Highway 65 and Twelve Bridges Drive Site of Big Rig Fatal Accident
A fatal accident in Lincoln, California, occurred on Friday, July 10, when a driver in a passenger vehicle collided with a big rig. A Lincoln Police Department spokesperson said the fatal accident occurred at the overcrossing of Highway 65 on Twelve Bridges Drive near the freeway entrance for Roseville. Authorities said that at 6:15 in the morning hours, the big rig driver was making a turn onto the northbound section of the Highway 65 on-ramp when a car hit the rear of the tractor-trailer, ending up under it.
Reports from the scene said the roof of the passenger vehicle was torn off. The driver, who was the only person in the sedan, died at the scene of the crash. The driver has yet to be identified, pending notification of family members.
Losing a Loved One in a Fatal Accident
Losing a family member is never easy. When it happens due to a fatal accident with a tractor-trailer, the family suffers not only their passing but the unexpected nature of it. Grieving family members have many questions about how the crash could have happened. They often feel that maybe in some way, they could have prevented it. They are not ready for this loss, and often, physical symptoms are present alongside the emotional ones. Friends and other family members can help console them by doing some of the following:
- Call or visit the family: Your presence speaks volumes in this difficult time. By being there to lend your support, you help the family in many ways.
- Let family members talk: It is unnecessary to say the right thing or give advice. Many grieving family members want to discuss the accident or understand why it happened. Let them take the lead.
- Offer to take them to necessary appointments: Some tasks such as visiting the funeral parlor are often heart wrenching, and your support can make them a little easier.
- Make sure the family has food: Often after a tragedy, the last thing family members think about is eating. Offering to do the shopping or making a prepared meal is greatly appreciated. Make sure to ask if family members are on a particular diet first.
- Do tasks around the home: After an accident, a family can expect visitors to stop by to offer their support. You can help by doing tasks family members do not have time for, such as cleaning up, walking the dog, or picking up children from school.
- Don’t disappear after the funeral: One of the loneliest times is coming back to the house after the funeral and realizing the loved one is gone. You can assist by continuing to call and visit, helping the family move into their new life.
Underride Accidents
When a vehicle passes under a tractor-trailer, the consequences can be devastating. One of the problems with this type of crash is that the passenger vehicle’s safety features are not helpful. For years, ways to stop this by using underride protection were ignored. Back in 1977, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety proposed the use of underride guards. To this day, the use of sturdy underride guards is still not being used by all trucking companies.
Investigating a Truck Accident
Investigating an accident with a big rig has additional elements that must be added. Here is the way our firm examines why and how an accident with a big rig happened:
- Investigators arrive at the accident site and gather evidence that will play a big part in successfully handling the case.
- The investigators interview witnesses.
- They also obtain video footage of the accident from traffic surveillance cameras and local businesses.
- Our investigators check the tires and brakes of both vehicles for defects.
- We look at road marks and other indicators to see if the truck stopped suddenly.
- The investigators use accident techniques that allow them to reconstruct the accident.
- The investigators determine if the big rig was outfitted with enough lights or reflective tape on the rear panel to alert motorists to their presence, especially if the weather was bad. This lack of conspicuity is a frequent cause of truck accidents.
- We check for the presence of underride guards and examine their quality.
- The investigators also check police reports for mistakes.
- Once all evidence is compiled, our lawyers build a robust case for our client or the family.
Lincoln Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Lincoln wrongful death lawyer. When you lose a loved one in an accident with a big rig, you need answers. My firm is here to investigate the crash to determine fault and help you through this difficult time. We understand that expenses continue to mount along with your grief. We can help you reclaim the financial damages associated with a fatal accident. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to me online.
I’ve helped Lincoln residents since 1982 in all types of car accidents, truck crashes, and traumatic brain injury.
I am a proud member of the following organizations:
Learn more about my practice on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/condolences-trauerkarte-letters-3991589/
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