Officials are investigating what caused an accident in which four people died when the car they were in crashed into a big rig. The crash is just one of numerous California truck accidents in recent weeks, some of which were fatal, highlighting the dangers when trucks and passenger vehicles collide on California highways.
Officials Investigate Bakersfield Truck Crash
August 22, 2017
Four people died when the vehicle they were in collided with a big rig in Bakersfield, California. Officials say the driver of the car traveling northbound ran a stop sign at the intersection of Highway 58 and Nord Avenue and crashed into the big rig. The car became lodged under the semi-truck and was dragged a short distance. The truck’s driver did not suffer injuries in the accident.
The Kern County coroner’s office identified two victims as 23-year-old Deziaray Zepeda and 26-year-old Stephen Taylor Walker. Family members identified the other two as 24-year-old Lacey McQuilliams and Mark Hoyt, McQuilliams’ boyfriend.
According to the GoFundMe page set up for Zepeda, she leaves behind a seven-year-old daughter with special needs. The page was posted to raise funds for the funeral.
“[I]t’s crushing,” said Eddie Zepeda, Deziaray’s father. “You shouldn’t have to lose your daughter.”
Emily, Deziaray’s daughter, has cerebral palsy. Eddie told ABC News that Deziaray was concerned with making sure her daughter had an education and did not face limitations as she grew up.
“My life will never be the same, neither will Emily’s, I know,” said Eddie. “We are really going to miss her deeply.”
Officials are investigating what caused the Bakersfield big rig crash.
One Dead in Fatal Truck Accident in Concord
August 29, 2017
California Highway Patrol (CHP) is investigating a fatal truck accident that took place in Concord on August 29. The accident, which occurred around 10:25 p.m. involved a small vehicle and a flatbed truck and took the life of the driver of the small vehicle.
The driver of the red Honda HR-V died after the car she was in rear-ended a flatbed truck as the two vehicles traveled on Highway 4 around the Solano Way off-ramp.
“The female driver of the Honda tragically did not survive the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene,” said CHP Officer Brandon Correia.
According to CHP, a 24-year-old female driver from Brentwood was traveling eastbound on Highway 4 and was partially driving her Honda within the shoulder when she collided with the flatbed truck that was stopped on the shoulder. CHP do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors in the accident.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or any events before it is asked to contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.
Driver Killed as Big Rig Veers Off Tehachapi Overpass
August 26, 2017
One person died when a big rig drove over an overpass on westbound Highway 58 in Tehachapi. Officials are investigating what caused the semi-truck to drift onto the shoulder and fall off the overpass. The truck landed on the railroad tracks, blocking traffic across both tracks. The driver was pronounced dead before paramedics or the fire department could free him from the wreck.
Tires and Cow Parts Block I-10 in Fontana
August 25, 2017
Meanwhile, an accident involving a big rig resulted in tires and slaughtered cow parts spread across westbound I-10 in Fontana. The trouble started on August 25, around 1:00 p.m. at the Etiwanda Avenue off-ramp when a big rig lost two of its tires. One tire was flung across the median and hit another vehicle while the other tire went off the road onto the right shoulder. The brake assemblies were also flung into the center divider. As traffic slowed for that scene, a commercial dump truck approached the area and hit its brakes suddenly.
“As all traffic came to a stop, this truck slammed its brakes and some of the animal pieces were spilled out,” wrote CHP spokesman Jesus Garcia. “The animal parts were spilled because the truck was covered by a tarp.”
Although there were initial reports that there were chickens on I-10, those reports were unfounded. The debris was cleared after about 30 minutes.
California Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a California truck accident, contact an attorney at Baum Hedlund to discuss your rights. Our attorneys are available to answer your questions and explain your options.
