Truck Crash in Sacramento
A crash resulting in injury occurred along westbound Interstate 80 on October 25, 2018, that involved three vehicles. The accident blocked three westbound lanes, and a SigAlert had to be issued warning motorists to find another route to their destinations. The accident, which involved two big trucks, is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to determine the cause of the collision.
Details of the Sacramento Truck Crash
According to authorities, the accident occurred shortly before 8:30 in the morning along the interstate just west of a pedestrian overcrossing in North Sacramento. Two large trucks and a third vehicle were involved, closing down the HOV and other lanes. It was reported that an ambulance was summoned for an individual who was injured in the crash. However, it is unknown at this time how many people were injured in the collision or the extent of their injuries. The CHP and Sacramento Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene about 10 minutes after the crash occurred. Tow trucks were requested to move the big vehicles and help clear the traffic lanes for motorists.
Truck Crash Statistics
In 2016, 3,986 people died in truck crashes nationwide, and many more suffered serious injuries, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Truck crashes may include those involving big rigs, garbage or FedEx trucks and other types. Occupants of passenger vehicles accounted for 66 percent of these deaths. Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians accounted for another 16 percent. Seventeen percent of truck occupants were also killed. The number of individuals who died in 2016 in truck accidents was a 27-percent increase over that of 2009.
Watch YouTube Video: What Damages Could I Claim in a Trucking Accident Lawsuit? The following video outlines the damages you can collect in a truck accident due to negligence.
Why Truck Accidents Are Deadly
There are four main reasons why a truck crash can happen:
- Lack of Easy Maneuverability: Due to a truck’s size, it is unable to turn as easily as a smaller, lighter vehicle. In most cases, a truck requires at least 55 feet to turn while the average car or light truck needs roughly half of that. Also, trucks are unable to stop or swerve the way passenger vehicles can, which can cause a jackknifing accident. If a truck makes an abrupt move, the likelihood that it will jackknife is increased.
- Size and Weight: A big truck weighs on average 80,000 pounds. Contrast that with a passenger vehicle that weighs anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 pounds. Trucks are roughly 13 feet high while cars and light trucks are much less, which can cause an underride accident if a big rig suddenly stops. A truck tractor and trailer runs about 75 feet in length, and the average passenger vehicle is 15.4 feet long or less. The discrepancies in size are one of the main reasons a truck crash is deadly for the occupants of passenger vehicles.
- Momentum: An object with a bigger mass has greater momentum and will require a longer stopping distance than a less heavy vehicle. For this reason, trucks are unable to stop as quickly as passenger vehicles. For example, a car traveling at 65 mph requires at least 300 feet to stop while a truck going at the same speed needs 520 feet.
- No-Zones: There are areas in front, behind and to the sides of a big rig where a truck driver is unable to see a passenger vehicle. These are called no-zones. Exert extra caution when cutting in front of a truck, don’t tailgate or spend time pacing a truck on either side, particularly the right.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. Being involved in an accident with a big truck can leave the occupants of other vehicles with severe injuries. If you or your family member suffered injuries caused by a negligent truck driver, I would be honored to offer you free, friendly legal advice. You can call me at (916) 921-6400 in Sacramento, or on my toll-free number (800) 404-5400. You will also find a contact form to use at AutoAccident.com.
I am a longtime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which was founded to recognize the top trial lawyers with a record of obtaining more than one million dollars for a client through a settlement or verdict.
During my 36 year career, I have helped many Sacramento residents and others from throughout Northern California to obtain fair compensation for all types of car accidents, in cases of wrongful death and many different injuries such as traumatic brain injury.
You can find out more about my law practice by reading client comments and reviews and by checking out our list of prior cases and how they concluded at:
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