San Joaquin woman killed in Friday crash on Belmont Avenue
KERMAN, CA, (September 12, 2025) - A fatal crash in Fresno County on Friday morning left a San Joaquin woman dead and another person hospitalized.
66-year-old Maria Hernandez of San Joaquin was fatally injured in a T-bone collision Friday morning, Sept. 12, near Kerman in Fresno County, according to authorities.
Authorities said 66-year-old Maria Hernandez was a passenger in a vehicle making a left turn from Belmont Avenue onto Siskiyou Avenue when it was hit by an oncoming box truck around 7:20 a.m. near Kerman.
Hernandez died from her injuries, while the driver of the car sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital, the CHP reported. The cause of the wreck is still under investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Commercial trucks, because of their massive size, can pose a major threat to other vehicles. Fifty-one percent of deaths in large truck crashes in 2023 occurred on major roads other than interstates and freeways, 34% occurred on interstates and freeways, and 15% occurred on minor roads, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
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.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond, a national analyst for The Legal Advocate.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this one, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Maria Hernandez 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 Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, it is crucial to seek guidance from a wrongful death attorney who can help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.”
“Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely. An experienced attorney can protect your rights and ensure you and your family are treated fairly.”
Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).