Big Rig Carrying 20,000 Pounds of Cheese Crashes Near Galt
A big rig accident took place along northbound Interstate 5 on September 25 near Galt after the driver lost control. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said that the accident happened between Twin Cities and Hood Franklin Roads shortly before 12:30 in the afternoon. The big rig, carrying around 20,000 pounds of cheese, flipped in the northbound lanes for unknown reasons. The accident is under investigation by the CHP to determine why it happened.
Traffic Was Affected by the Big Rig Accident
All the northbound lanes were blocked by the crash, and a SigAlert was issued. Police officers at the scene were turning around traffic in the center divide and warned other motorists to use an alternate route. Once the semi was removed to the center median, traffic lanes were reopened. The driver of the vehicle was reported as injured in the big rig accident, however, they were able to exit the vehicle without assistance.
Why Do Trucks Rollover?
Truck rollovers are a dangerous type of big rig accident for both truckers and other motorists. In this type of truck accident, the vehicle loses all contact with the pavement and ends up lying on its side or upside down. The key factor why trucks are prone to rollover is their high center of gravity. Rollovers often occur on curves. When a truck goes around a curve, centrifugal forces will make the truck lean in toward the direction opposite of the curve. On a sharp curve, if the truck is traveling too fast or carrying an unbalanced load, the force may be too great and cause the truck to tip.
Common Causes of Truck Rollovers
Here are some of the common causes of a truck rollover:
- Abrupt change: Changes in steering or oversteering may cause a rollover. For instance, if a truck edges off the road and into the soft dirt at the shoulder, the trucker will likely steer hard to get back on the pavement. This maneuver will increase the lateral forces on the truck and can make it tip over.
- Speeding: Speed is one of the major factors causing trucks to roll over. This is especially true when the trucker is approaching a curve. Driving too fast for the truck’s height and load can also cause big rig accidents on exit and entrance ramps.
- Driver error: This is always a big consideration in truck accidents. It is especially true for tankers, where 78 percent of rollovers are caused by mistakes by the trucker. Some common errors are speeding, not slowing down in inclement weather or when poor road conditions exist. Distracted driving or operating the truck when fatigued can also cause big rig rollovers.
- Cargo that is not secured: Since trucks have a high center of gravity, it is important that the cargo is centered and secured. If the cargo is able to move when the truck is on a curve or turning, it can make the truck unbalanced, leading to a rollover. The need to load a truck properly is also true for tanker trucks. Tankers that are only partially filled can result in an accident. This is because the liquid sloshes from one side to another and causes the truck to become unstable.
What a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Do to Help
Our investigative team is dispatched to the accident site. Using their experience in truck accidents, they search for evidence as to why the crash occurred. They do this by checking road marks and the truck’s path to determine the cause. Our investigators also review police reports for accuracy, interview witnesses, and obtain video footage that has digitally captured the accident. In addition, they will check the trucks logs to make sure that maintenance was done as well as upkeep on the brakes, steering mechanism and tires. Once the data is accumulated, they turn it over to our legal team who uses it to build a strong case for the injured party.
Galt Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Galt truck accident lawyer. Being injured due to the negligent actions of another means that you may be able to obtain compensation to pay medical costs, lost wages, and for your pain and suffering. Give me a call at (916) 921-6400 for my free and friendly advice. You can also reach me toll-free at (800) 404-5400 or by filling out the online contact form.
I am honored to belong to:
Click on the following links to view cases handled in the past by my law firm and client reviews:
For the past 37 years, I’ve felt honored to help Galt residents and other Northern Californians obtain compensation to pay for their accident injuries. I handle many types of cases, including traffic collisions, wrongful deaths, and traumatic injuries.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_125527484_l-2015
:cd llo [cs 820]