Truck Driver Killed in Single Vehicle Crash – AutoAccident.com
I’m Ed Smith, an San Ramon truck accident lawyer. A truck accident off of Interstate 680 stopped traffic in San Ramon on Sunday, October 22. The driver of the big rig died in the crash. We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the man who passed away in this accident.
Accident Details
According to a California Highway Patrol (CHP) representative, the accident happened shortly before 7:00 in the morning when a call went out to authorities that the crash occurred. The vehicle was heading south on Interstate 680 in an area between Alcosta Boulevard and Pine Valley Road.
Witness Report
Witnesses who saw the accident reported that the truck was driving at about 55 mph on I-680 when it suddenly veered to the right in the area between Alcosta Boulevard and Pine Valley Road. A passenger vehicle that was on the right side of the road was side-swiped by the truck, but authorities say the driver of that vehicle was uninjured. The big rig continued on and hit what was described as a very large tree and unearthed it. The driver drove through a chain-link fence onto San Ramon Valley Road where the truck came to a halt.
The Investigation
The CHP is investigating the accident to see if drunk driving or fatigue was implicated in the crash. They are also reviewing the driver’s log as well as information about the destination and starting point of the driver’s route.
Truck Accident Statistics
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, of 411,000 truck crashes in 2014, 3,424 ended in a fatality. Single vehicle truck crashes comprised 21 percent of fatal accidents and 14 percent of crashes involving injury alone as well as 23 percent that involved only property damage. Most accidents happen between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Eighty-four percent of fatal crashes occurred on weekdays. Rollovers made up only five percent of fatal crashes.
Reasons Single Vehicle Truck Accidents Happen
Some common reasons truck accidents happen are:
- Driver fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel
- Distracted driving
- Improper training
- Using a cell phone or texting
- Mechanical equipment failure
- Inadequate maintenance
- Speeding
- Risky driving practices
- Poorly secured cargo
- Improper loading
- Road rage
- Tailgating
Weather and Road Conditions Affect Safety
Roadways can pose problems for drivers of big trucks. Such things as poorly marked roads, potholes or construction delays all have an effect. Drivers sometimes try to maneuver around impediments, leading to rollover or jackknife accidents. Wet or slippery roads also can contribute to accidents since the stability of a truck is challenged, or a driver may not take the conditions into account when turning.
Liability
Driver error, poor judgment and failure to weigh the effect of weather or a heavy load on truck navigation all represent areas where negligence can be involved. Trucking companies that fail to provide necessary training, particularly when hazardous cargo is involved, are liable for accidents. In addition, failure to maintain the truck or be alert for tire or brake defects are other sources of liability.
Antioch Truck Accident lawyer
I am Ed Smith, an San Ramon truck accident attorney. Truck accidents cause catastrophic injury to drivers of cars and light trucks who share the road with big rigs every day. When you are hurt in a truck accident or someone in your family is killed, you may want the friendly and free advice only an injury lawyer can provide. Call me directly at (925) 428-5220 in Antioch and nearby areas or (800) 404-5400 throughout the country. You can contact me online too if that is easier.
I’ve helped numerous clients from Northern California, including those in Antioch, since 1982 to ensure that they obtained the compensation they needed and deserved whether it was a car accident or a wrongful death or catastrophic injuries such as brain injury.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/crosswalk-pedestrian-crossing-407023/
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