Big Rig Fatality Collision Occurs South of Yreka

Home » Big Rig Fatality Collision Occurs South of Yreka
November 08, 2023
Edward Smith

Scarface Road Intersection Site of Big Rig Fatality Collision

A big rig fatality collision occurred on November 4 outside of Gazelle, south of Yreka in a collision involving a motor vehicle. The crash happened, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), at the intersection of Scarface and Old Westside roads around 11:36 a.m. It was reported that the vehicles involved were a Kenworth semi and a Ford Escort. 

Traffic Collision Unit Investigating Big Rig Fatality Collision

The crash blocked the roadway, and Cal Fire emergency responders were called to the scene. One person died at the accident site. At least one of the vehicles was towed as evidence. Investigators with the CHP traffic collision unit are determining how the accident happened and will assign fault. The county coroner’s office will release the identity of the deceased after the family is notified.

Fatality Accidents Involving Big Rigs

A big rig fatality collision is common due to the size and weight of the larger vehicle compared to a small passenger car. In smaller vehicles, the accident is likely to involve the following:

  • Override accidents are due to the trucker’s inability to stop in time to avoid a collision.
  • Poor braking ability by the big rig is a common cause of accidents involving smaller vehicles, which may be caused by lack of maintenance or replacement.
  • Trucker negligence, including speeding, improper passing, tailgating and other factors, often leads to accidents.
  • Overloading or poorly loading a truck can cause an accident because it can lead to a rollover or jackknife collision.
  • Negligence by the trucking company that owns the vehicle to perform necessary repairs or inspections can cause a big rig to crash.
  • Wide turns by the trucker can result in a big rig fatality collision if the driver doesn’t take care to avoid striking other motorists.

Recovering Compensation After a Fatality Collision

When those in a smaller vehicle are killed in a collision caused by a big rig, an injury lawyer can help. The lawyer can review the case to see whether negligence was involved and let the family know in what areas compensation might be recoverable. The attorney can also investigate the accident to gather evidence that supports the family’s wrongful death claim. 

Since trucking companies often have a number of insurance policies, having this help is important to recover the compensation you deserve. In wrongful deaths, the family is able to recover:

  • Wages the decedent would have earned until retirement
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • The spouse may recover compensation for the loss of consortium
  • The family’s children may recover compensation for the loss of parental guidance
  • Compensation for the value of household tasks the decedent performed may be recoverable

In the video that follows, attorney Ed Smith explains wrongful death claims:

Wrongful Death Lawyer in Yreka

I am Ed Smith, a wrongful death lawyer in Yreka. The death of a member of your family may qualify for compensation if it was the result of a trucker’s negligence. Our friendly and free advice can be obtained by calling (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. During a free consultation, you can find out whether filing a wrongful death claim is possible and what possible avenues are open to recover compensation. Our online contact form is also available.

In addition to being members of Million Dollar Advocates, we are also members of the Top 1 Percent. Detailed information about our injury lawyers’ success in gaining compensation for those who suffered injuries can be found in Google and Yelp reviews. In addition, a few cases involving wrongful death compensation can be found on our website at Settlements and Verdicts.


Photo attribution: Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

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