Semi Truck Accidents Keep on Rolling in California
California has been hit with a number of semi-truck crashes over the past few weeks and months. Many of these crashes have led to serious injuries, and some have even caused fatalities. It goes without saying that semi-truck crashes pose a major risk to the general population, and it is not clear whether the government is taking adequate steps to improve safety in the trucking industry. For the many injured victims who have suffered serious damages as a result of these truck accidents, new safety regulations would arrive far too late to help anyway.
If you have been injured in one of these truck accidents, you may be struggling with medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and a range of other damages. Paying for your medical bills is difficult, especially if you have suffered a serious injury. It is even more difficult when your injuries prevent you from working and earning a living. Even psychological issues like PTSD can be extremely crippling. But can you sue negligent truckers and trucking companies for these damages? How easy is it to receive compensation for your injuries?
Amazon Truck Jackknifes
On March 14th, it was reported that an Amazon truck had jackknifed on Highway 680 near Pleasanton. The crash could have been caused by the extreme rainfall that was plaguing the region. Although there were no injuries reported, the crash was serious enough to slow traffic for several hours. This is not the first crash involving an Amazon truck in California, and it certainly will not be the last. This company has come under fire in recent years for its extremely demanding quotas – both in warehouses and out on the roads. There is some speculation that Amazon drivers are under immense pressure to drive as quickly as possible while taking very few breaks.
Numerous Semi-Trucks Flip Near Richmond
On March 14, it was reported that several semi-trucks had flipped over on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This incident was also likely caused by adverse weather, but it was wind rather than rain that caused such havoc. Most people are unaware that wind poses a major threat to semi-trucks once it reaches a certain speed. The trailers on these vehicles effectively act like giant sails, capturing wind energy and sending semi-trucks toppling over. Obviously, truckers should always pull over and wait for conditions to improve when they encounter such adverse weather. Unfortunately, drivers are often under too much pressure from their employers to take such actions, even if the Department of Transportation guarantees that they cannot be fired for pulling over and playing it safe.
Truckee Hit With Several Truck Crashes
On March 15, it was reported that at least 10 trucks had crashed in Truckee, causing all of the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District schools to be shut down. Aside from being a bit of a tongue-twister, the truck crash effectively shut down the entire area – not only making it impossible to attend school but also to go to work. The I-80 was completely shut down, bringing the area of Truckee to a standstill.
Los Angeles Sued for $15 Million After Garbage Truck Kills Man
On March 3, it was reported that the City of Los Angeles was facing a $15-million wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit stems from an incident where a garbage truck ran over a man and caused fatal injuries. Although this individual was apparently unhoused, he had numerous family members who cared deeply for him. The victim had at one point been a semi-professional skateboarder, but fell on hard times after a terrible injury that led to opioid addiction. This is what caused him to live on the streets, and it is why he was sitting in the middle of an alley when the garbage truck approached. During January and February of 2023,, there have been two fatal accidents involving garbage trucks in Los Angeles. Although $15 million might sound like a lot of money, these settlements are not out of the ordinary for wrongful death claims.
Mail Truck Crashes in Medford
On March 13, it was reported that a mail truck had crashed in Medford, sending the driver to the hospital with serious injuries. It is not clear what caused the crash, but it appears to be a single-vehicle incident. The mail truck first crashed into a power pole before careening into a fire hydrant. The truck then continued to strike two buildings before coming to a halt. According to the authorities, the individual was sober at the time. Even if he was sober, distraction may have been a factor here, especially since the driver seems to have drifted out of his lane and into the shoulder before crashing.
USPS Truck Crashes With Semi-Truck in Turlock
The incident in Medford was not the only example of a USPS truck crash in recent memory. Back in February of 2023, a USPS truck crashed into a semi-truck in Turlock. The USPS truck was almost completely destroyed by the impact, and photos show the roof of the mail truck severed from the lower section of the truck. The driver’s injuries were so severe that he had to be transported to a nearby hospital by helicopter. According to the police report, the USPS driver was attempting to make a U-turn when he was struck by the semi-truck.
Where Can I Find a Personal Injury Attorney in California?
If you have suffered injuries in a semi-truck accident, there is no reason to pay for these damages out of your own pocket. As long as you can show that someone else’s negligence led to your crash, it should be easy to recover compensation for your medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and much more. By getting in touch with an experienced truck accident attorney in California, you can approach this situation with confidence.
Choose Mary Alexander & Associates, and you can strive for the best possible results. With years of experience helping semi-truck accident victims, we know how to guide you toward the compensation you need and deserve. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
