Two Injured During South Lake Tahoe Big-Rig Crash
According to information from California Highway Patrol (CHP), two people suffered serious injuries during a South Lake Tahoe big-rig crash that occurred on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. The accident reportedly involved one passenger vehicle as well as a large tractor-trailer. The two injured individuals have been identified as an 81-year-old and an 80-year-old from South Lake Tahoe and Oakdale. The crash remains under CHP investigation.
Crash Information
The accident took place at 2:15 p.m. on State Route 88 to the east of Red Lake Road. After conducting preliminary investigations, CHP reported that a big-rig driven by a 40-year-old man from Vacaville was heading east on the highway while a Honda CRV was driving east in the same area. Police indicated that the large truck attempted to navigate a curve in the highway, but traveled over the highway median while turning, partially entering westbound lanes. While the truck was turning, the left-front end of the Honda collided with the left-front end of the big-rig, causing extreme damage to the smaller vehicle.
Responders arrived at the scene of the accident shortly after it took place and found that both occupants of the Honda had suffered serious injuries. The individuals were flown via helicopter to the Renown Hospital in the city of Reno for emergency care. Updates on their conditions remain unavailable. Additionally, reports indicated that the big-rig driver was not injured during the incident.
Investigation
The highway was partially closed to traffic while accident response was underway. According to officials, the collision caused the truck to spring a diesel fuel leak, and a hazmat crew was called to the scene in order to clean the dangerous material off the highway. After emergency response and cleanup were completed, CHP investigated the area for evidence about what may have caused the collision. While no suspected factors have been reported, CHP has stated that neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected to have been involved.
Trucking Accidents
Big-rigs are the largest vehicles that regularly use local roads and can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Not only does their massive size make it difficult for trucks to maneuver and avoid accidents, but it also means that they are liable to cause a lot of damage and serious injuries in the event of a collision. Even in relatively minor collisions, big-rigs often cause major trauma.
Furthermore, these vehicles are usually owned by a holding company that operates an entire fleet of commercial trucks. These companies understand the risk of operating such large vehicles and are usually ready to take action if one of their trucks is involved in a wreck. Typically, the company will send out a legal team to the crash site itself in order to gather their own evidence and witness statements. By doing so, trucking companies hope to protect themselves from liability.
In order to prevent trucking companies from disclaiming responsibility, it’s vital to reach out to a trustworthy attorney in your area. The sooner you have a lawyer on your side, the better they can make sure you receive the compensation you are owed.
Other Blogs from South Lake Tahoe Truck Accident Lawyer, Ed Smith
- Deadly Hit-and-Run in Tahoe
- Defining a South Lake Tahoe Truck Accident Lawyer
- Fiery Trucking Collision in Tahoe Area
South Lake Tahoe Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a South Lake Tahoe truck accident lawyer. People who suffer accident trauma deserve compensation. If you’ve been hurt during a vehicle collision, call me for free, friendly case advice. To call me, use (800) 404-5400 or (530) 392-9400.
For more than 38 years, my team has worked with people in South Lake Tahoe on injury cases. See all of the settlements and verdicts we have claimed as well as our reviews on these websites:
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