig Accident Statistics

The economy cannot function without commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks. The American trucking industry transports goods worth billions of dollars every year. The abundance of semi-trucks on the road increases the risk of accidents for other drivers.

Semi-truck accidents are responsible for more fatalities than any other type of vehicle collision. As a result of its size, other vehicles find it difficult to avoid big rigs.

Since 2009, the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation has shown a 30% increase in fatalities involving big rig trucks. Big rig negligence resulted in the deaths of approximately 4102 people in traffic accidents in 2017.

Commercial truck crashes claim the lives and injuries of most people in California. A total of 3,606 people lost their lives due to 3,316 fatal car accidents in 2019. Heavy-duty truck accidents claimed the lives of 44 people in more than 300 fatalities.

To avoid being struck by a commercial truck while passing, keep your distance from the truck’s blind spot as much as possible. The most dangerous option is to be seated on the passenger side of the truck, which has a larger blind spot than the driver’s side. The driver’s side is the only place to pass when making a lane switch.

Kern County Big Rig Accident Lawyers

The investigation, expert testimony, and creative use of discovery procedures are critical to a successful tractor-trailer accident case. One cannot overstate the importance of thoroughly investigating the accident scene. An investigator on your side should be able to respond quickly as soon as the trucking company is made aware of the accident.

Losing a family member in a tragic truck accident can be devastating. A big rig accident attorney from Arash Law can help you.

The family of the deceased must have their legal rights upheld. All of your losses should be compensated for. In addition to actual losses, these losses include those that aren’t seen, such as pain and suffering, and those that haven’t happened yet, such as medical bills in the future.

Our Kern County big rig accident lawyers at Arash Law have the knowledge and experience necessary to help victims of trucking accidents to get the compensation they are entitled to receive. In addition to vigorously advocating on behalf of injured clients, we will also protect your legal right to compensation.

Call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our online intake form to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.