West Side Highway Big Rig Collision Involves Fatality
A big rig collision involving at least two semis occurred near Willows on August 24 along the West Side Highway. The accident happened around 2:18 p.m. on southbound I-5 at the off-ramp for County Road 39. Both semis were blocking the roadway. A Department of Transportation crew was called to the scene to close down the roadway in the area.
Lanes Shut Down as Semis Are Removed in Big Rig Collision
All of the lanes were shut down, as well as the onramp to I-5. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that one of the big rigs was pulling a set of double trailers, each loaded with 5,000 pounds. It was determined that the semi would be drivable once the second trailer was removed.
Big Rig Collision Being Investigated
Two other tractors were destroyed in the collision, and their hitches were broken, so they had to be towed from the scene. The CHP traffic accident unit is investigating to find out why the collision occurred and to place fault. The name of the individual who died in the collision is being withheld by the coroner’s office until their family has been notified.
Big Rig Accidents Often Cause Fatalities and Severe Injuries
When two vehicles collide that weigh up to 80,000 pounds apiece, severe injuries and fatalities aren’t unexpected. The result can be even worse when smaller passenger vehicles become involved. A big rig crash can occur for many reasons, including:
- Speeding is an essential factor in many semi-accidents. Sometimes, the trucker is hurrying to get their product to its destination. In others, the trucker is pushed to speed by the company owner. Either way, slowing and stopping a big rig takes a long distance and more time, which can cause a collision.
- Bad brakes and jackknifing are major causes of a big rig collision. Although all semis must be inspected before they go on the road, the owner or driver may not want to take the time or absorb the expense of having the brakes changed or repaired. It’s a major cause of a big rig crash.
Why Do I Need Legal Help With a Truck Accident Claim?
Trucking companies employ several lawyers to help prevent big payouts for injuries and wrongful deaths. However, an accident attorney knows how to deal with truckers and their employers to help a family obtain fair compensation for losing a loved one. The lawyer will investigate all aspects of the case to determine fault, gather the evidence to support the client’s claim, and handle the negotiations with the trucker or trucking company for you. Recoverable damages in a wrongful death claim include funeral/burial expenses, wages until the deceased have reached retirement age, and compensation for the family’s pain and suffering.
Following are some helpful tips from accident attorney Ed Smith for choosing a good lawyer:
California Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, and I’m a California truck accident lawyer. It is possible to sustain catastrophic injuries in a collision with a big rig. We offer free and friendly advice about accidents related to tractor-trailers and other large commercial trucks at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also reach out to us via our online contact form.
As members of the following organizations and groups, our accident attorneys work hard to obtain the best resolution in cases involving our clients.
You are welcome to review some of what our clients have said at Google and Yelp. If you want to see a few cases we’ve handled, go to Settlements and Verdicts to see how our injury lawyers handled trucking accident claims.
Photo attribution: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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