Deadly Sacramento Big Rig Crash
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident injury lawyer. We have heard multiple reports this morning from news agencies throughout the region of a deadly Sacramento big rig crash along Interstate 5. This is the sort of news you never want to hear about – especially when our roads are wet, slick and the rain is pouring down.
What Happened?
A deadly accident occurred this morning along Interstate 5 near Consumnes River Boulevard in the northbound direction of travel. The collision remains jammed up against the center divide. Emergency personnel are on site and tending to injured victims. Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and CalTrans are trying to determine what led up to this truck accident today.
Interstate 5 a Major Hot Spot for Accidents Today
There have been numerous motor vehicle accidents along slick and wet Interstate 5 today. As a result, traffic congestion along this major thoroughfare has been a nightmare for commuters trying to reach their destination safely. Your best bet is to stay calm, focused and alert if you are making your way through this area. Commuters are being impacted by the delay associated with the deadly Sacramento big rig crash. The back up extended all the way back to Elk Grove and further south. If at all possible, motorists should exit the freeway and take an alternate route.
Alternate Route – Northbound Highway 99
Many commuters will be working their way off of Interstate 5 and getting onto northbound Highway 99 to avoid the deadly Sacramento big rig crash. Highway 99 may be a good alternative if you need to continue northbound. Highway 99 is moving slower than usual this morning. Probably because of the additional number of motorists utilizing it as an alternate route to get up north today. Franklin Boulevard is another alternate route that can help motorists reach the downtown area of Sacramento in order to get to work.
What are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Most truck drivers have the desire to be careful. However, unrealistic shipping deadlines by the carriers they work for can result in truckers making some critical driving errors. An experienced trucking injury lawyer is painfully aware that many big rig crashes are due to truck driver mistakes which are typically avoidable. Here is a list of the most common mistakes (in no particular order):
- Not checking blind spots/unsafe lane change
- Travelling too closely to other vehicles
- Speeding to deliver goods as quickly as possible
- Distracted driving
- Exceeding the allowable number of hours to drive
- Not performing maintenance on tires, safety systems, brakes
- Use of drugs or over-the-counter medications
- Drunk driving
- Lack of training
- Poor routes/steep routes
- Aggressive driving
Do We Know What Caused the Deadly Sacramento Big Rig Crash?
Not yet. It is currently under investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). It usually takes a week or two for them to release a traffic collision report. The report typically indicates the results of their findings. Sometimes their findings can be inconclusive or incorrect as to causation (fault for a crash). This can leave the family members of an individual who passed away with many troubling and unanswered questions. It is important to contact an experienced trucking accident lawyer who can investigate the crash and pinpoint cause.
A good attorney can help recover damages for wrongful death and/or personal injuries associated with the negligent actions of a driver and/or the company they are employed by.
How Do I Obtain a Copy of a CHP Report?
To obtain a traffic collision report you must provide:
- The date, location and time of the crash.
- List names of the owner or driver.
- State your interest for needing the report (driver, owner, passenger, parent or heir).
- Indicate where you want the report mailed to.
- Sign your name your request for a report.
- Pay any fees and
- Attach a copy of your California ID or Drivers License card.
For more information, simply follow this link to obtain a copy of a CHP Report. Or, call the CHP direct at: (916) 338-6710.
What Should I do if Injured in a Trucking Accident?
If you have suffered an injury in an accident with a large commercial truck, it is important that you know your legal rights. Even if you were partially to blame for causing the truck accident, you may still be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. An experienced attorney who has handled truck accident lawsuits will protect your rights by opening an investigation into the complete cause of the crash to help determine true liability. Our truck accident lawyers have helped hundreds of injured victims recover the compensation they were entitled to. Remember, traffic collisions reports may contain errors or be wrong when it comes to fault. It is our desire to help when others fail. Our goal is to investigate and pursue a claim for damages while you focus on the task of getting well.
Sacramento Trucking Accident Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident injury lawyer. If you or your loved one has been seriously hurt or has passed away due to the negligence of someone else, please get a hold of me right away at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
I am honored to belong to the Million Dollar Advocates. We are top the trial lawyers in the country with multi-million dollar case verdicts and settlements.
See the results our truck injury lawyers have obtained on our Past Verdicts and Settlements page.
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I have received the highest rating possible for truck accident lawyers on Avvo (the trucking accident attorney ranking site).
Image attribution: Wikimedia Commons
Source of deadly Sacramento big rig crash – KCRA 3 News
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