Semi Reportedly Collides With Motor Vehicle on I-5
A semi collision occurred with a motor vehicle in Elk Grove on December 6. The crash was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) just after 6:00 p.m. along Interstate 5 northbound just south of the Laguna Boulevard exit ramp. It left the semi and an Oldsmobile Cutlass blocking the number one lane of the interstate.
Accident Being Investigated to Determine the Cause
According to the incident report, the collision occurred when the semi struck the passenger vehicle for unknown reasons. It was not reported whether injuries occurred as a result of the crash. The semi collision is under investigation by the CHP to find out why it happened.
Help Following a Semi Collision
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, and driving a semi is much different than being in a passenger vehicle. Because of a tractor-trailer’s weight, length, and the blind spots around it, an accident can easily occur that causes serious injuries or fatalities.
When a trucker caused your accident, you need the help of an injury attorney who is experienced in truck accidents to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Over the years, my law office has been successful in handling many truck accident compensation claims and may be able to do the same for you.
Reasons a Semi Collision Happens
Truckers are bound to follow state and federal regulations when on the road that dictate rest breaks and the hours they may drive. Those long hours can lead to boredom and problems staying alert. In addition, they have to keep on schedule to make deliveries. That can add to the stress of the job. Following are some of the main reasons that a semi collision occurs:
- Inexperienced drivers: With a long-standing shortage of truck drivers, companies may be tempted to hire someone who doesn’t have enough experience to handle a big rig. This can lead to a semi collision.
- Changing lanes: Because of a big rig’s blind spots, they have to be cautious in changing lanes to avoid colliding with another vehicle.
- Poor maintenance: Bald tires, leaky brake lines, and other mechanical problems can cause a truck accident.
- Company pressure: Some companies push their drivers to make deliveries quickly, which encourages the trucker to speed or take unsafe shortcuts.
- Distracted driving: Driving for long hours brings boredom, and a truck driver may be tempted to talk on a cell phone, text, or do some other activity to stay alert. Unfortunately, this can easily lead to a semi collision.
- Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo: Cargo has to be loaded properly to be balanced. Otherwise, the load can shift and result in a rollover accident involving other vehicles. In some cases, the trucker does the loading, while in others, it is a third party. If a badly loaded truck causes a crash, the company and/or driver are responsible for any injuries in an accident.
- Tailgating: Drivers have a blind spot directly in front of their trucks. If they drive too close to the vehicle in front, it can result in an override accident if there is a sudden slowdown in traffic.
- Drug use: Truckers seldom get caught drinking while driving. Using over the counter, prescription, or illicit drugs is another matter and can cause a semi collision.
Elk Grove Truck Accident Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I’m an Elk Grove truck accident lawyer. An accident that involves a big rig can cause serious injuries. If this happened to you, I would be honored to give you my free, friendly advice when you call me at (916) 694-0002 or (800) 404-5400. You can also contact me by filling out the short online form.
Learn about my law firm by reading client comments and looking over cases we have handled at:
Since 1982, I’ve assisted the residents of Elk Grove in obtaining the compensation they deserve for their injuries due to traffic crashes, claims against the government, wrongful deaths, and other cases.
It is an honor for me to belong to:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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