To travelers in Merced, the sight of large trucks and big rigs is not uncommon. Tow trucks, delivery trucks, and agricultural and manufacturing trucks all use local highways day and night. Those trucks can take a while to gain speed and they can also take longer to slow down.
When truck drivers aren’t paying proper attention to the road, they can look up and get little warning about traffic that’s come to a stop ahead. If the braking distance doesn’t give a truck driver enough space to stop, a devastating accident can occur.
Accident Involving a Tow Truck and a Big Rig Claims Motorist’s Life in Merced County
The driver of a car had his life taken from him after a collision with a tow truck and a semi-truck. It happened in the community of Hilmar in Merced County on Monday afternoon. KFSN-TV reports the accident took place around 5:45 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 165 and American Avenue on December 5, 2022.
The California Highway Patrol determined that a 28-year-old driver in a car was making a left turn when the vehicle was rear-ended by a tow truck. The car was pushed into the opposite lanes where it was struck by a big rig carrying molasses.
The injured driver in the car was rushed to a local hospital where he tragically died. The two truck drivers involved were not injured.
The roadway remained shut down while emergency crews cleaned up molasses that spilled onto the road. The California Highway Patrol officers continue to investigate what led up to the collisions.
Securing Assistance for Families After a Frightening Truck Accident
Families left to try to cope with the loss of a loved one after a highway accident can wonder how to protect themselves in the coming months and years. They’ll face the leftover medical bills and the funeral costs stemming from a fatal collision. Close relatives might also experience a major loss of income now that the victim can no longer provide weekly financial support.
To safeguard a spouse, and children of the deceased, families can file a wrongful death claim against an at-fault driver. In cases involving a truck driver’s mistake, the trucking company the driver works for might also be held liable. This could mean additional support is made available to family members.
Contact a Merced County Truck Accident Lawyer
After a truck accident claims the life of a precious loved one, speak with a Merced Big Rig Accident Attorney. You should know about every benefit available to your family. In some cases, both a truck driver and a trucking company can be forced to provide those left behind with substantial support.
Contact Maison Law for a free case consultation with Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law. It’s a no-risk way to talk to a real local lawyer about how to best protect your family after a tragic accident.
