Sacramento Injury Attorney Blog

According to the San Jose Mercury News, in addition to the usual headaches and road closures created by big rig accidents, Friday night's Half Moon Bay trucking accident left hundreds of live crabs strewn across the roadway. Reports indicate that both lanes of traffic were closed after an 18-wheeler collided with another vehicle near Pilarcitos Creek Road. The accident caused the truck to lose control of its cargo - live crabs - that escaped and covered the stretch of highway.

While no injuries were reported, the truck collision created significant headaches for travelers on this stretch of highway. This accident serves as a reminder about the potential for serious injuries and fatalities when trucking and big rig accidents occur. In fact, some of the most dangerous and serious accidents that occur on California highways are those involving big rigs. Because of the sheer magnitude of force behind an 18-wheeler, when commercial trucks collide with cars and motorcycle, the results are often fatal.

If you have been involved in any motor vehicle accident it is important to consult with an experienced trucking crash attorney to preserve your rights and determine your next steps. In certain instances, the extent of your injuries or other damages aren't known until days, weeks or months after an incident occurs. It is important to speak with a top personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to record your impressions and evaluate all of the circumstances surrounding an accident.

In addition to the primary impact of a crash, the load an 18-wheeler carries may potentially create a subsequent dangerous condition if it is toxic or otherwise harmful. Even cargo such as crabs may become "dangerous" when spilled on the road where they are unexpected and may cause other drivers to make driving errors.

Continue reading "San Mateo Big Rig Accident Creates Driver Headaches, Spills Live Crabs Over The Roadway" »

In a recent case out of Alameda County of Alameda, Lopez v. County of Alameda, the family of a mother who was fatally killed in a pedestrian/truck accident will receive a $2.65 million settlement. In 2007 the woman, along with her husband and children, were jogging along the shoulder of Patterson Pass Road, when the driver, Luis Quezada, of a truck lost control on a curve and fatally struck Lopez. The family sued both the trucking company who employed Quezada and the county, alleging that poor roadway design contributed to the accident.

If you or a loved one has been in a serious accident or suffered a wrongful death, it is important to contact an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case.

Here, as is common in many injury lawsuits, many factors were involved. First, issues of driver liability - was the driver reckless or careless? Also, was the truck company responsible at all? Many times the company that employs a driver who acts negligently may be held liable as well. Additionally poor roadway design can contribute to creating a dangerous environment. Examples include where pedestrians lack a safe passageway or where insufficient signage exists, a county or other governmental body may be held responsible.

Continue reading "Parties to Pay Family Of Jogger Fatally Struck By Truck $2.65 Million " »

Last year's Portola Valley fatal bicycle accident has now resulted in a wrongful death lawsuit against the truck driver involved in the collision and his employer. The truck versus bicycle accident occurred last November and ended in the death of a 47-year-old Los Altos Hills woman.

The truck driver and his company have now counter-sued, seeking indemnity from San Mateo County. The suit alleged that the accident was "caused by a dangerous condition on public property created on or maintained by the County of San Mateo." A representative of the company notes "The road is poorly designed and can be a 'trap for bicyclists."

If you or a loved one has been injured seriously injured in an accident, it is critical to contact an experienced California personal injury attorney to explore your options and seek compensation for your harm.

Several different sources of fault may exist for one accident, each leading to different theories and avenues of recovery. In some cases, driver error may be to blame. In others, an employer may have negligently hired a driver, or may push drivers to perform under unsafe conditions. And in others, such as is alleged here, roadway design or maintenance may have a direct correlation to an accident.

Continue reading "Fatal Portola Bike/Truck Collision Leads To Claim Of Negligence Against San Mateo County" »

A Monterey big rig accident on Highway 101 resulted in minor injuries, as well as major delays. The California truck accident occurred early Friday morning near Espinoza Road.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact a California truck accident lawyer immediately to protect your rights and begin investigating the factors involved.

Here, a truck loaded with thousands of pounds of vegetables overturned, leading to one highway lane being closed while crews clean up the site. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

While no one was seriously injured in this big rig accident, it is important to keep in mind the potential for danger when trucks lose control. Because of the sheer magnitude of force behind an 18-wheeler, when a big rig loses traction on a slippery road, or its brakes fails on a decline, or its driver has to maneuver quickly to avoid colliding with another vehicle, serious and even fatal injuries can occur.

