Fatality Reported After Big Rig Crash in Tracy
A California Highway Patrol (CHP) spokesman reported a fatality after a big rig crash in the Tracy area on the morning of Saturday, September 19, 2020. The truck accident occurred on southbound Interstate 5 near Highway 132, just south of Blewett Road. A small SUV was headed down I-5 and reportedly collided with the left corner of a tractor-trailer. The impact propelled the SUV into the center divider of Interstate 5, the CHP said. An off-duty medical worker attempted life-saving measures. Sadly, one of the passengers of the SUV passed away at the scene. The identity of the decedent has been withheld by the San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office due to pending notification of family members.
Consequences of a Truck Accident
A motor vehicle collision involving a large commercial truck may present a significant emotional and financial burden to those involved and their families. Since the injuries involved in a big rig crash are often catastrophic, those injured may face extended recoveries and mounting medical expenses. In some extreme cases, a commercial truck accident may result in the loss of a loved one. Under these circumstances, it is essential to contact an experienced Tracy trucking accident attorney to discuss your case. At AutoAccident.com, our team of injury lawyers provides free case evaluations to discuss potential options for recovery of losses incurred.
Who is Responsible for a Tracy Big Rig Crash?
When discussing a truck crash case, it is not uncommon for a Tracy trucking accident lawyer to see it caused by the negligence of:
- Careless and negligent truckers can present a danger to others on the road. Truck drivers must receive proper training for the large commercial vehicle they operate. They are also expected to follow all state and federal laws. This includes working a specific number of hours each day and not carrying more weight than they are allowed to transport. Under no circumstances should a trucker operate a big rig while fatigued, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Trucking companies have a duty to perform routine inspections and maintenance on their fleet of vehicles. Since big rigs are so large, any part of the truck that malfunctions could lead to devastating consequences on the road. Some common factors involved in truck accident cases caused by lack of maintenance include mechanical failures of the lighting, suspension, brakes, steering, wheels, tires, powertrain, and more. Truck firms may be held liable under such circumstances for damages incurred.
- Government entities are generally responsible for the design and maintenance of public roadways. When a big rig crash occurs due to a defective road, the government entity responsible for the upkeep may be held liable for losses incurred. Keep in mind that claims against government agencies have a strict filing deadline of six months or 180 days from the date of loss, as outlined in the California Government Code Section 911.2.
Watch the video below for more details on the wrongful death claims process.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Wrongful Death Trucking Collision
Surviving family members may think they can handle wrongful death claims on their own. The claims process may seem easy to navigate, and California’s at-fault system may mean survivors receive full and fair compensation for the loss of their loved one if liability is clear. However, that is not always the case. Insurance companies representing negligent truck drivers and trucking firms often attempt to take advantage of a family’s vulnerable situation. This is their way of underpaying wrongful death cases to protect their bottom line.
Since big rig crashes may often involve several potential negligent parties, surviving family members may need to file separate wrongful death actions. A Tracy trucking accident attorney who is experienced in handling wrongful death lawsuits against truckers and truck companies can conduct an independent investigation of the incident and hold all negligent parties financially accountable for a family’s losses to the fullest extent under the law. When you are ready to discuss your loss and seek justice on behalf of your loved one, contact our experienced accident attorneys today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Truck Accident Lawyer in Tracy
I’m Ed Smith, a Tracy truck accident lawyer. When a loved one is lost in a big rig crash, the consequences are often severe for surviving family members. The loss can be compounded by anger and frustration when it is found that it resulted from someone else’s negligence. If this has happened to you and your family, our attorneys can help handle the wrongful death claims process and demand fair compensation from negligent truck drivers and trucking firms, so you all can focus on grieving and recovering from your loss. Call to schedule a consultation today for free, friendly legal advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. We are available anytime to discuss your loss and provide you assistance through this difficult time.
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