Trucker Loses Control of Big Rig on I-80 Eastbound
A truck accident occurred in West Sacramento on January 9 after the driver may have lost control. The collision occurred around 10:06 a.m. along eastbound I-80 just west of the Reed Avenue off-ramp, blocking the number one and two lanes. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers discovered the semi facing west in the eastbound lanes.
Traffic Flow Slowed by Truck Accident
Responders with the Yolo Fire Department arrived at the scene to assess injuries to the driver, which were determined to be minor. Lane three along the highway remained open for the passage of traffic. The big rig was towed from the scene following the tractor-trailer accident. An investigation is underway by the CHP to determine why the accident occurred.
Why Big Rig Drivers Lose Control and Cause an Accident
There are a variety of factors that can lead to big rig drivers losing control and causing an accident. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue – Big rig drivers often drive for long hours without taking breaks, leading to exhaustion and drowsiness which can impair their judgment, reaction time and ability to make sound decisions on the road.
- Distractions – Operating a large truck carries with it a great responsibility, so when big rig drivers become distracted by cell phones or other devices while driving, their attention is diverted from the road and they may not be able to react quickly enough when a situation arises.
- Limited visibility – Large trucks have limited visibility which makes it difficult for drivers to see potential dangers on the road ahead. Even if they are able to spot them, they may not have enough time to react in order to avoid a collision.
- Excessive speed – Big rig drivers may feel pressure to make deliveries on time and may be tempted to speed in order to do so. This can lead to loss of control if the driver is not paying attention or has underestimated the amount of time they need to stop in an emergency situation.
- Poor maintenance – Faulty brakes, worn tires and other problems with a big rig’s maintenance can cause accidents as well as increase the chances of a driver losing control due to mechanical issues.
- Weather conditions – Rain, slick roads and wind can cause a truck accident. This especially occurs if the trailer isn’t fully loaded because a wind of just 50 mph can unbalance it.
A driver may be responsible for injuries caused by an accident in some cases. Depending on the circumstances, the company may also be liable if the driver is not qualified or if maintenance is a problem. The lawyers at AutoAccident.com have successfully handled many collisions involving big commercial vehicles over the years and can do the same for you. They work hard to get you fair compensation for your injuries,
West Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, and I am a West Sacramento truck accident lawyer. Those in passenger cars may suffer serious consequences if they collide with a big rig. Get free and friendly advice if you have been injured in a truck accident caused by a negligent driver by calling us at (916) 921-6400. Alternatively, you can reach us by phone at (800) 404-5400, or connect with us online. You can meet with one of our accident attorneys in person or virtually for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and talk about your options for recovering compensation.
You can discover how others have been helped by our team of injury lawyers at the links that follow:
Following are some of the associations we are especially proud to belong to:
Photo attribution: Image by Denise McQuillen from Pixabay
:cd llo [642]