West Side Freeway Big Rig Rollover
A big rig collision with a minivan resulted in a rollover in Sacramento on June 26. The crash occurred around 9:10 a.m along the West Side Freeway just south of the Sutterville Road off-ramp. According to the incident report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), they received a call that a big rig was lying on its side and had struck the right-hand side wall and was blocking the number four lane. The big rig was not hauling a trailer when the accident happened.
Overturned Big Rig Interferes With Traffic
Upon arrival, it was discovered that a big rig tractor may have experienced a collision with a minivan and was overturned due to that. However, no minivan was identified at the location of the collision. Sacramento Fire Department responders arrived to assess the accident and determine if any injuries occurred. A tow truck was summoned to upright the truck cab, requiring a hard closure of the roadway around 9:20 a.m.
Accident Being Investigated by the CHP to Determine Cause
A report had been called in of a reckless driver prior to the big rig collision, but additional information was not forthcoming. The CHP is investigating the crash to find out how it happened and assign fault.
Big Rig Rollovers
Anytime an accident involves a tractor-trailer or other big rig, it can cause serious injuries and fatalities to the driver and others in passenger vehicles or even pedestrians. Knowing how a big rig can experience a rollover can be helpful for not only the truck driver but others to stay safe. The major causes of a big rig rollover are:
- Lack of experience: A truck driver who has little experience in handling one of these enormous rigs is more likely to be involved in a rollover or other type of accident.
- Fatigue leads to drowsy driving: Spending long hours driving can be tiresome, but even more for truckers who make multiple trips back and forth with deliveries. Companies that don’t allow sufficient time to make a delivery can cause a trucker to ignore the hours of service regulations and speed, which can end up causing a big rig rollover.
- Distracted driving: Becoming distracted while driving is a common cause of accidents for many motorists sharing the roadway. Texting, checking out social media, talking on a cell phone, drinking, eating, or just reading billboards can result in a big rig rollover when the driver drifts over the line or faces an emergency situation.
- Poor truck maintenance: Anytime a vehicle experiences a tire blowout, brake or steering problems, or others, it can lead to a serious accident. If the independent operator or trucking company did not adequately maintain the vehicle to avoid these dangers, they can be held responsible for any injuries or fatalities that occur due to an accident.
- Badly loaded or overloaded cargo: Cargo that is improperly loaded can become unstable or shift, especially if the truck is going up or down a steep hill or around a sharp curve. The high center of gravity can cause a big rig rollover.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. Collisions with big rigs can leave those in smaller vehicles with severe injuries. When the truck driver or company that employs them is at fault, you may be able to place a claim for compensation. We’re here to offer you free and friendly advice when you call us at (916) 921-6400 at (800) 404-5400 or by messaging us online.
We are honored to belong to the Million Dollar Advocates and Top 1 Percent.
My team of injury attorneys and I have helped numerous Sacramentans over the years in getting compensation for any type of traffic accident, traumatic injury, and cases involving wrongful deaths.
Take a look at the links that follow to find out more information about our law firm:
Attributed photo: Courtesy of Schwoze at Pixabay
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