Fatality Underride Accident Occurs on S.R. 99
An underride big rig accident just south of Yuba City on March 19 caused the death of a Toyota Tundra driver. The accident occurred at the northbound State Route 99 intersection with Oswald Road around 12:05 p.m. The incident report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that they received a call from the semi-driver that a vehicle had gone under his truck.
Crushed Vehicle Discovered Underneath Semi
Upon arrival at the accident scene, officers discovered a crushed vehicle underneath the big rig. A heavy-duty tow was called to lift the semi off the vehicle, so the Toyota could be removed. The driver of the Toyota died at the scene of the accident.
Big Rig Accident Investigation Underway
A SigAlert was issued saying that the highway was closed in both directions of the intersection as the scene of the underride accident was cleared. The roadway reopened at 2:32 p.m. An investigation by the CHP is determining how the fatal crash occurred.
Trucker Negligence That Can Cause an Underride Accident
There are a number of ways that negligence by a trucker can cause an underride big rig accident. Some of the most common types of negligence include:
- Failure to properly secure cargo: Trucks carry large loads, and it is up to the driver to ensure they are properly secured. If not, these items can become loose and shift during transit, blocking the driver’s view or even causing them to lose control of their vehicle.
- Improper braking: If a trucker fails to properly brake when driving on wet or icy roads, they can skid out of control and cause a big rig accident.
- Distracted driving: Distractions such as cell phone use, checking text messages, and eating or drinking can take a truck driver’s attention away from the road. This is especially dangerous in an underride accident, as it can be difficult to avoid these collisions if the driver is not paying close attention to the road.
- Speeding: Speeding can reduce reaction time, making it difficult for a trucker to avoid an underride accident.
- Failure to check blind spots: Large commercial trucks have larger blind spots, and when the driver fails to check them before changing lanes or turning they can easily cause a big rig accident.
- Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can make a trucker drowsy, which can cause them to make poor decisions while driving and increase the risk of an underride accident.
Obtaining Help to File a Wrongful Death Claim
When someone dies as a result of a truck driver’s negligence, the family may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover damages. An attorney can investigate the case to determine the cause, and if the trucker was at fault, the driver and possibly their employer might be held responsible. Recovery of damages can include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Wages until retirement age, including pensions and other benefits
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of household assistance
- The children’s loss of their parent
Wrongful Death Attorney in Yuba City
I’m Ed Smith, a wrongful death attorney in Yuba City. It may be possible for your family to file a wrongful death claim when your loved one dies due to the negligence of another party. If you need free and friendly advice from our accident attorneys, please call (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. Online messages can also be sent to us.
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Photo attribution: Image by Joseph Thomas from Pixabay
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