A serious collision between a van and a semi-truck trailer early Friday morning in Fresno County has highlighted the unique safety challenges that arise when agricultural operations intersect with public roadways. The incident, which occurred on East Lincoln Avenue just east of Del Rey Avenue, resulted in two injuries and raised important questions about nighttime agricultural operations and road safety.
The Incident
In the pre-dawn hours of November 22, 2024, a white van collided with a semi-truck trailer that was in the process of backing into an orchard for harvesting operations. The impact resulted in major front-end damage to the van, with its driver sustaining serious injuries and a passenger suffering minor injuries. Emergency responders from both the City of Selma Fire Department and Fresno County Fire Department had to extricate the van’s occupants from the wreckage.
Complex Safety Considerations
This incident brings to light several critical safety considerations that are particularly relevant to Fresno County’s agricultural regions:
- Agricultural Operations During Dark Hours: While pre-dawn agricultural activities are common and often necessary, they present unique visibility challenges for both agricultural workers and regular commuters.
- Trailer Visibility Requirements: Questions have arisen about the lighting conditions at the time of the accident. Federal and state regulations require specific lighting and reflective markings on trailers, especially during low-light conditions.
- Road Usage During Harvesting Season: The collision occurred during active harvesting operations, a time when increased interaction between agricultural vehicles and regular traffic is common in Fresno County.
- Backing Maneuvers in Low-Light Conditions: The complexity of backing large trailers into orchards during pre-dawn hours creates particularly hazardous conditions. This requires enhanced safety protocols, including the potential use of spotters, additional portable lighting, or temporary warning signs to alert approaching vehicles.
- The California Vehicle Code has specific requirements for commercial vehicles performing such maneuvers, including the proper use of hazard lights and reflective triangles when blocking roadways, even temporarily.
Safety Recommendations for Motorists
For drivers navigating agricultural areas during harvest season, especially during dark hours, consider these safety tips:
- Maintain increased vigilance in agricultural areas, particularly during harvest seasons
- Reduce speed when visibility is limited
- Watch for warning signs or flags indicating agricultural operations
- Be prepared for slow-moving vehicles or unexpected maneuvers from agricultural equipment
When driving in agricultural areas during harvesting season, it’s crucial to understand the unique patterns of farm equipment movement. Large trucks and trailers often need to make wide turns or backing maneuvers that may seem unexpected to regular commuters. Drivers should maintain extra following distance behind agricultural vehicles and be particularly cautious when passing harvesting operations.
Additionally, be aware that dust from harvesting activities can temporarily reduce visibility, requiring drivers to slow down and increase their scanning of the road ahead. Many agricultural accidents occur during dawn and dusk hours when shadows and changing light conditions can make it difficult to spot slow-moving or stationary farm equipment.
Legal Implications
While initial police reports indicate the truck driver was legally backing up at the time of the incident, the situation presents several legal considerations:
- Duty of Care: Both the truck driver and the company responsible for the harvesting operation must ensure their operations don’t create unreasonable hazards for other motorists.
- Lighting and Signage Requirements: Commercial vehicles must comply with specific federal and state regulations regarding visibility, especially during dark hours.
- Right-of-Way Considerations: Even when conducting legal maneuvers, commercial vehicles must take reasonable precautions to avoid creating dangerous situations for other motorists.
An important aspect often overlooked in catastrophic injury accident cases is the concept of comparative negligence in California. Under this legal principle, multiple parties may share responsibility for an accident, including both the commercial operator and the private driver.
For instance, while a trucking company might be partially liable for inadequate warning signals during a backing manoeuvre, a driver could share responsibility if they were travelling at excessive speed for conditions or failed to maintain a proper lookout. This can significantly impact how damages are awarded, as California follows a pure comparative negligence system where parties can recover damages even if they are partially at fault, though their recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Catastrophic injury settlement calculators serve as essential preliminary tools for estimating potential compensation in severe injury cases, though they shouldn’t be considered definitive. These calculators take into account multiple complex factors including medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, ongoing care needs, lifestyle modifications, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. They’re particularly important because catastrophic injuries – such as severe brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, or permanent disabilities – often have long-lasting financial implications that may not be immediately apparent.
However, it’s crucial to understand that these calculators provide baseline estimates rather than exact figures, as each case’s unique circumstances, liability factors, and local legal precedents can significantly impact the final settlement amount. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney remains essential for accurately assessing the true value of a catastrophic injury claim. At GJEL, we ensure all evidence is properly preserved and all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly investigated while families focus on healing. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777.
Moving Forward
“Having handled numerous agricultural and commercial vehicle accidents throughout Fresno County over my decades of practice, I understand how devastating these early morning collisions can be for victims and their families. If you or a loved one were injured in this accident on Lincoln Avenue, it’s crucial to understand that these cases often involve complex liability issues between multiple parties – from the trucking company to harvesting operators and potentially others. Don’t let questions about proper lighting, signage, or operational procedures go unanswered. Time is critical in preserving evidence in agricultural accident cases, especially regarding visibility conditions and safety protocols that were in place. Our team can help ensure your rights are protected while you focus on what’s most important – your recovery. We’re here to handle the legal complexities while providing the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Contact us for a free consultation to understand your rights and options.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney
As the investigation continues, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing agricultural operations with public safety. The outcome of this investigation may lead to recommendations for improved safety protocols during nighttime agricultural operations in Fresno County.
For those affected by similar accidents, it’s crucial to understand their legal rights and the complex factors that can influence liability in cases involving commercial agricultural vehicles. Proper documentation of road conditions, lighting, and signage at the time of any accident is essential for determining liability and ensuring fair compensation for injuries sustained.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with an agricultural vehicle, seeking experienced legal representation can help ensure your rights are protected while navigating these complex cases.GJEL offers free consultations and charges no fees unless we win your case. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to protect your rights and help you navigate the complex aftermath of a catastrophic injury accident. At GJEL, we ensure all evidence is properly preserved and all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly investigated while families focus on healing. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our San Francisco office to talk to the experts.
Important Local Resources and Contact Information
For those affected by this or similar accidents in Fresno County, here are important contacts for reporting, follow-up, or obtaining accident reports:
Fresno Police Department
2323 Mariposa Mall
Fresno, CA 93721
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency: (559) 621-7000
- Traffic Bureau: (559) 621-5050
- Records Division (accident reports): (559) 621-2200
Website: www.fresno.gov/police/
California Highway Patrol – Fresno Area Office
5179 N. Gates Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
- Phone: (559) 441-5400
- Website: www.chp.ca.gov
Fresno County Sheriff’s Office
2200 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency: (559) 600-3111
- Website: www.fresnosheriff.org
How to Obtain an Accident Report:
- Visit the Fresno Police Department Records Division in person
- Request online through the Fresno PD website
- Call the Records Division at (559) 621-2200
- Reports are typically available 5-7 business days after the incident
Additional Resources:
- Traffic Court Information: (559) 457-2000
- Fresno County Superior Court: www.fresno.courts.ca.gov
- California DMV Accident Reporting: www.dmv.ca.gov
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.