Elder Creek Road Site of Multiple-Casualty Accident
A tractor-trailer accident that involved an additional vehicle caused injuries to three people in Sacramento on March 5. The collision occurred at about noon along Elder Creek Road in the Florin area, according to the incident report by the Sacramento Police Department. Multiple ambulances were summoned to transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
Numerous Injuries Reported in Tractor-Trailer Accident
One individual required extrication from their vehicle by firefighters. Three patients were transported to the hospital for treatment, with one reported as remaining in critical condition on March 6. Elder Creek Road remained shut down between Florin Perkins and Power Inn roads for several hours while an investigation and clean up ensued. The Major Collision Investigation Unit with the police department is working to determine how the accident happened.
Injuries From an Accident Involving a Big Rig
Some of the worst injuries can occur in an accident that involves a big rig. Because these vehicles are so much larger and heavier, it isn’t any surprise. When the trucker or the company that employs them is responsible, the injured party may place a claim for compensation. This will cover the cost of their medical bills, pain and suffering and wages they’ve lost from being unable to work. Over the years, our injury attorneys have won many cases of this type.
Causes of a Tractor-Trailer Accident
There are many things that can go wrong that lead to a tractor-trailer accident. Some types of negligence exhibited by a driver or trucking company include the following:
- Inexperienced drivers: The country has faced a shortage of qualified truckers for the past several years. This can entice an employer to hire a driver who doesn’t have enough experience. Because handling a big rig is much different than a passenger vehicle, it can lead to a tractor-trailer accident.
- Lack of maintenance: A big rig with faulty brakes, worn tires, and improper attention to the motor can end up causing a tractor-trailer accident. In some cases, the driver who is an independent operator may be at fault. In others, it’s company negligence.
- Overloaded or badly loaded cargo: Carrying too heavy a load or one that is badly loaded can result in a rollover or jackknife accident. This dangerous accident can easily involve other vehicles sharing the roadway.
- Speeding: Speeding is a major cause of all types of accidents. However, when a big rig speeds, the results can be devastating. A speeding big rig can cause an override accident. If involved in a collision, a smaller vehicle may pass underneath, causing an underride collision. Both cause serious injuries and fatalities.
- Unrealistic scheduling: A trucker who is pressed by their employer with an unrealistic schedule may take risks to get their load to its destination on time. This reckless behavior can lead to a tractor-trailer accident. If it is shown that the company did this, they may be held responsible for accident injuries.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
Because big rigs are regulated by the state and federal governments, it’s important to find an attorney to represent you who has experience in handling these accidents. Our investigators:
- Look over the ELD or log books to see if the driver has been following regulations on driving times and rest periods
- Examine the truck to see if lack of maintenance caused the tractor-trailer accident
- Look for video footage from nearby traffic and business surveillance cameras
- Perform accident reconstruction
- Check company records for signs of unrealistic scheduling
Truck Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
I am Ed Smith, a truck accident lawyer in Sacramento. When a big rig has caused your injuries, you may be able to collect fair compensation. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for my free, friendly advice. An online form is available also if you prefer to message me.
Since 1982, we’ve helped many people from Northern California obtain compensation for their car accident injuries, wrongful deaths, and traumas.
Find helpful information about my law firm at the links that follow:
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Attributed photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/semi-accident-crash-truck-2659736/
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