July 3 Underride Accident on Hwy. 50 in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. An underride collision occurred on July 3 along Highway 50 in South Sacramento that required the issuance of a SigAlert. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Sacramento fire department was called, along with emergency rescue personnel to help deal with the collision. Although an injury was reported, the condition of the person is unknown.
Accident Details
The accident happened shortly after 9:30 in the morning when a big rig was involved in a crash with a silver-colored sedan on the westbound side of U.S. 50 near the Howe Avenue off-ramp. The right lane was blocked, and the fire department was called into action because the sedan was stuck underneath the left rear of the big rig’s trailer and could not be detached. The SigAlert was issued about 15 minutes later to warn motorists that the right-hand lane was blocked. A sweeper was brought in to clear the debris. The roadway was cleared shortly before 10:30. No further information has been released on the identity of the individual injured in the crash.
Underride Accidents
Underride and override crashes are among the most deadly and tragic of all the types of car accidents. They are caused when a motor vehicle passes underneath a big rig from either the front, side or back. Even when driving at a slower speed, this kind of collision can cause the roof of the smaller vehicle to become crushed as it goes under the truck. While most underride and override accidents are the fault of the driver in a motor vehicle, some are caused by the operator of a truck. Some of the reasons a truck driver can be at fault in an underride or override crash include:
- Speeding is a significant cause of motor vehicle accidents, and truck drivers are also guilty of speeding. Increasing the speed of any vehicle means that a driver requires a longer stopping distance to avoid a collision.
- Tailgating is caused when a vehicle is traveling too close to the car in front of it. This decreases the amount of time the driver has to react and stop. Because big rigs have blind spots in front and in the back, it is difficult for the driver to realize another vehicle is there.
- Brake failure or problems in a big truck can cause it to go out of control or fail to stop in sufficient time to prevent an override collision.
- Bad or underinflated tires reduce traction and may cause a blowout. A blowout can lead to both an underride or override collision.
- Weather conditions can contribute to override, or underride crashes because fog, rain, and snow, as well as slick road surfaces, can interfere with vision and the ability to stop.
- Lack of conspicuity of the truck on the road can cause collisions because of missing lights, poor reflectivity, and other problems. Many side underride accidents happen when a truck is crossing in front of a motor vehicle, and the other driver does not spot the big rig. Many of these accidents happen at night or when the sun is low in the sky.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. Underride and override accidents often result in fatalities and severe injuries. If you lost a loved one in this kind of accident or you or a loved one was injured, you may be entitled to compensation. Call me for free and friendly advice in Sacramento at (916) 921-6400. My toll-free number is (800) 404-5400.
Over my 36 year career as an injury lawyer, I’ve assisted many residents of Sacramento and Northern California to obtain the compensation they need and deserve in accident cases such as wrongful death and traumatic brain injuries.
I am a Million Dollar Advocates member. This nationwide forum only admits trial lawyers who have garnered an excess of $1 million for a client.
To find out more about my law practice, please visit the following links to look over client comments and reviews and prior cases, along with how they resolved.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_24918415_l-2015
:cd [cs 709] cv