A semi-truck hauling a dry van trailer was traveling southbound on Highway 99 in the No. 3 lane near 7th Standard Road when the driver looked down to pick up a cup of coffee, taking his eyes off the road. Traffic ahead had slowed, and when he looked up he was unable to stop in time. The front of the Freightliner struck the rear of a 2003 Toyota Corolla traveling at approximately 35mph in the same lane. The force of the impact sent the semi off the roadway to the right shoulder, with the trailer partially blocking the No. 3 lane. The Toyota came to rest facing eastward across the center median.

The driver of the Toyota, a 48-year-old woman, suffered a contusion and laceration to her head. Her passenger, an elderly woman traveling in the front seat, complained of pain to her back and neck and was later found to have a brain bleed and was admitted to the ICU at Kern Medical Center. Both were transported from the scene by Hall Ambulance. California Highway Patrol determined the collision was caused by the truck driver’s inattention and unsafe speed for traffic conditions, in violation of California Vehicle Code section 22350.

Chain | Cohn | Clark is representing both injured parties in connection with this matter.