Khamlounh Thammaaly, of Arvin, Killed, P. Thammaaly, of Modesto, Injured In Lebec Semi-Truck Accident On Interstate 5 Near Grapevine Road Not Far From Fort Tejon and Bakersfield
LEBEC, CALIFORNIA (July 9, 2022) – One person identified as Khamlounh Thammaaly has tragically died in a Lebec semi-truck accident on Interstate 5 near Grapevine Road.
Kern County officials are saying that the accident took place around 9:47 a.m. on Sunday. P. Thammaaly was driving a Toyota Tundra and transporting Khamlounh Thammaaly when they were involved in a crash with a Peterbilt tractor-trailer truck.
An Acura driven by Jhovanni Hernanded was also involved in the collision. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help all of the victims.
Despite life-saving measures, Khamlounh Thammaaly died due to the severity of their injuries. P. Thammaaly and Jhovanni Hernanded were both treated for their injuries.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Lebec Semi-Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or injured every year in semi-truck accidents. There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a semi-truck accident. According to the FMCSA, “Fatigue, drinking alcohol, and speeding are major factors in motor vehicle crashes overall. Although their presence does not always result in a crash, these three factors, as well as other driver, vehicle, and environmental factors, can increase the risk that a crash will occur.” Truck companies should take a number of steps in order to prevent accidents.
- Truck drivers should be well trained.
- Commercial trucks should be periodically inspected and well-maintained.
- Trucks can be equipped with driver monitoring systems and forward collision avoidance systems.
Truck drivers will typically need to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. As professional driver’s, they must do everything in their power to avoid collisions. A large number of collisions are due to truck drivers that make dangerous lane changes. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22107, no person shall turn a vehicle right or left upon a roadway unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety. Part of the problem is that semi-trucks have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of other vehicles.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful acts of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a truck driver may have been delivering packages when they crashed. However, many truck companies will try to avoid liability for crashes by hiring drivers as “independent contractors.” There are a number of steps that should be taken after any truck accident.
- The employment status of the truck driver should be determined.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) should be examined.
The family of any victim that died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Surviving victims may also be able to pursue a claim. Unfortunately, truck companies often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Lebec Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Khamlounh Thammaaly. It is our sincere hope that P. Thammaaly and Jhovanni Hernanded will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Lebec semi-truck accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
