Two injured men were airlifted to the hospital after a fire truck and vehicle collision in Cazadero, Sonoma County, on Monday, September 18, 2023.

The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene around 3:30 p.m. on King Ridge Road, east of Tin Barn Road.

Authorities reported the Cal Fire type 3 truck was heading east while a  1965 Chevrolet was heading west when they collided on a narrow, winding road at a steep curve.

Officials couldn’t determine whether the fire truck was responding to a call or had its lights on before the crash. But, it was confirmed that drugs and alcohol had not been involved.

A CHP H-30 helicopter airlifted the Chevrolet’s 53-year-old driver, Zachary, W., and 39-year-old passenger, Billie, F., to Santa Rosa Memorial. Their current condition remains undisclosed.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and anyone with information about the incident should contact the authorities immediately.

Our Top Truck Accident Lawyers in Sonoma County

If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident caused by another person’s negligence, you may seek legal guidance from a personal injury attorney to understand what to do.

As part of our free initial consultation process, our experienced truck accident attorneys assess the specific circumstances of your case, explain the legal procedure involved, and evaluate important factors that might influence the potential compensation you may be entitled to.

You can count on our most trusted Sonoma County truck accident lawyers at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help with your insurance claim or represent you in court. Our team has recovered more than $500 million for California clients, and is recognized as one of the state’s most prominent personal injury law firms.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After A Truck Accident in California

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.

• 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 also add credibility to your case and will be crucial in proving 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 rush 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.
• Move vehicles to the shoulder of the road if possible.Truck accidents almost always cause obstruction 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, 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.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Truck Accident Statistics

A pedestrian is significantly less likely to survive a collision than a large truck driver or a passenger. When involved in a collision, they are more likely to sustain severe injuries. A substantial risk of death is associated with large vehicle collisions, especially those involving semi-trucks.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 4,965 deaths in truck-related accidents in 2020. More than 71% of fatal car accidents in the United States involve trucks. As of 2020, large trucks are responsible for 8.9% of these accidents.

Large truck-related incidents have significantly increased, resulting in 5,601 deaths, a 13% increase in fatalities. Smaller vehicles are more likely to be involved in truck-related accidents. Accidents involving smaller vehicles are more likely to result in serious injuries or even death than those involving larger vehicles.