Investigation Underway After Juveniles Riding Motorcycle Died in Fresno Amazon Truck Accident by Sunnyside Avenue and Byrd Avenue
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA (December 20, 2024) – Two people have tragically died in a Fresno collision between a motorcycle and an Amazon truck near the intersection of Sunnyside Avenue and Byrd Avenue.
Fresno County officials are saying that the incident took place around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. The Amazon truck was involved in a collision with the motorcycle under uncertain conditions.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims. Despite lifesaving measures, both juveniles died due to the severe nature of their injuries.
Authorities are currently working to determine the circumstances that led up to the crash.
Liability for California Amazon Truck Accidents
As Amazon has continued to grow, so too has the number of accidents involving Amazon delivery vehicles. According to CBS News, “In the past two years, at least 57 people have died in more than four dozen crashes involving federally regulated carriers shipping for Amazon, according to FMCSA data, though the data does not indicate who was at fault in these incidents.” There are a number of factors that may contribute to an Amazon truck accident.
- Fatigue: Amazon truck drivers are often asked to work long hours and may naturally become fatigued. The CDC estimates that staying awake for only 18 hours can reduce a person’s ability to drive safely equal to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%.
- Speed: A large portion of truck accidents involve drivers who are speeding. Trucks traveling at higher speeds can take great lengths to come to a stop.
- Driver Intoxication: It is also possible that driver intoxication may contribute to a collision. What many people don’t realize is that many substances besides alcohol could possibly impair them. This includes prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
Truck drivers have a legal obligation to take steps to avoid collisions. Many truck accidents involve drivers who make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to make a left turn must first yield the right of way to oncoming traffic close enough to pose a hazard. If a truck driver turns into the path of another vehicle prior to a crash, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, the company that operated a delivery truck could be liable for a collision. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, Amazon will typically hire delivery drivers as “independent contractors” in order to distance itself from liability for collisions. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after an Amazon accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The logbook of the truck drivers involved should be reviewed.
- Photos of the accident site should be collected.
Truck accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to involve situations where truck drivers are committing one or more traffic infractions. Sadly, though, delivery companies will often go to great lengths in order to deny liability if they are involved in a fatal crash. This is why it is so important that the circumstances leading up to any collision are properly understood. The family of any person who died in an Amazon delivery truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Fresno Amazon Truck Accidents
We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our deepest condolences to the families of the two juveniles who died in this Fresno Amazon truck accident. Any person who may have more information should reach out to the police. It is our sincere hope that measures will be considered to help make this intersection safer.
Do you need more information about a Fresno Amazon truck accident? Our team of truck accident attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to helping accident victims understand their rights and holding truck companies accountable for their negligence. 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.
