Fatal Truck Accident on State Route 152
Officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a report of a fatal truck accident in the area of Palm Avenue and State Route 152 in Merced County on the night of Friday, October 1, 2021. The traffic collision occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m. and involved a 2021 Toyota Camry and a 2018 Kenworth truck.
Details on the Fatal Truck Accident Reported on State Route 152
A press release by officials revealed that a 38-year-old Visalia man was driving the Toyota with two passengers eastbound on SR-152 in the No. 1 Lane approaching Palm Avenue. At the same time, the Kenworth driven by a 51-year-old Avenal man was traveling southbound on Palm Avenue. CHP traffic officers reported that the Kenworth attempted to cross the eastbound lanes of Highway 152 and in the direct path of the Toyota.
The Toyota driver applied the brakes and turned in an attempt to avoid a truck accident. Unfortunately, the Toyota struck the middle of the second trailer of the big rig that carried tomatoes. The truck driver initially pulled over on the side SR-152 on suspicion of his big rig experiencing a possible mechanical issue. After the vehicle was inspected, the trucker found the Toyota trapped beneath the trailer of the big rig and contacted emergency personnel for assistance.
The Toyota driver was transported to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto for treatment of serious injuries. The right rear passenger of the Toyota, a 57-year-old Visalia man, was taken to Memorial Hospital in Modesto for treatment of injuries described as minor. Sadly, the front seat passenger succumbed to his injuries. The Merced County Coroner’s Office has identified the decedent as William Ainsworth, 64, of Dos Palos. Additional information on the fatal truck accident was not immediately available.
How a Wrongful Death Claim May Help
The unexpected loss of a close relative may leave surviving family members with more than mental anguish. These sudden losses may result in financial burdens for survivors. While no amount of money may ever make up for the void left in the lives of those left behind to pick up the pieces, the family must still continue to support themselves while coping with loss and grief. Taking legal action to make up for such losses is essential, and this process generally involves bringing a wrongful death claim against the party responsible for the fatal incident. Not only will a civil case help in holding the at-fault party accountable for their actions, but it will also provide the family with the answers and financial recovery in which they need to move forward.
Getting into a traffic collision with a large commercial truck is more challenging and complex than a typical passenger car accident. A passenger vehicle is no match against the overwhelming size and weight of a tractor-trailer, further increasing the risk of traumatic injury or even death for involved parties. This is why there are often severe emotional and financial consequences that may result from these types of accidents. Since the safe transportation of goods falls under the responsibility of trucking companies and truck drivers, these parties may be held liable for the harm they cause if a big rig crash were to occur. The process is not always straightforward as negligent parties, and insurance companies may dispute fault for the incident as a way of limiting their liability. As such, this may put claimants in a predicament, particularly if they are surviving family members looking to bring a wrongful death action against those responsible for their loss.
Fortunately, an experienced accident attorney understands the devastation that a fatal big rig crash may have on survivors, unlike negligent parties and insurers. When a family retains legal counsel early in the process, they can rest assured knowing that all aspects of their case will be addressed and handled accordingly. What a skilled truck accident lawyer can do for a family is conducting an independent investigation of the incident to properly determine liability, send letters of preservation of evidence to the truck driver and trucking company, negotiate a fair settlement with the insurer, and file a lawsuit in civil court if the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate a fair settlement. For details on how to find the best Merced wrongful death lawyer, watch this video.
How Our Legal Team Can Help You and Your Family
Since 1982, our personal injury law firm has handled truck accident cases on behalf of injured parties and families in the golden state, and we can help you too. Insurers and trucking companies anticipate claims regarding truck accidents and usually act quickly to protect themselves from liability for the incident. Your family can depend on our legal team to protect your rights and best interests throughout the process. We will devote our resources, skills, and experience to obtain a favorable outcome in your case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
Truck Accident Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced truck accident lawyer. After the loss of a loved one, you may have limited information in the aftermath of the incident. However, our legal team is available anytime to seek the answers your family does not have and work diligently to obtain justice on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. A member of our team may go over the details of your case and provide free, friendly advice on how to move forward.
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For more than three decades, our injury lawyers have helped the people of Merced County and across California recover fair compensation in accidents caused by the negligence of others. See how we have resolved cases for past clients by heading over to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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