Truck Accident in Crescent City
A multi-vehicle accident involving a police officer and a big rig is currently under investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The accident was responsible for shutting down Highway 101 in close proximity to the Humboldt-Del Norte border near Ehlers Avenue in Crescent City.
What Happened?
The accident on February 16, 2017, occurred at about 3:00 p.m. A Crescent City resident, who is also a CHP officer, was in his vehicle when it was hit broadside by a truck after the big rig allegedly crossed the centerline. The impact of the collision was so severe that the officer had to be extricated from his vehicle and suffered major injuries. At this time, there are no reports indicating that the truck driver suffered any injuries in the crash.
The Injured Officer
It was reported that the officer was transported to the Mercy Medical Center in Redding for treatment. The Commander of the Crescent City CHP visited the injured police officer on February 23 at the hospital and commented that the officer was sitting up and eating. He said he was amazed at how well the officer was doing.
Investigation of the Crash
The accident is being investigated by the CHP Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team. Results are pending and no further information is available at this time.
2015 Truck Crash Statistics
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the number of accidents involving large trucks that resulted in injuries decreased in 2015 to 87,000 from 88,000 the previous year, which shows a 1 percent chance. However, the number of fatalities in 2015, as opposed to the previous year, increased from 3,749 to 4,050, an increase of 8 percent. The number of people injured in 2015 from these crashes totaled 116,000.
Recovering Damages From a Truck Accident
All cases are different. However, the following are some expenses that are recoverable if you have been injured by a negligent truck driver.
Economic Damages
- Vehicle damages
- Medical expenses
- Visits to physicians, physical rehabilitation, etc.
- Lost income, including future income
Noneconomic Damages
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
Why Settling Too Quickly With the Insurance Company Might Be a Bad Idea
Victims of traffic accidents might be anxious to put the accident behind them. While this is an excellent mindset, moving too quickly could interfere with the victim being fully compensated. This is compounded by the fact that insurance companies are often quick to offer a settlement amount that may be inadequate.
When recovery amount demands are made, it is important that the demand covers the entire financial loss the victim suffers. In some cases, a victim might not be aware of how badly they have been injured. Treatments for an injury can change, lengthening the time it takes to heal, and complications might occur. Psychological damage as a result of the trauma of the accident may not be apparent right away either.
Once the victim of an accident settles with an insurance company, they cannot go back and ask for more money. That is why it is a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney, who is adept at calculating financial damages and negotiating with insurance companies using medical records and expert opinion as to the severity of the injury. If the insurance company fails to compensate the victim, an attorney might need to take the case to trial.
Related Articles
Attorney Ed Smith
Crescent City Truck Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Crescent City truck accident attorney. Most people don’t think about a personal injury lawyer until they need one. If you do, I hope you will give me a call. I have worked as a personal injury lawyer representing the people of California since 1982 and am a seasoned trial lawyer who will fight for your rights.
Please call me at (707) 564-1900 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also contact me by filling out our online form, and you will receive a quick response.
Some of my client and peer reviews can be found on Yelp, Google and Avvo.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. This group is limited to top trial attorneys around the country who have won $1 million or more in settlements and verdicts for their clients.
To learn more about damages I have obtained for clients, feel free to visit my Verdicts and Settlements page.
:cd bw
Source: http://www.triplicate.com/news/5099443-151/injured-chp-officer-is-improving?referrer=bullet4
https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2017/feb/16/crescent-city-chp-officer-injured-big-rig-crash-ne/
Picture: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Citizens_Dock_Crescent_City_CA.jpg