Sleeping Driver Involved in Colfax Truck Accident
California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that a big-rig accident took place near the community of Colfax on Monday, September 16, 2019. According to reports, the accident happened shortly after the driver of the large vehicle fell asleep. The crash only involved one vehicle with a driver and passenger as occupants. While the passenger was uninjured, the driver reportedly suffered minor trauma during the incident.
Crash Information
The accident was reported shortly after 2:00 a.m. A witness told CHP that the large white tractor-trailer had been heading west on I-80 and had just passed Secret Town road when it veered to the right and left the road. After driving off of the road, the truck crashed through a guardrail and into a copse of trees on a hill on the side of the highway. Pictures of the accident scene show that the collision caused major damage to the cab of the commercial truck. Reportedly, the truck was carrying 10,000 pounds of Styrofoam but did not spill any during the collision.
Responders were sent to the accident scene and were able to secure the truck and prevent it from sliding further down the hill. The passenger and driver were extricated from the vehicle safely. Whether or not either of the individuals received medical attention has not been reported. The driver allegedly told investigating officers that he fell asleep before his vehicle drifted off the road.
Fatigue and Truck Accidents
According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 100,000 vehicle accidents are caused by driver fatigue in the U.S. every year, resulting in over 70,000 injuries ranging from minor to fatal. Studies have shown that the effects of fatigue can be similar to the effects of alcohol and can impair a driver’s ability to make sound judgments, react to hazards, and operate their vehicle in general.
Because big-rigs are so massive, a fatigued truck driver poses a serious risk to themselves and everybody else on the road. Unfortunately, companies often pressure drivers to make deliveries on unrealistic schedules, and this can encourage drivers to miss out on sleep in order to make sure their shipment arrives on time. Because driving a truck comes with so many risks, truckers and their holding companies are required to meet a strict list of safety requirements. One of the most important things that truckers are required to do is rest for an appropriate amount of time during long drives. If a trucker is found to have violated this regulation, their company may be liable to pay for damages caused by accidents.
To learn more about recovering damages after being involved in a trucking accident, you can watch the video below. However, if you have been injured in a crash, it’s always best to speak to a lawyer personally about your situation.
More Blogs by Auburn Truck Accident Lawyer, Ed Smith
- Auburn DUI Injures Motorcyclist
- Defining Auburn Personal Injury Lawyers
- Fatigue and Trucking Accidents
Auburn Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Auburn truck accident lawyer. If a truck accident caused you serious injury, contact me at either (800) 404-5400 or (530) 392-9400 so I can give you free and friendly advice.
My firm has worked with people in Placer County and nearby areas for more than 37 years. You can learn more about our work by viewing the settlements and verdicts we’ve obtained for our clients. Get even more information about me by reading some of the reviews I’ve received on:
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