Accident With Big Rig Near Sacramento Off-Ramp
A rollover occurred just west of the Raley off-ramp on I-80 in Sacramento on December 14, 2019, at about 6:19 in the evening. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the driver of the vehicle overcorrected, hit a semi, and overturned. It is uncertain if the semi was involved in causing the accident at this time. The vehicle remained on its left-hand (drivers) side, and a tow truck was brought in to remove it from the right side of the road. At the time of this report, it is unknown what sort of injuries the driver suffered. The CHP is actively investigating the crash, and no reason has yet been given as to why it happened. There is no indication as to whether drugs or alcohol were involved. An orange roadwork sign is reported as being down with its supporting pole broken.
Overcorrecting a Vehicle After a Rollover
Overcorrecting while driving is common with younger and inexperienced drivers. It happens more frequently when a driver is fatigued or having a medical emergency. Basically, the driver is abruptly steering the car in another direction. This can happen in response to another vehicle entering the lane improperly, poor roadway conditions, an animal running into the road, or when the driver is trying to avoid a large pothole or debris. Unfortunately, the risk of a rollover, especially if you are driving an SUV or light truck, is increased after an overcorrection. To prevent rollover, slowing down, and not applying the brakes helps.
Rollover
Rollovers are not common at about 3 percent of all accidents, yet they account for 30 percent of all deaths in a passenger vehicle. Any vehicle can roll over, however, SUVs, light trucks, and vans have a higher risk because of their high center of gravity. Speed and rapid changes in direction, such as when the driver overcorrects, account for many rollovers. This is often seen when the vehicle is going around a sharp curve. Many others occur when the vehicle hits a curb, soft dirt, or a pothole. These are called tripped rollovers. Untripped rollovers can happen when the vehicle is traveling on a flat surface with no obstruction.
Preventing a Rollover
One way to prevent a rollover is to have tires that do not overly grip the road. Some aftermarket truck and SUV tires with extra traction may also cause a rollover. Newer designs and safety equipment such as side airbags and electronic stability control are helpful in preventing a rollover, so buying newer vehicles may help. Wearing a safety belt is also helpful since many people are killed when they are thrown from the vehicle during a rollover. Loading the vehicle according to the manufacturer’s instructions so that it is not top-heavy helps prevent some rollovers. Load heavy cargo low on the floor in the center of the vehicle and not near the tailgate.
Crushed Roof in Rollovers
One of the worst situations in a rollover is a crushed roof. According to government regulations, the roof should be able to withstand several times the weight of the vehicle. If the manufacturers are not in compliance, the roof will crash down onto the occupants, causing serious injuries.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Our firm is experienced in rollover accidents and crushed roofs. We send our investigators to the accident site to see if road conditions such as potholes were instrumental in the accident. If so, a lawsuit against the governmental agency in charge of road maintenance can be filed. We check to see if the roof is compliant with government regulations as to strength and design. If not, a lawsuit against the manufacturer can be filed. We also speak to witnesses and check traffic surveillance cameras for videos of the accident and review police reports for mistakes. Once this is done, our investigators hand it over to our lawyers to use while building a strong case for our client.
West Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a West Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer. Call me for free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400. You can also reach out to me online.
I’ve helped clients obtain the compensation they deserve in all types of accidents, wrongful deaths, and other traumatic events.
I am proud to belong to:
Learn more about my practice on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_15861431_l-2015
:cd llo [cs 750]