Accident Near Twin Cities Road on I-5 Reported by Caltrans
A jackknifed truck stalled traffic along Sacramento’s Interstate 5 on May 30. Caltrans officials reported the accident on Twitter at about 4:00 in the afternoon, saying that the accident occurred near Twin Cities Road and blocked both lanes of the roadway. No additional information was released about the crash. Motorists were advised to use Highway 99 as an alternate route to avoid the traffic congestion. Roadways were reopened around 6:30 p.m.
Jackknifed Truck Accidents
A jackknife occurs when a trucker tries to slow down but does it incorrectly. When that happens, the speed of the tractor becomes slower than the trailer it is pulling. As a result, the trailer swings around to the side, which can either cause a collision with other vehicles in the adjacent lane, block multiple lanes, or result in a rollover. If injuries are caused to others because of this type of accident, an experienced Sacramento truck accident attorney can review the case and advise whether the injured person can place a claim for damages.
Investigation of a Big Rig Accident
To recover compensation following an accident caused by a big rig requires the help of a seasoned lawyer with experience in these types of collisions. Over the years, I’ve assisted many people to recover damages. The collection of evidence and conducting a good investigation are key. Our investigators go out to the jackknifed truck accident site right away to do the following:
- The police report is looked over to ensure its accuracy and witnesses are talked to.
- Accident reconstruction is performed.
- The investigators look for videotapes of the accident from traffic surveillance and business cameras.
- The trucker’s logbooks and maintenance records for the vehicle are checked.
- Traffic infractions that could have caused the accident are sought, such as distracted driving, speeding and others.
- If the truck is company-owned, records are checked for lack of maintenance and driver and company citations that indicate past problems.
When all the information and evidence is gathered, our lawyers go to work to build a case for insurance company negotiations. Should that be unsuccessful in obtaining a sufficient amount for the injured client, the case can be taken to court.
Reasons a Big Truck Jackknifes
There are a number of reasons that a big rig can jackknife, including the following:
- Speed: Because big rigs weigh up to 80,000 pounds, it takes much more distance and force to stop or slow one. When a truck driver is exceeding the speed limit by as little as 10 mph, it increases the jackknife risk by 49 percent, according to a U.S. Department of Transportation study.
- Steep grades: Vehicles move faster when going downhill, and a driver who is careless or inexperienced may begin braking too late to slow the big rig down, which can cause a jackknifed truck.
- Inexperienced drivers: Driving a big rig is different from a passenger vehicle. A big rig is equipped with multiple brakes, and the right one must be used to prevent a jackknifed truck.
- Distraction and fatigue: Truck drivers are on the road for long hours and get paid by the mile, so it is in their interest to drive as much as is legally possible. Experts report that the average truck driver travels about 3,000 miles each week. That leads to fatigue, monotony and distractions such as texting. All of those can lead to a jackknifed truck accident.
- Improper loading: Carrying too light a load or one that is unbalanced can lead to a jackknifing accident as well as a rollover.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. When an accident caused by a negligent trucker causes your injury, you may be able to claim compensation to pay your medical costs, pain and suffering and lost wage. Give me a call for my free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. An online message form is available also.
Since 1982, I’ve helped Sacramentans get the compensation they deserve in truck accidents, all types of traffic collisions, and in cases involving wrongful death.
At the following links, you can find more information about my law firm:
I belong to the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Forum.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/highway-jam-traffic-pkw-autos-1761825/
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