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California Semi-Trailer Truck Accidents Have Become a Big Concern

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
On any given day, there are over two million semi-trailer trucks travelling on U.S. roads and highways. Semi-trucks play an integral role in local, national, and international commerce. As the economy continues to improve, freight traffic increases, causing the potential for more semi-truck accidents. California’s Interstate 80 has had numerous big rig accidents over the past few months. Last week alone, five semi-trucks were involved in a crash, and four others overturned while travelling on the mountainous stretch of Interstate 80 during a rain storm. Thursday morning, a semi-truck heading east on Interstate 80, slid into embankment while travelling downhill from the Donner Summit. When the rig hit the embankment, its trailer dislodged and ricocheted into another semi-truck. Immediately after hitting the embankment, the first truck burst into flames. The accident caused traffic to come to an immediate halt, causing a third semi-truck to slam into two additional big rigs that were stopped on the road. The accident occurred during a storm which made the pavement wet and slippery. According to the California State Highway Patrol, the driver of the semi-truck that slid into the embankment was seriously injured and flown to a local hospital. Two additional drivers were hurt, but their injuries were not serious. On average, semi-trucks weigh 76,000 pounds a lot of weight to maintain control over. In comparison, an average car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds72,000 pounds lighter. To help maintain safety when sharing the road with semi-trucks, avoid driving closely behind big rigs, be careful not to position your vehicle in the truck drivers blind spot, and never pull out directly in front of a truck. Semi-trailer trucks are heavy and they may not be able to slow down fast enough to prevent hitting your vehicle. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a truck accident, contact the experienced Sacramento truck accident lawyers at the Arnold Law Firm by calling (916) 777-7777, or fill out a contact form for a FREE legal consultation today. Our team of Sacramento-based personal injury lawyers have many years of experience and welcome the opportunity to review the details of your personal injury damages claim.

Ph: (916) 777-7777.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.