Walnut Hauling Truck Involved in Lodi Fatal Accident
A fatal accident in Lodi on the Highway 12 intersection with Guard Road involved a big rig hauling walnuts. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased driver.
Accident Details
The accident happened at about 4:30 in the morning when a big truck, heading east in foggy weather, drifted into the westbound lanes. The driver of the walnut-hauling truck said he steered the truck back into the eastbound lane, but the correction resulted in the truck moving from lane to lane. A car heading west on the roadway was hit head-on by the truck, killing the driver and burying his car in walnuts, according to a California Highway Patrol (CHP) representative. After the accident, the truck overturned and dumped two full truckloads of walnuts on the side of the roadway. Both the eastbound and westbound lanes were reportedly closed to traffic.
Aftermath of the Accident
Although early in the investigation, authorities said witness statements indicate the driver likely lost visibility due to the fog. The truck driver was transported to a local medical facility from the accident scene. Reports indicate he suffered minor injuries. A spokesperson for the CHP said that driving in fog can be dangerous and that drivers should slow down and use the lines in the road for guidance.
Driving in Fog
Ground fog is expected in the Lodi farming areas, particularly in the fall and winter, and accidents happen due to the loss of visibility. It is crucial to reduce speed since a truck hauling an oversized load may have difficulty stopping. Overall, visibility can quickly go from roughly 600 feet to zero in dense fog. Experts warn that putting on a vehicle’s flashers when slowing down due to fog prevents rear-end crashes by faster-moving vehicles.
Truckers Have Added Responsibilities
Truckers have added responsibility when it comes to hauling loads such as produce. Carrying a shifting load combined with speed can cause a truck to overturn, particularly on roads with sharp turns. According to Purdue University, trucks should use the instructions in the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for load securement. Although drivers often haul cargo loaded and secured by the shipper or other handlers, they have the responsibility to check the load and adjust it to ensure it complies with existing standards.
Head On Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rural areas have a higher incidence than urban areas regarding head-on crashes. Of the 21,924 crashes involving a fatality, 13 percent were caused by head-on crashes. This corresponds to less than 7 percent in cities.
Injuries in Head-On Crashes
Injuries in head-on crashes tend to be catastrophic, often including traumatic brain injuries due to the force generated when two objects impact highway speeds. The impact is even more significant when one of the vehicles is a truck. Fatal injuries are a real risk for occupants of passenger vehicles involved in accidents with large trucks.
Lodi Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Lodi truck accident lawyer. If you have been hurt in a truck accident or if someone in your family died due to one, you need the advice of an experienced truck accident lawyer. I can be reached anytime at (209) 227-1931 in Lodi and the surrounding area or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. You can also contact me online via my website’s Contact Us page if that makes it easier for you.
Since 1982, I have helped Lodi residents with traumatic injury claims and wrongful deaths get the compensation they deserve. I have helped individuals and families recover from the burden of expenses such as medical care, lost income, and the loss of a provider in the event of a death.
I’ve been a member from California in the Million Dollar Advocates forum for a long time. This group limits membership to those trial lawyers who have won cases of $1 million or more.
You most likely want to know more about me and my practice. Go to Avvo, Google, and Yelp for reviews by peers and past clients. If you would enjoy seeing how I resolved other cases, you can visit my settlements and verdicts page on AutoAccident.com, the website I own and operate.