Tractor Trailer, Two Pickup Trucks, and Passenger Vehicle Involved in Serious Valley Acres Collision That Left Two Hospitalized
VALLEY ACRES, CALIFORNIA (June 11, 2025) – At least two people were hospitalized following a multi-vehicle collision along Highway 99, not far away from Valley Acres.
Kern County officials are saying that the collision took place just before 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Multiple vehicles were involved in the collision, including a tractor-trailer, two pickups, and a passenger vehicle.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the victims. One person in the passenger vehicle sustained major trauma and had to be forcibly extricated.
Three other victims could be seen walking around after the collision. The tractor-trailer involved in the crash was carrying scrap metal that spilled everywhere after it overturned.
Liability for Valley Acres Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks account for a relatively small number of the total vehicles on the roadway. But they’re involved in a disproportionately high total of injury and fatal collisions. According to the IIHS, “Truck braking capability can be a factor in truck crashes. Loaded tractor-trailers require 20%-40% more distance than cars to stop, and the discrepancy is greater on wet and slippery roads or with poorly maintained brakes. Truck driver fatigue is also a known crash risk.” Several other factors can make semi-trucks particularly dangerous.
- Blind Spots: Semi-trucks have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of smaller vehicles. An accident may occur if a truck driver makes an unsafe lane change without checking to see that the lane is actually clear.
- Center of Gravity: Commercial trucks have a much higher center of gravity than most other vehicles. This makes them much more prone to tipping over.
- Ground Clearance: Trucks also have a high ground clearance. This may lead to smaller vehicles becoming wedged underneath the truck in a side-impact collision.
Commercial truck drivers are required to get a commercial license. They must abide by all federal regulations for truck drivers. This includes taking periodic breaks to prevent fatigue and limiting the number of hours they work each week. These drivers must operate with an abundance of caution to avoid collisions. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, no person shall operate a motor vehicle at a speed greater than what would be reasonable or prudent given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid a collision, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
There could be numerous liable parties for any truck accident. This may include the company responsible for loading any truck. If a truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, this may lead to cargo shift and the truck driver losing control. As a general principle, employers are vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their employees. It is critical that the circumstances of any truck accident are properly investigated.
- The logbook of the truck driver involved should be reviewed.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- The safety record of the truck company involved should be examined.
- The condition of the truck should be understood.
Truck accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to involve situations where drivers are taking safety shortcuts. Part of the problem is that truck drivers are pushed to complete their delivery routes on unrealistic time schedules. In fact, it has been estimated that nearly 10% of truck drivers involved in a fatal collision reported feeling pressure from their carrier. Any person that is injured due to the negligent actions of a truck driver may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Kern County Semi-Truck Accidents
We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our best wishes to all of the people injured in this Valley Acres semi-truck accident. It is our sincere hope that all of the victims will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the California Highway Patrol.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Kern County truck accident? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of truck accident attorneys is here to help. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions for our deserving clients. 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.
