Update | Fatal Accident Involving Fallen Big Rig Axle in Merced County

Home » Update | Fatal Accident Involving Fallen Big Rig Axle in Merced County
July 21, 2023
Edward Smith

Fatal Crash Involving Fallen Truck Axle

On the morning of July 20, 2023, the California Highway Patrol reported a fatal crash involving a fallen truck axle on Highway 99 in Merced County. Officials said the incident occurred shortly after 10:40 a.m. on northbound State Route 99 at the North Franklin Road offramp near Fergus.

Details on the Fatal Crash Involving a Fallen Truck Axle

A preliminary release by authorities revealed that a semi-truck allegedly lost an axle and went northbound on Highway 99. Officials said the axle allegedly traveled to the southbound lanes of State Route 99 and struck a pickup truck. Emergency personnel were requested to assist those involved in the incident. Sadly, at least one fatality was reported by officials.

The Merced County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the deceased as Maria Guzman Aguilar, 58, of Avenal. A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family to assist with final resting expenses. Additional information on the fatal crash involving a fallen truck axle near Fergus in Merced County was available. CHP traffic officers are investigating the collision.

Commercial Truck Accidents Involving Tire Blowouts

One of the common causes of crashes involving big rigs is improper truck maintenance. Lack of maintenance may contribute to collisions from brake failure, malfunctioning steering equipment causing loss of control, detachment of cargo from the semi-truck, tire shredding or blowouts, and more. As described above, liability may fall on more than one party when a tire falls off a semi-truck and strikes another vehicle. Aside from the truck driver, the owner of the big rig may also be held liable for the incident due to insufficient truck maintenance.

An in-depth investigation into a tractor-trailer collision is necessary. This serves to identify all negligent parties, as others may be liable for a crash aside from the truck driver. Remember that trucking companies often act quickly following a collision involving one of their vehicles. As such, it is essential to retain legal counsel when a semi-truck crash leaves you injured or deprives your family of a loved one. Letters of preservation of evidence must be sent to the other side immediately. Proving liability and damages in a commercial truck accident case may be challenging without evidence.

At our law firm, we routinely conduct independent investigations into commercial truck accident cases we handle. This helps us fully understand the circumstances of the incident, who is at fault, and who should be held liable for damages. We strive to simplify the legal process for those we represent. Our goal is to help our clients rebuild their lives after catastrophic semi-truck collisions and secure full compensation on their behalf. Learn how we can assist you with your case through a free evaluation. Before calling, watch this video about our services.

Personal Injury Lawyer in Merced

Here at AutoAccident.com, our legal team has the dedication, knowledge, and resources you need to deal with complex insurance carriers following a catastrophic or fatal big rig crash. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a recent accident involving a large commercial truck, do not delay and contact our firm today at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Our Merced personal injury lawyers are available to take your call, review your case in detail, and provide free and friendly advice. We work on contingency, meaning you owe us nothing unless we successfully resolve your accident case.

Before requesting a free consultation with one of our injury attorneys, we invite you to learn more about our firm through past client reviews and case results. These are available for your reference at the links provided below:

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