Lines of tractor-trailers and box trucks can be expected along Interstate 5 through Kern County each day. Truck drivers can struggle to keep these heavy vehicles in one lane. They can also have a concerning amount of trouble stopping a fast-moving truck if traffic suddenly slows down on the interstate ahead.
A crash involving a big rig will often have devastating consequences for victims. The force of impact will be multiplied by the large truck. Victims in smaller vehicles can end up in crushed cars and SUVs that trap them inside until help arrives.
A Chain-Reaction Crash Claims a Life on I-5 in Kern County
A crash involving multiple vehicles left at least one person dead in western Kern County on Wednesday morning. According to KGET-TV, the tragic accident unfolded along Interstate 5 near the Buttonwillow Drive/Rowlee Road exit at around 10:30 a.m. on June 21, 2023.
KBAK-TV reported the chain-reaction crash involved two big rigs and an SUV in the northbound lanes. The California Highway Patrol discovered that a woman had been trapped in the SUV after it rolled and struck a tree. The collision sparked a grass fire. Investigators also said that fireworks in the car ignited in the crash.
Officials confirmed that at least one person was killed in the accident. It’s not clear if other victims were injured in the collision.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Support for Families After a Tragic Kern County I-5 Collision
For families who have lost a loved one in an accident, a wrongful death claim can provide a financial safety net. Close relatives will need economic protection for the future as they face the costs of a funeral and emergency response fees. An at-fault driver’s insurance company can be called upon in a wrongful death lawsuit to provide relief to a family forced to endure such a tragedy.
Trucking companies can also be included in wrongful death claims when their employees cause tragic accidents. A family can ask a business or corporation to contribute to their support through a difficult time. A settlement should include support for the future when the deceased won’t be able to provide care and financial assistance any longer.
Contact a Lawyer Serving Kern County Victims and Families
If you or a loved one were the victims of a careless truck driver, don’t allow insurance representatives to determine how much support you should receive. They work for their insurance companies and only desire to save money for their shareholders. Your recovery and your family’s recovery are much more important than their profits.
To make sure your family is protected from an insurance company’s unfair practices, contact an experienced Bakersfield truck accident lawyer such as Martin Gasparian for a free case consultation. If you feel Mr. Gasparian can help you earn more in support for family members left behind, you won’t need any upfront money. He doesn’t get paid unless he wins your case for you. Then the fee comes out of the settlement the family is awarded.