Continue reading "Monterey Big Rig Accident Leads To Injuries And Delays " »

The Palo Alto Daily News reports that last month's fatal bicycle crash between a 47-year-old bicycle and a 26-wheel truck was caused by an "unsafe turn" the bicyclist made. The collision occurred as the woman was headed down Alpine Road next to the big rig.

For unknown reasons, the woman turned her bicycle and fell to her right side. The truck's tires struck the woman, killing her instantly. The truck driver - Gabriel Manzur Vera - was moving from the right westbound lane to turn right onto the interstate. He had his right blinker on and was looking in his review mirror. After looking forward, Vera felt a bump. Although the report concludes the specific cause for the accident was the turn, the "legal cause" was not revealed. Legal cause includes any action - no matter how small - that contributes to injury or damage.

Trucking and big rig accidents are often the most serious California motor vehicle accidents. Truck drivers have a responsibility to drive safely and with care. Those that share the road with big rigs should also keep several safety tips in mind - chief among these is understanding that trucks need room to maneuver and that drivers have enormous "blind spots," especially on the right side.

Continue reading "Portola Valley Bicycle Accident Caused By "Unsafe Turn"" »

Reports indicate that fewer car accidents and truck accidents occurred this past Thanksgiving weekend, although California DUI arrests were up. California Highway Patrol (CHP) attributes the decline in accidents to an increased police presence. The Northern division of the CHP, which includes Mt. Shasta, Crescent City and Yreka reported no fatal collisions. In Colusa County, only one major injury accident was reported.

The CHP Valley Division, including Sacramento, mounted a similar crackdown over Thanksgiving, aimed at reducing drunk-driving accidents.

In the United States drunk driving is the leading cause of car accidents, followed by distracted driving. The lives of victims injured as the result of others negligence may change in an instant, often facing lifelong medical costs, physical pain and loss of enjoyment of life. Whether the increased police presence, or the growing awareness of distracted driving and serious risks of drinking and driving, fewer accidents and fewer DUIs is good news for all California drivers and passengers.

Continue reading "Fewer Sacramento Car Accidents Over Holiday Weekend" »

According to the Palo Alto Daily News, the same big-rig driver has been involved in three fatal crashes, including one that killed a bicyclist near Portola Valley. He has also been involved in 3 other non-fatal accidents.

Authorities state that although the Portola Valley bike accident remains under investigation, the driver has not been found at fault for any of the accidents, and thus can continue driving.

By law, trucking companies must register each of their drivers with the DMV and if the driver is convicted of a violation, the company is then notified.

Here, questions have been raised regarding the trucking company's duty to investigate the driver and, despite the fact that he wasn't found "at fault" for the accident, whether his driving skills were adequate. His involvement in six trucking accidents in four years places his abilities in question. When employer fails to adequately screen an employee, and his or her actions during the course of employment injure another, they may be found negligent and required to compensate individuals for the harm caused.

A California wrongful death action has been filed in this case asserting that the bicyclist's death could have been prevented had the trucking company performed an adequate investigation of the driver.

Continue reading "Truck Driver In Santa Cruz Bicycle Accident Linked To Two Other Fatal California Crashes" »

In anticipation of increased traffic over Memorial Day weekend - and the possibly of trucking accidents in Sacramento and throughout California, professional drivers demonstrated on Thursday the dangers of driving too close to trucks. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) calculated that roughly half of the 7,262 trucking collisions were caused by the actions of car drivers.

California Highway Patrol officers discussed ways both car and truck drivers can safely share the road. The CHP emphasized the need for car drivers to be aware of the large blind spots encountered by truckers. Other tips include providing trucks sufficient room to maneuver - often collisions occur when cars make abrupt lane changes without anticipating the amount of time and space required for trucks to adjust their path of travel accordingly. Further, cars should avoid following a truck too closely - accidents may occur when a truck turns or stops with little warning. For their part, truckers need to be aware of cars and limit their distractions.

In the event an accident does occur, it's a good idea to be prepared. Tips include ensuring your car, truck or even motorcycle has a first-aid kit, blankets, flares along with other post-accident necessities.

Continue reading "California Trucking Accidents Result In Hundreds Of Deaths Each Year" »