A devastating two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Belmont and Siskiyou Avenues near Kerman claimed the life of a female passenger on Friday morning, September 12, 2025. The tragic accident, which occurred during the busy morning commute hours, has once again highlighted the dangers present at busy intersections throughout Fresno County.
Details of the Two-Vehicle Crash
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the fatal crash occurred at approximately 7:20 a.m. at the intersection of Belmont and Siskiyou Avenues. The collision involved a passenger car and a commercial box truck, resulting in catastrophic consequences for the smaller vehicle’s occupants.
The events began when a car traveling eastbound on Belmont Avenue attempted to turn left onto Siskiyou Avenue. During this turning maneuver, the vehicle was struck on the passenger side by a westbound box truck, creating a devastating broadside collision that proved fatal for one of the car’s occupants.
The intersection where this tragedy occurred is located in a semi-rural area near Kerman, a small agricultural community in Fresno County. This stretch of roadway serves both local traffic and commercial vehicles transporting goods through the Central Valley, creating a mix of passenger cars and larger commercial trucks that can present unique safety challenges.
The accident occurred during the morning commute, suggesting that typical rush-hour traffic conditions may have contributed. Drivers often face increased pressure to navigate intersections quickly during peak travel times.
Tragic Loss of Life and Injuries Sustained
The female passenger in the turning vehicle suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders were unable to save her life despite their immediate response to the collision site. The identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of family members.
The driver of the passenger car sustained injuries requiring immediate medical attention and was transported to a local hospital. CHP officials have not confirmed the extent of their injuries or provided updates on their current condition. The severity of injuries in broadside collisions can range from minor to life-threatening, depending on the point of impact and vehicle speeds involved.
The commercial truck driver reported feeling shaken and experiencing some pain following the collision, but did not require hospitalization. This outcome is typical in accidents involving larger commercial vehicles striking smaller passenger cars, as the size and weight differential often results in more severe consequences for occupants of the lighter vehicle.
The stark outcome contrast between the vehicle occupants illustrates the devastating physics involved in truck-versus-car collisions. Commercial box trucks can weigh up to 26,000 pounds when fully loaded, compared to the average passenger car’s weight of approximately 3,000 pounds.
The results are often catastrophic when such massive vehicles collide with smaller cars, particularly in side-impact scenarios where passengers have minimal protection from crumple zones. The passenger side impact in this collision meant the victim bore the full force of the truck’s momentum. At the same time, modern safety features like airbags and reinforced door frames provide limited protection against the enormous energy transferred in such crashes.
Emergency Response and Traffic Impact
Following the collision, emergency responders quickly arrived to provide medical assistance and secure the accident site. Belmont Avenue was blocked entirely at the Siskiyou Avenue intersection while CHP investigators worked to document the crash scene and gather evidence.
The intersection closure during the morning commute likely caused significant traffic delays for commuters and residents. Such closures are necessary to allow investigators to examine the accident scene properly, measure skid marks, photograph vehicle positions, and collect other crucial evidence to help determine the cause of the collision.
The coordinated emergency response involved multiple agencies working in tandem to manage the crisis effectively. Fresno County Fire Department paramedics and emergency medical technicians provided immediate life-saving efforts and trauma care, while CHP officers secured the perimeter and began preliminary investigations.
Local tow truck operators were called to safely remove the heavily damaged vehicles from the roadway, which can take several hours for commercial trucks due to their size and weight. The extended closure also required traffic control officers to establish detour routes around the intersection, directing morning commuters through alternate paths while preserving the integrity of the accident scene for thorough investigation.
Ongoing Investigation by California Highway Patrol
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate all aspects of this fatal collision. CHP investigators will examine multiple factors that may have contributed to the crash, including driver behavior, vehicle speeds, traffic signal timing, road conditions, and visibility factors present at the time of the accident.
Key elements of the investigation will likely include determining whether the turning driver had adequate time to complete the maneuver safely, whether the truck driver was traveling at an appropriate speed for conditions, and whether any traffic control devices were functioning properly at the intersection.
