Accident on I-5 Reportedly Caused by Out-of-Control Pickup
A big rig jackknife accident occurred on an Elk Grove freeway on October 31 that resulted in injuries when a pickup truck went out of control. The accident happened around 12:35 in the afternoon along northbound Interstate 5 and the eastbound Hood Franklin Road exit ramp. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision happened when a motorist in a white Dodge Ram entered the roadway and struck a semi moving southbound on I-5 that was hauling a load of onions.
Witness Describes How the Accident Occurred
A witness who reported the accident said the pickup cut the semi off but lost control and struck the big rig. The semi jackknifed then rolled multiple times and landed on its wheels, losing its load. The semi was reported as completely demolished, and onions were strewn across the roadway for 200 feet, blocking the road. Parties who witnessed the jackknife collision stopped to try and get the semi driver out of the vehicle.
Jackknife Accident Under Investigation by Authorities
Eventually, traffic was able to pass through on the number two lane. Minor injuries were reported in the accident. The CHP is conducting an investigation to determine exactly how the jackknife accident occurred and to assign blame.
Dangers of Big Rig Accidents
Big rigs are much larger than passenger vehicles and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so when they are involved in a collision, serious injuries and the risk of fatalities increases. If you or your loved one is injured in one of these accidents, it’s a good time to consult with our experienced lawyers, who can help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve. In this way, your medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses will be covered.
Jackknife Accidents
When a big rig jackknifes, the trailer portion swings around. This can result in a collision with vehicles in the next lane. In some cases, such as the accident above, it can result in a rollover. Many times, these accidents are caused by a driver error such as speeding or employing the wrong set of brakes in an emergency. However, if a big rig is slammed in the side by another vehicle, it can potentially cause the semi to either roll over or jackknife, endangering not only the trucker but those in other nearby vehicles. Ways in which another driver can cause a big rig accident include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving such as tailgating or cutting another vehicle off
- Distracted driving
- Fatigue
- Drunk or drugged driving
Accident Investigations
Although police investigate the cause of an accident when injuries occur, our office collects the evidence needed to support a client’s injury claim. It can either be used when negotiating on the client’s behalf with the insurance company or in civil court if necessary. Among the areas where evidence is collected are the following:
- The investigators talk to all the witnesses to the jackknife accident, which can help corroborate the injury claim.
- The report by the police is reviewed to ensure its accuracy.
- The investigators look for road and traffic cameras that could have captured the jackknife accident on film. This type of evidence is commonly used in court and when dealing with an insurance company.
- They perform reconstruction of the collision, which includes taking photographs, and can show how the jackknife accident occurred and point to fault.
Elk Grove Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove truck accident lawyer. Those who are injured through someone else’s negligence may be able to receive compensation for those injuries with the help of an experienced law firm. Call today at (916) 694-0002 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice. An online message form is available also.
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Since 1982, I’ve helped numerous Elk Grove residents get compensation for their wrongful death claims, traffic accidents, and traumatic injuries.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_2993495_l-2015
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