Highway 99 Closed After Truck Accident in Merced
The no. 1 lane of northbound Highway 99 was closed after a truck accident caused a big rig to jackknife and spill diesel fuel near Merced on April 8, 2020. The incident occurred shortly before 12:20 a.m. along the northbound lanes of State Route 99 near V Street, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported. A 20-year-old Fresno man was driving a 2014 Volvo big rig northbound on SR-99 in the no. 2 lane. The large truck reportedly crashed into the center median guardrail and jackknifed, resulting in a partial blockage of the no. 1 lane. The impact of the collision allegedly punctured the fuel tank of the big rig, causing spillage of approximately 100 gallons of diesel fuel. The California Department of Transportation (DOT) was called to the scene to assist with vehicle extraction and repair roughly 150 feet of damaged guardrail. Hazmat crews from Cal Fire responded to the diesel fuel spill and helped with hazardous material cleanup. According to the CHP, the driver claimed to have fallen asleep at the wheel before the truck accident.
How COVID-19 Has Impacted the Trucking Industry
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a national emergency declaration for a temporary suspension on the hours of service regulations (HOS), which mandates how many hours a trucker is permitted to work. Under the existing law, truck drivers are allowed to drive 11 hours after a break of 10 consecutive hours off duty. The temporary HOS suspension is an effort to transport emergency relief supplies to states which have issued emergency declarations in support of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreaks within the United States. These items may include medical supplies and equipment associated with COVID-19 and its testing, diagnosis, and treatment. Others include paper products, food, and other groceries for stores and distribution centers to keep up with emergency restocking and consumer demand. In California, the emergency declaration was issued on March 4, 2020, and will remain in effect until further notice. This could mean that truck drivers can be overworked to meet demands within the state, which can lead to fatigue on the road and truck accidents in worst-case scenarios.
Who Is At Fault for a Highway 99 Truck Accident?
In a personal injury claim, several parties may be deemed liable for a tractor-trailer accident. This may include the truck driver and the trucking firm, which may have separate liability insurance policies. As part of an investigation to determine negligence, a Merced truck accident lawyer can help determine whether the truck driver was an independent contractor or an employee of a trucking company. If the driver is the owner of the large truck, oversees their schedule and pays for insurance and fuel, then it is likely that the driver is an independent contractor. If the trucker was an employee, then they would most likely be insured through the trucking firm. When driver fatigue, excessive speeding, or driving under the influence is believed to be a contributing factor to a big rig crash, then the trucker or the trucking company may be held liable for damages incurred. For more information on whether the trucking company or its driver could be responsible for a commercial truck accident, watch the video below.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Many commercial truck drivers work hectic schedules, especially in unprecedented times such as these. They often work throughout the night and sleep during the day. In other cases, they may spend extended hours behind the wheel to meet unrealistic shipping deadlines. The risk of a catastrophic truck accident caused by fatigue often increases with extended hours of driving at night. Truck accidents may also be the result of an untreated sleep disorder like sleep apnea, which can cause a truck driver to nod off or get drowsy while driving. A Merced personal injury lawyer who is experienced in handling truck accident cases can help determine whether drowsy driving was a contributing factor in your crash and injuries. At AutoAccident.com, we can help you seek full compensation for your damages, including your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury lawyer. Trucking firms often act quickly after an accident to protect themselves and their driver after a catastrophic collision. Insurance companies representing truck companies may use any tactic to reduce the value of a personal injury claim arising from the crash. In such situations, you need an experienced injury lawyer to represent your best interests and help determine the full and fair value of your personal injury case. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured after a tractor-trailer accident in the Merced area, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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