Driver Dies in Grass Valley Vehicle Crash on Golden Center Freeway
Authorities reported a Grass Valley fatal crash involving a semi on December 15. The accident happened along the southbound Golden Center Freeway near the McKnight Way off-ramp around 5:43 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Officers with the Green Valley police and fire departments also responded to the accident, which blocked all the lanes.
Driver Killed in Grass Valley Fatal Crash
Authorities believe the smaller vehicle ran into the back of the truck in the Grass Valley fatal crash. Traffic was diverted to McKnight Way as the scene was cleared. The male driver, 61, died in the collision. The roadway was clear at around 6:23 p.m. An investigation is underway by the CHP traffic accident unit to determine the cause of the crash, but alcohol may have been involved, according to them.
Crash Reasons Involving a Big Rig and a Smaller Vehicle
When a big rig crashes, its huge size and weight make it more likely to cause injuries than a motor vehicle. Additionally, it increases the risk of being involved in an accident when driving too closely to a big rig. The following are some common reasons for a rear-end crash with a semi:
- Driver negligence: Driver negligence is the most common reason for a rear-end collision with a big rig. Common factors include drunk or distracted driving, speeding and fatigue.
- Weather conditions: Environmental conditions can lead to a rear-end collision with a semi. For example, wet pavements or rainy/snowy conditions can make it difficult for a driver coming up from the rear to stop in time to avoid a Grass Valley fatal crash.
- Vehicle defects: Mechanical issues with the vehicle or the big rig, such as brake failure, can lead to a collision. Retaining the vehicle so it can be examined is important. If a defect in the vehicle led to the crash, an auto product liability claim may be possible against the manufacturing company and others.
- Overloaded trailer: A semi trailer that is overloaded can not only become unstable but requires the driver to go at a lower speed to make it up and down a hill. Because drivers coming up from behind have no warning, it can lead to a collision.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
If it turns out the big rig driver was at fault for the collision, the family can file a wrongful death claim to recover damages, including for the funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and emotional trauma suffered by the survivors. A lawyer can investigate the crash to establish fault, collect evidence that supports the claim and handle negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
To find out what you need to know about wrongful death claims, take a look at the video below presented by accident lawyer Ed Smith:
Grass Valley Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith. I am a Grass Valley wrongful death lawyer. It is common for negligent truck drivers or their employers to cause serious accidents that result in serious injuries or fatalities. If your family lost a loved one due to a negligent trucker, you may be able to recover compensation. A member of our injury law firm can provide free and friendly advice at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. Please feel free to contact us online as well.
Our lawyers work hard to obtain fair compensation for our clients, so being a Million Dollar Advocate and Top One Percent member is an honor for us. See some of our cases in Verdicts and Settlements, Yelp, and Google reviews to find out how our accident lawyers helped others.
Photo accident: Image by Ri Butov from Pixabay
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