[02-09-2021] Kern County, CA – Fatal Big Rig Crash in Bakersfield Results in One Death

A 21-year-old man identified as Christoper Lewis Durr was killed after a deadly big rig crash in Bakersfield on Tuesday afternoon, February 9.

According to the California Highway Patrol’s initial reports, the accident transpired at around 2:06 p.m. on Copus Road, just west of Highway 99.

Durr was initially driving his Kia Rio westbound on Copus Road when, for unexplained reasons, his vehicle drifted onto the opposite lane and directly into the path of an eastbound Peterbilt 3-axle truck towing two dump trailers and hauling dry asphalt.

Due to the collision’s severity, the trailers of the big rig overturned, and dry asphalt was spilled on the road.

The Kia driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The big rig driver sustained minor injuries from the crash and was taken to Kern Medical for treatment.

Local authorities are currently investigating the case. They will attempt to determine the factors and the liability in the accident.

Fatal Big Rig Accident Statistics

Big rig accidents are more deadly compared to other types of road accidents. It’s mainly because of the considerable size difference of big rig trucks compared to other vehicles. A fully loaded big rig needs as much as 20 to 40 percent more stopping distance.

Big rigs are essential in California’s economy. The California Department of Transportation shares that the major mode of freight transportation in California is big rigs. More than 78 percent of the communities in the State of California rely exclusively on big rigs to move their cargo. Unfortunately, big rig-related accidents have been on the rise over recent years.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), big rig trucks have increased by 30 percent since 2009. There were 4,102 traffic fatalities involving a big rig in 2017 alone.

Big rig accidents are caused by various factors like loss of control of the truck, a tire blowout, a disabling or non-disabling vehicle failure, excessive speed, lane drifting, improper truck maneuvering, and driver fatigue.

Wrongful Death Claim for Victims of Fatal Big Rig Accidents in Kern County

When facing cases like this, it’s vital to have an experienced Kern County wrongful death attorney specializing in fatal big rig accidents to conduct an independent investigation and assist them with getting a wrongful death claim.

Through the wrongful death claim, the victim’s family can seek compensation for the damages (such as loss of income and companionship, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress) that the fatal accident has caused them.

If you or a loved one has been injured or, worse – killed in a big rig accident, you need the professional legal counsel of an experienced big rig truck accident attorney.

The dedicated legal team at Arash Law in California has the experience, knowledge, and commitment to guide your claim toward its most beneficial outcome skillfully. We’re standing by to help – 24 hours a day and seven days a week – so please give us a call at (888) 488-1391 today.  Our offices are located in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Riverside, Woodland Hills, Orange County and are more than happy to travel to your home, office, or place of recovery.