Fatal Collision on I-5 Involves Big Rig Underride
A fatal collision occurred on October 3 along Interstate 5 in Sacramento between an 18 wheeler and a Toyota Prius shortly before 8:00 in the morning. The accident occurred in the fast lane just south of Elk Grove Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) report. Photos of the accident show the front of the Prius under the rear of the semi.
Details of the Accident
It was reported that the Prius was crushed into the semi, which was a fully-loaded heavy-duty truck said to be 53-feet-long with five axles. According to reports from the scene, the truck driver said he had just come to a complete stop prior to the crash when he felt a big thud from behind. Although he could not see anything specific through his mirror, when he exited the truck, he saw the Prius behind and under his vehicle. The driver of the sedan, identified as 27-year-old Alberto Gerbasio Ruiz-Cortes of Williams, was said to have died immediately upon impact.
Tow Trucks Used to Remove Prius
Tow trucks were summoned to remove the vehicle from the crash site. Traffic in the area was channeled into other lanes as tow trucks removed the Prius from under the big rig. The coroner was called to the accident scene to declare the driver of the Prius dead. The roadway was reopened at around 10:30 a.m. The CHP is investigating the crash to determine its cause and to assign fault. Investigators said due to the absence of tire marks on the pavement, they believed the Prius driver did not try to stop. Final reports will be issued at a later date.
Losing a Family Member
Losing a family member suddenly and unexpectedly in a fatal collision can result in overwhelming grief and shock. Other emotions, such as anger and depression, are often involved. The family seeks to discover what happened and who was at fault for their loved one’s demise. Often, this is handled by their attorney, who investigates the accident on their behalf. When negligence is involved, the attorney can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party. This may be the owner of a truck, a driver, or the city/state agency that failed in their duty to motorists. While financial recovery will never bring the person back or ease the family’s grief, it will help in dealing with the financial strain the person’s demise has caused.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents are treacherous for passenger vehicle drivers and often lead to a fatal collision. They happen when the passenger vehicle crashes into the rear, side, or front of the truck. The vehicle then passes under the truck, often resulting in the top being sheared off. There are several reasons that underride accidents happen, including:
- Failure of the passenger vehicle driver to expect the truck to be moving slowly or stopped. This may delay the driver’s reaction time and result in a fatal collision.
- Many underride accidents occur at night. The truck’s large size blocks out the street lights, making it harder for the driver to see the truck.
- Ineffective or lack of reflectors on the truck’s sides or front and rear panels can also cause a fatal collision. Without reflectors, the truck is essentially invisible at night.
- Lack of underride rear guards and side guards on the truck can lead to a fatal collision. These metal grates are intended to deflect a passenger vehicle and not allow it to pass under the truck. Liability for poorly designed rear under guards, since they are mandated by law, falls to the trucking company or manufacturer. Older under guards are not as effective as newer ones.
What an Attorney Can Do for You
Members of our firm understand the effect grief can have on the entire family. We do our best to find out why the tragedy happened. Our investigative team is dispatched to the accident site to gather evidence. We interview witnesses, obtain any video footage that is available depicting the accident, and review police reports for inaccuracies. We also work to determine why the crash happened, using accident reconstruction techniques. Once this data is garnered, we pass it on to our legal team to build a strong case in our client’s favor.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful lawyer. Families who lose a loved one due to another’s negligence may place a claim for compensation for that loss. Please contact me for my free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400. Others outside the area code can connect with me at (800) 404-5400. An online contact form is available also.
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I have successfully handled cases for financial compensation for many Sacramento residents since 1982. Areas I handle include any type of motor vehicle crash, traumatic injuries, and other types of cases.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/roses-morning-mist-cemetery-61203/
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