Dump Truck Crash Occurs When Vehicle Goes Off S.R. 49
A single-vehicle dump truck crash in Auburn on February 17 resulted in the death of the driver. The accident happened close to the State Route 49 on-ramp before 4:00 p.m. When officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrived at the scene, they spotted a Peterbilt semi in a field on the side of the roadway.
Driver Loses Control of Dump Truck and Dies in Collision
Accident witnesses said they saw the truck pass through a guardrail and go down an embankment before colliding with a tree. The driver was discovered by the CHP officers to be unresponsive. Although life-saving measures were performed on the driver, a Forbestown resident, age 58, perished at the accident scene. Neither alcohol nor drugs appeared to factor into the fatal crash. However, a toxicology report is expected to be issued by the Placer County Coroner’s Office.
Why Are Dump Trucks So Dangerous?
Dump trucks can be incredibly dangerous for both operators and other drivers on the road. The sheer size, weight and height of dump trucks make them difficult to control. Additionally, their elevated bed and large cargo loads can cause instability that could lead to a rollover or jackknife accident if not handled properly.
Due to the nature of the job, dump truck operators often have to travel at high speeds, which can lead to catastrophic accidents if the driver is not cautious. Furthermore, due to their size and speed, dump trucks are difficult for other drivers on the road to anticipate or avoid. This increases the risk of a collision that could critically injure both drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles.
For these reasons, it is essential that dump truck operators are trained and certified to operate their vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. Additionally, other drivers should be aware of the hazards associated with driving near large vehicles like dump trucks.
Reasons a Dump Truck Can Go Off the Roadway
There are many reasons for a dump truck to go off the roadway, including:
- Mechanical failure: Without regular maintenance, dump trucks are prone to mechanical failure, which can cause them to lose control and go off the road. If a defect in the truck caused the dump truck crash, a product liability claim may be placed against the manufacturer.
- Driver fatigue: Dump truck drivers may become fatigued from long hours behind the wheel and make mistakes that lead to an accident.
- Poor road conditions: Roads with potholes, narrow lanes or other hazards can be difficult for large vehicles like dump trucks to navigate safely, increasing their chances of leaving the roadway. When road conditions are to blame for a dump truck crash, the government agency in charge may be liable. Because the deadline to file a claim is only six months, enlisting the help of an accident attorney may be prudent.
- Overloading: An overloaded dump truck can go out of control due to its weight or excess cargo shifting in the bed.
- Distracted driving: Any activity that takes a driver’s eyes off the road increases their risk of going off course. Texting or talking on a cell phone is one of the most common forms of distracted driving that often leads to a dump truck crash.
Auburn Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Auburn personal injury lawyer. Considering the size and weight of dump trucks, accidents involving them can be extremely dangerous. Contact us if your injury or the loss of a loved one was caused by another’s negligence at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. We also have an online contact form.
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Photo attribution: Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay
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