Big Rig Collision Reported on I-5

Interstate 5 Big Rig Collision Occurs Involving Pickup

A big rig collision involving a white Chevy Tahoe resulted in injuries and traffic disruptions on southbound I-5, just north of the connector to US 50 in Sacramento, on the afternoon of November 4. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) promptly responded to the accident, which was blocking the number three lane. A tow truck was called to remove at least one of the vehicles.

Several People Transported to Hospital Following Big Rig Collision

The Sacramento Fire Department was on scene to transport injured parties to nearby hospitals, while one individual was privately transported to UC Davis Medical Center, though they reported no injuries. CHP traffic detectives are currently investigating the incident to determine the cause and will be assigning fault accordingly.

How a Negligent Trucker Causes a Highway Accident

Negligent truckers can cause highway accidents in numerous ways, often with devastating consequences. Common causes can include:

• Fatigue can lead to a big rig collision, as spending long hours driving with minimal rest can cause decreased alertness and slowed reaction times. 
• Distracted driving, whether due to cell phone use, eating, or other in-cab activities, diverts attention from the road and increases the likelihood of an accident. 
• Poor truck maintenance, such as faulty brakes or under-inflated tires, also contributes significantly to highway crashes. 
• Reckless driving behaviors like speeding or aggressive lane changes endanger the trucker and everyone sharing the road. 

Determining Liability in a Collision Involving a Big Rig

When determining liability in a big rig collision, several factors are considered to assess fault and responsibility. One of the primary factors is the adherence of all parties involved to traffic laws and regulations. Investigators will examine whether the trucker or other drivers violated traffic laws, such as speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield, which could contribute to the accident. Additionally, the vehicle’s condition and load may be scrutinized to ensure compliance with safety standards. 

The truck driver’s logbook, which records service hours, is evaluated to determine whether fatigue may have played a role. Furthermore, environmental conditions, including weather and road conditions at the time of the collision, are considered to understand their impact on the accident. Witness statements and evidence from the scene, such as skid marks or surveillance footage, can provide crucial insights into the events leading up to the crash, helping establish liability accurately.

Possible Liability by the Company That Owns The Big Rig and Employed the Driver

When a company owns the big rig and employs the driver involved in a collision, the company may also bear legal responsibility for the accident. This liability is often determined under the doctrine of “respondeat superior,” which holds employers accountable for their employees’ actions within the scope of employment. A Sacramento truck accident lawyer can determine liable parties and prepare a case that supports your injury claim. 

Personal injury attorney Ed Smith recommends considering several key qualities when selecting a lawyer to hire:

Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident attorney. If you were injured in an accident involving a negligent driver or their employer, they might be liable for your injuries. Contact us by phone at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to get a review of your case and receive free, friendly advice from our injury lawyer team. You can also reach out to us online.

For more information about how our injury lawyers have helped others, check out Google and  Yelp and review a few of our cases under Settlements and Verdicts. We are dedicated to helping accident injury victims recover fair compensation. Our membership includes recognition in the Top 1 Percent and the Million Dollar Advocates, among other organizations.

Photo Attribution: Image by Denise McQuillen from Pixabay

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