Dump Truck Spills Load Along Highway 99 Due to a Collision
A two-vehicle collision along Highway 99 on August 27 caused a dump truck to overturn, spilling its load of gravel onto the highway and affecting traffic. The accident happened in Elk Grove during the morning hours, according to the California High Patrol (CHP). It occurred when the dump truck reportedly struck another vehicle. Two of the southbound lanes of the highway were shut down below the exit for Laguna Boulevard to clean up the spill and remove the vehicles. Those lanes were expected to remain closed for about two hours. In the meantime, traffic was slowed as it continued along the highway in the right lane.
What an Attorney Can Do
A dump truck accident can cause serious injuries and fatalities. This is often due to the weight and size of the vehicle and can involve the driver and occupants of a passenger vehicle as well as pedestrians. One of the first things we do is to dispatch an investigative team to the accident site. There they search for clues as to why the accident happened, interview witnesses and obtain video camera footage to document the event. This data is turned over to our legal team, who will build a strong case against the at-fault party. This is used during negotiations with an insurance company or incorporated into a civil case.
Dump Trucks
Dump trucks are commonly used to haul loose materials such as sand, gravel, or dirt. Their open bed that is hydraulically operated is used to place these materials at a work site. This type of truck is essential to the construction industry. However, not all dump truck drivers are properly trained in its use nor trained to drive it correctly.
Factors in a Dump Truck Accident
It is important to maintain the vehicle properly. Because of the weight of their cargo, dump trucks are difficult to stop. In addition, drivers may speed to make as many runs as they can in any given day. The combination of speed and weight can cause accidents. Since dump trucks are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, it is important to have an attorney who is experienced with the obligations truck drivers have. Our seasoned attorneys have dealt with many truck accidents and achieved positive results.
Why Do Dump Trucks Tip Over?
The majority of truck rollovers occur when the driver tries to change direction too quickly. It also occurs when the truck travels around a curve, especially at too high a rate of speed. This is driver error, and in large part, it is due to lack of training. In addition, the longer the dump truck, the higher the risk it will tip over. The box of the truck in the raised position may affect the vehicle’s stability. Other factors that affect stability include:
- The truck is on a surface that is not level when dumping its load.
- The rear wheels of the truck are not even when the load is dumped.
- Loads can be affected by high winds when the truck is long.
- Materials to be dumped should not be stuck together. Cold weather can make the material freeze and clump. It is important not to let a loaded dump truck remain outdoors in freezing weather.
Things a Driver Should Do
Maintenance is an important element in avoiding accidents. Some of the things that should be done are:
- Make sure the tire pressure is equal on both sides of the truck every day.
- Make sure the suspension system is working when the truck is loaded.
- Make sure the boxes are unrestricted.
- Make sure the brakes are in working order.
If a driver or the company that employs him or her fail to meet their obligation, a lawsuit can be filed against them in civil court.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. Big vehicles such as dump trucks can cause devastating injuries in a traffic collision. If you were injured in a crash caused by a big truck, call me for my free and friendly advice. My number is (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento area, and for those calling long-distance, (800) 404-5400 is a toll-free number. An online form is available if you prefer to get in touch with me that way.
I’ve helped many Northern Californians obtain compensation in all types of car accidents, brain injuries, and wrongful deaths during my 37 years in practice.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/dump-truck-machine-heavy-vehicle-3080177/
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