Truck Accident on Rio Vista Bridge Causes Traffic Backup
A truck accident with three other vehicles happened on State Route 12 as it bridges the Sacramento River. The crash, which caused injury to several people, happened at 5:43 p.m. on the Rio Vista Bridge. The accident affected traffic on the bridge in all directions. It was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) that the tractor-trailer, which weighed 36,000 pounds, was in the middle of the bridge keeping traffic at a standstill for miles in all directions. One driver suggested that a motorist traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of S.R. 160, might have been a factor in the accident. All injured parties were taken to local hospitals for treatment. A heavy-duty tow truck was requested to remove the tractor-trailer from the accident site. At 6:40 p.m., there were five vehicles abandoned on the bridge as authorities searched for jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction
The City of Rio Vista said they do not handle bridge traffic accidents. On the other side of the bridge lies Solano County, and authorities in Rio Vista requested that the county check to see if they had jurisdiction. While the search for who was in charge of the bridge truck accident continued, motorists remained in line waiting for the crash to be cleared. Rio Vista police did say they requested the heavy-duty tow truck to clear the tractor-trailer. One motorist, whose vehicle was involved in the accident, asked police which tow truck was being sent for her vehicle at about 8:15 p.m.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Determining who is liable for an accident is a key feature in any case. In multiple-vehicle accidents, it is imperative and complicated. That is why we have our own independent, investigative teams who will sort through the evidence. They will check the site of the accident for clues as to what happened and review police reports. However, in the moment, errors in the documents might be made as police try to clear the scene and help the injured. It is important for your legal representative to be there to protect your rights. We also interview any witnesses to a truck accident and review video capture of the crash. With this incriminating evidence in hand, we put together a strong case against the negligent driver.
The Complexity of Multiple Vehicle Truck Accidents
A multiple-vehicle accident is bad enough. Add in a semi and the risk of serious injuries and deaths increase, depending on the type of truck accident. This is due to the weight differences between passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers. A passenger vehicle weighs an average of 4,000 pounds. However, a tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded. An impact between the two often ends in catastrophic injuries and deaths. In 2016, 36 percent of passenger vehicle occupants suffered fatalities compared to only 4 percent of deaths to truckers. When multiple passenger vehicles are involved, the number of injuries and deaths increases.
Bridge Accidents
Truck accidents happen on bridges for a number of reasons. They can be due to structural problems associated with a particular bridge. If this is the case, the government authority that oversees the maintenance and design of the bridge may be held liable. On other occasions, a combination of reckless driving and human error is responsible for a truck accident. Finally, inclement weather can have a disastrous effect on truck and passenger vehicle safety.
Rio Vista Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Rio Vista car accident lawyer. If you are involved in a multiple-vehicle accident with a big rig, you need the insight an injury attorney can provide. Call me at (707) 564-1900 in the area or (800) 404-5400 long-distance for free and friendly advice. I am also available online.
I’ve helped the residents of Rio Vista and the surrounding area obtain the compensation they deserve for more than 37 years.
I am a proud member of the following organizations:
- The National Association of Distinguished Counsel: This organization awards membership to the top 1 percent of attorneys nationwide who practice with the highest level of legal excellence.
- The Million Dollar Advocates: Attorneys who have won more than $1 million for a client are members of this organization.
If you would like to learn more about my practice and the way I have resolved former cases, please visit the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://www.pexels.com/photo/accident-action-auto-automobile-220996/
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