Truck Dangling Over Bridge in Sacramento
An accident on June 6, 2018, closed down a portion of Highway 99 southbound just past Elk Grove. Despite the traffic headache it caused, the driver was able to exit the vehicle, thanks to a good Samaritan. After the truck plunged 30 to 40 feet, a representative of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the driver’s escape from harm was extraordinary.
Accident Details
The accident happened near Eschinger Road on Highway 99 south of Cosumnes River Overflow Bridge, causing the big rig to overturn at about 11 a.m. The truck proceeded to crash through 200 feet of guardrail and caught fire as it was left dangling over the bridge. A good Samaritan caught sight of the driver and helped him get out of the truck in time. The reason the truck overturned is as yet unknown. There has been no further word about injuries if any, the trucker suffered.
Traffic Problems
The truck and its cargo blocked traffic in the area. Caltrans arrived on the scene, and there was some hope that one lane might open up within a few hours. However, a temporary guardrail needed to be set up before the roadway could open, and debris, as well as the truck, had to be removed. There were reports that the area might be closed until the next day. Detours were set up for drivers trying to get to Interstate 5 South.
Overturned Trucks
Truck rollover accidents are common and can result in serious injuries to a big rig driver as well as other motorists. Rollovers happen commonly on highway ramps and roads with a downward pitch. Statistically, 9 percent of all truck accidents are rollover crashes. The vast majority of rollovers are caused by driver error. Due to the weight and size of big trucks, drivers need to exert extreme caution to prevent a rollover from happening. Some of the reasons rollovers occur are as follows:
- Driving too fast, particularly around a curve or corner
- Oversteering
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Driving distracted
- Not driving with the truck’s weight and size in mind
- Countersteering
- Driving too fast on a slippery surface
- Traveling on soft ground such as that encountered on the shoulder of the road
- Untrained drivers
- Cargo loaded unevenly, underloaded or overloaded
- Failure to adjust for the truck’s high center of gravity
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to moderate speed if brakes are not up to par
- Drivers not adjusting their speed for that of other drivers
- Time limiting schedule
Preventing Rollovers
Some ways to prevent truck rollovers target roadway conditions and signage. Putting up signs, alerting drivers to a steep roadway or a sharp curve, would allow them to take extra care. Lowering the speed limit for trucks in areas where roadway curves or on entrance and exit ramps is another. Driver training programs can incorporate a greater emphasis on errors leading to rollover since driver behavior is a significant problem when it comes to such accidents. Simulation videos may help the driver with the dangers that are involved in rollover crashes.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. If you have been injured or a family member has been killed in a truck rollover accident due to negligence, having an experienced injury lawyer at your side is helpful in obtaining the compensation you deserve. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for friendly, compassionate advice that is free of charge. If it is more convenient for you, you can reach me online too.
I’ve helped many residents of Sacramento and Northern California with catastrophic accidents and wrongful death claims.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/accident-truck-cart-br-tumbled-101598/
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