Semi-Truck Made U-Turn in Thick Fog Before Fatal Fresno County Collision That Killed Michael Molano Near Highway 99
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA (February 8, 2026) – A 23-year-old man identified as Michael Molano has tragically died in a Fresno semi-truck accident near Golden State Boulevard.
Fresno County officials are saying that the accident took place around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday. Michael Molano was driving his pickup truck when he was involved in a collision with a semi-truck making a U-turn during a period of dense fog.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. Unfortunately, the truck and the trailer both caught fire following the collision.
Despite life-saving measures, Michael Molano died due to the severity of his injuries. It remains unclear if the driver of the semi-truck will face any citations following the collision.
Liability for Fresno County Semi-Truck Accidents
Truck drivers are required to obtain a commercial license and expected to operate their vehicles with a great deal of care. They must be particularly cautious while making left turns and U-turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety.” Drivers should take several actions to avoid accidents during turns.
- Blind Spots: Drivers should continuously check their blind spots before making any turns at an intersection.
- Fatigue: Truck drivers should take periodic rest breaks and limit the number of hours they work in a day as required by law.
- Distraction: Drivers should avoid looking at their phone or other objects that could potentially distract them.
- Vehicles: Drivers should ensure that their vehicles are periodically inspected and well maintained.
If a truck driver makes a U-turn into the path of another vehicle, this could be construed as negligence. Truck drivers must take into consideration the path of oncoming vehicles and only turn when it is safe to do so. Depending on the unique facts around any specific case, there could be several liable parties for any truck accident. This includes the company that a truck driver was working for. Generally speaking, employers in California can be vicariously liable for the actions of their workers who are operating within the scope of their job duties.
Steps to Take After Fresno Semi-Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks account for a relatively small portion of the total number of vehicles on the roadway. But they are consistently involved in many serious injury and fatal collisions each year. According to the IIHS, “A total of 4,354 people died in large truck crashes in 2023. Sixteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 65% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 17% were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists.” There should be a number of actions after any truck accident.
- Police: The police should be called to the scene of the collision as early as possible. They can begin an investigation and help determine what parties may be liable.
- Photographs: Lots of photographs of the accident site should be taken. This can help reveal what led up to a collision.
- Medical Records: Any medical records related to treatment should be sought. This will include any autopsy reports in the tragic event of a fatality.
- Legal Review: The family of any person who died in a Fresno truck accident should seek an independent review of the collision with a team experienced in negligence claims and accident reconstruction.
Truck accidents are often highly preventable. In many cases, they involve drivers that are failing to obey all vehicle and traffic regulations. A number of truck drivers involved in collisions reported feeling under pressure from their carrier. These types of external pressures could easily lead a truck driver to adopt unsafe driving habits. The family of any person who died due to the negligent actions of a truck driver may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Fresno County Truck Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Michael Molano. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. Any person who may have more information should reach out to the California Highway Patrol. This was a preventable collision that should have never taken place. Many questions remain unanswered. What is the safety record of the company that owned this truck? Is there a history of collisions at this intersection?
Do you need more information about a Fresno County truck accident? Our team of truck accident investigators is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
