Accident Injuries Reported in Elk Grove Big Rig Crash
A big rig and SUV collided along Highway 99 southbound at Elk Grove on August 15 that sent two people to the hospital with accident injuries. The accident happened close to Dillard Road around 3 o’clock in the morning, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The police report stated that the tractor-trailer experienced a jackknife, which caused a fuel spill. A crew was called in that handles the cleanup of hazardous materials to deal with the spill. The tractor-trailer was hauling milk pallets at the time of the accident.
Road Closure Affects Traffic for Hours
Both lanes heading southbound on Elk Grove Boulevard were shut down for over two hours as a result of the crash. One lane finally reopened around 5:15 a.m. However, the left lane stayed closed for a considerably longer period of time to repair the guardrail, which was reported as extensively damaged. The traffic was congested as late at 6:30 a.m. and backed up at least as far as Grant Line Road.
Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer
Truck accidents are more complicated than regular motor vehicle crashes. This is one of the reasons it is a good idea to speak to a personal injury lawyer experienced in truck accident injuries if you are hurt in a jackknifing crash. Evidence can quickly disappear or be covered up. Because lawyers for the other party will work hard to mount a defense quickly and the statute of limitations starts ticking, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Once the evidence is collected, the lawyer can use it to negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company. If the insurance company refuses to pay what you deserve in compensation, then the lawyer can prepare a case to present in civil court.
Investigating the Accident Injuries
Our investigators go the extra mile to investigate your crash to find evidence of the negligence that caused your accident injuries. This includes performing accident reconstruction, which can indicate whether speeding was a factor. When you call, our investigators quickly head to the scene of the crash. They look for inaccuracies in the police report and interview witnesses to the collision. In a truck crash, they will check the onboard data recorder, maintenance and repair records and whether the driver had previous citations or a record of drug or alcohol use. If the driver was employed by a company, we will also turn our gaze toward them to see if the accident was caused by their negligence. We leave no stone unturned to prove fault so that you can obtain the compensation you require to pay your medical bills, lost wages, and for your pain and suffering.
How a Jackknife Accident Happens
There are a number of ways a tractor-trailer can jackknife. When it does, it endangers other motor vehicles on the road, especially since even an empty trailer weighs in at between 9,000 and 10,000 pounds. These causes include:
- Inexperienced driver
- The back wheels lock
- Road design or poor maintenance
- Incorrect brake adjustment
- High winds
- Lack of maintenance of the vehicle
- Speeding
- Slippery roads
- Driver fatigue
Elk Grove Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove truck accident lawyer. When a big rig is involved in a collision, accident injuries are often reported. If you were injured in a crash with a big rig, I have free and friendly advice to offer you. I can be reached at (916) 694-0002 locally or (800) 404-5400 if you are calling long-distance. Others prefer to get in touch with me online by filling out our convenient contact form.
I’ve worked since 1982 as an injury lawyer helping Elk Grove residents obtain compensation for their accident injuries. Some areas that I work in include wrongful deaths, all varieties of motor vehicle crashes, and traumatic injuries.
I belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, which recognizes lawyers who uphold a high standard of excellence in their legal practices. In addition, I’m a member of the Million Dollar Forum. This group allows membership only from lawyers who’ve garnered more than one million dollars for a previous client.
To check our client reviews of my law practice and see some of the cases my firm has handled, please visit the following links:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_33186703_l-2015
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