Semi-Truck Driver Charged With DUI and Vehicular Manslaughter In Fatal Kern County Crash Along Highway 46
KERN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (November 11, 2024) – A man from Irvine was killed in a Kern County semi-truck accident along Highway 46 and Kecks Road.
Kern County officials are saying that the collision took place around 11:15 a.m. on Friday. A semi-truck driver was heading southbound and failed to yield the right of way to a Mercedes while pulling onto a private dirt road.
The driver of the Mercedes was unable to avoid the crash and hit the side of the semi-truck. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Despite lifesaving measures, the driver of the Mercedes was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck has been charged with numerous crimes following the collision, including DUI, driving on a suspended license, and gross vehicular manslaughter.
Liability For Kern County DUI Truck Accidents
Driver intoxication remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “About 32% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers (with BACs of .08 g/dL or higher). In 2022, there were 13,524 people killed in these preventable crashes. In fact, on average over the 10-year period from 2013-2022, about 11,000 people died every year in drunk-driving crashes.” Even moderate amounts of alcohol can substantially reduce a person’s ability to drive safely.
- Drivers may experience a decline in visual function.
- Drivers may have reduced coordination or ability to track moving objects.
- Drivers may have a reduced ability to maintain lane position.
Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 231512, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Semi-truck drivers must get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They are considered intoxicated if they have a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for any semi-truck accident. The company that a truck driver worked for could be held at fault. Companies and truck carriers must ensure that their drivers are properly trained and adequately licensed to handle their responsibilities. Failing to take these measures could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any semi-truck accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.
- It should be determined if the truck driver involved had a CDL.
- The truck’s event data recorder should be examined.
Truck accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to involve truck drivers that are fatigued, distracted, or inexperienced. What many truck drivers may not realize is that there are a number of substances that could potentially impair them besides alcohol. This may include over-the-counter medications and prescriptions. The family of any person who died in a semi-truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Kern County DUI Semi-Truck Accidents
We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man killed in this Kern County semi-truck accident. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Kern County semi-truck accident? Our team of truck accident attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.
