2 Dead in Highway 58 Big Rig Crash

Apr 04,2017

A Highway 58 big rig crash took the lives of two people Tuesday morning. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the fatal crash occurred around 11:30 a.m. just west of Kramer Junction. The accident involved a big rig and a black sedan, but further details of the crash have not been released.

The sedan was carrying three people at the time of the crash. Two of those occupants died at the scene. The third person was airlifted to a trauma center for unknown injuries. It is unclear whether the big rig driver was injured.

Police shut down all traffic on Highway 58 until about 1:30 p.m. The Barstow CHP is still investigating the fatal Highway 58 big rig crash.

In 2015, 3,852 people were killed in large truck crashes. In 69% of these crashes, the occupant of the other vehicle involved was the victim. Only 16% of truck crash fatalities took the lives of truck drivers. Considering large trucks often weigh 20-30 times as much as a passenger car, these numbers, while devastating, are not surprising.

What Causes Fatal Big Rig Crashes?

The causes of fatal truck crashes vary, but driver fatigue is a serious issue and a known contributor to big rig crashes. While truck drivers are restricted to 11 hour stretches and 77 hours of driving a week, survey data reveals that many drivers violate these regulations.

“Whether distraction, driver fatigue or driver error are to blame for this crash, the tragic result is the loss of two lives. Our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a truck accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.