Redding Area Truck Accident Closes Interstate 5
I’m Ed Smith, a Redding truck accident lawyer. A big rig hauling I-beams was involved in an accident on August 30 along Interstate 5 that caused the truck to lose its load. All of the lanes of the highway had to be closed, according to the California Department of Transportation, while the California Highway Patrol supervised the the cleanup. While one lane heading south was reopened around 6:30 in the afternoon, traffic remained backed up for miles.
What Happened
The crash happened at around 3:45 in the afternoon when the big rig overturned near Flume Creek on Cascade Wonderland Parkway near Castella. At the time of the crash, the semi was hauling 2 ton steel beams weighing a total of 22 tons. A tow truck was summoned to help right the truck. According to a representative of the CHP, one individual was reported as having been seen crawling out of the truck’s cab. It is believed that there were two people in the truck at the time of the crash. No report has been released on whether either individual suffered injuries in the crash.
Cargo Securement: Criteria for Performance
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published guidelines about how cargo should be secured when being transported. The rules updated the way cargo was secured to prevent the contents from shifting or being spilled. The cargo must be restrained in such a way that securement meets deceleration and acceleration criteria set by FMCSA. The criteria are:
- Forward-directed deceleration of 0.8 g
- Rearward acceleration of 0.5 g
- Laterally-directed deceleration of 0.5 g
Motor carriers are not required to check the securement performance criteria. As long as the cargo is secured properly, it is assumed the performance rules are met.
Securement Device Criteria
The rules stress that all devices that are used to tie down or otherwise secure cargo must comply with meeting the performance criteria above. The upper limits of loads secured by these devices are the same as those in the 1999 guidance. Devices used to tie down and comply with cargo securement prior to 2004 should suffice.
How to Use Tie-Downs
To ensure proper use of tie-downs, the device should be unable to become loosened or unfastened so as to release the cargo while the rig is moving. If rub rails are present, the securement should be on the inside of the rails. In addition, if the tie-down might be cut due to abrasion, edge device protection is necessary.
Placement of Cargo
If the cargo has a high propensity of rolling, a cradle or chock wedge must be used. The beams should be placed adjacent to one another and transverse ties should be used. If steel or concrete beams are being transported, the minimum number of tie downs does not apply.
Failure to Secure Cargo
When cargo is not secured properly, the truck may become unbalanced and subject to releasing cargo or overturning. The new FMCSA rules delivered in 2004 provides guidance into how different types of cargo should be secured. If the trucker or trucking company does not follow the rules, both are considered negligent if the cargo is released. An experienced law firm is able to investigate the accident to determine if proper cargo securement was done.
Injuries Caused By Truck Accidents
Injuries caused by unsecured cargo falling off a big truck can be devastating. Among the worst injuries incurred are brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputation and facial injuries. When this happens, an experienced personal injury lawyer who has worked on cases involving truck accidents can help obtain the compensation you need to cover your financial damages.
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Redding Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Redding truck accident lawyer. Poorly secured loads, driver error and other reasons can cause an accident that can leave others with serious injuries. If you or a member of your family has been injured due to a negligent truck driver or the company that employs them, please call (530) 392-9400. I am available to offer you my friendly advice and it is free. If you prefer, call on my toll-free line at (800) 404-5400.
I have worked as an injury lawyer in the state of California since 1982. Our legal team has assisted many injured Californians, including those in the Redding area, to obtain compensation for their traumatic injuries or in wrongful death claims.
At Verdicts and Settlements on my website, you can read about how my legal team and I have helped former clients. Find reviews of my practice at Avvo, Google or Yelp.
As a California member of the Million Dollar Advocates, I am proud to belong to a group of trial lawyers with a record of $1 million in client verdicts and settlements.
Photo Attribution:
https://pixabay.com/en/road-train-semi-transport-truck-1021563/
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