Tulare County, CA (September 15, 2023) 1 person is dead following a crash involving a freightliner on Highway 99, according to the California Highway Patrol. A 911 call came in right around 4:00 a.m. of a crash near Tangus Ranch in Tulare County.
It happened on northbound Highway 99, just south of Drive 92B. A Tulare man, age 40, was driving a 2015 Kia north on the highway in the number one lane. At the same time, a 66-year-old man from Delano, was driving a 2015 freightliner. He was also pulling a set of trailers. The Kia was speeding, according to authorities, and tried to overtake the freightliner.
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The Kia ended up going left onto the median shoulder. It crashed into water-filled barrels and then moved east, across north Highway 99, where it then struck the left front of the freightliner. The California Highway Patrol said that Kia continued east until it stopped on a dirt shoulder.
The driver of the freightliner stopped on the shoulder of the highway. Emergency crews were called, but the driver of the Kia was pronounced dead at that scene. It is still unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in this collision. CHP is currently investigating.
Liability In Tulare County Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Tulare County Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person killed in this accident. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Tulare County car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. 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 (844) 966-0965.
