Big Rigs Collide and Close Eastbound I-80 Freeway
A freeway crash in Truckee on March 15 involved multiple big rigs during the early hours, which snow may have contributed to. The accident occurred along eastbound I-80 near the junction with Highway 89 around 3:00 a.m. It had been snowing and the roadway was wet, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Minor injuries were reported.
Weather May Have Contributed to Big Rig Freeway Crash
The big rig accident closed down I-80 from Rainbow to the interchange for Donner Lake in both directions. Traffic was diverted onto southbound Highway 89. A CHP investigation will determine how and why the accident occurred.
Snowy Weather Causes Big Rig Freeway Crashes
The maneuverability and stopping distance of big rigs are greater than those of passenger vehicles. High winds can also cause them to roll over and cause a freeway crash. Big rig accidents during bad winter weather are most often caused by the following:
- Weather: Ice and wet weather can make roadway surfaces slippery and slick, regardless of whether you have snow tires or chains on your wheels. Trucks can slide into other vehicles and objects due to skidding and losing traction. Adapting speed to winter conditions is essential for truckers.
- Distracted driving: The trucker may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid a freeway crash if they are distracted while navigating through snowy conditions.
- Unprepared big rigs: Big rig accidents are more likely to occur in vehicles not sufficiently equipped to handle winter weather.
- Inadequate maintenance: Snow and ice do a number on trucks, as well as any mechanical parts. As a result of the cold weather, vehicles are more likely to experience problems without regular maintenance.
- Fatigue: During winter, long hours of driving can impair a driver’s ability to concentrate and make safe decisions, resulting in a freeway crash.
- Overloaded or unbalanced trailers: In snowy weather, trucks that are overloaded or improperly loaded are more likely to get into accidents due to difficulty maintaining traction.
- Training for driving in inclement weather: Untrained drivers may be more likely to have accidents in inclement weather.
- Disregard for traffic laws: Drivers who disregard traffic laws and speed, tailgate or abruptly change lanes can cause accidents even in good weather. As a result, these actions can be even more dangerous in snowy weather and even result in serious accidents.
- Poor road conditions: Getting around on roads may be difficult during snowy weather, as they may be slick, icy and difficult to navigate. Road damage, such as potholes, uneven pavement and other defects also contribute to accidents in winter. Accidents caused by government negligence require the injured party to file a lawsuit within six months of the accident. Considering the short timeline, getting assistance from an accident lawyer is a good idea. A lawyer can ensure all documents are filed on time. Otherwise, the court will refuse to hear the case.
California Truck Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, and I’m a California truck accident lawyer. If you suffered an injury caused by a big rig, you might be able to recover compensation. Getting free and friendly legal advice from our accident attorneys is as easy as calling (918) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. Our online form can also be used to contact us. If you are interested in recovering compensation, we are available to review your case, answer any questions you may have and inform you about what options you may have without charging you anything.
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Photo attribution: Image by Denise McQuillen from Pixabay
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