Jackknifed Truck Accident on Eastbound U.S. 50
A jackknifed truck accident occurred in Sacramento on March 5 along eastbound U.S. 50, resulting in an injury. The accident caused the closure of several lanes at the Stockton Boulevard overpass for a number of hours. The collision happened at about 6:23 in the morning when the truck driver lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons, striking the concrete barrier. The accident damaged a road sign and guardrail, while one of the truck’s axles fell from the highway down onto Stockton Boulevard. Debris from the accident struck a fence, causing damage, as well as being strewn across the roadway. Hazmat crews were called in to clean up about 60 gallons of diesel fuel that was spilled.
Further Details of the Jackknifed Truck Accident
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) indicated that a person was found in the slow lane lying on the ground following the accident. An ambulance arrived and transported that individual to a nearby hospital. No information has been released about the person’s identity or condition as of the time of this report.
Traffic Backed Up Due to Accident
Highway 50 eastbound traffic backed into West Sacramento by about 8:50 in the morning. Half an hour later, three traffic lanes and the right shoulder remained closed. The accident is under investigation by the CHP to determine why it happened.
Jackknifed Truck Accidents
Jackknifes are one of the most serious types of truck accidents, along with overrides and underrides. Because of the enormous size of a big rig, a jackknife accident can easily turn into a multiple vehicle crash as the trailer swings around and impacts other cars on the road. When a big rig jackknifes, it causes the trailer to swing out in the shape of an L and may impact several lanes of traffic. Some of the reasons a jackknife occurs are:
- Driver inexperience can result in a jackknifed truck. Certain maneuvers known by experienced drivers such as when to brake before descending a steep hill are important to avoid an accident.
- Improper braking: Because big rigs have multiple brakes, it is important that the driver use the correct brake to slow a truck without causing a jackknife.
- Slippery roads: Weather conditions can affect the performance and safety of any vehicle. Trying to get a load to its destination on time can cause a truck driver to take risks that can lead to a jackknifed truck accident.
- Speeding: Speeding is a particular problem among truck drivers and can cause a jackknifed truck accident if the rig goes out of control.
- Distracted driving: Because truck drivers spend many hours on the road, distractions can be a problem. Texting or talking on a cell phone and eating while driving are common forms of distracted driving.
- Negligent maintenance: Worn tires, bad brakes, and other maintenance problems can cause a big rig accident.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Truck accidents are complex because there are so many reasons they can happen. However, determining fault in a truck accident is necessary to obtain compensation to pay medical bills and the other costs that arise from your personal injury. An experienced lawyer can negotiate for you with the insurance company. If an agreement can’t be reached, he or she can compile strong evidence that will help obtain the compensation you deserve and need.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. Being injured in an accident causes financial, physical and emotional stress. When another individual’s negligence was the cause, it is unfair for you to bear the financial burden. To listen to my free and friendly advice as well as ask about your potential case, you can contact me at (916) 921-6400 in my Sacramento office or through (800) 404-5400, which is toll-free. Others prefer to use the online form to get in touch with me.
I hold membership in both the Million Dollar Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Discover more about my law practice by checking our client reviews and seeing some previous cases my firm has handled at:
During my 37 years working as a personal injury lawyer, I’ve helped many of the good people of Sacramento, along with other Northern Californians, to obtain fair compensation in cases that involve wrongful death, pedestrian car accidents, and many others.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_81732032_l-2015
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