Accidents September 23

Accidents September 23

Big Rig Crashes Into Guardrail on O’Byrnes Ferry Bridge

SONORA, CA – A big rig hauling a trailer smashed against a guardrail Saturday around 2:00pm, September 19, while traveling south on the O’Byrnes Ferry Bridge, leaving the roadway blocked into the evening.

According to a CHP report, the truck driver, Michael Cerretta, age 40, was on the bridge when he entered a curve.

As the truck traveled through the right-hand bend, the trailer’s rear tires entered the westside shoulder. The trailer then struck the bridge’s guardrail before coming to rest partway off the bridge.

Multiple tow trucks arrived to extricate the big rig and trailer. The road was closed for roughly five hours while the scene was cleared.

The truck driver was wearing a seat belt and, luckily, not injured in the accident. CHP reported that neither drugs nor alcohol contributed to the accident.

Sonora Area CHP said the collision is a reminder that drivers should remain cautious and alert, and travel at slower speeds, especially when operating commercial trucks on narrow roads in mountainous areas.

Why Commercial Truck Crashes Can Be Serious

Commercial trucks present some unique dangers when something goes wrong. Their size and weight can make them more difficult to maneuver and stop, while trailers can track differently from the vehicle pulling them—particularly around curves. On narrow or winding mountain roads, there may also be very little room to recover if a truck drifts onto a shoulder.

A collision involving a commercial truck doesn’t have to involve another vehicle to be dangerous. A truck leaving its lane, striking a guardrail, overturning, or partially leaving the roadway can create serious hazards for other motorists and emergency crews.

The experienced and personal car and big rig accident lawyers of AutoAccident.com serve Sonora and Tuolumne County. At AutoAccident.com, we understand how devastating a car or truck accident can be. If you or a loved one were seriously hurt in a crash caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Our dynamic legal team is here to provide compassionate support and help you understand your rights and options. Call our accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice. You can also reach out through our online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

Edward A. Smith

Personal Injury Attorney | Founder, AutoAccident.com

Ed Smith has fought for injury victims in Northern California for over 40 years, securing multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements in complex personal injury cases.

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Bar Admissions:

• State Bar of California
• Sacramento County Bar Association
• Consumer Attorneys of California
• Capital City Trial Lawyers Association
• American Trial Lawyers Association

Credentials:

• J.D., McGeorge School of Law
• B.A., UC Davis — Summa Cum Laude
• 10.0 Avvo Rating
• Member, Million Dollar Forum
• Member, National Association of Distinguished Counsel