Falling Metal Bar From Big Rig Impales Woman’s Leg
A woman riding in an Impala was injured on November 2 when a metal bar fell from a nearby big rig and impaled her leg. The accident happened shortly after 10:00 in the morning along Highway 99 northbound close to Fruitridge Road, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) report. The report stated that the big rig was moving north in the area when the metal bar fell into the road near the Chevy Impala. The bar bounced, which caused it to go through the front of the Impala, where it proceeded to pass through the engine and into the passenger side of the car, impaling the female passenger’s right leg.
Additional Information About the Accident
The driver of the impala exited the highway to call for emergency help for his injured passenger. Emergency responders from the Sacramento Fire Department and CHP arrived at the scene to help, and the injured woman was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and further evaluation. It was reported by authorities that the driver of the big rig did not stop. Information is being sought on the big rig driver by Officer Jim Young with the CHP. They can contact Officer Young either through the phone number at (916) 681-2300 or his email at [email protected].
Unsecured Loads
In the three years between 2011 and 2014, police documented 200,000 crashes from an unsecured load on a vehicle, including big rigs. Approximately 500 individuals died from such accidents, and several thousand people were seriously injured. Overall, interstate highways were more likely to be involved. Of all vehicles, big rigs present the greatest danger. Truck drivers are required to inspect their load prior to leaving and after traveling 150 miles or when three hours has passed. Because of this, a person injured due to an unsecured load on a big rig has the right to file a claim against both the truck driver and the company that employs them.
How an Unsecured Load Causes an Injury
Depending on the accident, an unsecured load can cause catastrophic injuries. Some of the ways this can happen are:
- A motorist can swerve away from a fallen object, striking another vehicle in close proximity.
- The driver can run off the road and into an adjacent area, striking a tree or other object.
- The object can enter the vehicle after falling from a truck or other vehicle, injuring the driver or passenger.
Paying for Injuries After a Hit and Run
When someone is injured by a hit and run driver, they often wonder who will pay for the damages. Truck drivers and trucking companies are usually well insured. However, if the truck cannot be located, it is possible for an injured party to use their uninsured motorist coverage. This is offered to all drivers in California. However, in the event that the person does not have uninsured motorist insurance, they can use the policy of a family member living with them, providing they have UIM protection.
What an Attorney Can Do to Help
The dangers involved with unsecured loads are well known, and the trucking industry and civilian drivers are required to take reasonable precautions to secure their loads. When our firm is retained due to this type of accident, we immediately dispatch our investigators to the accident site. There we examine the logistics involved in the crash and review the way the vehicles interacted. We also check truck driver logs to see if the operator complied with regulations concerning cargo securement. Our investigators check to see if video footage from surveillance cameras is available and interview witnesses as well as review police reports for mistakes. Once the data is garnered, we release it to our lawyers, who use it to pursue a strong case against the defendant.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. Drivers of big rigs and other vehicles are responsible for tying down or securing items being transported, so they do not pose a danger to others. If someone is injured by flying debris or an object in the roadway that has fallen from a vehicle, the owner is responsible for any injuries or fatalities that may occur. For my free and friendly advice, you can phone me at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. An online contact form is available also.
I’m a California member of the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
I’ve assisted Sacramento residents in getting compensation for their accident injuries for 37 years in areas such as wrongful deaths, different types of car accidents and traumas.
You can discover more about my law practice by visiting the following:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_11998469_l-2015
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