A one-year-old child was killed, and a driver suffered major injuries following a single-vehicle crash near Coalinga early Thursday morning, August 22, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred shortly after 5:00 a.m. on Interstate 5 near the Lassen exit, close to the Coalinga-Avenal rest area.
Officers reported that a woman driving a Kia took the rest area exit when she claimed to have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and crash into a tree.
Tragically, a one-year-old child in the car died from their injuries. A three-year-old child was also in the vehicle but was not hurt.
The driver sustained major injuries and is currently receiving treatment. Officers do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash at this time.
No further details were immediately available.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.