Truck Rolls Down Embankment Toward Gas Station
A big rig accident occurred in Stockton on February 25 after the truck struck a car stopped on Interstate 5. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the accident happened along Interstate 5 close to the on-ramp for Fremont Street around 1:00 in the morning. The big rig, belonging to Oak Harbor Freight, slammed into that stopped vehicle, after which the driver lost control, causing the 18-wheeler to go off the road onto an embankment. It rolled down the embankment from the Fremont Street on-ramp and almost reached the parking lot at the Arco gasoline station on Fremont.
The vehicle that was struck by the big rig was completely destroyed. However, it was reported by police that the people inside the vehicle left the scene. Their identities and whether they suffered serious injuries are unknown at this time.
Additional Details of the Big Rig Accident
The truck driver’s cab was hauling a double trailer. One of those trailers remained on the roadway, while the other trailer and cab crashed. The cab of the semi ended up on its side, but the driver was able to exit the truck with assistance and suffered only minor injuries. A tow truck arrived at the scene to haul the big rig back up to the highway, where it was later towed away. The Fremont Street on-ramp remained closed until about 6:00 in the morning.
Number of Big Rig Accidents
Every quarter of an hour, someone is injured or killed in a big rig accident. Of the 500,000 truck accidents that occur annually, 5,000 result in fatalities. Most fatal big rig accidents occur in rural areas and on highways. Since many deliveries are on the weekend, the vast majority of truck accidents occur during those days. In addition, the risk of a truck accident is higher at night, with 64 percent occurring between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Why a Big Rig Accident Happens
Some common reasons a big rig accident happens are:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Improper lane change
- Tailgating
- Not obeying traffic signals
Investigating an Accident Involving a Big Rig
My law office has a great deal of experience in handling truck accidents. Our investigators head to the accident site right away to gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and review the police report for errors. They check anything and everything that might have caused the crash from the trucker’s logbooks to maintenance on the vehicle and past driving record. The investigators also check the company that employs the driver to see if they have a record of poor maintenance or infractions. In addition, the investigators check to see if ample time is allowed for the driver to make his or her deliveries and rest.
Traffic surveillance and business cameras are reviewed to see if the accident was recorded on tape. In addition, driver error is looked at, such as speeding, running a red light, or distracted driving. When the evidence has all been gathered, it is given over to our lawyers to build a case. The gathered evidence is useful both in dealing for you with the insurance company or in preparing to take it to civil court to obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.
Stockton Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton truck accident lawyer. A big rig accident commonly causes serious injuries or fatalities. If you were injured in an accident with a tractor-trailer, I may be able to help you obtain compensation to pay your medical expenses and other costs associated with the crash. Call me at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice. An online form to message me is available too.
Since 1982, I’ve helped Stockton residents obtain compensation for their accident injuries, including in any traffic collision, wrongful deaths, and traumatic injuries.
Read client reviews and look at cases handled by my law firm at:
Million Dollar Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel are among the associations I am most proud to belong to.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/semi-accident-crash-truck-2659736/
:cd llo [cs 697]