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[Firebaugh, CA] – Idalia Perez and Martha Colin Die in Big Rig Accident on Interstate 5
Idalia Perez, Martha Colin, and Three Others Die in Big Rig Crash on Interstate 5
January 12, 2021 – Idalia Perez, age 32, and Martha Colin, age 52, were both killed on Tuesday evening at around 9:00 P.M. Moreover, they died in a tragic big rig crash on Interstate 5.
Furthermore, there were three kids involved that were also killed.
Initially, Ms. Perez who happened to be eight months pregnant, her three kids, and her mother-in-law were all traveling in a pickup truck. Subsequently, they crashed head-on into a big rig.
Due to the impact, the truck burst into flames. Also, the cardboard carrying big-rig caught fire as well.
Sadly, the victims included a 1-year-old, an 8-year-old, and a 10-year-old child. According to official reports, the victims appeared to be traveling from Northern California.
Allegedly, the women and their children were returning from a visit to Martha Colin’s mother in Mexicali.
As a result, authorities closed a portion of the southbound lanes for hours. Also, traffic was rerouted on a 33-mile detour.
Then, the California Department of Transportation evaluated the road condition.
However, drivers that were within the crash investigation scene were not able to leave for several hours.
Involved in an Accident with A Big Rig?
You may have been involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler. Possibly, you have a loved one involved in such an accident.
There are plenty of things to consider when it comes to legal liability. Furthermore, one of the first things you need to do is to talk to a personal injury lawyer. They are experts at battling the insurance company and looking out for your best interests.
Accidents of this kind can result in mountains of medical bills and a lifetime need for medical attention. This is overwhelming, and victims are often tempted to accept exceptionally low settlement offers from insurers. Of course, insurers try to close the case quickly, saving time and money.
In most cases, 75% of people killed or critically injured are passengers in cars, vans, and small trucks. So, this is no surprise given the size and weight of a large rig.
Insurance Issues
Besides the danger of a truck driver’s own negligence, the vehicle itself can pose a danger to other drivers. Also, mechanical failures while a truck is in service can lead to loss of control over the 40-ton vehicle.
Freight that has been poorly loaded can drop off the truck and damage and hurt unsuspecting motorists. Unfortunately, these are just a few issues facing commercial truck owners and drivers.
Subsequently, insurance companies standing for these big–truck owners will always look out for the companies’ best interests, and not yours. Therefore, it is important to not accept the first offer. In addition, a personal injury lawyer will know how to handle the insurance business.
With interstate roads under constant construction and maintenance it becomes an even greater challenge to share the roads with these humongous trucks.
So, it only makes sense that with more of them on the road with us, driving is getting more dangerous. As a result, accidents involving commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers, are far more deadly than accidents involving cars.
Why So Many Accidents?
Trucks are involved in about 11% of all traffic accidents. In fact, by 2009, the death toll was less than half what it had been 30 years earlier. However, several factors appear to have played a role in the next increase in fatal crashes, including more trucks on the road, driving millions of more miles each year.
Trucks of all kinds should be approached with care in any traffic situation, whether a van in your neighborhood or an 18-wheeler on the highway. Too often, drivers do not allow for fundamental differences in the way trucks work, from brakes to general maneuverability.
Moreover, they lurk in the “no-see zones” the areas beside or behind a truck where the driver has little or no visibility. In addition, they change lanes sharply in front of the truck or misjudge an oncoming truck’s speed when turning left at an intersection, and so forth.
Of course, the commercial truck driver or the firm that owns the truck may also be factors. Moreover, things such as driver fatigue, and irresponsible driving to gain distance, or even unsafe equipment can turn an 18-wheeler into an accident waiting to happen.
Truck Accident Liability Issues
There are a lot of federal regulations that spell out the requirements for using large trucks safely as well as protecting the public. For example, there are hours-of-service regulations that show how many hours a single driver can work an oversize truck within a day. However, driver fatigue, substance abuse and claims where some companies are encouraging drivers to ignore hourly limits still are regular problems.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the trucking company may also have allegations of carelessness. Such as questions about its training and hiring procedures, how it supports and services its equipment or compliance with other regulations.
Do not make the mistake of assuming that the trucking company and their insurers will treat you fairly if you do not have a strong advocate on your side. In addition, a lawyer who specializes in truck accidents will know how to analyze the facts and find the issues that should be pursued in court if a lawsuit is necessary.
To the family and friends of Idalia Perez and Martha Colin, we at Salkow Law firm cannot begin to imagine what you are going through, and our sincerest condolences go out to you.
Salkow Law are true advocates that will work with you directly to achieve justice. Insurance companies want to pay as little compensation as they can. They will even try to make your case go away completely. We will fight for you so that does not happen.
Unlike, the law firms you see plastered on billboards and buses, at Salkow Law you will receive a level of personal service long forgotten at the ‘big’ firms. With us you will not be a faceless, nameless case file. We’ll answer any questions you have and make sure you have a full understanding of how the process works.
This is especially true for families that have lost a loved one in an accident. We won’t stop until we’ve gotten you fair compensation to alleviate the financial toll that unexpected devastation brings.
Call us for a free consultation at (310) 914 – 8484
