One person was killed, while two others were injured after a fiery vehicle vs. truck crash in San Bernardino County on Monday afternoon, July 15, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Old Woman Springs Road near Rattlesnake Canyon Road and Joshua Tree Road.
CHP described the accident as a head-on collision between an unspecified vehicle and a commercial truck carrying several propane tanks. It is still unclear how they crashed into each other, but it reportedly led to a fire that engulfed both vehicles. Thanks to the responding fire officials, the fire was said to be put out less than an hour later.
Authorities later confirmed that one person had died. It is not immediately known if the fatality occurred as a result of the crash itself or the fire that happened right after. Further information regarding the identity of the deceased is not available at this time.
Two people were also said to be injured in the collision. The injured individuals, whose names, ages, and genders are currently unknown, were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities have yet to disclose which vehicles the victims were in at the time of the accident. The official cause of the fatal incident is also still under investigation.
Additional details were not immediately available.
Seek Help From Our Reputable Truck Accident Lawyers In San Bernardino County
There can be serious physical, emotional, and financial repercussions following a truck collision. You must seek legal representation after a truck accident to protect your rights and receive the maximum compensation possible. Our injury law firm in San Bernardino County is here to be your guiding hand.
Seek legal advice from our truck accident lawyers through a free initial consultation. With decades of experience and a long list of success stories, our law firm, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will successfully represent you and your family in a truck accident claim.
You can rely on our reputable San Bernardino County truck accident attorneys 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 San Bernardino County 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, inform your insurance provider and contact our award-winning law firm. Here is a detailed guide on what you should do after a truck accident:
- Move vehicles to the shoulder of the road. 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. If moving the vehicles is not possible or safe, follow the instructions of emergency responders.
- Contact emergency responders and immediately seek medical attention. Even if you think you were uninjured, let the emergency personnel examine you, as some injuries may appear days later. Records of medical visits, diagnosis, treatment, medications, and related expenses are valuable for building a strong case.
- Gather information from other drivers involved. Whenever possible, exchange all necessary information with the other drivers involved in the crash. This includes each party’s name, contact number, license number, plate number, insurance provider, and policy number.
- If you are able, take photos and videos of the scene. Take as many pictures and videos as possible, documenting the state of your car, the other vehicles involved, any nearby objects like skid marks and guardrails, and even conversations or interactions with other people.
- Take photos of your injuries. Take pictures of the injuries you or others have sustained. This is one essential way to document the damages you have incurred.
- Obtain witness testimonies. When an accident occurs, many individuals are usually around to help out. Exchange as much information as you can with them to strengthen your case.
- Notify your insurance provider about the accident. Don’t feel obligated to provide any official or recorded statements right away. Your financial recovery could be negatively impacted if you confess fault for the accident or allow yourself to be misled into doing so.
- Do not admit fault – This is one of the common mistakes people tend to make following any vehicular accident. Stick only to the facts of what happened when speaking with a police officer. Be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision.
- Keep a journal. Doing so will help you remember every thought and emotion you have experienced throughout the whole recovery process. Tracking how long it took you to improve after an accident is crucial evidence for any personal injury claim.
- Contact the skilled California truck accident lawyers at Arash Law. Our California truck accident lawyers go beyond finding simple and quick settlements. They identify all liable parties to get you the most money back. Furthermore, our team answers the questions and concerns of many victims.
If you’re having trouble securing the accident report from the authorities or an insurer keeps on calling you about the accident, our California truck accident lawyers can assist you in communicating with them.
Truck Accidents Statistics
Large truck accidents were responsible for 4,714 fatalities in total in 2021, a 17% rise from the year before. 66% of these deaths were related to cars and other passenger vehicles, 16% were related to trucks, and 15% involved pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that there were 50% more fatalities in big truck crashes in 2021 than there were in 2009. There were 68% more truck occupant deaths in 2010 than there were in 2009.
Truck crashes can occur for a variety of reasons, as with any other accident, including driver fatigue or exhaustion, speeding, drifting out of lanes, losing control, and tire blowouts.