Caltrans Truck in Accident on I-5 at J Street Exit Ramp
Two big trucks were involved in an accident with a smaller vehicle in Sacramento on April 22. The collision occurred along Interstate 5 northbound at the J Street exit ramp at around 10:47 a.m. and was reported to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) by a passerby. The accident reportedly involved a Caltrans truck, a semi and a dark-green Honda. The large truck accident created a traffic hazard for the number one and number two lanes of the highway for a time as it was investigated by the CHP. The big rig did not stay at the location but pulled off into a truck stop further ahead. The cause of the collision has not yet been reported.
Complexity of Accidents Involving Big Trucks
Investigating a truck accident is more complex than one involving other motor vehicles. This is because of the truck requirements, maintenance problems, and state and federal regulations that must be followed. In addition, not only the truck driver may be guilty of negligence. In many cases, the company that employs a driver may be held responsible too. A lawyer who is experienced in handling these types of cases knows how to conduct an investigation to gather all the evidence to support a claim. In that way, an injured person may recover personal injury damages for all of their medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering they endured.
Dangers of a Collision
Because of the immense size and weight of big trucks, a collision with a passenger vehicle often means serious injuries. Some injuries that occur when a smaller vehicle collides with a big truck include:
- Traumatic brain injuries can be long-lasting or cause permanent damage in some patients.
- Spinal cord injuries can cause permanent or temporary paralysis. The location of the break in the spinal cord can paralyze a patient either from the waist down or the entire body.
- Broken bones are common and normally heal within a few weeks. However, breaks such as a hip or pelvic fracture can require multiple surgeries and take an extended time to heal.
- Disfigurement and scarring occur in some accidents involving big trucks and leaves the injured person with emotional or psychological damage as a result.
- Abdominal or chest trauma often happens because of the seat restraints or airbags. In some cases, a defective airbag or seatbelt can lead to a serious injury.
Investigation of a Truck Accident Case
Our investigators immediately go to the accident site to gather evidence. They begin by reviewing the police report for errors or omissions and interview witnesses. The investigators check to see if any of the state and federal regulations were broken, such as the number of driving hours and rest breaks. They check the maintenance and log records for the truck to ensure the vehicle was in good condition, and travel logs were not falsified. Other evidence may be found by:
- Checking for traffic surveillance cameras as well as those of nearby businesses that might have caught the accident on tape
- Performing accident reconstruction to determine how a big truck collision happened and checking for signs of negligence and other information
- Government negligence of a roadway such as potholes, fissures, missing signs and other problems
Our lawyers go to work once the evidence has been gathered to build a robust case in favor of our client. It is useful when negotiating with an insurance company or building a powerful court case.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. A collision with a big truck often results in injuries to those traveling in smaller vehicles. If negligence by the truck driver caused those injuries, you may want to seek compensation to pay for your expenses. Call me from around Sacramento at (916) 921-6400 or by using the toll-free number at (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice. I can also be reached by messaging me online.
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I’ve practiced personal injury law for 38 years in Sacramento. During that period, I have successfully handled many cases that involve traffic accidents, traumas such as brain injuries and wrongful deaths.
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