Accident on Highway 50 Causes Traffic Delays for Several Hours
An overturned box truck on Highway 50 eastbound blocked traffic for several hours on September 2 in Sacramento. The incident happened near the Capital City Freeway junction at about 8:00 in the morning, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). A tow truck and an ambulance were called to the scene. Despite the call for emergency health care services, there has been no statement concerning injuries at the time of this article.
A Caltrans traffic camera provided footage of the overturned box truck positioned on its side. Traffic was stalled from the crash site on the W-X corridor. The accident was cleared, and the highway reopened shortly before noon. The CHP has yet to issue a statement explaining why the box truck overturned.
Box Truck Uses
Box trucks are used to haul loads that are too small to require the use of a semi. The weight limit for the typical box truck ranges from 12,500 to 33,000 pounds, which reflects the total vehicle gross weight. If the cargo exceeds the weight limit, it may be necessary to use a full semi to haul the load.
The majority of box trucks are used to haul appliances, furniture, and commercial goods. The trucks commonly found at U-Haul are box trucks in various sizes. Most of the time, drivers are not required to have a CDL license. However, if the weight exceeds 26,000 pounds, a CDL license is necessary.
Packing Cargo in a Box Truck
It is important to secure cargo properly when loading a box truck. If this is not done, the cargo may move around when braking or making a turn, leading to an overturned box truck.
When loading items, the trucker should always load the cargo in rows with the heaviest items in the rear. It is essential not to overload the vehicle. The payload is listed in the vehicle’s manual.
Securing the Load
The cargo should be restrained within the vehicle, preventing it from moving about, which could lead to an overturned box truck. It is important to ask the following questions:
- Is the cargo unstable?
- Is the load at risk of sliding about or toppling forward or to the side?
- Does the vehicle have proper securing equipment?
- Is the securing equipment in good condition?
If the necessary steps to secure the cargo are not taken and an accident occurs, a claim can be filed against both the trucker and the trucking company for negligence.
Rollover Accidents
Rollovers are generally violent and deadly. When an overturned box truck accident occurs, passenger vehicle occupants are also in danger. The size and weight of the box truck on a busy highway or bridge can wreak havoc if it falls over on another vehicle. In addition, drivers, seeing that the operator of the truck has lost control, may swerve into an adjacent lane, causing an accident.
Another reason for a truck rollover aside from shifting cargo is the presence of defective brakes. Since the brakes used to stop such a large vehicle must be in good working order, a defect may cause the trucker to lose control of their vehicle. If the brakes are defective, it is important to preserve the vehicle so investigators can check it for poor design or manufacturing. If the brakes are found to be defective, a lawsuit can be filed against the manufacturer for product liability.
Roof Crush in a Truck Rollover Accident
When a truck rolls over, the driver is at risk for injury due to roof crush. This occurs when the roof of the cab area is improperly designed and lacks sufficient support infrastructure. In this situation, roof crush can cause serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord damage.
Manufacturers are bound by their responsibility to produce a safe product. To prevent roof crush, they are required to ensure the roof can withstand 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle. If they refuse to honor that obligation, the manufacturer can be taken to task for negligence.
Investigation of an Overturned Box Truck Accident
Our investigators rush to the scene of the accident before evidence is lost or stolen. They interview witnesses and use accident reconstruction techniques to determine liability. They also obtain video footage of the crash from surveillance cameras and other sources. After reviewing police reports for mistakes, the compiled evidence is given to our legal team, who use it to build a strong case for our clients.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, and I am an experienced Sacramento truck accident lawyer. Call me for free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also contact me online if you wish.
I’ve helped Sacramentans in all types of car accidents, wrongful deaths, and other traumas.
I am a member of the following organizations:
Learn more about my practice on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/highway-jam-traffic-pkw-autos-1761825/
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