CHP investigators are likely interviewing witnesses who may have observed the collision or the moments leading up to it as part of their comprehensive investigation. The rural location near Kerman may have fewer witnesses than urban intersections, making any available eyewitness testimony particularly valuable. Investigators will also examine the commercial truck driver’s logbooks and driving records to ensure compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations, as driver fatigue is a significant factor in many commercial vehicle accidents.
Additionally, CHP may request data from the truck’s electronic logging device, if equipped, to verify travel times and speeds. The investigation timeline for fatal collisions typically extends several weeks or months as authorities work to reconstruct the exact sequence of events and determine whether criminal charges or traffic citations are warranted.
Understanding Left-Turn Collision Risks
Left-turn collisions are among the most dangerous traffic accidents, accounting for a significant percentage of serious and fatal crashes at intersections. When drivers attempt to turn left across oncoming traffic, they must accurately judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles while completing their turn quickly enough to avoid a collision.
Several factors can increase the risk of left-turn accidents, including impaired visibility due to weather conditions, obstructed sight lines from other vehicles or infrastructure, driver fatigue or distraction, and misjudgment of oncoming vehicle speeds. Due to their size and longer stopping distances, commercial trucks present particular challenges for drivers attempting left turns.
The “left-turn trap” phenomenon occurs when drivers misjudge the approach speed of oncoming vehicles, particularly larger commercial trucks that can appear to be traveling slower than their actual speed due to their size. Studies show that drivers consistently underestimate the speed of approaching trucks by 15-20%, creating a dangerous gap in perception that can prove fatal.
The “yellow light dilemma” also contributes to left-turn accidents when drivers rush to complete their turns before traffic signals change. At the same time, oncoming drivers may simultaneously accelerate to beat the red light. At intersections like Belmont and Siskiyou, where commercial and passenger traffic mix regularly, these risk factors are compounded by the diverse range of vehicle sizes and speeds drivers must navigate safely.
Legal Rights of Accident Victims and Families
When a tragic accident like this occurs, surviving family members and injured victims have necessary legal rights that deserve protection. In cases involving fatal accidents, immediate family members may be entitled to pursue wrongful death claims to recover damages for their devastating losses.
Wrongful death compensation can address both economic losses, such as the deceased person’s future earning capacity and medical expenses, and non-economic damages, including the pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members. These cases require careful legal analysis to determine all potentially responsible parties and sources of compensation.
For the injured driver, personal injury claims may be appropriate to address medical expenses, lost wages during recovery, ongoing treatment needs, and compensation for physical and emotional trauma resulting from the accident. The extent of available compensation often depends on the severity of injuries and the degree of fault attributed to each party involved.
In California, families have specific statutory rights under the wrongful death law that extend beyond immediate family members to include financial dependents and domestic partners in certain circumstances. The two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims means that families must act promptly to preserve their legal rights, though this timeline can feel overwhelming when dealing with grief and trauma.
Additionally, if the commercial truck involved in this collision was operating under a company’s authority, corporate liability may extend the potential sources of compensation significantly beyond individual driver insurance limits. Commercial trucking companies often carry insurance policies ranging from $750,000 to several million dollars, providing substantially greater resources for comprehensive compensation than typical passenger vehicle policies.
The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation
Families dealing with the aftermath of fatal traffic accidents face overwhelming emotional and financial challenges while navigating complex legal procedures. Insurance companies often move quickly to minimize their financial exposure, sometimes offering inadequate settlements before families fully understand the extent of their losses.
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand the devastating impact of fatal traffic accidents on families throughout California. Our experienced legal team has successfully represented numerous families in wrongful death and severe injury cases, securing the compensation they need to rebuild their lives after tragedy strikes. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning our clients never pay attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation. This “no win, no fee” approach ensures that financial concerns don’t prevent families from accessing the legal representation they deserve during their most difficult times.
