Los Banos Major Injury Accident Involving Big Rig

Big Rig and Sedan Collide on I-5 in Los Banos Major Injury Accident

On September 4, 2024, a Los Banos major injury accident occurred when a big rig collided with a sedan on the northbound lanes of I-5 at Arburua Road, southwest of Merced. The crash resulted in the silver sedan overturning, prompting a swift response from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the local fire department. Fortunately, the roadway was not blocked during this emergency situation. 

Patient Transported to Hospital After Los Banos Major Injury Accident

One patient was transported to a hospital for further treatment following the collision. An investigation is being conducted by the CHP traffic accident unit to find out how the crash occurred and to assign the fault.

How a Big Rig Can Cause a Truck Accident With a Smaller Vehicle

A Los Banos major injury accident involving a big rig and a smaller vehicle can result from various factors, often leading to severe consequences for those involved. Here are some common ways these accidents can occur:

• Blind Spots: Big rigs have large spots where the driver cannot see the surrounding traffic, making it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles alongside them.
• Sudden Stops: Heavy trucks require longer stopping distances; if drivers don’t maintain a safe following distance, they can collide with vehicles that suddenly stop or slow down in front of them.
• Improper Lane Changes: When truck drivers change lanes without adequate signaling or checking for smaller vehicles, it can lead to dangerous side-swiping accidents.
• Load Shifting: If a truck’s load shifts unexpectedly, it can affect the driver’s control, leading to accidents with nearby vehicles.
• Fatigue: Long driving hours can cause fatigue, which impairs the driver’s reaction time and ability to make decisions quickly, increasing the risk of collisions. If the driver is on the road too long, it can mean the trucker violated state and federal regulations.

Liability in a Big Rig Collision May Involve More Than the Driver

When a Los Banos major injury accident occurs, determining liability can be complicated and often involves multiple parties beyond just the driver. Factors such as the trucking company’s maintenance practices, the condition of the vehicle, and adherence to federal regulations play crucial roles in legal accountability. Third parties, such as road contractors or manufacturers of faulty truck parts, can also share responsibility for these incidents. 

Investigating these fators requires an analysis of accident reports, witness statements, and vehicle inspection records to understand the circumstances leading to the collision. Ultimately, this layered approach helps identify all liable parties, enabling those injured in the crash to seek appropriate compensation for their injuries and damages sustained.

If you need the assistance of a personal injury lawyer, consider these important tips from attorney Ed Smith:

Merced Truck Accident Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a  Merced truck accident lawyer who assists individuals injured by negligent truck drivers. If you or someone you care about has suffered injuries due to a reckless truck operator, please reach out for support. You can contact us at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. We can discuss your case specifics and provide professional legal counsel tailored to your needs. You’re also welcome to connect with us online.

Our legal team consists of esteemed members of the Top 1 Percent and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We are committed to providing unwavering support to our clients throughout their legal journey. To see the successful outcomes achieved by our team, please visit our Settlements & Verdicts page. Additionally, feel free to check our profiles on Yelp, Google, and Avvo for reviews from clients and peers.

Photo attribution: Image by Denise McQuillen from Pixabay

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