Multiple Big Rig Collision Occurs on State Route 89
A multiple big rig collision, including a motor vehicle, closed down State Route 89 on January 9. The accident occurred along northbound State Route 89 north of Old Station at around 6:44 a.m. Three to four semis were involved, as well as a Ford Mustang.
Multiple Big Rig Collision Involves Hazmat Truck
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) report, a hazmat tanker was involved, damaging its tractor and two broken rear tires. A 50-foot container truck was also involved and went off the roadway about 50 feet. A new logging truck was also involved.
State Route 89 Closed Due to Multiple Big Rig Collision
One of the semis overturned on its side and the entire roadway was strewn with insulation material. Caltrans closed SR 89 at State Route 299 since the roadway was blocked. The driver of the tanker truck was reported as injured. However, no information was provided on whether the driver received treatment at the scene or was transported to a hospital. Icy roads may have contributed to the cause of the collision. The CHP traffic crash unit is investigating to determine what happened.
Negligent Truck Drivers Can Cause Accidents
Truck drivers must be professionally trained and certified to operate large, powerful commercial trucking vehicles. Despite this preparation, it is still possible for drivers to make mistakes that result in a serious multiple big rig collision. A negligent truck driver may engage in the following behaviors:
- Speeding or driving too fast for the conditions
- Driving while distracted, such as texting, talking on a cell phone, eating, etc.
- Changing lanes without checking blind spots
- Using drugs or alcohol while operating a truck
- Maintenance and repairs are not performed according to safety regulations
Trucking Companies’ Liability for Accidents
Accidents should be investigated immediately to determine who is responsible. Occasionally, truckers may be directly responsible for their own negligence. Trucking companies may also be liable for negligence in certain circumstances. The following are a few examples:
- There was no proper training or certification for the driver.
- Safety standards were not followed when maintaining the truck.
- Vehicle instability was caused by overloading.
- Trailer stability was affected due to improperly secured cargo.
- As a result of the company’s negligence, unsafe working conditions were allowed to exist.
- An inexperienced or unqualified driver was hired due to negligent hiring practices.
Medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages may be recoverable if a trucking company’s negligence caused an accident. An injured person should contact a trucking accident attorney as soon as possible to protect their rights.
Semi Accident Compensation Recovery
If you’ve sustained injuries in a commercial vehicle accident, it’s crucial to consult with legal counsel and seek justice against the parties responsible for your harm. A trucking accident attorney with a track record of handling numerous trucking accident cases can be a valuable resource in aiding injured individuals in their quest for compensation. By engaging the expertise of an experienced attorney, those accountable for the accident may be subject to legal repercussions.
Ed Smith, accident attorney, offers these tips to help you find the right injury lawyer:
Truck Accident Attorney in California
I’m Ed Smith, a truck accident lawyer in California. Trucking accidents often result in serious injuries. Contact our truck accident attorneys for free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 if a negligent driver has caused you harm. Our online contact form is also available.
As members of the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Advocates, our injury lawyers are committed to obtaining fair compensation for their clients. In addition to our Google and Yelp reviews, Settlements and Verdicts display examples of our experience handling accident injury claims.
Photo attribution: Image by Denise McQuillen from Pixabay
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