Big Rig Crash on I-5 Near Los Banos
A preliminary report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) revealed the details of a big rig crash that took place on I-5 near the Los Banos area on the morning of Monday, April 25, 2022. The truck accident took place at approximately 6:14 a.m. on northbound Interstate 5 at Voltage Road.
Details on the Big Rig Crash on I-5 Near the Los Banos Area
Authorities reported that a semi-truck reportedly ran another vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, off the roadway. The Toyota came to a rest in the center divider while the big rig was located on the right-hand side. Fire and emergency crews were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance, CHP traffic officers said. A tow truck was also called to remove the Toyota with major damage from the scene. Officials have not yet released information on the number of injured parties and the sequence of events leading up to the truck crash in Los Banos.
Things to Know About Truck Accident Injury Cases
Truck drivers and trucking companies must adhere to strict state and federal regulations while operating in California. The purpose of these laws is to ensure that such parties are operating large commercial trucks safely in the state. When a trucker or trucking company fails to follow state or federal laws and causes a motor vehicle collision resulting in harm to others, they may be held liable for that violation in addition to damages incurred. Some of the standard regulations that are commonly violated in these cases include Hours of Service (HOS), where a commercial truck driver exceeds the permitted work hour period without rest or breaks. The purpose of HOS is to prevent truckers from falling asleep while driving. When a truck driver does not follow HOS and falls asleep at the wheel, they may be held liable for losses resulting from a crash they have caused.
There are other reasons for a big rig crash that may be deemed a form of negligence. There are public scales throughout the state, and truckers are expected to stop at them to ensure that their tractor-trailer is not exceeding the weight limit. This must be followed as an overloaded truck has the potential to cause a catastrophic accident. Conversely, there are specific laws set out on the transport of hazardous materials, such as gasoline, oil, chemicals, and other hazardous materials. Truckers and trucking companies are expected to carry safety permits and have clear hazardous material signage on the big rig. Tractor-trailers are also expected to be thoroughly inspected and maintained for each trip to prevent a mechanical failure that may lead to a crash.
Together, state and federal regulations are intended to prevent serious crashes in communities across California. However, not all truck drivers and trucking companies abide by them as a way of cutting down on their costs and maximizing their profit margins. Such actions may come at the expense of others in the event of a truck accident. When an individual has suffered traumatic injuries in a tractor-trailer collision caused by a negligent trucker or trucking company, they may seek financial compensation for their losses through a personal injury case. Remember that these vehicles carry commercial insurance policies, and seeking reimbursement through these plans is not always straightforward. That is because insurers are also in the business of protecting their bottom line and will often look for ways to pay as little as possible on claims. You need an experienced accident attorney who will look out for your best interests after a big rig crash. For information on how to find a top attorney for your case, watch the following video.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Los Banos
I’m Ed Smith, a Los Banos personal injury lawyer. All too often, big rig crashes often cause some of the most catastrophic injuries on the spectrum. When involved in one, you need to retain experienced legal counsel to protect your rights and seek fair compensation for your injuries. At our law firm, we have over three decades of experience handling commercial truck accident cases like yours. Give us a call today to arrange a meeting with one of our injury lawyers to receive free, friendly advice on your case at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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At AutoAccident.com, we understand the stressful, traumatic, and challenging results of an accident-related injury, particularly if it was the result of someone else’s negligence. When you turn to us for assistance, you can depend on our legal team to handle all aspects of your truck accident injury case so you can focus on what really matters: your recovery and being with your family. See how we have obtained successful resolutions in past cases by going to our Settlements and Verdicts page.
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