Wrong Way Driver Dies in Truck Accident on I-5
I’m Ed Smith, a Redding truck accident lawyer. A driver died while going the wrong way along Interstate 5 following a collision with a big rig pulling two trailers on August 10 between the towns of Corning and Orland. The driver of the semi was identified as a 64-year-old Redding resident. A representative of the California Highway Patrol reported that alcohol consumption may have factored into the crash.
What Happened
Dispatchers at the CHP found out about the dangerous driver around 3:17 in the morning. At that time, the driver of aHonda Civic was reported as heading south along the interstate past Liberal Avenue in the city in one of the lanes heading northbound. At that time, a semi driven by the Redding resident was in the northbound lane near another semi driven by an unidentified trucker. As the Civic approached, the unidentified driver swerved and went over to the shoulder of the road. The Civic driver also swerved and entered the first lane, crashing head-on with the semi driven by the truck driver from Redding. The wrong-way driver died in the crash. No information was available as to whether the truck driver was injured.
Interstate Remains Closed for Almost Five Hours
Both the truck driver and person driving the Civic were utilizing seat belts at the time of the accident. Major damage was caused to both vehicles, and the big rig’s fuel tank was ruptured, causing around 50 gallons of fuel to spill on the highway and median strip. One lane of northbound I-5 stayed closed until after 8:00 in the morning while the spill was cleaned up and damage cleared and while the accident was investigated by authorities.
Incidence of Collisions Caused by Big Trucks
The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, after studying the causes of 8,309 collisions, concluded that drivers of motor vehicles cause 80 percent of the crashes that occur with big rigs. However, 27 percent of those crashes are shown to be the fault of truck drivers, companies or other reasons. One problem may be illustrated by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, stating that truck drivers represent the highest percentage of drivers who have had previous accidents.
Truck Accident Injuries
Although the California Department of Motor Vehicles offers good safety tips on how to operate a motor vehicle when driving near a big truck, accidents still occur. Serious injuries are commonly the result when a vehicle of the size and weight, up to 80,000 pounds, of a big truck collides with a smaller vehicle. Injuries can include brain and head injuries, internal injuries and spinal cord damage, which can lead to extensive hospitalization and recovery. Some victims may never recover at all. This is when an experienced personal injury lawyer can help by gathering all the evidence and expenses associated with an accident and recovering fair compensation for the victim and his or her family.
Redding Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Redding truck accident lawyer. Most truck drivers are responsible on the road, however, the few that aren’t can be responsible for serious injuries or the death of another when a collision occurs. When your family has suffered an injury through negligence, call me at (530) 392-9400 for advice that is friendly and at no charge. Long-distance callers may wish to use my number at (800) 404-5400.
To learn more about my practice, visit Verdicts and Settlements. Reviews by former clients of mine can be found at Google, Avvo and Yelp.
For 35 years, I have represented the victims of truck accidents and motor vehicle accidents in California as their injury lawyer, including Redding and surrounding Shasta County. It has been my privilege to help them in obtaining fair compensation for their traumatic injuries and in their wrongful death lawsuits.
Million Dollar Advocates Forum is a website that highlights trial lawyers around the country who have won seven figure settlements or verdicts for clients. I am a California member.
I am the owner and founder of autoaccident.com. You are welcome to browse through the website, which is one of the most informative personal injury sites in Northern California.
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