Rancho Cordova Fatal Crash on Highway 50
A Rancho Cordova fatal crash caused major Highway 50 traffic delays on April 3. The crash involved a cement truck and two other vehicles. It occurred shortly after 8:00 during the morning rush hour west of Sunrise Boulevard. One passenger died in the crash. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) was on hand to investigate the accident and clear the road. It is uncertain at this time if drugs or alcohol was involved in the collision. Traffic delays continued until 10 a.m. when the lanes were reopened to motorists. There was some traffic slowing on East Highway 50 for the remainder of the morning. I would like to take this time to offer my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
How the Rancho Cordova Fatal Crash Happened
According to authorities, a Toyota Tercel had pulled over to the shoulder of the road. At some point, the driver of the Tercel attempted to move into the slow lane. The vehicle was then rear-ended by a Toyota Prius. This resulted in the Tercel being pushed into the slow lane where it was struck broadside by a cement truck.
Fatal Injuries
Immediately after being hit by the cement truck, the front seat passenger in the Tercel died. Both the driver of the Prius and the Tercel survived and were transported to the hospital.
Good Samaritan at the Scene
Holly Matzke commutes every day along Highway 50 to work. She was in a crash several years ago where her vehicle went off a cliff, so when she saw the accident she was ready to help. Matzke, who knows CPR, told the Toyota driver that help would arrive soon, trying to quell his anguish over his wife’s injuries. She was there as the man’s wife passed, perhaps lending her a moment of comfort. It is impossible to convey the importance of Good Samaritans like Matzke in times of trouble.
Cement Trucks
Cement truck accidents are dangerous events. The trucks have a high center of gravity and weigh 25 to 60 tons. The combination of a high center of gravity and excessive weight makes this type of truck prone to rollovers. These trucks can roll over at slow speeds starting at 5 to 10 m.p.h. It happens most often when the driver is making a turn. This is especially true when the driver is inexperienced. One of the major problems is that cement trucks need to deliver the cement in a short time before it hardens. This means that the truck operators may travel at speeds that are not safe. After the collision, the mixed cement may leak onto the road, causing subsequent accidents.
Cement Truck Accidents
Because of their weight, cement trucks cannot come to a stop quickly. This is a problem when other vehicles on a highway act in a reckless manner. An accident often happens when a driver pulls out in front of the cement truck or changes lanes without properly judging the distance. Cement trucks, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, cause more injuries and fatalities than other big trucks. It is important to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of a cement truck to avoid a Rancho Cordova fatal crash.
Who’s at Fault in a Cement Truck Accident?
The fault differs from one accident to another. Some are caused by fatigued or distracted passenger vehicle drivers. Other drivers do not understand how difficult it is for these heavy vehicles to stop. However, for the most part, cement truck accidents are caused by truck driver negligence. Since a commercial truck license does not require special training to haul cement, many cement trucks are operated by inexperienced drivers. This reflects back on their employer. Many accidents are caused when:
- Following too close to other vehicles
- Driving while impaired by drugs
- Operating the vehicle while being too tired to drive
- Driving too fast for road conditions
- Ignoring the cement truck’s blind spots
- Being ignorant of the cement trucks many limitations
- Being distracted
How an Attorney Can Help in a Rancho Cordova Fatal Crash
An attorney experienced in truck accidents can investigate the scene of the crash and police records to determine who was at fault. Liability can also involve multiple mistakes by both the passenger vehicle driver and the truck operator. The complexity of such accidents may require input by reconstruction experts to get a full picture of how the crash occurred. Once the information is acquired, the attorney can help by filing a claim with the insurance company and negotiating a fair outcome. In the event the insurer fails to agree to such demands, the lawyer can take the case to civil court.
Rancho Cordova Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Rancho Cordova wrongful death lawyer. Accidents between passenger vehicles and cement trucks often end up with the death of those in the smaller vehicle. This can cause tremendous financial issues for a grieving family. If this happened to your family, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can contact me online too.
I’ve practiced personal injury law for over 37 years, helping residents of Rancho Cordova. I’ve assisted them in getting the compensation they deserve in all types of accidents, pedestrian collisions, and traumatic brain injuries.
The Million Dollar Forum, a group with lawyers who win over $1 million for a client, inducted me as a member. I was also honored by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. This organization values those lawyers who practice legal excellence.
Read about my practice on the following pages:
Ed Smith: Rancho Cordova Fatal Crash on Highway 50
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/truck-stirrer-of-cement-japan-1231486/
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