Accident Near West Sacramento Involves Tractor Trailer
A multiple-vehicle collision that involved a tractor-trailer occurred along southbound Interstate 5 just over the river from West Sacramento on April 1. The accident, which resulted in injuries, occurred around 6:33 p.m. just north of the J Street exit ramp. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that it involved a tractor-trailer, a Ford F-150 hauling a forklift on a trailer, an Acura Integra, Honda Civic and other vehicles. The collision, which resulted in multiple lanes that were blocked, was compounded by another accident in the number three lane when an additional vehicle struck the tractor-trailer. Some of the vehicles had to be removed by tow trucks, but the semi was drivable. The CHP is conducting an investigation into the multiple-vehicle collision to discover how it occurred and assign fault.
Truck Accident Investigations
Because truck accidents involve state and federal regulations, an experienced lawyer is necessary to investigate the case to prove fault. Truckers have a limit to the hours they can be on the road, must perform pre-inspections, and check their loads at certain times along the way. Some of them have been known to falsify their logs to extend this time. In addition, a truck driver may be guilty of the following infractions:
- Speeding to make a delivery faster
- Neglected maintenance
- Distracted driving because of the long hours that can lead to boredom
- Drug use to try and stay awake and alert
- Fatigue from long hours spent on the road
Multiple-Vehicle Collision
Accidents that involve multiple vehicles are common on high-speed roadways. This occurs primarily when traffic is heavy, leaving little room between vehicles. Although it is recommended that drivers leave ample room between the car ahead, this does not always happen. Instead, drivers try to arrive at their destination sooner by shortening this distance. This leads to rear-end accidents and multiple-vehicle collisions.
Dangers of a Multiple-Vehicle Collision
A multiple-vehicle traffic collision has many dangers associated with it, some obvious and others hidden. One of the biggest problems is the ferocity of the impact that ensues once the initial collision occurs. As vehicle after vehicle piles onto the chain of cars and trucks, major injuries occur. Fires are a common issue, particularly if a tanker truck carrying flammable substances is involved. In addition, oil spills from damaged vehicles can also lead to fires and subsequent burns. Because of the congestion that occurs after a multiple-vehicle traffic collision, first responders and firefighters cannot reach the injured. Finally, vehicles are struck multiple times. The problem here is that once an airbag deploys, it will not protect an occupant during additional strikes.
What a Lawyer Does to Prove Accident Negligence
Proving negligence is necessary for a person who has been injured in an accident to claim compensation. This is done by investigating the accident and compiling strong evidence to support the claim. We send our investigators to the accident site to talk to the witnesses and review the police report for errors. They perform accident reconstruction, which helps to target the at-fault party/parties by showing how the crash occurred. Cameras from nearby businesses and traffic surveillance systems often capture an accident when it happens. Our lawyers take over when all the evidence has been gathered. The proof investigators compile can be used in negotiations with the insurance company on behalf of our client. If the insurance company refuses to meet the amount the client deserves, the lawyers can then build a strong case for court.
West Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a West Sacramento truck accident lawyer. Big rigs often cause serious injuries when they are in a collision with a smaller vehicle. When you’ve been in a collision with a tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicle, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 if you would like my free and friendly advice. You can also reach me by sending me a message online.
I am a California member of the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel
It has been my honor to have helped West Sacramento residents since 1982 to get the compensation they deserve for injuries caused by another’s negligence from serious injuries to wrongful deaths and traffic collisions.
Reviews by former clients and cases my firm has handled can be found below:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/highway-jam-traffic-pkw-autos-1761825/
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