Deadly wreck happened on Highway 180 along the overpass above Highway 41
FRESNO, CA, (November 26, 2024) - The California Highway Patrol says a driver lost control of his vehicle while traveling on a wet road Tuesday morning in Fresno, leading to a crash that killed his front-seat passenger.
A passenger in a Toyota Tundra driven by Lathxay Lou Souknalong was fatally injured after the truck fell off Highway 180 overpass Tuesday morning in Fresno, officials said.
The fatality victim—identified only as a 47-year-old man—died from his injuries at the scene, officials said.
Investigators say a Toyota Tundra was traveling westbound on State Route 180 along the overpass above State Route 41 amid heavy rain. At some point, the driver lost control, veered to the left, and crashed into a concrete bridge wall, causing the truck to go airborne. The Toyota fell about 30 feet and landed on the center divider of Highway 41 below.
Lathxay Lou Souknalong, 54, was driving the Toyota on a suspended license. He sustained moderate injuries and was transported to CRMC.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was the primary cause of fatal crashes in 2018, followed by the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication; failure to stay in the proper lane; failure to yield the right of way; and distracted driving.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, protecting their rights, while ensuring that a driver who does not obey traffic laws is held accountable for their actions,” Bond added.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of the victim killed in the fateful crash may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).