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Sacramento Traffic Accident Involving Big Rig

Home » Sacramento Traffic Accident Involving Big Rig
August 17, 2020
Edward Smith

Big Rig and Passenger Vehicle Collide on Interstate 5 in Sacramento

A traffic accident between a Honda Accord and a big rig occurred in Sacramento along northbound Interstate 5 on August 13. The incident occurred shortly after 4:00 in the afternoon just south of the Garden State Highway exit ramp, according to the report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). No injuries were reported. The incident is being investigated by the CHP to discover how it occurred. 

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

At AutoAccident.com, we make every effort to obtain the compensation our clients deserve. Day after day, we meet clients for the first time and see the toll an accident takes on their lives and family. We put ourselves in their place and know how we would feel. 

Our entire team leaves no stone unturned in doing what is needed to resolve their case successfully. We have over 38 years of experience. Call us to set up an initial case review and meet the members of our team. There is never a charge for this case review. Beyond that, we guarantee that you will pay us nothing until your case is won.

How a Traffic Accident With a Big Rig Can Be Avoided

The drivers of big rigs are at a definite disadvantage when driving near passenger vehicles. The trucker has large blind spots on all sides, the big rig is more difficult to maneuver and requires a much longer stopping distance. The best way to handle driving near a big rig is for the passenger vehicle driver to use extra caution. Some suggestions are:

  • Keep your distance from a big rig. It’s always safer to move over a lane and give the truck room.
  • Never tailgate a big truck. If the truck stops suddenly, you could experience an underride accident, and these are often fatal.
  • Never stop suddenly in front of a big rig. The trucker can’t stop in time to avoid striking your vehicle.
  • Don’t drive distracted. Texting or chatting on a cell phone, changing the radio station while driving, or other actions take your eyes from the road. This can result in a traffic accident.
  • Don’t speed. Speeding means the driver has less control over the vehicle and can’t stop in time to prevent a traffic accident.
  • Never drink and drive: An intoxicated driver uses poor judgment and alcohol consumption affects the reflexes and even vision. 

Investigating a Big Rig Accident

When investigating a big rig accident, it is necessary to determine whether the trucker or trucking company sidestepped rules that are implemented to ensure the safety of motorists. Our investigators request the trucker’s logs to see if regulations were followed. This includes rules that govern the amount of rest a trucker must have, the number of hours they have worked, and whether maintenance and pre- and post-trip inspections were performed. 

Another problem is with the use of reflective lights on a truck at night. Truckers are required to illuminate the back and sides of their vehicle so that motorists can see them in the dark. Without this, the truck will appear much smaller, making the size and presence of the semi unclear for a motorist. If this happens, and a motorist hits the big rig, the trucker might be responsible for the accident. 

Our investigators also speak to witnesses and obtain videos of the crash from surveillance cameras on traffic lights and nearby businesses. Police reports are also reviewed for mistakes since they are used in negotiations with the insurer and in civil court. When this information is gathered, we release it to our lawyers to build a robust case for our clients.

Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. When an accident occurs between a big rig and passenger vehicle, serious injuries often result. If a big rig was responsible for your accident injuries, give me a call at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice. At my website, AutoAccident.com, there is also an online contact form that is quick and easy to complete, and I will call you back.

Whether it is a traffic accident, wrongful death or other types of personal injury, I’ve helped people to obtain the compensation they deserve since 1982.

Find out more about my law firm at:

I belong to the following: Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Forum.

Photo Attribution: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cars-road-vehicles-sky-172074/

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