A big rig collided with seven vehicles on Highway 152 on July 21 near Gilroy before coming to rest in a field near the intersection of Highway 152 and Leavesley Road. A dispatch supervisor with the California Highway Patrol said that the first phone call from a witness came in at 5:26 p.m. It was reported that the cabin of the truck had burst into flames.

While it was confirmed that one person died in the accident, it was not clear whether the truck driver or a driver in another vehicle was that individual. A medical evacuation helicopter was landed on the highway to help those who may have been injured, but there was no confirmation as to how many people were seriously hurt in the crash.

The scene of the accident is considered a busy corridor for those who work in Silicon Valley and live in Central Valley towns nearby. According to reports, this is the second major accident to occur involving a big rig in the month of July. On July 10, a motorist was killed after being involved in an accident with a large truck, and this accident has caused some to call for banning heavy trucks from the highway during heavy commuting hours.

Those who suffer neck, back or other serious injuries in a truck accident may wish to talk to a personal injury attorney. An attorney may make it possible for victims of truck accidents to get the compensation that they may be entitled to. Either at trial or as part of a settlement, it may be possible to win a financial award to pay for medical bills incurred in the accident or pay for long-term care needs. Punitive damages may also be awarded by a jury depending on the facts of the case.

Source: Contra Costa Times, "One dies in Hwy 152 crash involving a big rig", Joe Rodriguez, July 21, 2014