Semi Driver Killed in Big Rig Collision Near Forebay

Big Rig Collision Near Forebay Causes Trucker’s Death on I-80

A single-vehicle big rig collision near Forebay in Placer County took the life of the driver recently. The accident, which involved a diesel fuel tanker, happened on Interstate 80 westbound near the exit for Drum Forebay Road around 5:00 a.m. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported the vehicle had exited the roadway for as yet unknown reasons, hit a tree, overturned and caught on fire. 

Investigators Determining the Cause of Big Rig Collision Near Forebay

The vehicle was fully engulfed. The driver perished in the big rig collision. Westbound traffic was blocked, and a SigAlert was issued as the scene was cleared. The CHP traffic collision unit is investigating to find out what happened.

Single-Vehicle Truck Accident Fatalities

Single-vehicle fatal semi-truck accidents can occur due to factors beyond the driver’s control, including the following:

• One significant cause may be adverse weather conditions, such as sudden rain, snow, or ice, creating hazardous driving surfaces that lead to loss of traction and control. 
• Mechanical failures, including brake failure or tire blowouts, can result from inadequate maintenance or manufacturing defects. Despite their best efforts, these can put the driver at risk. If the company employing the driver took responsibility for maintenance, it may be held liable for the death.
• Road conditions, such as potholes, debris, or inadequate signage, can contribute to accidents. If roadway maintenance causes a fatal big rig collision, the government entity responsible may be liable. However, since government claims must be filed within the six-month statute of limitations, it would be advisable to get help from an accident lawyer to meet deadlines and help with the paperwork.
• Actions taken by other road users, such as erratic driving or abrupt lane changes, could lead to a truck swerving to avoid a collision. 
• Wildlife encounters, where animals unexpectedly crossroads, can force drivers to take evasive actions that might result in a crash. If those animals are livestock, the owner might be liable.

Recovering Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim

A claim for wrongful death allows the immediate family to seek compensation for the loss of a loved one if it was caused by another party’s negligent actions or was an intentional act. The individuals eligible to file a wrongful death claim typically include the deceased’s spouse, domestic partner, children, or, if there are no direct heirs, other relatives such as parents or siblings. The claims can cover various types of damages, including economic losses such as funeral expenses, and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like loss of companionship, emotional distress, and loss of guidance or support. It is crucial for claimants to file within the two-year statute of limitations from the date of the death to ensure their case is heard in court.

Below, you can find valuable insights regarding wrongful death claims presented in a video by accident attorney Ed Smith:

Wrongful Death Attorney in Auburn

I am Ed Smith, a wrongful death attorney in Auburn. If a loved one has tragically passed away due to a fatal truck accident, we are here to help you seek compensation for your loss. You can obtain friendly, free advice by calling (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. We can arrange a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case, either in person or virtually. If it’s more convenient, our team is also available online.

We take great pride in our membership with organizations like Million Dollar Advocates and Top One Percent. Our injury attorneys have successfully recovered compensation for numerous clients, as detailed on our Settlements and Verdicts page, as well as in reviews on Yelp and Google.

Photo attribution: Image by Denise McQuillen from Pixabay

cd: [649]