Big Rig Crash I-880 and Hegenberger Road
On the morning of October 2, 2023, the California Highway Patrol reported a big rig crash with injuries on I-880 and Hegenberger Road in Oakland. The incident occurred shortly after 8:35 a.m. on the southbound side of Interstate 880. It was said to have involved a tractor-trailer and a gray Toyota Corolla.
Details on the Big Rig Crash on I-880 and Hegenberger Road
A preliminary release indicated that a collision occurred involving a big rig and a Toyota Corolla. The Toyota allegedly sustained significant traffic collision damage in the incident as the occupants had difficulty exiting the vehicle, CHP traffic officers reported.
An ambulance responded to the crash site to assist at least one injured party. Traffic stood at a standstill as the No. 1-3 Lanes of southbound Interstate 880 were blocked due to the truck accident. Information on what caused the big rig crash and how many parties were injured was not immediately available.
Seeking Financial Recovery in Commercial Truck Accident Cases
Drivers, including truckers, have a responsibility to operate vehicles safely and exercise due care to others. Devastating crashes may occur due to the recklessness or carelessness of truck drivers, trucking companies, and other parties of interest. When a big rig crash occurs due to negligence, an injured party may be entitled to financial recovery for their medical bills, lost earnings, and other damages stemming from the incident. This requires filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party and their insurance company. In truck accident cases, various parties may be held liable.
Regulations Overseeing the Trucking Industry
A wide array of guidelines and regulations have been established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that oversee the trucking industry. Drivers of large commercial trucks and trucking companies must follow these regulations or be subject to penalties for failure to do so. Big rig crashes frequently occur because of the failure to uphold state and federal regulations, such as:
- Hours of Service (HOS): The hours-of-service guidelines are set forth by the FMCSA. They state the number of hours a commercial truck driver can stay on the road without taking a break. For instance, a truck driver cannot drive for over 60 hours within seven consecutive days. Moreover, on-duty truck drivers must record their trips in an active log. An experienced attorney can determine in an independent investigation if a collision occurred due to the failure to adhere to HOS guidelines.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Trucking companies are expected to routinely inspect and maintain their fleet. If any repairs are needed, they should be addressed promptly. One too many tractor-trailer collisions have occurred because of a trucking company’s failure to perform routine repairs and maintenance. For instance, 18-wheeler collisions may occur due to brake failure, overworn tires, and other overdue maintenance issues. A lawyer can investigate to determine if vehicle maintenance caused a big rig crash.
- Load Securement: Truck drivers, employers, and third-party loading companies must ensure that cargo is properly stored. For instance, items must be stored in a way that prevents direct contact with one another. This serves to ensure that shifts in load do not occur during transport. Conversely, vehicle structures, anchor points, and tie-downs must be appropriate and in good functional condition. An attorney can assess a crash and determine if improper load securement was a contributing factor.
An experienced California truck accident lawyer can help determine if a big rig crash is associated with any of the state and federal regulations violated above. If so, our legal team will work diligently to hold negligent drivers and entities accountable for the injuries and damage they have caused. For more information about our law firm, schedule a free case review today.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Oakland
Those injured due to collisions with large commercial trucks should contact our skilled Oakland personal injury lawyers for compassionate guidance and support. Call our law firm today at (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400 for an assessment of your potential case and receive free, friendly advice. We have the experience, knowledge, and resources to handle your Oakland truck accident case and seek the full financial compensation you deserve.
Photograph Attribution: Pixabay Account User – OpticalEssence
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