With major highways running in and out of Madera and a variety of pit stops along the way, it is no surprise that accidents happen every day in the area. Large tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles are a necessity on our roads, taking products from one place to another so that they can be offered on shelves for consumers. Even though truck drivers endure specialized training before they hit the roads, truck accidents can still happen in a second and turn lives upside-down.
What seems like a minor fender-bender can actually be incredibly catastrophic when a tractor-trailer is involved. This is because trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds more than an average passenger vehicle. Those who have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident may wonder what their next steps should be after an accident.
One Seriously Injured in Semi-Truck Accident in Madera
One person suffered from serious injuries due to a semi-truck accident that took place in Madera on Thursday. Your Central Valley reports that the accident occurred around 8 a.m. in the southbound lanes of Highway 99 near the Avenue 12 area on August 10, 2023.
California Highway Patrol officials confirmed that the accident happened when traffic started to slow down and came to a stop in the southbound lanes. There was semi-truck traveling in the fast lane and the driver was unable to stop in time, rear-ending a pickup truck with a trailer attached to the back. This set off a chain-reaction that caused another vehicle to slam into the previous wreck.
When fire crews and EMS arrived on scene, they discovered that one of the involved drivers was pinned in their vehicle. The victim was seriously injured and airlifted to a local hospital for treatment of traumatic injuries.
Police say that the driver of the pickup truck fled the scene without stopping. A large portion of the road was blocked in the area until police cleared the scene. At this time, California Highway Patrol continues its investigation into the collision.
Determining Who is Liable Following a Madera Truck Accident
Truck accidents that occur on our major highways, especially those at high speeds, are bound to lead to extensive property damage and severe injuries. Individuals and their families have the option to bring a personal injury claim but there could be many complexities to keep in mind when it comes to these claims. Not only are there many laws and regulations that govern truck accidents, but there are also many parties who could be liable for one of these collisions. Here are some of the most common parties who cause truck accidents each year in California:
- Truck drivers
- Truck owners
- Trucking companies
- Manufacturers of truck parts
- Cargo loaders
If you have been hurt in a truck accident, the insurance company could start calling immediately. Because insurance companies are always looking to pay out as little as possible, they could offer you a settlement amount that does not cover your injuries and other damages. This can leave you in a difficult financial position as you focus on your physical recovery.
Contact a Madera Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been hurt or killed in a truck accident, it is important that you speak with a Madera truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. The benefits that are available for you after an accident will not become readily apparent until you speak with an attorney who understands the ins and outs of truck accident claims. You should not have to focus on the stress caused by a truck accident on your own. Please contact us at Maison Law for a free consultation that is totally confidential so that you can start healing.
