Bay Area Man Killed In Fresno Semi-Truck Accident on Interstate 5

 Subaru Outback Was Stopped on Interstate 5 in Fresno Before Fatal Crash Involving Volvo Tractor-Trailer 

FRESNO, CALIFORNIA (December 9, 2024) – A 24-year-old man from the Bay Area has tragically died in a Fresno semi-truck accident on Interstate 5, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Fresno County officials are saying that the incident took place around 12:05 a.m. on Monday. A man from Menlo Park was in a Subaru Outback stopped in the roadway.

A 2023 Volvo Freightliner tractor-trailer did not stop and crashed into the rear of the Subaru. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victims.

The man from Menlo Park sadly died due to his injuries. Officials are saying that the driver and four other occupants sustained minor to moderate injuries.

A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time. 

Liability for Fresno County Semi-Truck Accidents 

Semi-trucks account for a relatively small number of the total vehicles on the roadway. According to the National Safety Council, “A total of 5,936 people died in large-truck crashes in 2022. The number of deaths increased 2% from 2021 and is up 49% in the last 10 years. The majority of deaths in large-truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles (70%), followed by truck occupants (19%), and non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists (11%).” Truck companies should take a number of measures in order to prevent collisions.

• Truck drivers should be well-trained in how their particular rig operates.
• Truck companies should periodically inspect and maintain all of their vehicles.
• Truck companies should consider installing safety features such as forward collision avoidance systems. 

Truck drivers are required to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL). They are expected to understand how to operate their vehicle safely in all road conditions. Despite this, many truck accidents involve drivers that are speeding or following other vehicles too closely. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21703, “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway.” If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid a collision, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

Depending on the unique facts of any case, liability for any collision could extend beyond an at-fault driver. In particular, the company that a truck driver worked for could face liability. Companies are typically liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, truck companies will often hire their drivers as “independent contractors” to evade liability for accidents involving their drivers. It is important that certain steps are taken after any truck accident.

• Surveillance footage should be sought.
• The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.
• Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
• Medical records related to the accident should be preserved.

Truck accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to involve truck drivers who are either distracted or fatigued. Part of the problem is that truck companies often push their drivers to complete delivery routes on unrealistic time schedules. This may lead a truck driver to become dangerously fatigued. When a truck driver acts negligently and causes a fatal collision, they could be held accountable through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating Fresno County Semi-Truck Accidents 

We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man who died in this Fresno County truck accident. It is our sincere hope that all of the other victims are able to make a full recovery. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place.

Do you need more information about a Fresno semi-truck accident? Our team of truck accident attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that truck companies are held to account for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.