Motorcycle Rider Injured In Blue Lake Car Accident With Logging Truck Along Highway 299
BLUE LAKE, CALIFORNIA (October 19, 2022) – A motorcyclist was injured in a Blue Lake car accident with a logging truck on Highway 299.
Humboldt County officials are saying that the accident took place at 12:31 p.m. on Tuesday. A motorcycle traveling down Highway 299 was involved in a collision with a logging truck under unclear circumstances.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the motorcyclist. They were taken to the hospital in an ambulance from Hoopa in order to receive treatment.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Blue Lake Logging Truck Accidents
Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked. According to the Insurance Information Institute, “Operating a motorcycle requires a different combination of physical and mental skills than those used in driving four-wheel vehicles. Motorcyclists and their passengers are more vulnerable to the hazards of weather and road conditions than drivers in closed vehicles.” There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to avoid hitting motorcyclists.
- All drivers should slow down during periods of inclement weather.
- All drivers should abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
- All drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
Truck drivers will typically need to get a commercial license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Semi-trucks have large blind spots and many accidents are due to truck drivers that make dangerous lane changes without checking their blind spots. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22107, no person shall turn a vehicle from a course of action either left or right upon a roadway unless that movement can be made with reasonable safety. If a truck driver made an abrupt lane change in front of a motorcycle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
If a truck driver was working when they hit a motorcyclist, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many truck companies will typically hire truck drivers as “independent contractors” to avoid liability for crashes. Victims of car accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- PTSD
The FMCSA requires commercial trucks to carry between $750,000 – $5,000,000 worth of liability coverage. Any person that is injured in a car accident may have legal recourse 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 what your legal options are.
Investigating A Humboldt County Logging Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to the motorcyclist injured in this collision. Any person that may have more information about the collision should reach out to police. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other accidents like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a motorcycle accident? Our team of motorcycle safety advocates 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 any type of assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
