One Person Injured In Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles Big Rig Truck Accident on the Golden State (5) Freeway By Arroyo Seco Parkway
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (April 24, 2022) – At least one person was injured after a big rig truck carrying fish crashed into a blue low-rider on the Interstate 5 Freeway.
Los Angeles county police officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:00 a.m. on Friday morning. A semi-truck carrying 21,000 lbs of fish crashed into a blue low-rider causing it to blow a tire.
Both the low-rider and the semi-truck caught fire following the collision. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision.
A full investigation into what may have contributed to the Interstate 5 crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Los Angeles Semi-Truck Accidents on Interstate 5
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in collisions with commercial trucks every year. According to the IIHS, “A total of 4,119 people died in large truck crashes in 2019. Sixteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 67 percent were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 15 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists.” There are many factors that could potentially contribute to a semi-truck accident.
- Truck drivers work long hours and may naturally become fatigued.
- A loaded tractor-trailer can take up to 40% longer to stop than a car.
- Slick roads, poorly maintained brakes or freeway traffic could all contribute to a crash.
Driving a commercial truck is substantially more difficult than driving a passenger vehicle. Truck drivers must go through extensive training to become familiar and competent with their rigs. Many collisions are due to truck drivers that are speeding or following the lead vehicle too closely. According to California Vehicle Code 21703, the driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than what would be safe. Even if a car is stopped in the middle of the road, drivers must do everything in their power to avoid hitting them.
If the driver of a commercial truck was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Employers can be vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees. However, many truck companies will try to evade liability for collisions by hiring truck drivers as “independent contractors.” It is important to determine the employment status of a truck driver at the time of a collision. There are a number of other steps that should be taken.
- Surveillance footage of the accident should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
The FMCSA requires commercial trucks to carry between $750,000 – $5,000,000 worth of liability coverage. Any person that is injured in a truck accident may be able to seek aid through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A truck accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know if you have a claim that can be pursued.
Investigating A Los Angeles Semi-Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to the person injured in this accident on Interstate 5. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all affected.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a semi-truck accident? You may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need help after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
