Two Injured in Angels Camp Truck Accident
Two people were injured in an Angels Camp truck accident on the afternoon of July 5, 2019. The incident occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m. along Highway 99 near North Baker Street in Angels Camp. A preliminary report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) suggested that the collision involved a big rig that fully engulfed in flames on the highway in front of the Angels Food Market. Officers from CHP reported that the fire was contained a short time after the crash. Two parties were transported via air ambulance to the hospital, one of which was extricated by emergency personnel after being pinned in a car. Both were reported to have received treatment for serious injuries suffered in the crash. An update regarding the conditions of those injured has not yet been released by officials.
Why Do Angels Camp Truck Accidents Happen?
When a person is injured in a truck accident, they are not necessarily guaranteed monetary damages. To determine whether an injured party may be eligible for compensation, the cause of the truck crash must be thoroughly investigated. An independent investigation by an Angels Camp personal injury attorney can reveal whether negligence on the part of the trucking company or trucker contributed to the collision. Common reasons for truck accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Commercial trucks are particularly challenging to operate and requires a driver’s full attention. This means whenever a trucker is distracted by a cell phone or other task, this can compromise the safety of others on the road.
- Fatigue: Drowsiness can adversely affect a driver’s judgment, vision, and reaction time. In other cases, a drowsy driver may fall asleep behind the wheel. Federal regulations have been set to limit the number of hours a trucker can drive to reduce truck accidents caused by fatigue. However, some trucking companies may place profit over safety by violating these guidelines.
- Lack of Truck Maintenance: Trucking companies are expected to ensure their vehicles are in safe, working order. This includes performing routine maintenance. When regular maintenance is not performed for brake systems and other equipment, a claim may be filed against a trucking company for resulting injuries.
- Poorly Secured Cargo: When a load is not adequately secured, the trucker may experience difficulty braking and controlling the semi-truck. Moreover, poorly secured cargo can cause a truck to rollover or jackknife. When a trucking company fails to meet guidelines for securing a load and weight of a commercial vehicle, they can be held financially responsible for resulting losses.
Who Is Liable in an Angels Camp Truck Accident?
Determining liability for a truck accident is critical when facing damages and injuries. Truckers, like drivers, have the same duty to follow the rules of the road. However, truck drivers may disregard roadway safety to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines enforced by their trucking company. In such cases, the trucker and trucking company may be held responsible for their negligence and resulting losses. Time is of the essence for a truck accident case. An injury lawyer should be retained immediately to preserve evidence that can help prove liability in the case. For more details on how soon an attorney should be contacted, watch the below video.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer?
Trucking companies have their own investigators, insurance adjusters, and defense attorneys who will conduct an anaylsis of the crash. Such investigations can lead to an unfavorable conclusion for the injured party and their family. This is their way of limiting the company’s liability and payout for a personal injury claim. In these cases, it is essential to contact an experienced Angels Camp truck accident lawyer to thoroughly investigate the accident to properly determine fault.
Personal Injury Attorney in Angels Camp
I’m Ed Smith, an Angels Camp personal injury lawyer. Suffering injuries in a truck accident can be challenging, especially when liability for the crash is being disputed. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by a negligent trucker or trucking company, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
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