Accident at South Watt Avenue Intersection Sends One Person to Hospital
A big rig accident with a pickup in Sacramento on April 18 sent one injured person to the hospital. The collision occurred at the intersection of South Watt Avenue and Kiefer Boulevard shortly after 10:00 a.m. between a black semi and red pickup truck. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) police report said that Sac Fire emergency responders were called to the scene to assess injuries and transported one person to a hospital for additional evaluation and medical care.
Investigation Into Big Rig Accident Will Determine Fault
The intersection was blocked by the crash, and both the big rig and pickup had to be hauled away from the accident scene. An investigation is underway to determine fault in the accident. No information was provided on whether alcohol or drug consumption contributed to the collision.
Accidents With Big Trucks
Anytime a passenger vehicle is involved in a collision with a big rig, the smaller vehicle is going to lose. Serious injuries are common after colliding with a big truck, which can result in long hospitalization and recovery as well as other losses. Because a collision with a big truck can be complicated, enlisting the help of an injury lawyer can be beneficial to recover the compensation you deserve. Without evidence to prove your claim, it can’t go forward. Some of the ways we investigate a truck accident to obtain that evidence include:
- The police report filed in the accident is examined to see if the trucker broke any laws, including running a red light, speeding, distracted driving and others.
- The trucker’s driving record is examined to see if there are infractions on it.
- If the driver is employed by a company, their maintenance and infraction records are checked. In some cases, a company gives the driver a short window to make a delivery, which increases the chance of a collision.
- Maintenance records are checked and the vehicle is inspected. All big rigs are supposed to be inspected before they head out on the road and maintenance performed. If a big truck has worn tires, the brakes in the cab have been disconnected, which happens at times to save wear, or other problems exist, it can lead to a serious accident.
- The electronic logging device or paper log is checked to ensure the driver was complying with state and federal requirements, which mandate driving hours and rest periods. In addition, these records are examined to see if they were falsified.
- The lawyer checks the insurance being carried by the driver and company because they can carry various policies such as trailer interchange. This is because a truck driver isn’t covered for a trailer they are pulling if they don’t own it.
Is it Worth Suing a Trucker or Company if I’m Injured?
Truck drivers and trucking companies are required to carry large insurance policies. The minimum insurance carried by a trucking company is $750,000. This amount is mandated under federal law. Policies are much higher amounts for big rigs that transport hazardous materials. However, because insurance companies want to pay out the minimum, having an injury lawyer on your side can help you obtain fair compensation.
Sacramento Truck Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. Accidents involving tractor-trailers or other large commercial vehicles often cause injuries to those in smaller cars or trucks. When the driver of the rig or their employer was negligent and caused the accident, the injured person may want to find out if they can file a claim to recover compensation. Call us at (916) 921-6400 for our free and friendly advice. You can also contact us at (800) 404-5400 or by sending us an online message. We will arrange a free consultation with one of our injury lawyers in person or virtually, where you can have your questions answered while they review your case and inform you of options to recover compensation. If we handle your case, remember you owe us nothing until it has been won.
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