Accident Near the I-80 Connector Results in Disabled Semi
A semi collision with a pickup occurred on the West Side Highway in Sacramento on August 29, and a possible injury was reported. The collision occurred on northbound I-5 just north of the I-80 connector around 7:40 p.m. The incident report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the collision involved a Kenworth tractor-trailer and Chevy Silverado and occurred when the driver of the pickup rear-ended the semi.
Additional Information About the Semi Collision
The accident blew out the back right tires on the trailer being pulled by the big rig. The pickup ended up facing sideways, blocking the number two and three lanes. A tow truck was required to remove the 45-foot trailer, which was estimated to weigh 60,000 pounds.
Accident Being Investigated by Authorities
Lanes were cleared shortly after 8:00 p.m. No additional information was given about possible injuries. The CHP is conducting an investigation into the accident to determine the cause.
Accidents Involving Big Rigs
One thing that occurs in a collision with a big rig is the high risk of serious injuries or fatalities. Not only is a tractor-trailer much longer and heavier, but it rides higher. This means that a vehicle that collides with one runs the risk of experiencing an override/underride accident. Even those who survive such an accident may experience a life-long disability or injury such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries are common in an underride semi collision.
- Spinal cord damage can occur in either an underride or override semi collision.
- Broken bones are common, including fractured skulls, crushed legs or others due to the force of the impact.
- Serious abdominal and chest injuries can happen if the front of the vehicle is pushed into the cab area.
Negligence Can Lead to a Semi Collision
Drivers of big rigs have to be cautious to avoid an accident with a passenger vehicle. However, accidents continue to happen. Some of the causes include:
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Overloaded or poorly loaded cargo
- Fatigue, which can include violating the state or federal hours of service that limits and directs the trucker’s hours on the road
- Lack of maintenance, especially to the brakes or tires
- Use of drugs, whether over the counter or prescription
- Speeding
- Driving too fast for weather conditions
Recovery of Damages Following an Accident With a Big Rig
When a trucker or the company that employs that person is negligent and causes trauma to another individual, that party may place a claim for compensation. We’ve successfully handled many claims involving negligent truckers to get our clients fair compensation. Some of the areas in which damages may be recovered include:
- Medical expenses, which include hospitalization, ambulance, tests, physicians’ bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and even out-of-pocket costs are recoverable.
- If the injury continues into the future or results in disability, the costs are also factored into the medical expenses.
- Disfigurement and scarring occur in many accidents, and surgeries to make repairs are not covered by insurance. The cost of plastic surgery to make those repairs can be recovered.
- Lost wages, bonuses and other monies earned by the injured party can be recovered. If the individual is disabled and can no longer work, recovery can be made of what they would have earned until retirement age, including pension, insurance and other benefits.
- Pain and suffering include not only the physical trauma but psychological and emotional problems that arose as a result of the semi collision.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. A collision with a tractor-trailer or other large commercial vehicle can cause serious injuries. If a negligent truck driver injured you, give us a call for our free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400. You can also reach us at (800) 404-5400 or by sending us a message online.
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From any type of traffic collision to truck accidents, wrongful deaths and other injuries, we’ve helped many Sacramentans since 1982 in obtaining the compensation they deserve.
Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/truck-semi-truck-semi-truck-desert-1499377/
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