Driver of Passenger Vehicle Suffers Major Injuries
A big rig crash on Highway 50 ended in major injuries for a driver of a motor vehicle. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the truck was traveling westbound on Highway 50 near Howe Avenue at about 2:30 in the early morning hours when a car hit it head-on. The car was heading eastbound in the westbound lanes. The impact caused the trailer to roll over into the eastbound lanes after the truck hit the center divider.
Additional Details About the Accident
As a result, the truck dropped its load of scrap metal onto the eastbound lanes of Highway 50, and 100 gallons of diesel fuel spilled onto the westbound lanes after its tanks were torn open. Caltrans was on the scene, and the roadway was covered in quick dry. The big rig crash brought traffic to a standstill in both directions.
By 7:30 a.m., one lane was open eastbound as the scrap metal was pushed out of the way, and all lanes heading west were back to normal. The truck’s trailer was hauled away from the accident site. The CHP has not said whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident.
Head-On Accidents
A head-on crash can cause devastating injuries and often fatal ones. This is because the impact is the combined speed of both vehicles. It stands to reason that the higher the speeds, the greater the impact and damages. Some common causes of head-on crashes are:
- Asleep at the wheel: Due to busy schedules and a host of other factors, many drivers fall asleep at the wheel. When this happens, the vehicle is out of control and easily veers into an opposing lane. On highways, this can result in a deadly accident.
- Distracted drivers: Texting while driving is just as dangerous and frequent as drinking and getting behind the wheel. Because of this, drivers drift over into an opposing lane, resulting in a head-on collision.
- Passing another vehicle: Drivers are frequently reckless when passing another vehicle. It is important to make sure that no one is heading in the opposite direction before passing.
- Drunk drivers: Inebriated drivers have trouble controlling their vehicle, fall asleep easily, and can lack sensible cognitive decision making. They may also find it difficult to decipher instructions on the proper choice of lanes.
- Ill designed roads: In some areas, the road is poorly designed, and the lanes are not clearly marked, making it possible that a driver will choose the wrong lane. When this happens, an injured driver can place a claim against the government agency in charge of road maintenance and construction. Government agency claims are different from other personal injury lawsuits, particularly the time you have to file. An experienced attorney will ensure that all documents are filed in a timely manner.
The Results of a Big Rig Crash
A big rig crash can have multiple consequences. Smaller passenger vehicles have poor odds when it comes to occupants surviving the crash. For instance, the weight and size of the truck and the passenger vehicle is considerably different. Other consequences include problems when the cargo is spilled onto the roadway. This can be due to improper loading. Fuel spills can cause fires and injure individuals in other vehicles or nearby homes and businesses.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Our firm has helped big rig crash clients for decades. We rely on the evidence our investigators collect to build a strong case and obtain the compensation the injured individuals deserve. To accomplish this, we dispatch our investigators to the scene of the accident as soon as possible before evidence is lost or otherwise disappears. The investigators begin by using accident reconstruction techniques to see how the crash occurred and the position of the vehicles before, during and after the collision. They speak to witnesses and obtain videos from traffic surveillance cameras. The investigators also review the police reports to check for accuracy. Once all the needed information is compiled, the investigative team releases it to our lawyers.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. Injury in a trucking accident can be brutal, and my firm is here to help. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach us online.
I’ve helped numerous clients in Sacramento and all of Northern California with traumatic accidents.
Learn more about my practice by using the following links:
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