Big Rig Causes Accident on Interstate 5
A big rig accident with multiple vehicles killed one person and caused major injuries in others on October 27 in Sacramento. The accident occurred along southbound Interstate 5 close to Sacramento International Airport around 4:20 p.m. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the accident happened when the big rig collided with traffic that had come to a stop close to Airport Boulevard.
One Person Dies and Multiple People Hospitalized
The truck reportedly crashed into a Chevrolet van, Kia and Dodge Ram pickup. The Kia driver, 39-year-old Tommy Munoz of Olivehurst, died at UC Davis Medical Center because of the catastrophic nature of the injuries. Multiple other people were hospitalized with injuries described as major. A GoFundMe page has been created on behalf of Mr. Munoz to support his surviving wife and four children.
Driver Cooperates With Authorities After Big Rig Accident
The big rig driver was cooperating with authorities as an investigation was conducted by the CHP to find out how the accident occurred. Alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the crash. Those with information about the big rig accident are asked to phone Officer Greg Zumstein at (916) 348-2300 or on his cell phone at (916) 798-0975. Officer Zumstein is at the CHP office in North Sacramento.
Dangers of Big Rig Accidents
Because a big rig can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and is much larger than other motor vehicles, serious trauma and fatalities can result in an accident with one. When this happens, a Sacramento wrongful death or injury lawyer can help obtain the compensation that you deserve. Some of the ways in which the driver of a big rig can cause an accident include:
- Speeding: A big rig takes longer to stop because halting the vehicle too quickly can cause the vehicle to jackknife. This is one of the reasons that speeding is so dangerous when it is done by a big rig driver.
- Distracted driving: Truckers spend long hours on the road, which can lead to distraction. Not noticing a traffic slowdown or stoppage up ahead can lead to a big rig accident.
- Drunk or drugged driving: Truckers seldom drink and drive because it can cost them their CDL license. However, some take over the counter medications to try and stay alert. This can cause a truck accident.
- Fatigue: A driver who has been on the road for a long time can experience fatigue. This can affect reaction time and alertness, leading to a big rig accident.
Company Involvement in a Big Rig Accident
Some truck drivers own their own vehicles and are sole proprietors. Others are employed by a company and drive one of their big rigs. Companies themselves, as well as the driver, can be liable for a truck accident when they are negligent. Our experienced lawyers can root out the cause of a big rig crash and hold the driver and company financially accountable for injuries and fatalities. Some of the types of negligence by a trucking company can include:
- Falsifying logbooks as to hours, rest periods, ect., which can lead to a big rig accident
- Causing the driver to speed because the timeline for delivery of goods is too short
- Overloading or not balancing a load inside a big rig can result in an accident, including rollovers
- Neglecting truck maintenance, which can cause problems with the brakes, steering and other essential parts for safe transport
- Hiring inexperienced drivers or those who have a record of misconduct
If you have been in an accident with a large commercial vehicle, it is imperative to call an experienced truck and car accident lawyer right away to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. If you were hurt by a large truck in an accident or lost a family member, I can offer you friendly and free advice. Contact me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400. You can also message me online.
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I’ve helped Sacramentans and other Northern Californians since 1982 to obtain the compensation they deserve following accident injuries, wrongful deaths, government claims and other types of trauma caused by negligence.
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