Tractor-Trailer Accident on U.S 50
An accident involving a tractor-trailer and several other vehicles occurred in West Sacramento on July 17. The collision was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) at 7:42 a.m. along eastbound U.S. 50 and the Jefferson Boulevard on-ramp. The accident occurred on the bridge just west of the Highway 5 split. The tractor-trailer accident blocked the two right lanes. Two other vehicles were involved and identified as a light-colored SUV and a black Ford Focus. Emergency medical personnel were summoned to the crash site to treat injured individuals.
What an Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
Tractor-trailer accidents can be catastrophic and involve multiple vehicles, especially on high trafficked roads. When this happens, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine who is at fault. Fault is a vital element in an insurance claim or lawsuit. Proving negligence relies on the efforts of our seasoned investigators. From examining the accident site to interviewing witnesses and reviewing police reports for accuracy, the investigators make every effort to determine how the accident happened. Once all data is accumulated, our legal team puts together a strong case against the at-fault individual or entity. If the insurance company negotiations fall short of the compensation you should receive, we prepare for your day in civil court by filing a lawsuit against the defendant. Call us as soon as possible after the accident, so we can start protecting your rights. Remember, we bill on a contingency basis. This means if you don’t win, you owe nothing.
Why Are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
Every 18 minutes, someone in the nation is killed or seriously injured in a truck accident. There are about 500,000 truck accidents annually, resulting in approximately 5,000 deaths. Of the fatalities, 700 are truckers. The numbers indicate that by 2030, truck accidents will become the fifth leading cause of death in the country. Part of the reason that such disasters occur is the size differential between trucks and passenger vehicles. On average, a truck weighs 80,000 pounds fully loaded. A passenger vehicle, on the other hand, usually weighs between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds. Another problem is the time it takes for a tractor-trailer to stop. For instance, if a tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle are traveling at 40 mph, it will take the truck 219 additional feet to stop. As the speed is increased, the distance it takes to stop is also increased.
Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported the following common causes of truck accidents:
- Route unfamiliarity causes 17 percent of accidents.
- Brakes issues, including defects, were involved in 27 percent of truck accidents.
- Seven percent of drivers were fatigued.
- Overly pressured truck drivers were involved in 10 percent of accidents.
- Aggressive truckers accounted for 5 percent of accidents.
- Tire problems were found in 3 percent of crashes.
- 0.4 percent of truck crashes involved a drug-impaired driver.
- 0.3 percent of all accidents involved a drunk trucker.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a West Sacramento truck accident lawyer. When you are in a truck accident, you need the insight an injury lawyer can provide to obtain the compensation you deserve. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. If it is easier for you, reach out to me online using our convenient contact form.
I’ve been here for numerous residents of West Sacramento for motorcycle accidents, wrongful deaths, and traumatic brain injuries.
Before retaining an attorney, you should learn as much as you can about his or her practice and what their clients and peers have to say. It’s also important to review some of the previous cases that they settled or won. Take a look at mine on the following pages:
I am proud to mention the following organizations I belong to:
- The Million Dollar Advocates: This organization is composed of attorneys who have won over $1 million for a client.
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Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_52394927_l-2015
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