Accident on Eastbound I-80 Caused by Overturned Tractor-Trailer
An overturned tractor-trailer in Sacramento on March 30 caused a traffic jam and resulted in a SigAlert being issued. The accident happened around 2:35 in the afternoon along eastbound I-80 at the I-5 northbound connector. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the tractor-trailer was lying on its side after the driver lost control for some unknown reason.
SigAlert Issued Warning Motorists to Take Other Routes
The big rig was fully loaded and carrying paper rolls. Due to the accident, the eastbound lanes of I-80 were shut down as far as northbound I-5 and that highway section was closed to westbound I-80 while the tractor-trailer was uprighted. Motorists were advised to use alternate routes since it could not be predicted when the accident scene would be cleared.
Overturned Tractor-Trailer Accident Being Investigated by Authorities
The CHP is investigating to determine how the overturned tractor-trailer accident occurred. At the time of this report, no injuries had been reported.
Reasons a Tractor-Trailer Rollover Occurs
Although rollovers sometimes occur outside the driver’s control of the vehicle or big rig, most are caused by driver error or some other factor. One thing they have in common is that an overturned tractor-trailer that suddenly rolls can impact other nearby motorists, causing severe injuries and fatalities. Some of the reasons an overturned tractor-trailer happens include:
- Speeding is probably the main reason an overturned tractor-trailer occurs. Some truckers have schedules that are too tight and speed to make on-time deliveries. While this can be the fault of the driver, the company that employs them may be to blame.
- Inexperienced drivers can cause a big rig rollover by using the wrong brakes to slow down, especially on a hill, or not having the ability to handle an 80,000-pound truck. Because of a long-time driver shortage, trucking companies may feel they have to hire an inexperienced driver to make their deliveries.
- Distracted driving is a serious problem with truckers due to the long stretches of time they have to spend behind the wheel of the rig. Some truck drivers may text or talk on their cell phones, even though this is not allowed, change the radio station, or just lose their concentration, leading to an overturned tractor-trailer accident.
- Fatigue is a real problem with truck drivers and can cause a driver to fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Poor truck maintenance can also lead to an overturned tractor-trailer when the brakes or steering fails or the vehicle experiences a blowout. Depending on who owns the truck, either the driver, company or both may be held liable for injuries caused by the crash.
- Inclement weather, especially high winds, can result in a tractor-trailer rollover. Ice, snow and high winds can make the vehicle difficult to control, especially if a high wind catches the trailer on its side.
Compensation Following a Tractor-Trailer Accident
Since big rigs fall under federal and state jurisdictions when it comes to inspections, driving hours, and rest breaks, an attorney experienced in handling these types of accidents is important to get the compensation that you deserve. Our injury lawyers have been successful in many of these claims over the years. Since evidence is required to uphold a client’s claim, the following is performed in part:
- Our inspectors examine the ELD or paper records to determine if the driver was following mandated driving and rest breaks.
- The vehicle is inspected to see if worn parts or lack of maintenance caused the overturned tractor-trailer.
- Accident reconstruction is performed, which indicates how the crash occurred.
- Surveillance cameras from roadways, traffic lights, and businesses are checked to see if the collision was caught on tape.
- Witnesses are interviewed.
- The police report is checked for errors.
- Company records are examined to look for instances of infractions, vehicle inspections, and other pertinent information.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. If you suffered a truck accident injury, call for my free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also reach me online.
My law firm has helped Northern Californians since 1982 to get fair compensation for their truck accidents, traffic collisions, wrongful deaths, and other claims.
I’m a proud member of the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Advocates.
Find out more about how we’ve helped others below:
Attributed photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/semi-accident-crash-truck-2659736/
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