Merced, CA (March 8, 2023) – On March 6, troopers were the California Highway Patrol were called to the scene of a crash that took place in the Merced area involving a semi-truck.
At around 11:30 p.m., authorities were notified that an automobile accident occurred on Highway 99.
According to officials, an SUV and a big rig collided on Highway 99 in the area of O Street during the evening hours. The impact of the crash caused the semi-truck to jackknife and overturn down a steep embankment.
The driver of the big rig became trapped inside their vehicle. Firefighters responded to the scene of the accident to extricate the victim. Authorities pronounced the man deceased from his injuries while on-site.
The driver of the SUV, 35-year-old Anthony Carrasco, was taken into police custody and arrested on suspicion of DUI.
The circumstances surrounding the accident are being investigated.
Fatal Truck Accidents in California
Fatal accidents in California take the lives of thousands of people annually. Hundreds of these accidents involve big rigs, semi-trucks, and other commercial vehicles. Regrettably, there are various factors that contribute to these accidents taking place often. One of the most common factors is negligence. In fact, four out of every five accidents that occur in California and across the nation involve some form of driver error. One common factor in many accidents across our state is impairment.
In California, nearly 2.7 fatalities out of every 100,000 residents occur each year as a result of alcohol-related traffic accidents. These accidents are often preventable. However, reckless drivers continue to enter the roadway while under the influence. When drivers consume alcohol, it significantly impacts their judgment. It also makes it harder for them to distinguish colors and traffic control devices. They often experience delayed reaction times, which can lead to them crashing into other vehicles or making irresponsible decisions while behind the wheel. Even though we have several laws in place to prevent drivers from operating their vehicles while impaired, we continue to see the devastating aftermath.
If your loved one died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, it is crucial that you seek help from a wrongful death lawyer in Merced as soon as possible. Seeking help from a skilled legal team as soon as possible can help to ensure your family is able to recover compensation to alleviate some of the damages that your family has been forced to endure.
At Wilshire Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing the best personal injury representation in California. With 15 years of experience and over $1 billion recovered in settlements and verdicts, you can trust our proven track record. Our team of fearless car accident lawyers will go above and beyond to make sure that you receive justice for any injuries that have been inflicted upon you. If you are looking for an experienced law firm to fight on your behalf, contact us today at 800-358-1884 for a free consultation, and let us get the compensation that is rightfully yours.