Trucker Loses Life in Santa Clarita Truck Crash
A truck crash on Interstate 5 on July 17 near Santa Clarita resulted in the death of one person and critically injured another. The crash occurred at about 11:45 p.m. in the truck route lane along I-5 south near the I-210 Freeway connector. According to authorities, the truck crash happened when the big rig drifted to one side and hit a bank of attenuator barrels on the shoulder of the road. The semi then hit a guardrail and crashed into a bridge pillar made of concrete. The intensity of the crash caused the truck’s cargo to fall onto the highway. Due to cleanup efforts, a SigAlert was issued for all southbound traffic for four hours. The truck lanes were closed until 7:00 a.m.
More Details About the Truck Crash
Two people were injured in the crash. The trucker died due to their injuries, and the other, a passenger in the big rig who required extrication from the wreck, suffered major trauma. The injured passenger was listed as being in critical condition. At this time, the reason why the driver drifted to the side of the road is under investigation. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, pending notification of family. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
What A Personal Injury Attorney Can Do for You
Truck crashes on busy highways are often complicated and deadly. When you are involved in a crash involving a semi-truck, you need the insight an injury lawyer can provide. Searching for liability begins at the accident site. That is why our investigative team combs the area for clues as to why the crash occurred and interviews witnesses to the accident. We also check police reports for accuracy and determine if a medical event or a manufacturing defect was responsible for the accident. If a loss of cargo or lack of truck maintenance is responsible, our investigators check logs to document this negligence. Once this is done, our legal team uses this data to build a strong case against the defendant. Call us as soon as the accident happens, so we can begin to protect your rights. We will determine your losses and negotiate with the insurance company for damages. If they fail to provide the compensation you deserve, we will take the case to civil court.
Truck Crashes
Trucks can be dangerous to smaller passenger vehicles on the road. This is chiefly due to their large size and weight in comparison to passenger vehicles. However, the lack of flexibility trucks have when turning is also a factor. For example, when a trucker forgets to use a turn signal, it can result in traumatic injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles. Of the approximately 500,000 truck accidents that occur every year, 5,000 result in death. In 2013, when there were 338,000 crashes, 73,000 people suffered injuries and about 3,500 died. In 2018, there were half a million accidents, and roughly 2,000 more people died. This increase is likely due to more trucks on the road. With roughly 70 percent of goods in the United States transported by trucks, the demand for retail goods has required an uptick in transportation.
Passenger Vehicles Often Responsible for a Truck Crash
Drivers of passenger vehicles are also responsible for truck crashes. Some of the common reasons are:
- Driving in a truck’s no-zones can cause accidents since a trucker is unable to see smaller vehicles.
- Driving on the right side of a truck that is trying to make a right-hand turn can cause catastrophic injuries.
- Not judging the speed of an oncoming truck and turning in front of them is a recipe for a crash.
- Switching lanes in front of a truck can be dangerous.
- Merging into traffic in front of a truck can force the trucker to brake suddenly or maneuver away. This can cause an accident with other vehicles.
- Not staying out of the truck’s way when it tries to change lanes is a problem.
Trucker Error in Accidents
Truckers can cause a truck crash because of the following examples:
- A trucker who lacks proper training in trucking safety
- Trucking companies that force truckers to take chances by driving faster
- Failure to inspect a truck before and after a run
- Failure to secure the load properly
- Distracted driving
- Driving a truck while drowsy
- Impaired driving
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. I have been helping clients throughout California for the past 37 years obtain the compensation they deserve. If you have been injured by a truck accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. If you would rather reach out to me online, use our convenient contact us form on my website, AutoAccident.com
I work with all types of car accidents, wrongful deaths, and traumatic injuries, among many others.
I belong to the following organizations:
Learn about my practice by visiting the following pages:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_24346781_l-2015
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