Eight people were killed following a two-vehicle collision near La Vina in Madera County on Friday morning, February 23, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred at about 6:30 a.m. along Avenue 7, west of Road 22.

Initial reports indicate that a Chevrolet pickup truck crossed over the lane and struck a GMC van carrying eight men inside.

Seven occupants of the van and the pickup driver were declared dead at the scene. One of the victims was identified as a 24-year-old named Juvenal T. One van occupant reportedly survived and was taken to a hospital in unknown condition.

The CHP stated that the van was transporting farmworkers to Lion Farms. Another van was traveling behind, carrying family members of the victims who witnessed the incident.

The authorities also said that the victims were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the fatal collision. Investigations are still underway to determine its cause.

Top-Rated Car Accident Lawyers in La Vina, Madera County

If another driver’s negligence injured you or killed a loved one, you have the right to be paid in full for your medical expenses and loss. Obtain legal advice for your car accident case from one of our personal injury lawyers, supervised by Arash Khorsandi, Esq.

Avail a free consultation with our top-rated Madera County car accident lawyers, who will review your case, discuss the next steps, and examine all the variables that could affect the settlement amount.

Our legal team has well-established careers and accolades in advocating for accident victims. The clients we have worked with have been awarded compensation totaling more than $500 Million.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After a Car Accident in La Vina

No one can predict a car crash or collision, but you can prepare for one. Having a car accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a car crash. It can tell you what to do, what not to do, and how best to protect your rights. You aren’t alone after a serious collision. Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a killed loved one, here’s what to do after a car accident:

1. Stay Calm – Stay on the scene and make sure everyone is okay. Check yourself for injuries first, and then check with others. Remain calm, and do not admit fault.
2. Get to a Safe Location – Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road if you can. Put your emergency flashers on to help prevent further collisions. Get somewhere safe to wait for the police.
3. Call 911 – Call the police to report your accident. Unless your crash was very minor, with no injuries or property damage, you should call the cops. The police can document the incident, gather information, and make it part of an official record.
4. Exchange Information – Swap names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. If possible, take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other vital details.
5. Do Not Admit Fault – Stick only to the facts of what happened when speaking with a police officer. Be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision.
6. Seek Medical Attention – Go to the hospital or your primary doctor as soon as possible. Immediate medical care can help reduce the damage you suffer from injuries. Tests and scans can identify internal injuries that may not show symptoms yet.
7. Report to Your Insurance Company – Most insurers have time limits for how soon you must report an accident in California. Call quickly and follow the agent’s directions for reporting your crash.
8. Speak to Insurance Adjusters – As soon as the day of your accident, you may receive a phone call from the other party’s insurance company. You may speak to the claims adjuster, but do not give away any more information than is absolutely necessary. Do not record a statement or accept an insurance settlement offer until you speak with an attorney.
9. Create a File – Keep accident-related documents together and organized. Your file should include a copy of the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s information, injury treatment plans, and any other documents you’ve collected regarding the incident.
10. Call Our Car Accident Lawyers – When in doubt, give us a call at (888) 488-1391. We offer free consultations so you can discuss your car crash without risk or obligation. We can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Car Accident Statistics

Based on data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2021, motor vehicle accidents accounted for 21% of the total preventable injury-related deaths in the US. Approximately 19,515 deaths involving traffic crashes were recorded from January to June 2023, which is 3.3% less than the total 20,190 deaths reported in the first half of 2022.

In California, 2,061 fatalities caused by motor vehicle crashes were recorded by the NHTSA for the first half of 2023. The state had a total of 160,819 fatal and injury crashes in the previous year.

In Madera County, 151 crashes either resulted in injuries or fatalities, according to data from the Transportation Injury Mapping System in 2022. With a population of 71,214 people, it is advisable to exercise caution when driving around the county.