An Elk Grove big rig accident happened along State Route 99 northbound on January 15 shortly after 7:30 p.m. when a driver, attempting to flee a previous accident scene, was struck again by the semi. According to the report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the initial accident occurred when a hatchback collided with a black Acura. The Acura was along the right-hand side of the road, and the hatchback was in the center divide.
Details of the Elk Grove Big Rig Accident
Callers who reported the accident said that the hatchback was trying to pull back into traffic when it was struck by the big rig. Another caller reported that after the second collision, the driver of the hatchback got out of the vehicle and was standing in the number one lane. All of the lanes were reported as blocked. An ambulance was called for at least one person who was injured in the crash. The CHP is in charge of the investigation into the cause, and it is unknown whether drugs or alcohol were involved. It has not been announced whether the driver who tried to leave the scene will be charged with hit-and-run.
Lane Restrictions for Big Rigs
Because of the large number of big rigs and slower moving vehicles in California, strict laws have been enacted on their use along highways. Because traffic accidents can be caused when vehicles have to slow down or stop suddenly, slower moving vehicles are not permitted to use the number one lane except for passing. The lanes that larger vehicles such as semis are allowed on depends on the number of lanes. Some such as Interstate 5 have a truck only lane, which is meant to reduce the risk of a collision.
Injuries in an Elk Grove Big Rig Accident
A big rig accident can cause severe injuries because of the truck’s much larger size and weight. Some of the more common injuries in this type of accident include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Abdominal trauma
- Chest injuries
- Spinal cord damage
Assistance From a Truck Accident Lawyer
An Elk Grove big rig accident can be more complicated than collisions between motor vehicles. This is why the advice from an experienced truck accident lawyer would be helpful. From checking the trucker’s logbooks, maintenance reports, driving record, and other information, the lawyer can work to build a case for the recovery of personal injury damages that include the injured person’s medical costs and lost wages.
Elk Grove Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove Truck Accident Lawyer. A collision with a big rig often ends up causing severe injuries to those in motor vehicles. If you or a loved one was injured in a big rig collision, I would be honored to offer you free and friendly advice. Call me at (916) 694-0002 in the Elk Grove area, or if you are elsewhere in Northern California, you can reach me toll-free at (800) 404-5400 or through my online contact form at AutoAccident.com, the website I founded and own.
Learning about a law practice before calling is a practical idea to see if it would be a good fit for your case. If you are interested in reading reviews left by my clients, along with some of the cases my law firm has handled, you are welcome to check out the following links:
I have been honored to have represented many Elk Grove residents and other Northern Californians for 37 years to obtain fair compensation for their personal injuries. Some of the areas I specialize in are all types of motor vehicle accidents, traumatic injuries, and wrongful death cases.
I’m a proud member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The first group is an invitation-only association of lawyers who are recognized as having high legal standards. The second awards membership to trial lawyers who have garnered more than $1 million for a client through a verdict or case settlement.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_54789079_l-2015
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