Speeding Suspected in Atwater Truck Accident
I’m Ed Smith, an Atwater truck accident attorney. Authorities suspect speed played as a factor in a truck accident near Atwater on June 12, 2018. The collision happened shortly after 7:00 in the morning where a 2009 Freightliner hauling a refrigeration unit was traveling southbound along Highway 99 when the trucker attempted to take the exit for Applegate Road. The large truck reportedly overturned on its left side, causing its trailer to catch fire. Emergency personnel was dispatched to the scene to quickly extinguish the fire and transport the trucker via ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Accident Investigation
According to a preliminary investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), speed is believed to have been a factor in the crash as the posted speed limit for the off-ramp is 25 mph.
Similar Truck Accident
Officials noted that the crash mentioned above occurred within the same area of a similar truck accident. The incident, which occurred on May 23, 2017, was also caused by speeding where a tanker carrying over 8,500 gallons of fuel overturned and caused a massive explosion. Unfortunately, this crash claimed the life of the trucker involved.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Collisions involving large trucks often lead to serious injuries due to the much larger size, length, and weight of the vehicle. Some of the major causes of truck accidents include:
- Becoming distracted such as talking or texting on a cell phone
- Drowsy driving with or without over-the-counter or prescription drugs
- Following too closely or “tailgating”
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
- Inadequate training
- Poor truck maintenance
- Traveling too fast for traffic or weather conditions
Accidents Caused by Truckers
While some truck collisions are caused by the negligence of a passenger vehicle driver, truckers are also capable of causing accidents. One of the leading causes of such accidents is the lack of truck driver experience and/or training. Poor decision-making skills on the part of a trucker may lead to an accident due to following distance or speed misjudgment. Fatigued driving may also play a role in trucker error which leads to accidents.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Being involved in an accident caused by a negligent trucker can create devastating injuries compounded by medical bills and time lost from work. If this has happened to you or someone you love, it is important to discuss your options with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Atwater. An experienced attorney can analyze all potential factors of the accident and gather the necessary evidence to present a strong case for fair compensation for injuries and other damages someone may have suffered.
Atwater Truck Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, an Atwater truck accident attorney. Truck accidents involving high speed frequently result in devastating injuries. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by a negligent trucker, I am here to provide you with free and friendly case advice. Reach out to me any time at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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