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Steve Kherkher - June 26, 2025
Commercial trucks are a vital part of our nation’s economy, transporting goods across highways and interstates every day. But when something goes wrong, especially in high-traffic areas, the results can be devastating. One recent crash involving a semi-truck and a pickup truck on Highway 101 in California is a tragic reminder of just how catastrophic these accidents can be.
Improper turns, such as attempting a left turn across oncoming lanes, are a leading cause of collisions involving large commercial vehicles. When these accidents result in the loss of life, surviving families are often left grappling with shock, grief, and serious legal questions.
At Kherkher Garcia, our truck accident attorneys help families navigate the complex aftermath of fatal truck accidents, ensuring they have the support and guidance they need to pursue justice.
Truck accidents are more likely to result in serious injury or death than accidents involving passenger vehicles. The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers, freightliners, and other commercial vehicles can make even a seemingly minor collision deadly. When a big rig crosses into another lane or fails to yield the right of way, such as in the California crash, the impact can be catastrophic.
Some of the most common causes of fatal truck crashes include:
Improper left turns, in particular, are especially dangerous on highways and rural roads, where vehicles are moving at high speeds. When a commercial driver misjudges the timing or distance needed to safely turn across oncoming traffic, the consequences can be deadly.
For those who survive a truck accident, the injuries are often life-altering. And for families who lose a loved one, the emotional and financial toll can be immense. Common injuries seen in truck collisions include:
Fatalities are tragically common in collisions involving commercial trucks, particularly for the drivers and passengers of smaller vehicles like sedans or pickups.
Determining liability in a truck accident requires a thorough investigation, as multiple parties may be at fault. In a case where a truck makes an improper turn and causes a fatal crash, the following parties could potentially be held liable:
Proving liability often involves reviewing dashcam footage, driver logs, black box data, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports. This is why it is crucial for families to work with an experienced wrongful death attorney who is familiar with truck accidents.
A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought by the surviving family members of a person who was killed as a result of someone else’s negligence or misconduct. In the context of a fatal truck accident, these claims are often filed against the driver, the trucking company, or both.
Each state has its own rules, but generally, the following people may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit:
Wrongful death claims can help families recover compensation for:
After a fatal accident, families often feel overwhelmed emotionally, financially, and legally. Insurance companies and trucking firms move quickly to protect their interests, often reaching out with fast (and low) settlement offers. It is important not to sign anything or accept any payment without first speaking to a lawyer.
At Kherkher Garcia, we fight to protect the rights of grieving families and hold negligent parties accountable. Our team will:
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
If you have questions about truck accident or wrongful death claims, we have answers.
Each state has a statute of limitations, typically ranging from one to three years. It’s essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
Yes. If the driver was working for a company at the time of the crash, the employer can often be held liable under vicarious liability laws.
In many states, you can still recover damages under comparative fault rules, as long as your loved one was not more at fault than the other party.
While it is possible to file without a lawyer, trucking cases are highly complex and involve aggressive legal teams. An experienced attorney will protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Wrongful death claims are civil cases, not criminal. You may still pursue compensation even if no criminal charges were filed.
If your family is grieving the loss of a loved one due to a truck accident, you don’t have to go through it alone. The team at Kherkher Garcia is here to stand by your side, fight for justice, and help you recover the compensation your family deserves.
We understand that no amount of money can undo what happened. But holding negligent parties accountable can provide closure, financial stability, and a sense of justice during the most difficult time in your life.
Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward healing and justice. Call us now or fill out our online contact form to get started.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorneys Steve Kherkher and Jesus Garcia Jr., who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience championing the rights of those who have experienced catastrophic injury due to negligence.
Connect with a Kherkher Garcia trial lawyer today to pursue maximum compensation for your injury.
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