Oakland Big Rig Collision Causes Rear Ender on S.R. 24

Oakland Big Rig Collision Occurs in Rear-End Crash at I-580 Connector

An Oakland big rig collision caused traffic delays after a semi-truck crashed on the westbound State Route 24 connector to westbound I-580. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident occurred on November 14, at around 11:24 a.m., when a Tesla was rear-ended by a white semi pulling a trailer. A Toyota Prius was also involved in the multi-vehicle crash.

Oakland Big Rig Collision Involves Tesla Driver

The collision left the semi blocking the number three lane, with its bumper lying in the traffic lane. The driver of the Tesla moved their vehicle to the right-hand side of the roadway for safety. Emergency responders, including the Oakland Fire Department, arrived at the scene to assist and address any potential injuries.

Semi Rear-End Accident Under Investigation

CHP traffic crash officers remain on site, actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Drivers are urged to use caution in the area while cleanup and accident analysis continue.

Liability in Rear-End Truck Collisions

When a commercial truck rear-ends another vehicle, the resulting damage and injuries can be significant. Truck drivers have a legal duty to maintain safe following distances and remain alert to changing traffic conditions. If a trucker fails to brake in time, becomes distracted, or drives too fast for traffic or weather conditions, they may be held legally liable for any resulting crash. Because trucks are heavier and slower to stop than smaller vehicles, even a low-speed impact can cause serious injuries to motorists in passenger cars.

The Trucking Company’s Potential Responsibility

Liability often extends beyond the truck driver in an Oakland big rig collision. The trucking company that employs the driver may also share responsibility under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, meaning an employer can be held accountable for the actions of its employee performed within the scope of employment. In addition, a trucking company can be independently liable for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance practices. For instance, if an employer allows a driver with a poor safety record behind the wheel or fails to service the truck’s brakes properly, that negligence can directly contribute to a serious collision.

How an Accident Lawyer Protects an Injured Person’s Rights

After an Oakland big rig collision, those who sustain injuries often face steep medical bills, lost income, and long recovery periods. An experienced accident lawyer can step in to protect the injured party’s rights and ensure they receive full compensation. The attorney can gather crucial evidence such as dashcam footage, black box data, and vehicle inspection reports to establish fault. 

They also handle communication with insurance companies, negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to pursue damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity. Having skilled legal representation helps balance the scales against trucking companies and their insurers, who are often well-funded and aggressive in defending claims.

Experienced accident attorney Ed Smith offers valuable guidance on how to choose the right legal representation:

Call Ed Smith for Legal Help After a Truck Crash

I’m Ed Smith, and I am an Oakland truck accident lawyer. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision caused by a negligent truck driver, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The attorneys in our law firm have many years of experience representing those injured by large truck and commercial vehicle crashes throughout Northern California. Call (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400 today for free, friendly advice, or visit AutoAccident.com and connect with us online to learn more about your legal options.

Photo attribution: Pixabay

tk: [635]