According to police reports, an SUV driver on Interstate 80 who swerved to avoid a ladder that dropped from another vehicle may have been the spark that set off a chain reaction that eventually caused the crash of two semi trucks. The I-80 crash occurred on the westbound side of the highway just before the West El Camino Avenue exit.
The driver of the SUV apparently swerved due to a ladder that had fallen into the road from the back of another vehicle. When the driver swerved, two big rigs crashed, spilling cargo across the highway. One truck was carrying dates, which peppered the roadway after the accident.
The two trucks rolled down an embankment. One of them ended up wrapped around a tree at the bottom of the ravine. Four people were transported to the hospital with injuries rated from moderate to severe.
Police are continuing their investigation into the crash.
Truck Accidents Cause Serious Injuries and Death
A large truck is identified as any vehicle that has a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or more when empty. Of the 15.5 million trucks in the United States, about 13 percent are considered “big rigs” or semi-tractor-trialers, according to the Department of Transportation.
The results of a look at the statistics regarding semi truck accidents are chilling. In 98 percent of all fatal accidents involving a semi truck and a smaller vehicle, the victim is the driver of the smaller vehicle or a passenger in that vehicle. About 11 percent of all road fatalities involve a semi, even though semi trucks make up far less than 11 percent of the vehicles involved in accidents.
Every year, about 130,000 individuals are injured in truck collisions. In about one-quarter of all accidents involving a truck, there is an injury, including single-vehicle crashes.
Holding Drivers Accountable
It is very important that the victims of an accident be able to hold accountable the drivers that have caused their injuries. In some cases, this is the driver of a semi truck; in other cases, it is another driver who precipitated the accident.
Ashley Injury Lawyers is ready to help those who have suffered injuries due to a crash with a semi truck, as well as families who have lost loved ones in such a crash. Ashley Injury Lawyers may be able to help these victims recover payment for medical bills, pain and suffering and other costs associated with such a crash.
