Semi-Trucks Cause Mayhem in the Bay Area

Memorial Day in San Francisco proved to be a turbulent affair for many motorists. At least two serious truck accidents caused fires, mayhem, injuries, and serious delays for countless people. The average driver in San Francisco faces serious threats from semi-trucks, as these vehicles are capable of causing serious destruction. Fire risks from semi-trucks can be especially severe, especially when these lumbering vehicles carry flammable fluids. Even an empty semi-truck can cause dozens of serious injuries and deaths due to poor braking performance, sluggish maneuverability, and various other factors. These hazards were on clear display over Memorial Day weekend in San Francisco.

Semi-Truck Bursts Into Flames on the Bay Bridge

In May of 2024, authorities reported that a semi-truck had burst into flames while crossing the Bay Bridge, causing major delays and serious mayhem for everyone on the road. Police said that the truck was carrying oranges when it ignited on the right-hand shoulder. The California Highway Patrol quickly arrived at the scene, and first responders spent the next few hours fighting the flames. Fortunately, it seems that no one was seriously injured.

However, this incident could have been much worse. Fires make car accidents much more hazardous due to smoke inhalation and heat burns. These hazards can easily prove fatal. If the produce truck had crashed into another vehicle before bursting into flames, dozens of people could have been in serious danger. There is no escape when you are stuck on a bridge, and the fire might have spread across all lanes of traffic.

To make matters even worse, injured victims are often trapped inside their vehicles before flames erupt. With no way to extricate themselves from the wreckage, these individuals may be powerless to prevent smoke inhalation and disfiguring burns.

Around the same time, a second semi-truck crashed in South Bay. This incident was arguably more serious, as the truck had crashed into a smaller sedan at high speed. Once again, the California Highway Patrol arrived at the scene and shut down Highway 101 so that first responders could deal with the situation. To make matters even more complex and dangerous, the truck reportedly spilled at least 15 gallons of fuel in the crash. This required additional assistance from hazardous materials workers.

These incidents represent just a few examples of why Memorial Day weekend is so busy and dangerous in San Francisco. Many call this the busiest weekend for traffic in the entire year. Based on these crashes, it is not difficult to see why.

What Damages Can I Claim After a Truck Accident in San Francisco?

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you might be eligible to claim various damages. These include both economic and non-economic damages. In the legal world, your non-economic damages include psychological or emotional issues. While these losses can be difficult to prove, they are also legitimate – and they can lead to high compensation. On the other hand, economic damages represent your financial losses. These are more straightforward, and they include things like medical expenses or missed wages. In the case of a fatal truck accident, another economic damage is the cost of a funeral.

There are a few damages that may be particularly common in truck accidents. One example is disfigurement, a non-economic damage often caused by burns, lacerations, or amputations. The fiery truck accident on the Bay Bridge showed how easily a truck can burst into flames, and innocent people may suffer disfiguring facial burns as a result.

Trucks seem particularly prone to fires, perhaps due to their larger gas tanks. They might also carry flammable cargo, such as liquid fuel. The average semi-truck has a gas tank capable of carrying about 150 gallons of fuel. In the aforementioned South Bay crash, the semi-truck leaked “only” 15 gallons of fuel – but this is more than enough to spark a major explosion or fire.

Other damages associated with truck accidents include loss of enjoyment of life, PTSD, and emotional distress.

Find an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in San Francisco

If you have been searching for an experienced truck accident lawyer in San Francisco, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. With our help, you can strive for positive results and hold negligent truckers accountable. It may be possible to sue a trucking company directly and recover enough compensation for your various damages. These damages might include missed wages, emotional distress, and medical expenses. Book your consultation today to discuss your unique situation in more detail.