Elderly Woman Killed in Big Rig Accident
Authorities are investigating a midday accident involving two vehicles in Brentwood that resulted in one fatality on Thursday, September 5. The major injury accident blocked off one lane at the intersection of eastbound Highway 4 and westbound Balfour Road on-ramp, said officials. It was approximately 12:10 p.m. that afternoon when emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene of the collision, which reportedly involved a semi-truck and a red Mercedes sedan. The affected section of Balfour Road was temporarily shut down for investigation and did not reopen until roughly four hours later.
Highway 4 On-Ramp Collision Details
When California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers arrived at the accident site, both vehicles were at a rest on the right-hand side of the on-ramp. According to the Brentwood Police Department, the big rig was driving in the eastbound lanes of Balfour Road and was about to make a left turn towards the on-ramp for eastbound Highway 4. Before entering the on-ramp, the truck driver collided with the Mercedes, which had been traveling in the westbound direction of Balfour Road.
The driver and sole occupant of the 2-door Mercedes, a 70-year old woman, was transferred via helicopter to the John Muir Center in Walnut Creek. Ultimately, the elderly woman succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The big rig driver, a 59-year old male, stayed onsite once police officers arrived and fully cooperated with the investigation. Authorities don’t believe drugs or alcohol may have been a contributor to the crash.
Common Risk Factors in Big Rig Accidents
Big rig collisions frequently happen, based on the groundbreaking Large Truck Crash Causation Study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The findings below showed a direct link between risky driving behaviors and big rig collisions:
- 27 percent of trucks were found to have brake issues
- 19 percent of drivers admitted to not being familiar with the designated route
- 10 percent of drivers were experiencing stress/pressure
- 7 percent were experiencing fatigue
- 5 percent were aggressively driving
- 3 percent had tire problems
Watch YouTube Video: Accidents Involving Big Rigs on the Rise. This video explains why accidents involving big rigs have increased and provides tips on how to stay safe when driving next to large trucks on the road.
Brentwood Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Brentwood wrongful death lawyer. There is a reason why so many accidents involving big rigs often end in serious injury and even death. If this has happened to you or a family member, I would be happy to guide you forward through this stressful situation. My free and friendly advice can be shared with you anytime and any day, just call me at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400.
I have devoted the last 37 years to working with injured individuals and families all over northern California – including Brentwood – to help them obtain their rightful compensation. I have covered a wide variety of serious injury claims, from traumas such as brain injury and accidents involving pedestrians and livestock.
Get an insider’s look at the case history and client experiences from my firm by reviewing the following web pages:
I am a longstanding member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Additionally, I am proud to belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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