One Man Died In Bakersfield Semi-Truck Accident on Highway 58 By H Street
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (March 9, 2023) – A man has tragically died in a Bakersfield semi-truck accident on Highway 58 not far away from H Street.
Kern County officials are saying that the accident took place last Thursday. A semi-truck driver hit a GMC Sierra before hitting a Toyota Tacoma and then hitting another semi-truck.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victims. Sadly, a 55-year-old man in the GMC died as a result of their injuries.
Neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to be factors in the crash.
Liability For Bakersfield Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks account for a relatively small number of the total vehicles on the road. But they also account for a disproportionate number of fatal collisions. According to the FMCSA, “In 2020, 4,998 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes, a 5-percent decrease from 2019. From 2019 to 2020, large truck and bus fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled by all motor vehicles increased from 0.162 to 0.177.” There are many steps that truck companies can take to prevent collisions.
- Truck companies should ensure that their drivers are well trained.
- Truck companies should make sure that their vehicles are periodically inspected and maintained.
- Truck companies can equip their vehicles with forward collision avoidance systems.
Trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs and can take much longer to stop than other vehicles. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, no person shall drive a motor vehicle faster than what would be prudent and reasonable given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting another vehicle, they could face liability for the crash. Victims of semi-truck accidents often suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain damage
- Organ damage
When a truck driver is negligent and causes a fatal collision, the company that they work for could be held at fault. However, many truck companies try to evade liability for crashes by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.” The family of any person that died due to the negligent actions of a truck driver may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. 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 Kern County Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man that died in this collision. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the California Highway Patrol. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Bakersfield semi-truck accident? Our team of truck safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the information and support that they are entitled to under the law. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
