Big Rig Crash on I-80 Causes Several Injuries
A massive tomato spill in a Vacaville big rig crash on August 29 caused injuries and left slippery debris behind. The collision occurred on westbound Interstate 80 around 5:00 a.m. when the big rig crashed with a vehicle and then swerved and struck another, according to a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol (CHP). After colliding with the two vehicles, the truck struck the center median, which caused the cargo in the open trailer to spill out into eastbound lanes. The cargo was a big load of fresh tomatoes in an open-topped trailer.
Multiple Injuries Reported When Big Rig Crashes
Two injuries occurred in one of the smaller vehicles, including one patient who suffered a broken leg. Another person in that vehicle complained of pain, but no further information was provided. The truck driver in the big rig also had a complaint of pain and reportedly suffered minor injuries.
Caltrans Called in to Clean up Tomatoes Strewn Across the Interstate
One lane remained open along eastbound I-80 as a Caltrans crew cleared the debris with street sweepers. The eastbound lanes were reopened around 11:30 a.m. One of the westbound lanes remained closed as the big rig was removed. The accident is under investigation to determine how it happened.
Accidents Involving Big Trucks Are Often Caused by Negligence
Because of the size and weight difference between a big commercial vehicle and a passenger car, severe injuries often result when they collide. Some of the ways in which a truck driver can be negligent and cause a big rig crash include:
- Speed: The trucker is speeding to make a delivery on time. In these cases, it may be that the trucker wants to reload to make an additional delivery. In others, pressure from the trucking company may cause them to speed. Other reasons a trucker speeds include backed-up traffic or rerouting due to ongoing construction.
- Distracted driving: A truck driver may be communicating with their dispatcher or other drivers along the way. Although CB radios are still in use by older drivers, younger ones tend to use their cell phones.
- Fatigue: Truck drivers average from 605 to 650 miles in a day’s trip. They are restricted to driving no more than 11 hours each day. However, anyone who has ever taken a long trip knows that fatigue will set in long before that, even with rest breaks.
- Maintenance problems: Lack of maintenance on a truck can cause a big rig crash. A high percentage of these accidents are caused by faulty or worn brakes. Tire blowouts due to excessive wear can also lead to a big rig crash.
Recovering Compensation in a Big Rig Crash
An accident attorney can investigate a truck accident to determine negligence by the truck driver or company that employs them. Someone who has been injured by a truck driver may be able to recover the following:
- All medical costs associated with the accident are recoverable, including your ambulance fee and rehabilitation as well as home alterations to accommodate your injury if needed.
- Lost wages, including pension/insurance benefits, bonuses and others can be recovered.
- The spouse can recover compensation for loss of consortium.
- Compensation for pain and suffering is recoverable, including any emotional or psychological trauma the accident caused.
Truck Accident Attorney in Vacaville
I am Ed Smith, a truck accident attorney in Vacaville. When a negligent trucker is responsible for your accident injuries, you have the right to claim fair compensation for medical expenses, wages and pain and suffering. You are welcome to call us for free and friendly advice on whether you can file a claim at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400. We can also be contacted online.
Find out more about us and how our injury lawyers have assisted others below:
Photo attribution: Image by Denise McQuillen from Pixabay
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