[09-29-2023] Monterey County, CA – Ambulance Requested Following Collision Involving Tanker Truck in Salinas

An ambulance was requested after a fuel tanker truck collided with a vehicle in Salinas on Friday morning, September 29, 2023.

According to the CHP Traffic Incident Information Page, authorities responded to the crash at around 6:22 a.m. on Interstate 101 northbound near Boronda Road.

CHP officers arrived on the scene and found both vehicles on the right-hand shoulder of the freeway. The tanker truck leaked fuel, and the authorities requested San Jose Fire Department assistance.

The tanker truck sustained heavy rear-end damage. However, the number of people involved remains unclear, including the extent of possible injuries.

No further details are immediately available as the investigation continues.

Dedicated Truck Accident Lawyers in Salinas, CA

If you or a loved one suffered injuries or losses in a truck accident in Ontario, exploring a personal injury claim can help you seek rightful compensation. Prioritize safeguarding your rights and well-being at all times by retaining the services of a personal injury lawyer.

At Arash Law, we are here to assist you in your truck accident case. During a complimentary consultation, our team will guide you through the necessary steps in the legal process and evaluate the factors that may impact the ultimate settlement you will receive.

Our dedicated Salinas truck accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi Esq., have the skills and credentials to help accident victims with their insurance claims or represent them in court proceedings. Our team is recognized as one of California’s most respected personal injury law firms and has secured over $500 million in compensation for our clients.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our trustworthy attorneys, call (888) 488-1391. You can also start by filling out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After A Truck Accident

After a truck accident, it is essential to remain on the scene and wait for the authorities and medical personnel to arrive. Move the vehicle off the road if possible. Then, after gathering evidence to support filing a truck accident claim, inform your insurance provider and contact one of our award-winning California truck accident lawyers.

• Move vehicles to the shoulder of the road if possible.

Truck accidents almost always cause obstructions on the road, leading to traffic congestion. If possible and safe, after documenting the scene by taking pictures and videos, move your vehicle to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists. Further accidents can be prevented with this.

In some cases, including severe damages and injuries, or when instructed otherwise by law enforcement, moving the vehicles may not be possible or safe. Follow the instructions of emergency responders in these situations.

• Do not leave the scene and call the police right away.

The police’s duties at the scene of an accident include directing traffic, clearing the scene of debris, and assisting any injured parties. As a neutral party, their investigation reports add credibility to your case and will prove negligence.

The California Vehicle Code also requires drivers to report accidents involving death or injury within 24 hours. Don’t admit fault or guilt, but cooperate fully with law enforcement. Lastly, stay at the scene until instructed otherwise to avoid legal repercussions.

• Contact emergency responders and immediately seek medical attention.

Even if you think you were uninjured after a truck accident, let the emergency personnel examine you. You may be unable to assess the full extent of your injuries due to adrenaline rushes and shock. Some injuries may even appear days later. Only a medical examination can detect health issues before they become noticeable.

Records of medical visits, diagnosis, treatment, medications, and related expenses are valuable for building a strong case. Insurance companies and courts could assume the victims weren’t really harmed if they didn’t seek medical attention. This leads to inadequate compensation. So make sure you keep all of them.

• Gather information from other drivers involved.

Whenever possible, exchange all necessary information with the other drivers involved in the crash. This includes each party’s name, contact number, license number, plate number, insurance provider, and policy number. To facilitate a smooth resolution, remember to exchange information respectfully and cooperatively.

• Take photos and videos of the scene if you are able.

Take as many pictures and videos as possible, documenting the state of your car, the other vehicles involved, any nearby objects like skid marks and guardrails, and even conversations or interactions with other people. Take a comprehensive view from different angles.

Visual evidence can be useful in reconstructing accidents to reveal what truly happened. However, when taking photos and videos, be respectful and considerate, prioritizing your safety and those around you.

• Take photos of your injuries.

Take pictures of the injuries you or others have sustained accurately and thoroughly. This is one essential way to document the damages you have incurred. Pictures of your injuries can significantly impact how the insurance company or the court perceives how you suffered from the accident.

• Obtain witness testimonies.

Memories may become distorted after a truck accident, so all parties may only partially remember how it happened. Worst, the other driver may intentionally blame you even if you’re entirely blameless.

Witness statements can corroborate the injured party’s account in a personal injury case, demonstrating to the court that the victim was not at fault. When an accident occurs, many individuals are usually around to help out. Exchange as much information as you can with them to strengthen your case.

• Notify your insurance provider about the accident.

It’s best to contact your insurance company immediately after the incident. Don’t feel obligated to provide any official or recorded statements right away. Your financial recovery could be negatively impacted if you confess fault for the accident or allow yourself to be misled into doing so. Remember, neither accept responsibility nor agree to pay the other driver any money.

• Make sure you keep a journal.

Keeping a journal after an accident has its benefits. Injuries sustained in truck accidents that often require extensive medical care take a long time to recover, and the initial pain may be forgotten. A journal will help you remember every thought and emotion you have. Keeping track of how long it took you to improve after an accident is crucial evidence for any personal injury claim.

• Contact the skilled California Truck Accident Lawyers at Arash Law.

Make sure our compassionate yet fierce California truck accident lawyers are beside you as you move toward financial recovery after an accident. Our personal injury lawyers at Arash Law go beyond finding simple and quick settlements. They identify all liable parties to get you the most money back.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Truck Accident Statistics

In a collision between a truck and a smaller vehicle, statistics show that the occupants of smaller vehicles are more likely to sustain severe injuries and have a lower chance of surviving. Accidents involving large vehicles, particularly those involving semi-trucks, can be more fatal than typical car accidents.

As reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,965 people died in truck-related accidents in the US in 2020, a 1% decrease from the 5,032 fatalities in 2019. 71% of those killed in large-truck crashes were passengers in other cars and not in the trucks themselves.

In 2020, large trucks made up 8.9% of all fatal collisions in the US. Truck collisions killed at least 90 nonoccupants in California, the largest number nationwide. Texas and Florida were the only states that recorded at least 50 truck-related fatalities that year.