Commercial trucking accident cases present unique complexities that require specialized legal expertise, including federal regulations governing commercial drivers. These complex insurance structures involving multiple carriers and corporate entities may attempt to shift liability. Experienced attorneys understand how to preserve crucial evidence such as truck maintenance records, driver logs, and electronic data that trucking companies must maintain for limited periods.
Without prompt legal intervention, this vital evidence can be lost forever, significantly weakening a family’s case. Additionally, trucking companies and their insurers often deploy teams of investigators and attorneys immediately following serious accidents, making it essential for victims’ families to have equally experienced advocates protecting their interests from the earliest stages of any potential legal proceedings.
Preventing Future Intersection Tragedies
While this investigation continues, the tragic loss of life at Belmont and Siskiyou Avenues serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of intersection safety. Drivers can take several steps to reduce their risk of being involved in similar accidents, including allowing extra time for left turns, ensuring clear sight lines before proceeding, and remaining especially cautious around commercial vehicles that require longer stopping distances.
Local traffic authorities may also need to evaluate whether additional safety measures could prevent future accidents at this intersection, such as improved signage, enhanced lighting, or modifications to traffic signal timing.
Implementing advanced intersection safety technologies could significantly reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies at high-risk locations like Belmont and Siskiyou. Modern traffic management systems include extended all-way red phases that provide additional clearance time between conflicting traffic movements. These left-turn arrow phases eliminate the guesswork involved in gap acceptance, and intelligent transportation systems that can detect approaching commercial vehicles and adjust signal timing accordingly.
Additionally, roadway engineering improvements such as enhanced visibility at intersection corners, rumble strips to alert drivers of approaching intersections, and improved street lighting can address many environmental factors contributing to left-turn collisions. Given the agricultural nature of the Kerman area and the regular presence of commercial vehicles, Fresno County transportation officials should consider conducting a comprehensive safety audit of this intersection to identify cost-effective measures that could prevent future loss of life.
Supporting Affected Families
The family and friends of the woman who lost her life in this collision are facing an unimaginable tragedy that will affect them for years to come. Community support and professional legal guidance can help provide the stability needed to navigate the difficult road ahead.
If your family has been affected by a similar traffic accident, know you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The experienced attorneys at GJEL Accident Attorneys are here to provide compassionate legal support while fighting tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation your family deserves.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. We’re committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping families find a path forward after devastating traffic accidents throughout California.
The grieving process following sudden, traumatic loss is complicated by the immediate practical challenges families must address, including funeral arrangements, potential loss of household income, and mounting medical bills for any surviving injured family members. Local community organizations, grief counseling services, and victim assistance programs can provide crucial emotional and practical support during this devastating period.
Additionally, families should be aware that they have the right to seek compensation not only for financial losses but also for the immeasurable emotional pain and suffering caused by their loved one’s wrongful death. Experienced personal injury attorneys understand that no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a cherished family member. Still, proper legal representation ensures that families receive the resources necessary to honor their loved one’s memory while securing their own financial stability for the future.
Fatal Car Accident Settlement Calculators and Determining Compensation Values
Fatal car accident settlement calculators serve as valuable tools for families seeking to understand the potential compensation available in wrongful death cases, though they should never replace professional legal evaluation. These calculators typically consider multiple economic factors, including the deceased person’s age, annual income, expected career trajectory, benefits packages, and projected earnings until retirement age. The tools also attempt to quantify non-economic damages such as loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support that the deceased would have provided to surviving family members throughout their expected lifetime.
However, families must understand that settlement calculators provide only rough estimates and cannot account for each case’s unique circumstances. Factors such as the degree of negligence involved, whether multiple parties share liability, the presence of aggravating circumstances like impaired driving, and the specific jurisdiction where the case is filed all significantly impact final settlement values. Additional considerations in cases involving commercial vehicles like the box truck in this Kerman collision include federal safety regulation violations, corporate liability policies, and the trucking company’s safety record.
