Two Semis in Tehama County Highway 99 Crash
I’m Ed Smith, a Redding truck accident lawyer. A recent crash on Highway 99 left four people hospitalized after a collision involving two semis and two passenger vehicles. An investigation continues as to the reasons the accident happened.
Details of the Crash
The accident happened a little past 8:30 a.m. when a 29-year-old woman, heading south in a Ford, tried to pass a semi directly in front of her vehicle that was traveling slower than the posted 55 mph speed limit. Another semi was in the northbound lane, and in an attempt to avoid hitting the 2012 Ford, went onto the road shoulder. The driver of the Ford, Donna Byrd, collided with the semi heading north, then hit the southbound truck.
Another vehicle, a 2013 Honda, was also struck by the Ford. The driver of the Honda and two passengers, one being a three-year-old child, suffered minor injuries and were transported to the St. Elizabeth Community Hospital, according to authorities. The Ford driver was taken to the Enloe Medical Center, a facility in Chico with what are described as minor injuries.
Passing on the Left
In California, when passing another vehicle it is important to make sure that it is possible to do so without causing an unsafe situation for other vehicles. In the event that a curve or hill is ahead, obstructing a driver’s view of the road as to oncoming vehicles, passing is prohibited. This is particularly common on curves. Other examples where it may be difficult to confirm that it is safe to pass include:
- Passing on a hill
- Approaching a railroad crossing
- Attempting to pass within 100 feet of an intersection
Passing on the Right
Passing on the right is permitted in only a few instances. If the vehicle on a driver’s left has signaled that it is making a left turn, the driver may pass on the right. When driving on a roadway that is in a residential or business area supporting two lanes of traffic going in the same direction, passing on the right is permitted as it is on a one-way street. Passing on the right is also allowed on a divided highway separated by a divider or median.
Truck Blind Spots
It is important to know that there are areas within which a trucker cannot see your vehicle. These are called blind spots or no zones. A serious accident can happen if a driver is traveling too closely behind a truck or tailgating. The blind spots are:
- 20 feet in front of the truck
- 30 feet behind the truck
- Immediately on either side of the truck
Passing Trucks Safely
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, passing a truck requires that the driver of a passing vehicle can visualize the truck driver clearly in the mirror before passing and letting the truck driver know that passing is about to be attempted by signaling. Once visualized and signaled, the driver should speed up and pass. Since trucks require 40 percent more time to stop, leave enough space to return to the right lane after passing.
It is important not to pass when going down hill since trucks automatically speed up on a downgrade and have greater difficulty slowing down. When a truck is passing, slowing down to give the truck driver more room to pass is a good idea.
Redding Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Redding truck accident lawyer. Accidents with trucks often result in serious and sometimes fatal injuries. If you have been injured or a family member has died due to negligence, contact me at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 if you are outside the area. I would like to provide you with my friendly and free advice.
During the 35 years I have practiced in California, including the Redding area, I have served as an injury lawyer, helping clients recoup the damages wrought by an accident, wrongful death claims and in traumatic injury cases.
By visiting my Verdicts and Settlements page, you can review some of my previous cases and the way the cases were resolved. Former client reviews are an important part of deciding on legal representation. You can read reviews about my practice on Google, Yelp and Avvo.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates forum as a trial attorney who has won settlements or verdicts for clients that are $1 million or more.
My website, autoaccident.com, is a well-known Northern California site for information about an extensive range of personal injuries.
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