Sometimes the most dangerous threats to drivers on rural Kern County roads aren’t the motorists sharing their lanes. A small mistake by a driver in oncoming lanes can be much more hazardous and lead to a devastating head-on collision.
Big delivery trucks and farm trucks frequently travel local roads. Any accidents involving these giant vehicles can create even more damage. The weight and shape of semi-trucks can easily cause severe injuries and quickly threaten the lives of all accident victims.
Two People Tragically Killed After Accident Involving Big Rigs in Kern County
Two people lost their lives in a collision involving three vehicles west of Wasco Wednesday morning. KGET-TV reports the accidents occurred along Highway 46 on October 5, 2022.
The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene at around 5:46 a.m. They determined that a 32-year-old man from Bakersfield was driving a 2022 Freightliner semi-truck eastbound on SR46 east of Gun Club Road. For an unknown reason, the truck driver went over a broken yellow line into the westbound lanes and struck a 2010 Freightliner driven by a 33-year-old man from Wasco.
The driver of a 2003 Toyota, also traveling westbound, turned right to avoid a collision but was struck by the first big rig. The Toyota overturned and then the semi-truck turned over on top of it.
Two victims in the Toyota were killed. It was not clear from the accident report if the truck drivers suffered injuries. CHP investigators say drugs or alcohol were not factors in the crash. They continue to work to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Support for Families After a Kern County Truck Accident
The families of victims lost in a tragic truck collision are encouraged to file a wrongful death claim. This civil claim is filed against an at-fault truck driver’s insurance company and provides important financial protection for close relatives of the victim.
A wrongful death lawsuit helps the family pay for a memorial service and burial costs and any remaining ambulance and emergency response fees. An insurance settlement or judgment could also factor in the loss of guidance and weekly income the deceased can no longer provide in the years ahead.
Contact a Lawyer Serving Kern County Truck Accident Victims
After an accident involving the loss of a loved one, contact an experienced Kern County Truck Accident Lawyer such as Martin Gasparian for a free consultation. This consultation comes with no risk to you. It’s an opportunity to discover the benefits available to you and your family after a tragic truck accident.
When a semi-truck is involved in an accident there may be more than one party responsible for providing insurance support. The truck driver should have commercial auto accident insurance coverage. The company that employs the driver could also be held liable for providing support to the family of the victim. A skilled personal injury lawyer will be able to identify every party that should be accountable and make sure your family receives full support after a tragedy.