Experienced wrongful death attorneys use these calculators as starting points while conducting comprehensive case evaluations that examine medical records, employment history, family dynamics, and the full extent of economic and emotional losses. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we ensure families receive personalized assessments that accurately reflect their unique circumstances rather than relying solely on generic calculation formulas that may significantly undervalue their claims. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to talk to the experts.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“When a family loses someone in a tragic accident like this, the grief can feel overwhelming – and that’s exactly when insurance companies often try to pressure you into accepting far less than your family deserves. I’ve spent decades fighting for families in these devastating situations, and I want you to know that you have rights that must be protected. The trucking company’s insurer will likely contact you quickly with a generous offer. Still, please understand that their priority is minimizing their financial responsibility, not taking care of your family’s long-term needs. Before you sign anything or make any statements, please speak with an experienced attorney who can evaluate the true value of your loss – including immediate expenses and the lifetime of support, love, and financial security your loved one would have provided. You shouldn’t worry about legal fees during this heartbreaking time, so we never charge our clients unless we win their case. Your focus should be on grieving and healing, while we handle the fight for justice.” –Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
Suppose you have lost a loved one or suffered injuries in a traffic accident similar to the tragic collision near Kerman. In that case, the experienced wrongful death and personal injury attorneys at GJEL Accident Attorneys are ready to fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves. We understand that financial concerns should never prevent grieving families from accessing quality legal representation when they need it most. That’s why we work exclusively on a contingency fee – you pay nothing in attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your case.
This “no win, no fee” guarantee means there are no upfront costs, no hourly billing, and no financial risk to your family during an already difficult time. Our legal team will handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to trial. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your grief or financial vulnerability – contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation and let us shoulder the legal burden. At the same time, you focus on healing and remembering your loved one.
At GJEL, we ensure all evidence is properly preserved and all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly investigated while families focus on healing. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Contact us at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our Fairfield office to secure your future and compensation.
Local Resources and Authorities
California Highway Patrol – Fresno Area Office
The California Highway Patrol Fresno Area Office handles traffic accident investigations, including the ongoing investigation of this fatal collision near Kerman. They provide accident reports, traffic safety information, and coordinate emergency response for highway incidents throughout Fresno County.
Address: 2555 State Street, Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: (559) 445-6600
Non-Emergency Line: (559) 445-6600
Emergency: 911
Website: https://www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/central-division/fresno
Accident Report Requests: Available online through the CHP website or in person at the office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fresno County Sheriff’s Office
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement services in unincorporated areas of Fresno County, including the Kerman area where this accident occurred. They work closely with CHP on traffic incidents and provide victim services.
Address: 2200 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: (559) 600-3111
Non-Emergency Line: (559) 600-3111
Emergency: 911
Website: https://www.fresnosheriff.org
Victim Services: (559) 600-8191
Fresno Council of Governments (COG) – Transportation Authority
Fresno COG serves as the regional transportation planning agency for Fresno County, responsible for transportation planning, project funding, and traffic safety initiatives throughout the region.
Address: 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201, Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: (559) 233-4148
Website: https://www.fresnocog.org
Email: info@fresnocog.org
Traffic Safety Programs: Available through their website under Transportation Planning
Fresno County Public Works Department
The Public Works Department maintains county roads and handles traffic engineering matters for unincorporated areas, including intersection safety improvements and traffic signal management.
Address: 2220 Tulare Street, 6th Floor, Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: (559) 600-4259
Website: https://www.co.fresno.ca.us/departments/public-works-planning
Traffic Engineering Division: (559) 600-4259
Road Maintenance Requests: Available online through the county website
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 6
Caltrans District 6 oversees state highways and transportation infrastructure in the Central Valley, including areas around Kerman and Fresno County.
Address: 1352 W Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93728
Phone: (559) 445-6000
Website: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-6
Traffic Information: Call 511 or visit https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov
Maintenance Requests: Available through their website
These local authorities and transportation agencies work collaboratively to investigate accidents, improve road safety, and provide essential services to residents affected by traffic incidents throughout Fresno County.
