Semi and Honda Collide on I-5 Near Richards Boulevard
A traffic collision on Interstate 5 northbound just south of Richards Boulevard close to the downtown exit ramp caused a traffic slowdown in Sacramento on August 28. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the initial collision, which happened at 10:54 a.m., involved a semi hauling a trailer and a silver Honda. The Honda fell into a ditch, going roughly 75 feet down the embankment.
Addition Details of the Sacramento Traffic Collision
One other semi and two other vehicles that included a sedan and a pickup were also involved in the accident. A heavy-duty tow truck was summoned to remove the Honda from the ditch and haul the semi. Traffic lanes three, four, and five were affected by the traffic collision until the road was cleared shortly before 1:00 p.m.
Witnesses saw the parties to the accident exiting the vehicles. The CHP has yet to say whether serious injuries were involved and will be responsible for investigating the accident to determine how and why it happened.
Semi Versus Passenger Vehicles in a Traffic Collision
The most significant difference between tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles is their relative weights and sizes. For example, a passenger vehicle weighs approximately 4,000 to 5,000 pounds while a tractor-trailer can weigh 35,000 to 80,000. Their sizes are different, too, with the semi’s length being 20 times that of the passenger vehicle.
When one vehicle is larger, this increases the momentum it will have when it hits something. If that something is a passenger vehicle, the occupants have a higher risk of incurring severe injuries or dying.
Fault in a Traffic Collision With a Truck
If a trucker caused your accident, you have the right to claim compensation. It is essential to know if the trucker is an independent hauler or works for a trucking company. In the latter situation, the trucking company will also be held liable for its employee’s behavior.
Besides, the trucking company is responsible for the truck’s maintenance and the driver’s logs. If the records were tampered with or the trucker could not rest between runs, the trucking company could be obligated to pay a higher compensation due to their fraudulent behavior.
Insurance Coverage for a Truck
The insurance coverage demanded of an independent trucker or the trucking company vastly exceeds that of a passenger vehicle driver. That is due to the truck’s size and its ability to inflict greater damage. It also depends on the type of cargo. For instance, trucks that carry petroleum products must carry a higher amount of insurance due to the danger associated with the cargo they carry.
Investigating a Truck Versus Passenger Vehicle Accident
Trucking accidents are more complex than passenger vehicle crashes because of state and federal laws governing large commercial vehicles. This is why it is important to enlist the help of an attorney experienced in handling truck accidents. For example, investigators will look for evidence in the following areas:
- Liability will be determined on whether the truck driver is an independent operator or works for a company.
- The investigators will check to see if the trucker violated any state or federal laws, such as being fatigued from driving too long.
- Driving records for the journey will be checked, which can indicate if the driver was speeding or not taking the required rest breaks.
- The driver’s record will be checked for past infractions or suspensions.
- The maintenance records for the truck will be checked to ensure that regular care and inspection was performed.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, and I am an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer. If a negligent trucker has injured you, you may be compensated for your financial loss. This can be due to medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. For my free, friendly advice, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also reach me online.
I’ve helped numerous Sacramentans obtain the compensation they deserve in all types of traumatic accidents, wrongful deaths, or other personal injuries.
I am proud to belong to the following two groups, along with other organizations:
Visit the pages below by clicking on the links to find out about my practice:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/highway-jam-traffic-pkw-autos-1761825/
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