Paul Schwartzkoph, of Hanford, Injured In Modesto Big Rig Truck Accident On Highway 99 Near Standiford Avenue
MODESTO, CALIFORNIA (March 31, 2021) – A Hanford man identified as Paul Schwartzkoph was injured in a Modesto semi-truck accident on Highway 99 by Staniford Avenue.
Stanislaus County officials are saying that the accident took place around 10:45 p.m. on Monday. Paul Schwartzkoph was in a 2006 BMW and was involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer truck under unclear conditions.
The force of the impact caused his vehicle to then hit a tree. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to free Paul Schwartzkoph from his vehicle. He was then transported to the Doctors Medical Center with major injuries.
A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Modesto Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in collisions with large trucks. According to one report from the NHTSA, “In 2019 there were 5,005 people killed and an estimated 159,000 people injured in crashes involving large trucks. An estimated 538,000 large trucks were involved in police-reported traffic crashes nationwide during 2019.” There are a number of steps that truck drivers should take in order to help reduce the likelihood of a collision.
- Truck drivers should be well rested before the start of their shift.
- Truck drivers should abstain from alcohol or medications that could impair them.
- Truck drivers should take some effort to plan their route ahead of time.
- Truck drivers must become familiar with how their rig operates under various conditions including inclement weather.
Semi-truck drivers must get a commercial driver’s license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22107, no person shall turn their vehicle to the left or right on a roadway unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety. Many truck accidents occur when truck drivers make dangerous lane changes without checking their blind spots.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could potentially be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers are liable for the negligent actions of their employees – provided that the employee was working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, many truck drivers work as independent contractors. It’s important to determine the employment status of a truck driver at the time of a collision.
In certain circumstances, the company responsible for the maintenance of a truck could be liable for a collision. Trucks are complex vehicles with a high utilization rate. In order to be driven safely they must be properly maintained. The brakes should be checked. The tires should be checked. The engine should be checked. Failure to properly maintain a truck can increase the odds of an accident in a variety of circumstances. Victims of truck accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- PTSD
- Organ damage
The FMCSA requires commercial trucks to carry between $750,000 to $5,000,000 worth of liability coverage. Trucks that carry hazardous materials will typically need higher insurance limits. Any person that is injured in a truck 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 Modesto Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to Paul Schwartzkoph. It is our sincere hope that he is able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some transparency and accountability for what took place.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a truck accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need some type of support after a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
