Five Big Rigs Involved in Manteca Truck Accident
An accident involving big rigs occurred in Manteca on October 25 along Highway 120 that caused major injuries. The crash involved five big rigs and occurred about 7:45 in the morning near Airport Way, according to the report issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). This accident was compounded by a second collision around 45 minutes later, which occurred along Highway 120 eastbound. In that collision, there were no injuries.
Major Traffic Problems Result
Vehicles along westbound Highway 120 were stalled in traffic as far as the interchange with Highway 99. Those heading east along the highway were backed up as far as the interchange with Interstate 5. The westbound lanes were not reopened until late in the morning, while an investigation was conducted into the cause of the crash involving the big rigs, emergency personnel cared for the injured, and the accident site was cleared.
Big Rig Crashes on Highways
Studies have shown that crashes with big rigs are happening more frequently and are expected to be the fifth cause of death in this country within 10 years. In 2017, 4,210 people were killed in an accident with a large truck. Of these, 68 percent were in passenger vehicles. Another 14 percent were split between cyclists and pedestrians. The reasons for a higher number of deaths in smaller vehicles are:
- Trucks weigh more: A big rig can weigh in the neighborhood of 20 to 30 times the weight of a passenger vehicle. This increases the impact and hence, the consequences of a crash, including more serious injuries and deaths.
- The big rigs are taller: The height of a big rig, along with higher ground clearance, can lead to underride accidents. Such accidents are brutal since the top of the smaller vehicle might be sheared off or crushed in on the occupants. Since many manufacturers are not installing stronger truck guards to prevent underride accidents in newer trucks, the truck maker may be held responsible.
- Trucks take longer to brake: A fully-loaded large truck can take up to 40 percent longer than a passenger vehicle to brake. Never assume that just because a smaller vehicle can stop at a particular distance, a big rig can. Braking time is longer on wet, slippery roads. If the brakes are not well-maintained, that can make it more hazardous. Truck drivers and trucking companies are required to maintain their trucks. If this is not done regularly, and an accident occurs because of it, they may be held liable.
- Driver fatigue: The number of hours that a trucker can drive is limited by law. However, due to company expectations, truckers often violate this law. If this causes a driver to nod off while driving, the trucking company as well as the trucker, can be liable.
What an Attorney Can Do
Our investigators and attorneys are experienced in trucking accidents, and this is a major reason we are successful in obtaining the compensation our clients deserve. Once we are on board with an accident, we dispatch our investigative team to the scene of the crash. They search for evidence proving that negligence was involved. Our investigators obtain video footage of the crash, interview witnesses, and review police reports for inaccuracies. We also check truck logs for maintenance schedules and how long the trucker was actively driving. The information is critical in helping our legal team build a strong case against the at-fault party.
Manteca Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Manteca truck accident lawyer. If you were injured in an accident with a big rig, you may be able to recover fair compensation to pay for your injuries. For my free and friendly advice, phone me at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. I can also be reached online at AutoAccident.com.
For the past 37 years, I’ve helped many Northern Californians obtain compensation for traumatic accidents, different varieties of car accidents, and wrongful deaths.
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Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_52394927_l-2015
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