Fatal Truck Accident on State Route 145 in Madera
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Madera area office reported a fatal truck accident that occurred on State Route 145 on the evening of Thursday, August 5, 2021. The big rig crash occurred at the intersection of SR-145 and Avenue 6.
Details on the Fatal Truck Accident on State Route 145 in Madera County
A preliminary report by CHP traffic officers revealed that a minivan with two occupants was struck by a tractor-trailer at the intersection. Officials said the minivan caught fire following the incident.
The truck driver suffered injuries described as minor while the passenger of the minivan was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno for treatment of serious injuries. Sadly, the minivan driver suffered fatal injuries in the crash. Additional details on the truck accident were not immediately available.
Loss of a Loved One
The loss of a close relative is heartbreaking for any family. However, it may be more difficult to come to terms with when it was the result of a truck accident that could have been prevented altogether. In such situations, surviving family members may be able to bring a claim against those responsible for their loss. No wrongful death case is straightforward, but those arising from big rig crashes are particularly challenging. The complexity may come from the various parties and entities who may be listed in the lawsuit. Between the truck driver, trucking company, owner of the big rig, the entity whose goods were transported, and several insurers, the lawyers of such parties may make these cases stressful and overwhelming.
Truckers have a legal duty to operate their tractor-trailers in a safe and responsible manner. Trucking companies and manufacturers of big rigs and their parts must follow federal and state regulations. Commercial insurance carriers are focused on protecting their bottom line and will do so by paying as little as possible on claims filed against their insured. Some of the ways in which they may accomplish this is by delaying an investigation, not responding to calls or e-mails, and ask for recorded statements from claims to impact their chances of recovering fair compensation. Insurance negotiations may be a long and stressful process, to say the least.
If all attempts at a fair settlement fail with the insurance company and the claimant does not want to settle with the lowball offer the insurer has made, a civil lawsuit may be filed to not only move the case forward but also to protect the statute of limitations. Keep in mind that a lawsuit may also bring its own unique set of challenges in the form of deadlines for when responses and claims must be filed, rules on what evidence may be brought forward, and court rules. Only a Madera wrongful death attorney who is experienced in handling truck accident cases will know the best way to proceed in the situation. For information on how to select the best attorney to handle your wrongful death claim, watch this video.
What Our Law Firm Can Do for Your Family
After a tractor-trailer accident, trucking companies will act quickly to protect their best interests. This may mean that they will use resources to downplay the value of claims or outright deny them. In such situations, it is essential to consult with a lawyer after a big rig crash has caused traumatic injuries or claimed the life of a close relative.
At our law firm, we have the experience, resources, and history of successful case outcomes to hold at-fault parties accountable for your loss. We will work in your best interest by handling all aspects of your case to ensure you receive justice and fair compensation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Madera
I’m Ed Smith, a Madera personal injury lawyer. The sheer size and weight of a commercial truck may make any traffic collision between a big rig and a passenger vehicle serious and potentially fatal. Our lawyers have helped countless families of those injured or killed in big rig crashes, and we can help you through this difficult time too. Contact us today for details on how we can help and receive free, friendly advice on how to move forward in your case at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400.
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At our law firm, our attorneys have represented the interests of injured parties and families of decedents across California in truck accident cases since 1982. Learn how we have resolved such cases by visiting our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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