A tragic crash in Fresno County claimed the life of 80-year-old Harbans Singh Lehra, a local business owner, on the afternoon of Friday, March 21. The incident occurred around 1:30 pm at the intersection of Elkhorn and Marks, just south of Caruthers.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Singh Lehra, the owner of Elkhorn Market, was driving a pickup truck when he pulled out of the store’s parking lot and into the path of an oncoming big rig hauling almond shells. The semi-truck collided with the pickup, causing the truck to overturn and spill its load across the road.
Singh Lehra died at the scene, while his wife, who was a passenger in the pickup, and the driver of the semi-truck suffered minor injuries. Authorities shut down the road for cleanup operations following the crash.
The Dangers of Car vs Semi-Truck Collisions
Collisions between passenger vehicles and semi-trucks are often devastating due to the stark differences in size and weight. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average pickup truck weighs only a fraction of that. Because of this disparity, crashes involving large trucks frequently result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
One major risk factor in these accidents is the inability of semi-trucks to stop quickly. Even under optimal conditions, a semi-truck traveling at highway speeds can require several hundred feet to come to a complete stop. If a smaller vehicle suddenly enters its path, the truck driver may have little to no time to react.
There are many potential causes of truck-related collisions, including those that may be the fault of passenger vehicle drivers, truck drivers, or trucking companies:
- Passenger vehicle driver errors – sudden lane changes, failing to yield, or misjudging a truck’s speed and distance can put smaller vehicles in danger
- Truck driver negligence – speeding, fatigue, distracted driving, or failing to anticipate traffic conditions can all contribute to deadly crashes
- Trucking company negligence – poor vehicle maintenance, overloaded trailers, or unrealistic delivery schedules can create hazardous conditions on the road
“Truck accidents often leave families devastated, and determining liability can be challenging,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “Our team has extensive experience helping victims of these collisions seek justice and financial recovery so they don’t have to face the complex process alone.”
Legal Recourse for Victims and Their Families
Victims of truck accidents and their families may have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim. The damages that can be recovered depend on the specifics of the case but may include:
- Medical expenses – covering emergency care, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment for injuries
- Lost income – compensation for time missed at work due to injuries or loss of future earnings in the case of a fatal crash
- Pain and suffering – addressing the physical and emotional toll of the accident
- Funeral and burial costs – helping families cover end-of-life expenses for their loved ones
- Loss of companionship – recognizing the impact of losing a family member due to someone else’s negligence
If you or a loved one has been affected by a semi-truck collision, contact Singleton Schreiber to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help. Call (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today.
