Southbound State Route 51 Accident Causes Injury
A traffic crash between an Audi SUV and a box truck occurred in Rancho Cordova on October 13. The collision was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) at around 6:10 p.m. along southbound State Route 51 just south of the eastbound Exposition Boulevard entrance ramp. Both vehicles ended up along the right-hand side of the roadway while police investigated the incident to determine the cause.
Injuries Reported in Accident
Responders with the Sacramento Fire Department arrived on the scene after one of the individuals involved in the accident complained of pain. No updates were provided on injuries in the accident.
Truck Accidents Nationwide
With the need for trucks to haul goods from one end of the country to another and everywhere in between comes an increase in traffic and more accidents. Because of this, more than 5,000 people are killed annually. Usually, the truck driver escapes injury but not the passengers and drivers of passenger vehicles. The latter are smaller and lighter, and a collision with a truck can be devastating.
What Are Box Trucks
Box trucks are commonly called cube trucks or a box van. They are used as moving vans and for deliveries. They usually have a roll-up back gate and come in a variety of sizes and weights. They are identified as class three to class seven vehicles.
Common Types and Causes of Box Truck Accidents
The types of accidents and their causes related to box trucks are listed below:
- Rollovers: There are several reasons a box truck flips, but none is as common as inexperience both in driving the vehicle and stocking it. Box trucks are frequently rented by people who have no experience on how to drive one, which poses a risk of a traffic crash. Beyond this, many companies fail to train drivers. Loading the truck needs to be done in a way that does not cause instability while moving. Both the trucking company that owns a box truck or the rental driver is liable in a traffic crash. Box trucks are vulnerable to roof crush due to an inadequate infrastructure to support the vehicle during a rollover. This can cause serious injury or death.
- Speeding can also cause rollovers as the truck rounds a curve, shifting the weight of unsecured objects to one side or another.
- Blind spots: A box truck driver needs to recognize that he or she cannot see the road clearly due to blind spots from several vantage points. For example, a cube truck driver may be unable to see another vehicle in the adjacent lane behind them. This leads to a traffic crash when the driver of the box truck moves into the lane occupied by the vehicle.
- Delivery driver’s scheduling: Delivery drivers often must make their deliveries according to a vigorous schedule. This leads them to increase their speed and take chances on the road. In this case, the traffic crash may be blamed on not just the truck driver but also the trucking company.
- Trucker fatigue: Truckers, including box truck drivers, often push themselves beyond their need for rest and the standards set by the federal government. Falling asleep while driving or even nodding off for a few seconds can lead to a traffic crash.
- Distracted driving: Due to the long hours on the road, many truckers give way to their need for distraction. This can be texting family and friends, using the GPS system, or talking on the phone. Taking their eyes off the road for even a few seconds can lead to a traffic crash.
Investigating a Traffic Crash
Finding evidence that proves that negligence was involved in a traffic crash is vital. We use an experienced investigative team to determine how the accident happened. They interview witnesses, obtain videos of the crash, and review the police report for mistakes. This information is used to build a strong case for our client.
Rancho Cordova Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Rancho Cordova personal injury lawyer. When negligence by another individual or entity caused your injuries, you might be able to place a compensation claim. Please call me at (916) 921-6400 or from long-distance at (800) 404-5400. You also have the option of messaging me by using the online contact form.
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I’ve assisted Rancho Cordova residents since 1982 to get compensation for their traumatic injuries, wrongful deaths, and in all types of collisions.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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