I-5 Semi Accident Causes Traffic Jam
A semi accident occurred in Sacramento on January 26 near an interstate exit ramp. The report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said that the crash involved two other vehicles and occurred around 7:49 in the evening. It happened along northbound Interstate 5, about one mile south of the Cosumnes River Boulevard exit ramp.
Additional Information About the Semi Accident
The accident reportedly blocked the lanes of traffic along the highway. No information was provided on whether serious injuries were suffered in the crash. An investigation is ongoing by the CHP to discover how it occurred and to assign fault.
How a Semi Accident Happens
Semis are not at all like driving a passenger vehicle. They are not only much larger and heavier, but they are also more difficult to maneuver and stop if an emergency arises. A semi accident commonly occurs for the following reasons:
- The driver is inexperienced: Just as the driver of a motor vehicle has to practice to learn how to handle it safely, so does a trucker behind the wheel of a big rig. Unfortunately, there has been a long-time shortage of truck drivers, and some companies may be desperate and hire a trucker without enough experience. This can lead to a semi accident.
- Blind spots: Tractor-trailers are surrounded on all sides by blind spots, including in the front and back. The sides of the trailer, especially the right side, are even worse. If the driver of a passenger vehicle is coming up on a tractor-trailer or passing one and can’t see the trucker in their side mirror, they can’t see the motorist either.
- It’s easy to jackknife a big rig: Speed, sharp curves, bad weather, using the wrong brakes, and other factors can lead to a jackknife accident. Unfortunately, if a passenger vehicle is in their way when it happens, those inside can end up injured.
- Underride/override accidents: Because a tractor-trailer is much higher than a passenger vehicle, if it stops suddenly, the smaller car or truck can pass underneath it. These accidents are commonly fatal. The same danger can be reversed if a passenger vehicle is in front of a semi and the big rig continues on without stopping.
- Rollovers: A number of factors can cause a tractor-trailer to experience a rollover. Weather conditions may contribute to a rollover. Speeding around a curve can cause one, and having an unbalanced load can lead to a rollover. Vehicles in the adjacent lanes may be affected by this type of semi accident.
Investigating a Semi Accident
Many things can go wrong with a tractor-trailer that can lead to a semi accident. In addition, there are strict federal and state regulations that dictate the number of driving hours and rest breaks a trucker has to abide by. A personal injury lawyer experienced in handling truck accidents can help an injured person obtain the compensation that they deserve for their lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Our injury attorneys have successfully handled many cases involving truck accidents, and our investigators are good at gathering the evidence needed to support your claim. We do the work while our clients can concentrate on healing from their injuries without the worry about how they will pay their bills.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. When a negligent truck driver or the company that employs them was responsible for your injury, I can give you free, friendly advice. You are invited to contact me at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. You can message me online if you prefer.
I am a proud member of the following groups, among others:
My law office has helped the people of Northern California since 1982 in getting fair compensation for their truck accident injuries, wrongful death claims, and traffic collisions.
You can discover more about my law firm at the links below:
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